PS1/2 Questions regarding PSX Movie Card

[wiired24]

Ever since I heard that the PSX was technically capable of playing movies through "Video CD" I have been looking for the device that would allow me to do just that. Today I was lucky enough to find one on ebay for a surprisingly decent price. I have a couple questions for anyone who either has this add-on or has knowledge about it.

1. I've heard that the Gamar Movie Card kills the laser in the PS1. Is this true? Is there any way to prevent it?

2. How many minutes can you fit on a Video CD (30, 45 Minutes?)

Also if there is any additional information I should know feel free to let me know.

 

[Ryccardo]

1. I've heard that the Gamar Movie Card kills the laser in the PS1. Is this true? Is there any way to prevent it?

Not any more than reading other CD-Rs (and both aftermarket optical drives - of varying quality - and commercial stamped video CDs exist )

2. How many minutes can you fit on a Video CD (30, 45 Minutes?)

Approximately the same length of audio the disc is capable of, if it was a standard audio CD (sounds crazy? well, it's uncompressed WAV versus vhs-like-resolution MPEG-1 with MP2 audio)