If
you don’t find the information you’re
looking for, please contact
us.
We can usually answer within 24 hours.
What is a DVD-R?
DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc
(sometimes also referred to as Digital Video Disc).
The R refers to being Recordable. The “dash” OR
"minus" signifies one of the most popular standards
of DVD formats
and the “R” tells you that the disc
can be recorded one time only. When data is written
onto a DVD-R it is permanent. DVD-R’s are
compatible with over 90 percent of DVD players.
It is one of the formats that is supported by Apple
Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung,
Sharp, and Toshiba.
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Why is a DVD a good medium for preserving images?
As the name indicates, it is “Digital” technology,
which is the technology that is quickly replacing
the analog technology utilized by older videotapes
and home movie film. It is less susceptible to
environmental impacts and does not degrade with
every playing. It plays as clear on the 100th time
as it does the 1st time. Unlike analog playback
devices, digital playback devices do not touch
the surface of the medium. Copies made from digital
technology do not lose clarity when they are copied.
It is easier to move through (clicking on chapter
marks rather than fast forwarding and reversing)
and easier to store, For a more detailed discussion
of why preserving to DVD is a good idea, see WHY
TRANSFER?
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How do I know a DVD-R will play in my DVD player?
Most of the newer DVD players should be able to
play a DVD-R disc, although it’s possible
that that feature is not spelled out on the DVD
player carton. There are several ways to check
to see if it will play on yours. You can check
your User’s Manual or the manufacturer’s
website.
You
can also request a Demo disc from us.
Try it out in your player. Or if you’re
in the market for a new DVD player, check with
your dealer on Demo or take our Demo
disc with you to the store and ask the sales employee
to try it out in the player you are interested
in purchasing. For information on how to order
our disc, click REQUEST Demo DISC.
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Can
I play a DVD-R in my computer?
Your computer needs to have a DVD player and must
have the appropriate software installed. Check
your User’s Manual for product information.
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Can
I print pictures off my DVD?
Yes, almost all DVD playing software, such as WinDVD have a capture/copy command.
You can also use the printscreen button and paste the picture into a picture
processing program such as Paint Shop Pro. Note that DVD pictures display at
720x480 pixels so this is the best resolution that you can get on a picture.
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How many images will fit on one DVD?
The following are general guidelines in determining
how many images (still and movie) can be transferred
to one DVD-R.
Photos or slides 700 regular size (e.g., 3x5,
4x6)
8mm/Super-8mm film 1800 feet [approx. 30 - 3” reels. 8 – 5” reels,
4 – 7” reels]
Beta/VHS videotapes Depends on the speed with which the tape was recorded.*
*We
record up to 60 minutes per DVD. Tapes may have
been recorded to hold 120, 240 or 360 minutes.
Therefore, one tape may require more than one DVD
disc.
Please note: Extensive chapter marks, text labels,
etc. will reduce the amount of actual storage.
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What are Chapter Marks?
Chapter marks are like titles in a book. Your DVD
is broken up into chapters to make it easier
to maneuver backwards and forwards within the
disc. These breaks, or marks, can be placed at
specific time intervals, after a specific number
of images have displayed, or whatever other criteria
is desired.
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What formats can you transfer?
We can transfer images from photographs (up to
8” x 10”), 35mm slides and negatives,
8mm and Super-8mm film, and Beta, VHS or Video8
videotapes. We do not transfer PAL format images.
[PAL – Phase Alternating Line - is the format
used in many other countries, such as the United
Kingdom. The format used in the United States is
NTSC - National Television System Committee.]
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How long does it take to finish the transfer and
return my DVD?
Our standard turn-around time is 7-10 working days
from the date of receipt of images and payment.
If additional options are requested, additional
time may be needed. We also recognize that you
will most likely be anxious to see your DVD. We
do all work in a workmanlike and timely manner
and our first concern is that you have a well-produced
DVD. If the production time will take longer than
the 7-10 working days stated above, we will contact
you.
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Can I have music added?
At this time we do not add a music track to any
DVD because of potential copyright protection
issues.
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Can I have photos and video clips on the same
DVD?
We cannot mix videotapes with other formats. We
can, however, put still images (photos or slides)
and 8mm and Super-8mm film clips on one DVD. There
is an additional fee for mixing these formats.
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Can you transfer film with sound?
We cannot currently transfer any film reels with
sound. The sound of the projector is the only
sound transferred with 8mm and Super-8mm film
images.
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Can you touch-up my images when you transfer them?
Images scanned from photographs, 35mm slides and
negatives can be touched up (enhanced). As a
standard part of the services we offer, all scanned
images have brightness and sharpness adjustments
made. Additional minor touch-ups or enhancements
can be requested. Major restoration or image
manipulation can sometimes be arranged, on a
case-by-case basis, at an hourly rate.
Film
images are transferred “as is.” However,
we don’t transfer any leading and we do our
best to edit out over-exposed (very light) and
under-exposed (dark) film that last more than several
seconds long. Videotapes are also transferred “as
is.”
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How are my images transferred to a DVD?
Photos and 35mm slides and negatives are scanned
into the computer where they can have sharpness
enhanced and the brightness increased or decreased.
This is also where they could be cropped and
minor blemishes and creases can be repaired.
