Frequently Asked Questions    
 
1.
Why should I convert my videos to DVD?
2. How many minutes of home video fit on a DVD?
3.
 How many photos fit on a DVD or CD?
4. Will I be able to print images of the photos on the DVD?
5. What is the difference between DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-5, DVD-9, etc?
6. What is a Double (dual) Layer DVD?
7. Can you edit my videotape?
8. Do you produce NTSC or PAL DVDs?
9. Can I view my DVD or CD on a PC and Television?
10. Can you improve the quality of my tapes, or photos?
11. Why should I get a custom made DVD rather than do it myself using a DVD recorder?
12. Will my video be kept confidential?
13. What forms of payment do you accept?
1. Why should I convert my tapes to DVD?

  1. Age and storage qualities are superior to tape.
    Videotape is constructed of a plastic tape with a magnetic iron oxide coating. After about 10-15 years, the coating becomes brittle so that the magnetic coating is worn off as the tape plays. Tape can also bond together if not used for some time. Heat and humidity cause tapes to decay even faster.

    DVDs can last for many decades provided they are used and stored correctly.

    For more information on care & storage of CD/DVD click here.
     

  2. Tape to tape copies result in quality degredation
    Copying analogue tape to tape always causes degradation of quality which increases over subsequent copies. Copying digital source content will create a perfect duplicate of the original every time.
     

  3. Repeated usage
    Frequent playing wears the magnetic material off the tape. Video head wear and build up of dirt can further degrade tape. With DVDs there is no quality loss after repeated usage provided the quipment is maintained properly.
2. How many minutes of home video fit on a DVD?

In order to maintain quality we do not recommend more than 100 minutes on a single layer DVD. While more time is possible there will probably be a noticable decrease in quality. Commercially produced DVDs can include greater content because they use double layer technology, with the source material being many times the quality of domestic tapes. We can, nevertheless, include more content if desired on a single layer DVD. You now also have the option of choosing a double layer DVD with approximately double the capacity. This service comes at an extra cost due to the additional cost of materials.
 
3. How many photos fit on a DVD or CD?
It depends on the photo sizes but you could expect around a thousand photos would fit onto a standard DVD, and 350 onto a CD.
 
4. Will I be able to print images of the photos from the DVD or CD?
The printing of DVD or CD slideshow images onto photo quality paper is not recommended.  The slideshow formatted prints, negatives and slides are for viewing on TV or computers, and are not intended for printing.  Prints copied onto DVD or CD in archive mode, however, are suitable for printing as photos.  
 
5. What is the difference between DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-5, DVD-9 etc?

DVD Types

  • DVD-R or DVD+R (Single write recordable DVD),
  • DVD+R DL (Single write double layer recordable DVD),
  • DVD-RW or DVD+RW (Multiple write recordable DVD),
  • DVD-5 (Single Sided, Single Density pressed DVD),
  • DVD-9 (Single Sided, Double Density pressed DVD),
  • CDR (Single write recordable CD).

    Recordable DVDs
    We record discs on DVD-R or DVD+R or DVD+R DL format DVDs. DVD-R provides about 90-95%% compatibility with existing DVD players, DVD+R provides about 90% compatibility. If you are not sure what type of disc your player can accept then check your user manual. The DVDRHelp web site contains valuable information on player compatibility, or you can email us at MakeItDigital with your player brand and model number.
   
6. What is a Double (dual) Layer DVD?
Double layer (also known as dual layer) DVD+R uses an innovative technology to allow burning data at 2 different depths on a DVD+R. This almost doubles the capacity of a standard DVD+R. Because this technology is relatively new the price of these discs is considerable greater than that of a single layer disc. We would, however, expect the price to decrease significantly in coming months. At this time a DVD-R version is also being developed which should be available mid 2005.
 
7. Do you edit my videotape?
Yes, full editing is available as requested. We can also provide menu driven navigation, chapter placements, scene transitions, slideshows etc. Be aware that this can be labour intensive depending on the requirements, and is therefore more expensive than an unedited copy.
 
8. Do you produce NTSC or PAL DVDs?
We produce PAL DVDs which are compatible with the Australian and International standard.
 
9. Can I view my DVD or CD on a PC or Television?

Our DVDs and CDs will play on most DVD computer drives and DVD players manufactured after 1999. The DVDs are not region limited and so are playable on any region DVD player. The DVD content is not encoded with 'Macrovision' copy protection so that you can view them through VCR players.

If your DVD player is able to play back from burnt DVD's and CDs then there should not be any problems.

The following guide shows a comparison between available options:

Content
Compatibility
DVD Players
CD Player
PC DVD Player
PC CD Player
DVD Video
Yes if media
compatible
û
ü
û
CD Video (VCD)
Probably
û
ü
ü
Photo DVD slideshow
Yes if media
compatible
û
ü
û
Photo CD slideshow
Probably
û
ü
ü
Photo DVD archive
û
û
ü
û
Photo CD archive
û
û
ü
ü
Audio CD
Yes if media
compatible
ü
ü
ü
Media Compatibiity
        
DVD-R
Probably
û
ü
û
DVD+R & +R DL
Probably
û
ü
û
CDR
Probably
ü
ü
ü

Note that playback of videos in a PC requires a software player (e.g. PowerDVD or WinDVD).
 
10. Can you improve the quality of my tapes, or photos?
Quality will be at least that of your original video or photo, however it is unlikely that there will be any visible improvements. If more than 100 minutes is required on a single layer DVD then there may be a lessening of quality, however this is dependant on the source and nature of the content. 120 minutes will generally still be more than acceptable using our processes. More content can be safely included on a dual layer DVD with 180 minutes being our recommendation.
 
11. Why should I get a custom made DVD rather than do it myself using a DVD recorder?
  • You want to preserve your priceless memories with the BEST possible quality. DVD recorders are made to be quick and easy which they do by sacrificing quality and versatility. That's fine for TV recordings or similar, but it's not OK for preserving your precious memories.
  • You don't have the time or expertise to edit and author your own video.
  • You don't want to buy expensive duplication equipment and learn how to use it for limited purposes.
 
12. Will my video be kept confidential?
We guarantee that your video will be treated with total confidentiality and privacy. For straight video copying the source will only be checked to ensure customer satisfaction. Video editing will require viewing of the entire source however you can be assured that all content will remain confidential. Copies of material produced will be retained for 14 days as a security backup after which they will be destroyed. Originals will be returned or destroyed as requested.
 
13. What forms of payment do you accept?
We prefer Direct Deposit and Bank Cheque. Personal cheques must be cleared before any work is commenced. Direct deposit to account Make It Digital 0807007-51371344.