Frequently Asked Questions
Services Offered:
Studies by Sony, Ampex, Agfa and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) show that video tapes will start to severely degrade in less than 12 years. The amount of clarity lost on the video has nothing to do with how many times it is played. Just by sitting on the shelf, gravity will cause the oxides on the video tape to degrade, causing the picture to become fuzzy. All video tapes age and fade gradually regardless of how carefully they are stored or played.
What exactly is a DVD?
DVD, or Digital Versatile Disc, is a format that looks like CD ROMs or audio CDs. It is the same physical size as a CD but stores 20 times more information. That translates into over two hours of high quality video and surround sound audio, or over seven hours of CD quality Audio, or over 20,000 novels, or well over 100,000 high quality still images. They are unique in that you can instantly skip from one pre-marked spot to another without the tedious and time-consuming "search and fast-forward/rewind" process required for video tapes.
Why don't I watch my home movies more often?
Because they are not easy to watch and not as enjoyable as they could be. You must fast-forward through hours of footage just to find the parts that you want to watch. You have a lot of camcorder tapes or super8 movies and it is not convenient to hook your camcorder up to the TV or lug out the projector.
Why do I need your service?
If you want to preserve your precious home movies beyond the normal life-span of video tapes or movie films, then you should consider transferring them to DVD. Future generations, including your children's children, will be able to watch, hear, enjoy, and learn how our generation lived.
I am worried that my tapes or movies may get lost, how will you take care of them?
We treat every video tape and movie film we accept as if it were our own. We have never lost a video tape or movie film, nor have damaged anyone's either. We track your order, tapes and films together so that they are returned to you in the same condition as received. Because we assume your video tapes and movies are old and needing a lot of care, they will be played back usually only once during the conversion process, the movie and audio will be extracted from them. We use professional-grade equipment that will not do any damage. Should your tapes or movies be in such a condition that there is danger of breakage or damage, we will advise you of this and not play them. We don't want to damage them any further, nor do we want to subject our expensive equipment to the potential damage that can occur from a tape or movie that is in poor condition.
Why can't I buy a DVD recorder and do this myself?
They are very expensive and do not produce the quality of video that you would expect on DVD. They are intended for casual recording of TV shows and standard videos. Analog video-tape-to-DVD conversion is a complex process that is difficult to do properly without using state-of-the-art equipment costing thousands of dollars. The new expensive DVD recorders attempt to do real-time analog to digital conversion, which may result in jittering video, muted colors or skips. There will be noticeable degradation in recording and it will not maximize the DVD's capability. Our process results in better picture quality because it takes much longer to properly digitize every frame, and ensure the highest video and audio quality.
What happens to my original video tape?
After we play back your video tape, we carefully store it away until your order is returned with your new DVD. Your tape will be played only on well-maintained professional equipment, which cannot record, so there is no danger of your tape being accidentally erased.
How many video tapes or movie films can I fit on one DVD?
We can accept as many video tapes or movie films as you want us to combine, As long as their total time length does not exceed 120 minutes. If they are longer than 120 minutes, then they will continue onto a second DVD. There may be extra charges for multiple tapes and multiple DVDs.
Can I have a plain DVD made from my tapes or films?
Yes. If you don't need chapter marks, menus or a customized case, we offer a basic DVD that is still great for presentation purposes.
Does playing or storing my DVD wear it out?
No, the DVD will last for at least 100 years, regardless of whether played or stored. Unlike video tapes, playing a DVD does not wear it down. There is no physical contact with a DVD when it is played. Every time you watch it, it looks just as good as the first time.
I am concerned with privacy, will I see my videos on the internet?
Absolutely not! We value your privacy so we will only do what is necessary to convert it to DVD. We have no need to watch your entire video or movie, only to set it up for conversion. After the conversion is complete, all temporary files are deleted.
Can a mix of movie film, prints, 35mm slides or videotape be included in the same order?
No, each media type must be a separate Digital Transfer Services order. Combining different types of media in the same order is not available at this time.
Exactly what can be transferred?
VHS video, Super VHS video, MiniDV video, Hi8 video, 8mm movie film, Super 8mm movie film, 16mm movie film, 35mm slides, and Prints, from minimum size of 2"x2" to maximum size of 8"x12"
What is the maximum movie length, or quantity, that can be transferred to one DVD?
- 8mm or
Super8 film - 1600 feet
- 16mm film - 3200 feet
- Slides - 300 slides
- Prints - 300 prints
Is the DVD from slides or prints viewable on a PC? Can prints be made from it?
Yes. A DVD created from slides or prints comes with a DVD slide show that can be viewed on a DVD player, and includes archive-quality high resolution JPEGs (up to 4.7 megapixels) that can be viewed and printed on a PC.
Can I transfer Copyrighted material?
The digital transfer services are available for home videotapes, movies, 35mm slides or prints made by the customer. If the customer does not own the copyright, it is illegal to make copies and the orders will be returned unprocessed. A copyright release must be included with the order in order to make a DVD from protected content. Additionally, videotapes, movies, 35mm slides or prints of obscene or illegal material will not be converted.
FAQs