Laser to read both DVDs and VCDs.

[WildmanJoe]

Does a DVD player use the same laser to read both DVDs and VCDs? If it does, why doesn't anyone who wants to backup his VCDs to DVDs, burn a 4.37GB VCD onto a DVD instead. I'm experimenting with this method right now and in the mean time if there's anyone who can provide some insight on this, it would be deeply appreciated.

[de Witte]

It's depending on the brand and model of the stand alone player. some have a dual laser and some don't.
The only reason why some people bu vcd's to dvd is that some movie on vcd don't fit on one disc (vcd). so they merg the 2 or 3 vcd to ONE dvd. Only you never get the quality of DVD because vcd is less in quality. I prever to buy the DVD if you can.