FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Q:  What is the best way to preserve my home movies?

We recommend you transfer to a DVD.  This technology is now readily available in most homes and with proper care a DVD will last indefinitely.   For those customers wanting to edit their movies, we can transfer to a separate DVD or your own portable hard drive as an AVI file at a small extra charge.

2.  Q:  Will the DVD play on my DVD player?

A:  We use brand name DVD-R which has been shown to be the most compatible general use media.  Our discs have been found to be compatible with over 95% of DVD players manufactured  in the past 3 years.  The transfer is done in MPEG-2 format, the same as is used to convert Hollywood movies to DVD.
We can also transfer to DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW at customers request.
We also print your title directly on to the disc rather than using stickers. 

4.  Q: Will my film/videotape be returned as is?

A: Yes.  All your film/videotape will be returned.  The transfer process does not damage this in any way.  An operator is with your movies/tape during every step of the process.

5.  Q:  How many movie reels can I fit on each DVD/videotape?

A:  A good guide to use is a standard two-hour DVD* which will hold approx.:

*Please note a 2 hour DVD is optimal for best quality transfer.  If you have more than 2 hours of footage this will require an additional DVD.

6.  Q:  How many minutes of videotape can be transferred to 1 DVD?

A:  Generally, up to 2 hours (120min) of videotape recorded in standard mode will reproduce on one DVD.* There is a chapter inserted every 6 minutes for easy access to viewing points.
*  Please note your camcorder or VCR may have recorded in long play or extended play in which case transfer may require more than one DVD.

7.  Q:  In what order will my film/videotape be transferred?

A:  The film/videotape will be transferred in the order that you have numbered it.  The best way of doing this is to simply mark each reel/tape 1, 2, 3, 4 and so on.  Reels/tapes that are not numbered will be transferred at random.  We cannot be responsible for sorting out film/tapes chronologically or by sequence of events.

8.  Q:  Can my film/tapes be repaired and what about editing?

A:   Minor repair of film such as splicing is included in our service but not major editing.  Although most customers find our removing of any long stretches of blank film during the transfer is sufficient, any custom editing is charged at $90/hour.

9.  Q:  Tell me about putting music on my DVD/tape?  Can I use my own choice of music?

A:  Music will add tremendously to the enjoyment of your home movies, if there is no existing sound.  Our easy listening music can be run for the entire length of the DVD/video transfer.  Film/videotape with existing sound will be transferred intact.
Yes - you can supply your own music on either CD or cassette. 

10.  Q:  What about copies of my transfer?

A:  Yes - most people ask for extra copies.  That way you can keep all the family happy by giving them their own copy.  Up to 5 additional copies are charged at $20 each.    If over 5 copies are required we will be pleased to give you a price on application.

11.  Q:  Can I have a title at the beginning of my DVD/video?

A:  Yes – it is a good idea to have your own personalised title at the beginning of your DVD/tape.  Additional titles can also be inserted throughout if requested.  

12.  Q:  How long does it take?

A:  That depends on how many jobs we currently have, the general rule is 2 weeks.  Many times it is quicker.

13.  Q:  How is the quality?   How does it compare to the original ?

This really depends on the original format and quality of the material being transferred.  There can be many variations depending on whether the transfer is film, analogue tape or digital tape.  Although we use professional transfer equipment the end result is very dependent on the original quality of the film or tape.  During the transfer process the film or tape cannot be enhanced. 

14.  Q:  Can I have home movies, photos and slides together?

A:   Yes.  8mm or 16 mm film, videotape, slides or photos can be mixed on your DVD/tape.  Because of the long set-up times they need to be grouped together i.e. movies followed by slides followed by photos and so on.  They cannot be alternated.

15.  Q:  I have old movie film reels I want transferred.  How do I know how much film I have?  How do I work out the size of the reels?

A:  Film reel sizes can be confusing.  Super 8 and Std 8 film is generally referred to either in inches diameter or number of feet per reel.  ie: one 3inch reel equates to 50ft of film.  When film was edited and spliced together it was generally onto either a 5inch reel (4x 3” reels or 200’) or a 7inch reel (8x 3” reels or 400’).  However, if in doubt leave the costing out altogether on the order.  We are happy to ring you with a quote before we do the work.