DVD
- R Frequently Asked Questions
Why
Transfer tapes to DVD?
Tapes
deteriorate over time (i.e. VHS, Digital Tapes and Movie Film).
Tapes are sensitive to temperature and light, and wear out over
time whether they are played or not. Picture quality decreases
due to the deterioration over time. Unlike DVDs, which can last
for over 100 years.
DVD
technology encodes information on a thin layer sandwiched between
two plastic discs as a series of pits and valleys, similar to
a vinyl record, only much much smaller. During playback the laser
in the DVD player reads these pits and valleys and decodes the
information. By using a laser to read the discs, nothing touches
the data on the disc, leaving the data intact and untouched.
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What
is a DVD?
DVD
stands for Digital Versatile/Video Disc. There are many different
types of DVDs, but the ones we use are called DVD-R. This stands
for recordable. The DVD-R discs are different then the
type of DVDs you would normally rent. The DVDs you rent are
on a DVD-A. This stands for authoring . These DVDs are
also made from a single glass master. This makes the DVDs more
compatible with DVD players. The DVD-R discs that we use are
not compatible with every DVD player like the DVDs that
you rent. There are about 10% - 15% of DVD players that are not
compatible. Please check our list of compatible and non-compatible
DVD players.
For
more information on DVDs and the different types click here .
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How
many minutes can a DVD hold?
A
DVD-R will hold up to 120 minutes. Anything longer than that we
can transfer to multiple discs. See our price list for costs.
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What
about my privacy? Who will see the tapes?
We
understand that most home movies and videos are personals and
respect the privacy of our customers. Our technicians are professionals.
The transfer process does not require viewing, after ensuring
that the set-up is accurate.
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Some
of my tapes are pretty old. Can you still copy them?
If
we determine that copying a fragile/old tape will damage it, we
will call and let you know. We can refer you to services that
can repair and restore old tape. We will not risk further damage
by putting the tapes through our transfer process.
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Do
you use copy protection or region codes on your DVDs?
No.
We do not use any form of copy protection and our DVDs are region
free.
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The
DVD I received won't play on my DVD player or computer?
The
DVDs that we use are called DVD-R discs. The reason we use this
type of DVD is because the DVD-R discs are more compatible with
the majority of DVD players that are used by our customers. However,
the DVDs are not 100% compatible with ever DVD player, only about
85% - 90% of the DVD players can play a DVD-R disc. Click here
to find out if your DVD player is compatible.
Most
computers sold within the past 1 year or so usually have a DVD
drive included and some form of DVD player software installed,
but don't assume that if you just bought your computer that it
will have these features installed. Your computer will need a
DVD drive that can read DVD discs and a program that will be able
to play the DVD. For PC users, the newest version of Windows Media
Player should be sufficient to play the DVD but you will lose some
control over playing the DVD. Some computers come with already
installed programs like WinDVD and PowerDVD. If you do not know
if your computer has these programs installed please contact your
computer dealer where you purchased your computer.
For
Macintosh users the same applies. You will need to have a DVD
drive and some form of DVD player software installed. Currently
we do not test our DVDs on Macintosh computers so we do know
if our DVDs are 100% compatible to be played on Macintosh computers.
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The
picture quality isn't very good, picture is jumpy or the picture
on the DVD isn't the same as the original tape(s).
The
final DVD will only be as good as the original tape(s) sent in.
If your tape(s) are 2nd generation, then the quality will be considerably
worse then if the tape(s) were 1st generation. And with each generation
(3rd, 4th and so on) the quality will worsen to the point that
the video will be untransferable.
What
is 2nd generation or generation loss?
Copying
from the glossary, the definition of generation loss is "generation
loss occurs when editing or copying from one videotape to another
videotape. Most apparent in less expensive video formats. Theoretically
absent from digital video editing".
The
quality of the video worsens dramatically due to noise, signal
distortion, and loss of signal, during the copy/duplication process.
This is especially true when the source is a VHS format videotape.
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When
I try to make a copy of the DVD I keep getting errors, the DVD
copies ok but it won't play or my computer can't read the DVD.
Depending
on the CD/DVD burning software you have, your options will vary
greatly. A very good program we recommend is Nero. There are many different ways to copy the DVD and
it would take way too much space to talk about each one. The good
thing about Nero is that it has a DVD copy feature. You just click
on the DVD copy icon and the program does the rest. If you would
like to find out more about coping DVDs, click here.
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How
do I edit my DVD?
The
DVD you receive from us cannot be edited.
If you would like to edit your own movies, click here for more information.
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I
have an editing program on my computer. When I try to import the
VOB files, I either get errors or the editing program doesn't
recognize the VOB files.
Some tools can also import DVD VOB files directly without converting to MPG files, click here for more information.
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How
do I take care of my DVD?
Always
hold the DVD so that you are not touching the playing surface.
Dirt, dust, fingerprints and scratches can cause the DVD to skip
while playing or worse. Fingerprints and dust should be wiped
off the playing surface (shiny side) with a soft cloth. Wipe in
straight movements from the inside of the disc to the outside.
The DVD records data on the disc in a circular fashion, similar
to a vinyl record, only the DVD records from the inside out. By
wiping from the inside out in a straight motion there will be
less of a change of damage to the microscopic grooves in the DVD.
Never
use harsh chemicals to clean the DVD. They may damage the surface
of the disc.
DVDs
should be returned to their cases after use to protect them from
dirt, dust and scratches.
Do
not expose DVDs to direct sunlight, high humidity or high temperature
for long periods of time. The DVDs may warp or become unplayable.
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