Video to DVD FAQ
Is it best to convert to MPEG 2 files or DVDs?
We would highly recommend converting to MPEG 2 files because it won't be long before DVDs become obsolete. None of the new computers have DVD drives now.
When converting to MPEG 2 files what size USB do I need?
Each hour of tape takes just under 3 GB. So if you are doing more than two or three tapes, it would be best to supply us with a portable hard drive. If you do not have a portable hard drive we can supply and copy your files to a 1 TB drivefour $95 plus GST.
What is the audio & video quality of the transfers?
The quality of the recordings is really based on your original material. If your original is a VHS or 8mm tape, then you will get VHS or 8mm quality. If your original is from a HI-8 or Mini DV, you will get high resolution video & digital quality sound.
What if I have several tapes that I want transferred to DVD or MPEG File?
No problem. For 5 to 9 tapes the cost is $25 each and for 10 or more tapes the cost reduces to $20 for each tape. Prices exclude GST.
How many minutes of stereo video will fit onto a disc?
We can record up to 360 minutes (6 hours) onto one DVD disc. Each tape that you send in would cost $35 plus GST and go onto its own disc. If you send in three tapes, you would get back the original tapes plus 3 DVD disc's. Total cost = $105 plus GST. If you send us 10 tapes then the cost would be $200 plus GST.
Can I put more than 1 tape onto a disc?
No. For the best possible quality, we cannot combine (edit together) 2 or more tapes. Each video tape that you send in would go onto its own DVD disc or MPEG file. If you send in two tapes, you would get back the original tapes plus 2 DVD disc's.
Do you include menus on the DVD?
No. However, where ever possible we do include chapters set at 5 minute intervals so you can skip forward 5 minutes at a time to quickly find a particular section of the DVD.
How much will the courier charges be if I send in more then one tape to be transferred to DVD?
Pack and courier within the Auckland are is free of charge for five or more tapes, 1 to 4 tapes would incur a cost of $10 plus GST.
Does the Disc created by you play on a DVD set-top player?
Yes, the Disc will play on almost all DVD players. Most of the new players are compatible. To find out if your DVD player is compatible, check your owners manual or contact your players manufacturer and ask if your system plays DVD-R media.
I had a disk transferred and when I play it on my DVD player or computer, it either plays for a few minutes and then the
screen turns blue, it doesn't play at all or the image is unstable, why?
This happens when your DVD player is not 100% DVD-R compatible. Check with your instruction manual to make sure that your machine will play DVD-R disks.
How do I view the video on my PC?
To view the Disc on a PC, place the disc in your DVD drive. Launch the DVD video software that came with your computer or DVD drive and play the large file on the disc.
After I get the DVD, can I edit the material on my computer?
Yes, the DVD is digital so if you have the appropriate software you can easily edit the DVD files.
If I use my computer to view the disc, will it play "Full Screen"?
Yes, it will play just like any movie DVD.
Does the price include labels and packaging?
Yes we include a label and pack the DVD in a clamshell case. We use a special colour image for wedding videos.
How long does it take to get to get the job done?
If the conversion is for a business and is urgently required we can usually do them the same day, otherwise they are usually done within a few days, although 10 or more may take a week or two.
What format can my master video tape be?
We can transfer most common tape formats such as VHS, Mini DV, HI-8, Digital 8. etc.
Can you make transfers from a tape recorded at the slow speed?
Yes, however the faster the speed your tape was recorded at, the better the quality.
We would highly recommend converting to MPEG 2 files because it won't be long before DVDs become obsolete. None of the new computers have DVD drives now.
When converting to MPEG 2 files what size USB do I need?
Each hour of tape takes just under 3 GB. So if you are doing more than two or three tapes, it would be best to supply us with a portable hard drive. If you do not have a portable hard drive we can supply and copy your files to a 1 TB drivefour $95 plus GST.
What is the audio & video quality of the transfers?
The quality of the recordings is really based on your original material. If your original is a VHS or 8mm tape, then you will get VHS or 8mm quality. If your original is from a HI-8 or Mini DV, you will get high resolution video & digital quality sound.
What if I have several tapes that I want transferred to DVD or MPEG File?
No problem. For 5 to 9 tapes the cost is $25 each and for 10 or more tapes the cost reduces to $20 for each tape. Prices exclude GST.
How many minutes of stereo video will fit onto a disc?
We can record up to 360 minutes (6 hours) onto one DVD disc. Each tape that you send in would cost $35 plus GST and go onto its own disc. If you send in three tapes, you would get back the original tapes plus 3 DVD disc's. Total cost = $105 plus GST. If you send us 10 tapes then the cost would be $200 plus GST.
Can I put more than 1 tape onto a disc?
No. For the best possible quality, we cannot combine (edit together) 2 or more tapes. Each video tape that you send in would go onto its own DVD disc or MPEG file. If you send in two tapes, you would get back the original tapes plus 2 DVD disc's.
Do you include menus on the DVD?
No. However, where ever possible we do include chapters set at 5 minute intervals so you can skip forward 5 minutes at a time to quickly find a particular section of the DVD.
How much will the courier charges be if I send in more then one tape to be transferred to DVD?
Pack and courier within the Auckland are is free of charge for five or more tapes, 1 to 4 tapes would incur a cost of $10 plus GST.
Does the Disc created by you play on a DVD set-top player?
Yes, the Disc will play on almost all DVD players. Most of the new players are compatible. To find out if your DVD player is compatible, check your owners manual or contact your players manufacturer and ask if your system plays DVD-R media.
I had a disk transferred and when I play it on my DVD player or computer, it either plays for a few minutes and then the
screen turns blue, it doesn't play at all or the image is unstable, why?
This happens when your DVD player is not 100% DVD-R compatible. Check with your instruction manual to make sure that your machine will play DVD-R disks.
How do I view the video on my PC?
To view the Disc on a PC, place the disc in your DVD drive. Launch the DVD video software that came with your computer or DVD drive and play the large file on the disc.
After I get the DVD, can I edit the material on my computer?
Yes, the DVD is digital so if you have the appropriate software you can easily edit the DVD files.
If I use my computer to view the disc, will it play "Full Screen"?
Yes, it will play just like any movie DVD.
Does the price include labels and packaging?
Yes we include a label and pack the DVD in a clamshell case. We use a special colour image for wedding videos.
How long does it take to get to get the job done?
If the conversion is for a business and is urgently required we can usually do them the same day, otherwise they are usually done within a few days, although 10 or more may take a week or two.
What format can my master video tape be?
We can transfer most common tape formats such as VHS, Mini DV, HI-8, Digital 8. etc.
Can you make transfers from a tape recorded at the slow speed?
Yes, however the faster the speed your tape was recorded at, the better the quality.