Source (Raite FAQ)

What is a XVCD video CD, or, one " extended video CD "?
That is actually a VideoCD according to the VideoCD 2.0 standard, however with MPEG videos (MPEG-1) encoded into higher resolution (up to 3.5mb/s). Currently we have VCD(1.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0), VideoPerfect (2xVCD), CVD (by CCube), HQVCD (by VideoCD Forums) and SVCD. The SVCD specification covers both CVD and HQVCD. The XVCD actually confirms to both VCD and SVCD specifications. Therefore XVCD is valid. Any SVCD player will play XVCDs up to 2.6mb. The same goes for DVD players that support SVCD.

Advantages:
- Higher picture resolution
- Higher bit rate = fewer compression-artifact/better picture

Disadvantage:
- Plays only on SVCD capable (external) DVD Player ("only " VCD capable DVD Player do not play those CD)
- Goes at the moment only with MPEG-1 video
- Produces big files

Which resolutions are supported?
- 352 x 288 (PAL, 25 fps)
- 352 x 576 (PAL)
- 480 x 576 (PAL)
- 352 x 240 (NTSC, 29,97 fps)
- 352 x 480 (NTSC)
- 480 x 480 (NTSC)

(all formats, which supports also the SVCD format)

Data rate:
MPEGs can do with a data rate of 1150 up to 3500kBit/s to be adjusted. As everyone can imagine: Over so higher bit rate, the fewer fits on the CD (with 3500kBit/s will fit fewer than 30 min. into CD). The audio data rate must be 224 kBit/s as VideoCD specification indicate.

How I can make an XVCD ?

Software:
1. AVI_IO
2. VirtualDub 1.2
3. Adobe Premiere 5.x
4. Panasonic MPEG-1 Encoder Plugin 2.01/2.03/2.1
5. Nero 4.0.5.6

1. I have a BT848 TV Tuner Card. I use AVI_IO to capture into multiple AVI files.
2. Use VirtualDub "direct stream copy" to remove unwanted AV segments (beginning, TV commercial breaks and ending).
3. Import all AVI files into Adobe Premiere 5.x and insert them into the timeline.
4. Export using Panasonic MPEG-1 Encoder Plugin. Set the settings to "MPEG-1 system" and the bit rate to anything you like (1150, 2300, etc.). Audio to 224k Stereo.
5. Run Nero 4.0.5.6 and select VideoCD. Make sure the "Create Video CD V2.0 (CDI player) compliant CD" is selected. Nero will accept the MPG file and says "Video CD V2.0 compliant : Yes".
6. It plays perfectly in Raite 715 DVD player (352x288 2.2mb).

Warning: Do not edit the MPG file with an MPEG editor. The edited file is no longer Nero 4.0.5.6 VCD 2.0 compliant.