We report on the preparation of SiO2 (20%)-TiO2 (80%) planar waveguiding layers by dip-coating technique. The layers are formed from originally prepared sol with the added CdO and the subsequent precipitation of CdS nanocrystals (NC) during H2S treatment. The initial sol doping up to 92 wt.% was reached. The determination of the refractive index and thickness of waveguiding layer by m-line spectroscopy is presented. The porosity of film is evaluated. Influence of carbon contamination of the layer's pre-surface area on the waveguiding properties is discussed. The possibilities of surface relief gratings as efficient input and output light couplers are demonstrated.