FAQ
Q. Why should I convert my video or audio tapes to DVD or CD?
A. Video and audio tapes are all subject to deterioration over time. The ferric oxide material on the tape becomes brittle over time and begins to break up and peel off the tape. As this process occurs and worsens, the material on your precious tape is gradually degraded and lost completely. The idea of converting your tapes to DVD or CD is to capture the material on the tapes before they degrade any further. DVDs and CDs will keep your material preserved for several decades, especially if properly stored and cared for.
Q. Are tapes affected by sunlight or extreme temperatures?
A. Absolutely. Video and audio tapes last longest when they are stored vertically, away from direct sunlight, high humidity, or extreme temperatures.
Q. If my tapes aren't all that old, should I expect them to have deteriorated by now?
A. Your tapes have likely suffered some degree of deterioration. The way they've been stored, how often they've been played (and re-recorded), and the quality and maintenance of the equipment they've been played and recorded on are all common factors in tape degradation.
Q. I'd like to get some of my favourite music cassettes or VHS movies converted to CD or DVD. Can you do that for me?
A. We have a strict policy of not converting or copying commercial music or video recordings, or commercial software as this would be a violation of copyright laws. If you are the copyright holder (e.g. your band made a cassette, or you are the filmmaker, or your company made its own training or promotional video), we would be pleased to do your conversion or duplication project.
Q. How long does it take to get a video or audio conversion or duplication project done?
A. Once we receive your materials, our usual turnaround time for a single project is 2-3 business days. If you have multiple tapes to transfer or require a large number of copies made, additional time may be required.
For video tape conversions, bear in mind that our process takes longer than the length of each tape you submit. For example, converting a 2 hour tape takes a total of roughly 2.5-3 hours of processing time, plus additional time for additional copies to be made.
Q. Do you convert PAL or SECAM video tapes to NTSC DVDs?
A. Yes. One of our partners provides the conversion service for us, and then we complete your project to ensure that it meets the specifications of your order. Depending on our partner's workload, we may require as much as two weeks of additional turnaround time to complete your PAL/SECAM conversions. Additional charges also apply for PAL/SECAM conversions.
Q. Do you need to watch our video tapes to process them?
A. We spot check your videos at several random intervals to ensure a problem-free transfer.
Q. Do you keep a copy of our material after the order is completed?
A. We delete your materials from our system shortly after your order is completed unless you've explicitly arranged for us to keep a backup for you (additional storage charges would apply).
Q. Can you create a custom menu for my DVD?
A. Absolutely. We can create fully interactive DVD menus. Custom menu work is billed hourly (see Rates page)
Q. Can you edit my video for me?
A. Yes. We can edit to your specifications. Editing is billed at our hourly rate (see Rates page).
Q. Do you use high quality equipment?
A. Absolutely. We use a wide variety of equipment from the best manufacturers. We use source equipment from Canon, Harman/Kardon, LG, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. We use recording/capture equipment from ADS, PreSonus, and Tascam. We use playback equipment from Acer, Mackie, Samsung, and Velodyne. We interconnect our equipment with cables from AudioQuest/AudioTruth, Mogami, Monster, and Phoenix Gold. All of our equipment is maintained regularly.
