• What is the difference between a CD and a DVD?
• What is the turnaround time for my order?
• How much does it cost to transfer video to DVD (make a master DVD)?
• How much are CD, DVD and VHS copies?
• Can you transfer my old 8mm or 16mm reel-to-reel film to DVD or VHS?
• Can you transfer from or to foreign video formats?
• Can you make a computer video file from my DVD, tape, or other video?
• What other services do you provide?

TECHNICAL

Q. What is the difference between a CD and a DVD?

A. "CD" stands for "compact disc," and DVD stands for "digital video disc" or "digital versatile disc."

Both formats are rotating discs with optical digital information that is read by a laser. As an analogy, CDs and DVDs are like the spinning vinyl records of the past, and the laser is like the needle that "reads" the information on the discs along spiraling paths.

The primary difference between a CD and a DVD is the laser that reads them. CDs are read by a red laser, which has a long wavelength. DVDs are read by a blue laser, which has a shorter wavelength.

Because a blue laser has a shorter wavelength, it can read smaller tracks. This means more information can be put onto a DVD.

A CD usually has about 700 megabytes of information, while a single-sided DVD can hold 4.7 gigabytes of information... significantly more than a CD.

CDs are mostly used to hold audio information in the form of music. CDs are also still used today to store relatively small amounts of computer information.

DVDs are mostly used to hold video information, like movies and TV shows. DVDs are sometimes used to store computer information as well, but nowadays most people use rewritable flash drives to transport and store large amounts of computer data.

In short, CDs are used for music, and DVDs are used for video.

BUSINESS

Q. What is the turnaround time for my order?

A. Standard turnaround time for most orders is 3 business days. If you need your order sooner, we can work something out with you. If you need it the same day or next day, a rush fee may be tendered. Film orders involving 8mm or 16mm reel-to-reel usually require 1 to 2 weeks for return. We may also ask for more than the standard time for large orders.

Q. How much does it cost to transfer video to DVD (make a master DVD)?

A. We charge by the DVD. A DVD can hold about 2 hours of footage at standard quality. Transferring 1 or less hours of footage onto a DVD costs $20. 1 to 2 hours costs $30. If we combine more than one tape or video onto a single DVD, we charge $5 for each tape after the first.

For example, if we transfer one and a half hours onto one DVD from three VHS tapes, the cost would be $30 base for the DVD master plus $10 ($5 for each tape after the first) for a total of $40 dollars.

Q. How much are CD, DVD and VHS copies?

A. CD copies are $5, and DVD copies are $6. VHS copies depend on the quantities and length of the original(s), but in general a single VHS copy costs about $10 to $15. If quantities above 20 are involved, please contact us for a quote.

Q. Can you transfer my old 8mm or 16mm reel-to-reel film to DVD or VHS?

A. We use a true high quality broadcast camera to transfer 8mm, Super 8mm or 16mm reel-to-reel film to DVD or VHS. Our work is highly regarded and praised. Our costs are as follows:

• $25 base setup fee, which includes a VHS
• $20 DVD mastering charge if you want a DVD
• $0.09/ft. for 8mm, $0.13/ft. for 16mm

To help you figure out how much your order will be, the little 50 ft. reels (3" across) are $4.50 each (50 ft. x $0.09/ft. = $4.50), the 200 ft. 5" reels are $18 each, and the large 400 ft. 7" reels are $36 each. We only charge for film that has footage on it, and so if your reels are not full we only charge for what is there.

Q. Can you transfer from or to foreign video formats?

A. We can make DVDs and VHS tapes in the PAL or SECAM format, and we can also make domestic (NTSC) format DVDs and VHS tapes from foreign originals. PAL or SECAM DVD masters cost $10 more than a domestic DVD, and each PAL or SECAM VHS is $15.

Q. Can you make a computer video file from my DVD, tape, or other video?

A. We can make a computer video file from any video format into any file format and quality. Please call for a quote. We can make high-quality videos for editing purposes, or we can make shorter, smaller video for posting on the Internet.

Q. What other services do you provide?

A. We are a full production house that can provide services from the ground up for you video needs. We have video and audio equipment, videographers, editors, editing equipment, as well as copying and labeling equipment.