FAQs - Glossary
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) Why do I want to transfer my Film and Videos to DVD?
A1) There are several great reasons to transfer both your film and videos to DVD. The first reason is that film, due to it's age is already degrading and video tape doesn't have a long shelf life (10-12 years). Just leaving your memories sitting in a box or beside your TV will result in some degradation. Additionally most people don't even have a working projector to view film and video tapes are quickly being replaced by DVDs. With our services we can preserve your memories on a medium that lasts longer and we can also correct and enhance your existing video and bring new life and new enjoyment to your treasured memories.
Q2) Why would I use your services instead of doing it myself?
A2) Some work you can't really do at all yourself such as film transfer (even if you have the projector, the setup of capturing is quite complicated.) As for other transfers you can do it yourself but it would not really be worthwhile. To do a "decent" transfer you would need to research and invest in the right equipment, then understand how to do a proper transfer, learn what limitations your equipment creates (i.e. no titles, no chapters, no corrections, no enhancements, no quality settings, etc.), then you can create your own DVDs. After about $500-$1000 dollars and about 30-50 hours of your time you can get something "decent". Or you can let us do it for you and get something "great" for a lot less.
Q3) What are these different DVD formats (DVD-R, DVD+R, etc.) and why can't I get a DVD that plays everywhere?
A3) This might get a little technical. Commercial DVDs (i.e. movies from Hollywood) are not made the same way independent video editors make DVDs. They (Hollywood) use a "pressing" method whereas we use a burning method. Pressing can be done with any movie, unfortunately the cost is prohibitive for most of us (i.e. it can start around $3000 for 1000 DVDs minimum). Video Editors use a burning method on DVD-R or DVD+R discs. The different formats are supported by different DVD players (with DVD-R being the more popular).
Q4) Why should I use Digital Improvements?
A4) At Digital Improvements we are dedicated to providing you great service and quality products at a reasonable price. We know that you can take your business elsewhere which is why we try to provide a little something extra and we always treat your memories as if they were our own.
Q5) How long does it take to convert my video, film, etc.?
A5) This is a difficult question due to the variations in each person's requirements, the quality of the source material and how busy we are at the time. However, on average Video Tape transfers takes 5 business days, Film takes 3 - 4 weeks , CD to MP3 takes 5 business days and Internet Video & Audio takes 10 business days. We strive to exceed the the times listed above and when you submit your order we can provide you a more exact timeframe. Orders that need to be rushed (24-72 hour turn around) can sometimes be accommodated for a 40% charge (call for rush film orders).
Glossary
Analog/Analogue
When referring to video: A system of recording video images that employs continuously varying waveforms to encode brightness, color and the timing information necessary to reproduce a moving image. Analog video that is transferred suffers loss with each copy.
Auto chapters
Segments in a DVD video that are at a set interval, typically 5 or 10 minutes.
Digital
When referring to video: A system of recording video images that stores information in bits (1's and 0's) to encode brightness, color and the timing information necessary to reproduce a moving image. Digital video that is copied does not suffer any loss no matter how many times it is copied.
DVD
DVD stands for "Digital Versatile Disc". A DVD can contain Video, Audio or Data.
DVD+R
DVD+R is similar to DVD-R except that the method of recording the information is different. It is important to understand that not all DVD players can play back DVD+R and DVD-R which is why we recommend to get one of each and then you are guaranteed universal playback and you have a backup should something happen to one disc. If you want to lookup your DVD players capabilities you should look on the DVD player (usually on the front), your DVD player's manual (full of useful information) or the manufacturer's web site.
DVD-R
DVD-R is similar to DVD+R except that the method of recording the information is different. It is important to understand that not all DVD players can play back DVD-R and DVD+R which is why we recommend to get one of each when transferring your film or video to DVD. Then you are guaranteed universal playback and you have a backup should something happen to one disc. If you want to look up your DVD player's capabilities you should look on the DVD player (usually on the front), your DVD player's manual (full of useful information) or the manufacturer's web site.
NTSC
NTSC is an acronym for "National Television Standards Committee" and is the broadcast standard used in North America, Japan, Korea and a few others.
PAL
PAL is an acronym for "Phase Alternating Line" and is the broadcast standard used in most of Europe, Africa, Australia and others.
Region
Regions are how DVDs are separated based on geographic distribution. For instance, North America is Region 1 which means that if you took a Region 1 DVD and tried to play it in a European DVD player you would receive an error that the Region Code is incorrect. It is important when you order your DVDs that you specify where the DVD will be used. We hope to soon offer DVDs that will play in any region.
SECAM
SECAM is an acronym for " Sequential Couleur Avec Memoire" (or "Sequential Colour with Memory") and is used mostly in France, Russia, Africa and a few others.
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