The home movie film and videotapes are transferred
into the computer via a DV connection. These
images are transferred without any enhancement
or editing. Digital editing software is then
used to create your special video project. Your
project is then rendered and burned to the DVD.
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How do you clean my movie film?
The film is moved from your reel(s) to a spare
reel. As it is moved, we check it for breaks,
bad splices, missing leader, and broken sprocket
holes. These minor repairs are made. We also
splice small reels onto a 7” reel (400
feet capacity) which is used during the recording
process.
As
the film is rewound onto the new 7” reel,
it is cleaned and lubricated. The solution we use
to hand-clean and condition each filmstrip is non-toxic,
non-flammable, non-hazardous and environmentally
safe. It is anti-static so dust will not adhere
to the treated film. It also cleans, polishes,
and conditions the film.
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I
don’t know what kind of home movie reels
I have. How can I tell what they are?
Most home movies are 8mm and Super-8mm film. Both
have sprocket holes that are only along one edge
of the filmstrip. On regular 8mm film, the sprockets
are located right above the division between frames.
On Super-8mm film, the sprockets are above the
center of the frames. However, since both 8mm and
Super-8mm film transfer the same, it isn’t
necessary to identify which film you are having
transferred. We will splice like film formats on
the same reel.
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How do I estimate how many feet of film I want
transferred?
Usually a 3” diameter reel holds 50 feet;
a 5” reel holds 200 feet; and a 7” reel
holds 400 feet.
Note:
If you have an 8mm film box which states that
it contains a reel of 25 feet, the actual
exposure length is 50 feet. This is because 8mm
film is actually 16mm film cut in half. One half
is exposed and then turned over to expose the other
half. The two film strips are then attached to
make 50 feet.
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There are notations on the backs of some of my
photos and also in my photo album. Can this information
be put on my transferred photos?
Yes. The Added Text option allows you to have up
to 40 letters/characters/spaces per image. After
you have numbered your photos into the order you
want them transferred, just print the text legibly
onto Options
Form #1 and note the photo
number. Added text is 10 cents per photo.
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I
have a big box of slides and photos that I don’t
have time to go through. Can I just send the box
without numbering or counting them?
Yes, as long as you don’t have any preference
to the sequence in which they are transferred.
Fill out the Order Form and put a notation in the
Image Information section requesting we count and
advise as to transfer cost. Also be sure to check
the box indicating you have no order preference
and sign it. When we have counted the images, we
will contact you with the total and with the cost
of transferring them. When payment is received
we will commence the project. If the slides have
to be removed from slide cubes or trays, there
will be an additional charge for removal and return.
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What
if I have a large reel that isn’t filled
up so I don’t know how many feet of film
I have?
When we have received the reel, we can measure
the film footage and e-mail you the total footage
along with an invoice for transferring that amount
of film. As soon as payment is received, we can
then finish your project.
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What kinds of repairs do you do?
The only repair we perform is basic film splicing,
although we will add leader to the beginning
and/or ending of a film reel as necessary.
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Do you transfer any kind of image?
We can transfer photographs up to 8” x 10”,
35mm slides, 8mm and Super-8mm home
movie film, and Beta, VHS and Video8 videotapes.
We do not transfer PAL video. We also do not transfer
copyrighted material that does not have an accompanying
statement of ownership nor do we transfer any images
which we determine to be obscene, pornographic
or objectionable.
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Do you have a refund policy?
If you are unhappy with your DVD, you can return
the disc and disc container, undamaged, and we
will refund the amount you paid for the project.
(Shipping and handling fees are not refunded.)
We do not refund for disc inDemo.
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How do I place an order?
To make it as easy as possible, step-by-step directions
(“How to Submit”) are given for each
format. Those directions tell you about putting
your images in order, counting and numbering them,
filling out forms, preparing your images for shipment,
and shipping them.
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What payment options do you offer?
We can accept credit card payments through PayPal.
If you do not have a PayPal account and do not
wish to open a free account with them, you can
request that we send you an invoice for your
order via PayPal. For more information regarding
PayPal credit card payments, see www.paypal.com.
We also accept money orders and personal checks.
With a personal check payment, the work commences
when the check has cleared our bank.
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How do I get my images to you?
Once you have checked and carefully packed your
images, ship the package to us using either USPS
Priority Mail or UPS. Because we are not responsible
for the images when not in our possession, we
highly recommend that you ship your package insured
with tracking.
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When do I get my images back?
Your original images are shipped back to you with
your completed DVD(s). It is carefully packaged
and sent via USPS Priority Mail, insured, with
Delivery Confirmation and Tracking.
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What if I want to order additional copies of the
DVD later?
We store a copy of your DVD for one year from
the completion of your project unless you request
otherwise. This makes ordering additional copies
easier and
faster.
Just
contact
us with your request.
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Do you charge for Shipping and Handling?
We charge a flat fee of $10 to return your images
and DVD(s) to you. This includes the postage,
Delivery Confirmation and Tracking fees.
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How
long will it take to process my order?
We guarantee that the turnaround time will not exceed 7 business days. As soon
as your order is processed, we will send you via USPS the new DVDs and your
originals, and you will receive an email notification with a USPS
tracking number.
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If your questions are still not answered, please
contact us for help.
