what is the difference between DVD and VCD?

Answer 1

VCDs are recorded on CDs using MPEG-1 video and audio.
DVDs are recorded on DVDs using MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital audio.

Answer 2

DVD stands for "Digital Versatile Disk." It did once stand for "Digital Video Disk," but because the disks can hold more than just video, the name was changed.

The maximum capacity of a DVD disks depends its type.
Here is a breakdown, in purely round figures:

Single Sided/Single Layer (DVD-5): 4.7 Gigabytes
Single Sided/Dual Layer (DVD-9): 8.5 Gigabytes
Double Sided/Single Layer (DVD-10): 9.4 Gigabytes
Double Sided/Dual Layer (DVD-18): 17 Gigabytes


VCD stands for Video Compact Disk, and is basically the equivalent of a DVD but in CD format. A VCD doesn't hold as much video; it holds the same amount of material as a standard CD, which is up to 80 minutes. It can have menus and chapters, though, like a Video DVD, and can be played on most DVD players. However, the amount of chapters is limited to four. The quality of a VCD is good, but is generally not as good as a DVD.