A VCD is a Video CD. Using very similar technology to DVD's, VCD's are a very common form in Asia. While DVD uses mpeg2 (a type of video compression) VCD uses Mpeg1. Therefore DVD has quality almost equal to the laser disc while VCD's quality is only that of about a VHS tape. The advantage of a VCD over a VHS is that the VCD will never degrade in quality like the VHS will.