Q & A

1. I have an old box of 8mm film reels in my attic. Can these be put on DVD?

Sure. We can transfer 8mm, Super 8mm, Super 8mm with sound and 16mm film. The final quality will depend on the condition of the film. Also, we put a music track behind silent movies to make them more enjoyable to watch. Approximately 2 hours of your film can be placed on a single DVD.

If you have old film, understand that it will not last forever. Just like classic Hollywood movies, film deterioates over time and will eventually break down. No matter who you have transfer your film to DVD, have it done soon. Film shot in the 40's, 50's and 60's is quickly approaching it's lifespan. To preserve your family's memories, have it transferred today.

2. My job recently took me overseas where I was given videotape to bring back. I can't get it to play on my deck here at home. What's going on?

Your video was probably recorded in a different format, such as PAL or SECAM. In the U.S., we use a format called NTSC. If your tape was recorded overseas, you'll need to have it transferred to NTSC. There are many different formats used worldwide and we're equipped to handle most. Call us to discuss your format problems and let us provide you with a solution!

3. Do you repair video cameras and equipment?

Sorry, no we don't. We're strictly a production company. There are several good repair shops in the Greenwood area, but you'll find in many cases that it's simply cheaper to buy a new camera. It's not the fault of the repair shops! Manufacturers make it very difficult to purchase replacement parts and many devices are designed to make repairs almost impossible. Electronic repair work is very time consuming, therefore expensive. Talk with a reputable repair shop before you make a decision.

What would I buy? DV is the best, most popular camera format available right now. DV tape is relatively inexpensive and versatile. It's the format that we and most TV stations use for news, commercial productions, etc. You can get a good camera for several hundred dollars. Of course, you get what you pay for. The more bells and whistles you want, the higher the cost. Also, I'd advise sticking to a name brand from a reputable dealer. Closeouts and unbelieveable deals usually lead to a degree of dissatisfaction.

4. Can you put my pictures on DVD?

Yes. In fact, you'll find an information page on this topic here! Call us if you have additional questions!

5. Can I edit a DVD on my computer?

Well, that depends on your computer and software. DVDs are designed to be an "end" product, not an editable media. They are recorded on the disk in a highly compressed MPEG-2 format. Although they are editable by a few software programs, professionals generally stear clear. Because the video is compressed/uncompressed/recompressed in the process, the results are usually less than spectacular. We prefer to use the media closest to the original, such as an original DV tape. If a DVD is all you have, then, of course, necessity says to use it.

Many new computers will edit video. The box usually says it's simple, quick and easy. But, to produce a finished product that reflects a true professional look takes experience, time and the right tools. Let us be your multimedia professionals.

6. Why will my DVD only play on some players?

First, understand that there are several different kinds of DVDs. There is DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-ROM and a few others. Not all DVD players are compatible with all of these disc types. Even expensive machines are not immune to compatibilty problems. Unless requested otherwise, we use the DVD-R (pronounced DVD dash R) format. We have found it to be the most universally compatible DVD format for our productions.

If you're having trouble with a DVD, first try it on another machine or computer. If it works, you may need to buy a new DVD player. If it just won't play anywhere, call us! It is extremely important to us that each customer be satisfied. If a replacement DVD is in order, we'll ask that you return the original disc so we can determine the problem. In reality, it's seldom that a DVD is returned because of incompatibilty. Most, but not all, DVD players manufactured in recent years will play a variety of formats.

Let us know if you have a problem. We'll do whatever is necessary to satisfy our customers!

7. Can I have my DVD player repaired?...or...."If it's broke, don't fix it!"

Surprise! DVD players wear out. Sometimes it's a mechanical problem, but usually the laser that reads the data either weakens or goes out altogether!

Unless your player is relatively new and under warranty, get a new one. Even after costly repairs, you'll still have an old machine with old technology and compatibilty. If you feel it's time to get a new DVD player, buy from a reputable dealer, get a "name" brand and most important, take a disc that you know with you and try it out on the new machine. Avoid closeouts and be sure that you can return the player if necessary. A good player doesn't have to be expensive. My home player cost $39, but it does what I need it to do!

8. Do you rent or loan production equipment?

No, we don't. Because of the huge investment in owning and maintaining top quality, professional technology, we can't offer our equipment to the general public.