putting vcd's onto pc.

[bluntfingers]

I have all my cd's backed up onto the pc, and regularly do gigs with the pc.
All the karaoke is played through winamp, outputting the graphics to tellys.
No problem....
I would like to back up my vcd's to the p.c, but, if possible, would like to still use winamp, as using other apps would just confuse me !
I have a plugin for winamp, but it is terrible. (I think it is called powerplay)
It seems to crash all the time, it plays too fast, and once it starts a track, you can't stop it!.
the files are in the form AVSEQ01.dat.
Is there a better, reliable winamp plugin, or can the files be converted to another format?

[colbol]

If you run the dat files through tmpeg or vcd cutter or similar ( select dat to mpg ) then Winamp will associate with them and will play ok with no need for a plugin.

[bluntfingers]

Cheers Colbol.

Downloading tmpeg now......and it's free :)

I will report back how I get on.

[colbol]

In Tmpg select
File
MPEG Tools
MPEG 1 System Automatic
Browse to the folder with the dats ( you will have to select All Files under files of type )
Run the proggy and a few seconds later the dat headers have been stripped out and you have an mpg file.

[bluntfingers]

thanks for the instructions!!!
would've never worked it out myself.
jesus, why do programmers make life so difficult for 'normal' people??

Thanx again Colbol.......57 vcd's to go:)

[bluntfingers]

problems problems........oh the life of a pc dj kj...
Right, is there an equivalent of the karaoke players multiplex button to get rid of the vocal track on these vcds when using winamp??:)
I think it would be easier to use the discs!!

[colbol]

If you take the stereo output from the pc and put it into your mixer as a left and right on different channels then you can drop out the vocal channel when somebody wants to sing the track.

[bluntfingers]

thanx colbol.
I don't think I have enough free inputs to do that, so.....
I think I will still run the karaoke from the p.c, but connect the video out from the pc and the video out from the karaoke cd player to a switch box.
Then when someone wants to sing to a vcd, I will play the disc, and switch the video across.
Oh well!
Thanks for all the answers m8.

[karaoke_rob]

you could always use Win Media that has a Karaoke plug in as well

[bluntfingers]

I'll look into it m8, thanks Rob.