How to Play VCDs

Unless you ordered the fandub back in the day, you don't need to read this.

VCDs are a video format that is used a lot in parts of Asia, but never really caught on in North America and Japan. They can be played in most DVD players and PCs, but the video is stored on CDs rather than DVDs. If you don't know how to play VCDs, then this page will help you figure out if you can or not.

Most DVD players also allow you to play VCDs. Look for the VCD logo on your player (may also read "Compact Disc Digital Video") or check the player's original box or user's manual to see if it lists VCDs as a compatible format. Even if VCD compatibility for your DVD player isn't mentioned anywhere, sometimes the player still can play VCDs. You may be able to check this somewhere on the Internet. If you order the VCD version of the Fandub and aren't sure if it can work in your DVD player, then at the very least, it should work in your computer. If your DVD player can play VCDs, then it's ready to view the Odin Fandub!

If you have a PC or Macintosh with a CD ROM drive then you can probably play VCDs. Anything with a 100 MHz processor or faster should be able to handle it. If you don't have a specific program for playing VCDs, you can open the movie in Windows on Windows Media Player by putting the VCD in your drive, opening the drive, moving to the "mpegav" directory and opening the file contained there. Programs for playing DVDs can often play VCDs as well. If you have a Macintosh, look for a downloadable VCD program for your system, or a DVD program also capable of playing VCDs. There are many available.

VCDs can also be played on standalone VCD players. You can find them online at places such as YesAsia, but they are often quite expensive.

Some video game systems can play VCDs if you buy an adapter for them. PlayStation, Sega Saturn and 3DO all have VCD (MPEG) adapters available for them that will allow them to play VCDs. The Phillips CD-I can play VCDs if you have a Digital Video Cartridge for it. PlayStation 2 can't play VCDs, and XBox probably can't either.

"I found another lever to pull. It's way up here!"