How to Convert VCD to MP4 | 3 Easy & Efficient Options

Valeria Storm
April 4, 2023

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If you have a collection of VCD discs, it must take quite an effort to play your favorite videos/movies on TV or a computer every time while switching discs in and out. Does a great idea ever strike you that you can convert VCD to MP4 and enjoy playbacks without a drive? If so, this post is where the magic happens. Let’s grasp the idea of how to convert VCD to MP4 and play videos on VCD on any device.

How to Convert VCD to MP4 with Third-Party Tool (The Recommended Way)

If you insert VCD into a drive and access it on the computer, you’ll find that the videos are included in an mpegav file with a DAT extension. The mpegav file includes compression coding of audio, video, graphics, and genomic data and can be opened by some media players. If you don’t want to insert VCD into a drive every time so as to make it playable, the best way is to convert VCD to MP4 with an optimal VCD converter.

Best VCD Converter to Rip VCD (.dat) Video to MP4 Without Quality Loss

VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate is a leading VCD converter that has gained loyalty from binge-watchers. After converting VCD to MP4 files, you can play the videos without a drive. Even better, you can transfer and play your VCD collection on any device and watch them on the go.

More Marvelous Features to Explore

Batch Conversion – You can convert a bunch of videos on VCD at a time and digitize them to over 1,000 DRM-free formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, WMV, WEBM, MPEG, VOB, and so on.
High-Res Video Quality – It offers various options to convert HD videos in 1080p, 2K, 4K, and up to 8K UHD. Meanwhile, the software can keep the same quality as the source VCD to ensure the best playback.
50X Super Fast Speed – With the world’s leading Blu-Hyper technology, it boosts the conversion speed up to a surprisingly 50X rate than other tools. Be careful. It may take a blink to finish your conversion.
Ease of Use for Anyone – The user interface is dedicated to making the whole procedure easy to follow with no sweat. All you need is to add the mpegav file and choose HD MP4. Then, let it do all the rest.
Inbuilt Video Toolkit – There is an MV maker with hit themes, templates, and filters to let you make a masterpiece. Moreover, you’ll be marveled at a multifunctional toolkit with 20+ video tools.
Instant Sharing – You are able to share your converted videos on VCD to popular platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with a click.

Convert VCD to MP4 with Full Quality with VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate

Now, it’s time to learn how to take advantage of VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate and convert VCD to MP4 with ease. Moreover, you’ll unlock more features when VCD conversion is done. Here’s how it works.

STEP 1. Launch VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate

First of off, take a minute to finish installing VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate and launch it on your Windows or Mac. Then, insert the preferred VCD into your computer.

STEP 2. Set a Custom Profile

Please access the mpegav file and drag it to the program. Next, you’ll see the videos on VCD shown on the screen. You may want to go to Convert All to and choose a desired profile. To customize a profile, you can click the Gear icon.

You can set the video quality with a preferred encoder, a resolution from 160p to 8K, a frame rate from 24fps to 60fps, and a bitrate from 900kbps to 6000kbps. Please note that the higher quality results in a larger file size. When done, change the name and click Create New to save it as a new profile. Then, you can apply the custom profile for other videos easily.

STEP 3. Convert VCD to MP4

Change the output path at the bottom and click Convert All to start converting VCD to MP4. When done, switch to the Converted tab to check for videos. After that, you can edit, crop, compress, or enhance the videos if you want. Also, you can make stunning videos with in-built themes, templates, and filters if needed.

If you prefer a vivid video to silent words, you can walk through VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate with a detailed video tutorial below.

How to Convert VCD to MP4 Using VLC (The Straightforward Option)

VLC media player is a free and open-source multimedia player that is able to play VCD discs. However, it’s much more than a player. Some may not know that it actually can convert VCD to MP4 and other formats with a couple of steps. If you have no idea, then follow the instruction and get it done.

Steps to Convert VCD To MP4 Using VLC

Note:

VLC media player only converts DRM-free VCD to other formats.

STEP 1. Download and install VLC media player and launch it from your desktop.

STEP 2. Hook up your preferred VCD disc to Windows/Mac.

STEP 3. Back to VLC, and go to Media > Open Disc > Choose SVCD/VCD and select your VCD from Disc device.

STEP 4. Click the Dropdown menu next to the Play button and select Convert.

STEP 5. In the Profile section, choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Now, choose the Destination and click Start to convert VCD to MP4 using VLC.

Drawbacks of Using VLC

However, since the VLC media player is not a professional VCD converter, it’ll convert videos on VCD with lossy compression. Moreover, it may lead to choppy movement, pixel textures, and asynchronous sound.

Also, VLC only provides basic conversion without advanced features like batch conversion, video editor, video maker, and so on.

How to Convert VCD to MP4 Online (The Free Alternative)

Besides the professional and free VCD converters above, you may also convert VCD to MP4 online free of charge with an online video converter such as OnlineConvert. This powerful tool enables you to convert all types of files online including videos, audio, images, documents, ebooks, and so on, let alone converting VCD to MP4.

Better yet, it lets you choose a profile and do custom settings before the conversion. To learn the way around it, you may want to look up the following tutorial.

Steps to Convert VCD To MP4 Online & Free

Note:

Online conversion could take much longer and lead to a dodgy performance.

STEP 1. Open OnlineConvert in your browser on the computer.

STEP 2. Insert the VCD disc into your desktop/laptop.

STEP 3. Drag the DAT file into the site and customize output settings like screen size, bitrate, frame rate, etc.

STEP 4. Scroll up and click START to convert VCD to MP4.

Drawbacks of OnlineConvert

Though you can convert VCD to MP4 online, it would take hours to complete. In the process of converting, you cannot do anything because online conversion uses all the bandwidth. What’s worse, if it’s interrupted out of blue, you may get a corrupted file or have to start from the top.

Comparison of These Three Converting to MP4 Methods

If you’re confused and cannot determine which way to kick in, you should check out this comparison table among VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate, VLC media player, and OnlineConvert. Then, the right choice will pop into your mind.

	VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate	VLC Media Player	OnlineConvert
Output Formats	1,000+	6	11
Video Quality	Highest	Lossy	High
Conversion Rate	50X Faster	Fast	Normal
Convert DRM-Protected VCD	√	×	×
Batch Conversion	√	×	×
Video Editor	√	×	×
Video Maker	√	×	×

Verdict:

VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate outperforms without any doubt.

Extra Reading: What is a DAT File on a DVD?

VCD is short for Video CD, which is a standard digital format to store videos in a compact disc. The VCD standard was created in 1993 by Sony, Philips, Matsushita, and JVC and is referred to as the White Book standard. You may realize that most VCDs are included in a DAT file with a folder name of mpegav.

The DAT file contains various data to store videos on VCD and prevents direct access. Nevertheless, it’s supported to be played by most media players. Also, you can consider using VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate to convert the DAT file to MP4 so you can access it without a drive.

Conclusion

Compared to an online VCD converter, desktop programs will offer a faster and more stable conversion service. VLC media player is a free option with a basic yet lossy conversion function. If you want to convert homemade or DRM-free VCD discs, it certainly will do a great job for you.

If you want to keep the best video quality of VCD, VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate will ensure the best playback experience on any device. Better yet, it works for all kinds of discs and makes it easy for you to be a video master with its powerful toolkit.