DVDHome.ca Video & Film Conversion FAQ

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Types of Transfers

Here are some types of the projects that we have transferred...

Wedding, home movies, sports, martial arts, sales training, school recital, school project, travel memories, memorial tribute, exercise workouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you transfer the sound on the film?
A: Yes, but there is a different price for sound films. Most 8mm and Super8 film was silent but many do have a sound track. The track looks like two narrow brown strips along the bottom side of the film.

Q: Can I edit the DVD?
A: Some video editing software will allow you to capture the DVD video back onto your computer to do some simple editing. If you are planning on editing your films it is better if you order the films in DV format on either DVD data disks, MiniDV tape, or hard drive. DV is widely compatible with video editing software and will give you a better quality final product.

Q: Can you transfer my film in HD resolution?
A: At this time we only capture films in full DVD resolution (720x480). We can author the films to Blu-ray disk but the resolution will be standard definition.

Q: How can I be sure my video reaches you safely if I send you by mail or courier?
A: Canada Post or most delivery companies will offer a service to track the parcel or you can send your package with a signature request, although that is not necessary. You can also purchase insurance when you ship you package. It is also a good idea to request a signature when delivering. This ensures that the delivery person will not leave the package if there is no answer at the door.

Q: Do I need any special packaging to ship my videos in?
A: We do recommend that you ship it in a package that contains bubble wrap for greater physical protection of your tape.

Q: What if the DVD I receive is defective or damaged?
A: All DVDs are scanned for video recording defects prior to shipping. However, if upon watching your DVD, you discover any video recording defects that we may have missed (not physical defects) that are not evident on your original source recording, please contact us and we will re-transfer your video free of charge.
Please check your DVD upon receiving it. We keep the digital video files on our hard drive for a week. If the DVD is damaged during shipping we can easily make another copy.

Q: Will my tape(s) be returned to me?
A: Yes, your tapes will be returned along with your finished DVD.

Q: What about shipping and handling?
A: All orders are shipped via Canada Post with tracking numbers unless otherwise requested. See our "Services" page for details or email DVDHome.ca for a quote on shipping expense. The customer is responsible for all shipping expenses.

Q: How long will my DVD last?
A: A DVD can last for many years if handled and stored properly. Playing a DVD won’t wear it out unlike a VHS tape. DVDs are susceptible to scratches. It is a good idea to order or make your own backup copy.

Q: Will the DVD play on my computer?
A: Yes, it will work on your computer if you have a DVD drive and DVD player software installed on it. Be sure your DVD software will play Dolby AC-3 Audio.

Q: What is a Chapter Point?
A: It is like a Bookmark. We manually insert chapter points into the video when there is a change of scene. Each chapter point will have a button on the main menu so the viewer can jump to a particular scene. Chapter points allows you to skip forward or backwards even faster to scenes and chapters you want to view right away.

Q: My VHS tape has begun to degrade and there is some color distortion and flickery video. Will a DVD fix this?
A: It’s good that you have discovered it and are able to have your video transferred before its totally gone. However, keep in mind that the quality of your DVD is totally dependent on the quality of the source tape. We cannot greatly improve the quality of the video or guarantee that we can eliminate all the degradation. We can only make adjustments to the colour, contrast, or brightness.

Q: Do you serve U.S. and Overseas customers?
A: At this time, most of our business comes from Canada. If you want to order from U.S. or overseas please contact us to obtain a quote on shipping costs.

Q: What if my videotape is more than 2 hours long?
A: We will have to spread the video over two DVDs. If the video is longer than 2 hours the charge is $39 (for the first 2 hours) plus $10 for each additional hour.

Q: Can you convert a copy of a VHS movie to DVD for me?
A: We are unable to copy these types videos due to Copyright Infringement Laws.

Q: Can you make extra copies of my DVD to send to family members or other people?
A: Yes. You can order additional copies of your original and they will be shipped with your order. Each copy will be exact copies including the cover and labels.

Q: Why do VHS and other formats of tapes eventually lose quality?
A: This is because the magnetic particles that make up the picture and sound on a VHS tape begin to wear off from the plastic tape. Every time the tape is played, a little bit of the tape is rubbed off. Transferring your video to DVD eliminates the threat of losing any more of your video’s quality. Video tape was never designed to be permanent storage.

Q: How much video will fit onto my DVD?
A: This will depend on the source. Up to 1 1/4 hours of high quality digital video (MiniDV/Digital8) can fit on a DVD-R. We can also fit up to 2 hours of quality video from most analog sources (VHS/Betamax).

Q: Can you squeeze more than 2 hours of video onto a DVD?
A: It is possible to digitize more than 2 hours, however, it may reduce the quality of the DVD. In order to do this, we have to lower the bit rate and resolution of the video and audio. We may have to split the video up onto two disks to preserve the quality.

Q: Can we combine more than one source tape onto a DVD if it does not go longer than 2 hours total?
A: There is a $5.00 charge for each additional source tape. If you don't want the entire tape transferred you must label it with the exact length of the clip. For example, if one tape is 22 minutes and the second tape is 15 minutes and the third tape is 10 minutes. You must label each tape to the second. We will not be responsible for gaps or blank space between clips. Please rewind each tape before shipping.

Q: Can I convert videos onto DVD on my own using my computer or a DVD recorder?
A: Many hobbyists and digital video enthusiasts digitize their videos and create DVDs. You would need to invest considerable time to learn how to use the software and hardware. Here is a list of the main items that are required to digitize your videos:
- a fast computer with video capture capability and DVD burning drive
- a colour printer for creating labels and inserts
- media: blank DVD-R disks, labels, cases
- software for capturing, editing, rendering, and burning video
There are also DVD recording equipment that will convert and burn analogue video to DVD. These units are coming down in price but do not have as many options and functions as a computer.

Q: How long does it take to create my DVD?
A: Our turnaround time is usually 1-2 weeks depending on our work load.
The total turn around time will depend on the methods of shipping and the distance. Once payment is completed, it should arrive at your home in less than a week.

Q: Can you add music to my DVD?
A: Yes, We can dub background music of your choice onto the menu for an additional charge. Just provide us with a .wav or an .mp3 file via email or on a CDROM disc with your order.

Q: Do you edit Video Tape?
A: Our basic service is a straight transfer of your DVD. We may cut out blank sections of video that we find. We do our best but we don't guarantee will will cut all the blank sections. If you have any special requests for editing please ask.

Q: Do you transfer PAL video?
A: Yes we do. We can convert PAL VHS to NTSC DVD. There is no additional charge. The regular DVD video prices apply.

Q: Will my tape be kept confidential?
A: Absolutely. The contents of all your material is kept strictly confidential. At no time will any contents or material be disclosed to a third party. All video files are wiped clean from our equipment after several weeks.

Q: Could you provide references?
A: Our privacy policy does not permit us to disclose our customer’s names or any personal information.

Film Questions

Shipping Questions

Questions about the finished product

Ordering Questions

DVD Format and Quality

Additional Information