Super Video Compact Disc (SVCD) is a method of encoding DVD-like MPEG-2 video on standard compact discs or CD-Rs. It utilizes a lower (variable) bitrate (1500 - 2600 kbit/s versus the 3000 - 9800 kbit/s of DVD) and uses a smaller resolution of 480x480 (NTSC) or 480x576 (PAL). Its quality is higher than that of VHS and its predecessor, Video CD, and has been compared to that of Laserdisc.
The video format is popular in Asia, but commercial SVCDs are rarely seen in the United States and Europe. It is more frequently used in the west to store home-made movies--either home movies or movies copied from DVD or other sources.