TAPE TO DVD CONVERSION: FAQs
You have lots of questions...Memory Keepers has ALL the answers! Why should I convert my video and
camcorder tapes to DVD? 1. Your precious memories
will be preserved for at least the next 100 years. Pass them on as an heirloom
in your family. Future generations will be thankful you did! How do I get my tapes
ready/organized? 1. Put your tapes in date order, if
possible. If you don't already have the dates written on each tape, then you
may want to try viewing your tapes. You may have used the date stamp function
or you may simply recognize the timeframe based on the events recorded.
2. Place a sticker on each tape or use a
marker to write a number on each tape to indicate the correct order.
3. If you do not know the date order and
you don't have the time to review your tapes or don't have a working camera to
review your tapes, DON'T SWEAT IT! We can simply transfer your tapes in random
order. 4. Unless you indicate otherwise, we will
assume you want the tapes to be transferred back-to-back so that each DVD is
full. Remember, there is an additional charge for having more than one source
tape per DVD. See pricing for details. 5. Now you've got your entire videotaped
history organized and ready to give to Memory Keepers! PLEASE feel free to call if you have more
questions about getting your tapes in order. We will be happy to help
you! Memory Keepers We recommend using a shipper such as FedEx
or UPS so that you can track your shipment via a tracking number. We
recommend using a sturdy box and proper cushioning materials such as bubble
wrap, styrofoam peanuts or simply scrunched up newspapers. Please include
how you would like your DVD's titled. We accept Visa, Discover and
MasterCard. Please include your credit card information including your
credit card number, expiration date and the billing address for the credit
card. Please include your phone number and an e-mail address so that we
can contact you.
Please read our information below, and visit our About and Pricing pages.
2. Your
memories will be more organized, so you will watch and enjoy them more
often.
3. It will be easier to watch them (no need to find cables, hook up
cameras, fast forward or rewind).
4. DVDs make great gifts to family
members.
How long do videotapes actually
last?
Just as people
do, all videotapes (even digital tapes) age and fade, gradually. They age and
fade regardless of how carefully they are stored or played. All videotapes
degrade over time, simply due to a chemical reaction of the tape's tiny magnetic
particles and the plastic backing they're adhered to. The magnetic particles
separate from the plastic backing, turning into a virtually invisible powder and
taking whatever video and audio that was on the tape, with it.
It's hard
to know how much aging a particular videotape has experienced. This process
occurs gradually and persistently. As the degradation occurs, it will appear as
loss of video quality (more snow on the picture), and a fading picture that
isn't as clear as the day the video was recorded. The easy part is knowing that
the aging process started the day the tape left the factory, and it occurs even
under the best storage conditions. The hard part is knowing just when this
degradation will become obvious, and how quickly it will
progress.
Why
should I trust Memory Keepers?
We
understand how precious and irreplaceable your videotapes are. After all, that
is why you want to convert them to DVD in the first place. We promise to treat
videotape as if it was our own. We have never lost or damaged a
videotape.
We use professional-grade equipment that will not damage your
videotapes.
At Memory Keepers, you'll know that you are trusting your
memories to experienced professionals who will not only take great care of your
tapes, but also provide you with a finished DVD that you will enjoy and cherish
for many generations to come.
How much does it cost to have my videotapes transferred
to DVD?
See our Pricing Information.
How long
will it take to get my DVDs?
The
typical processing time is 5 - 10 business days, depending on the size of your
order. We will do "rush" orders for an additional
charge.
For some videos, this is an easy question...for
example, if you have a wedding tape, we can just put it onto its own
DVD.
But if you want to have all
of your family's camcorder/video tapes put into a series of DVDs (like MOST of
our customers do!), then we make the following suggestions:
How do I place an order?
You can place your order at our location in downtown
Naperville, Illinois OR you can ship your order to us at:
216 S. Main Street - Suite 2A
Naperville, IL 60540
Simply contact us with any additional
questions.
What types of tapes can Memory
Keepers convert?
The videotape
formats that we accept include VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, Video 8, Hi8, MiniDV, Digital8
and MicroMV.
In addition, we are proud to offer you complete service
on your PAL format tapes! This includes converting PAL to NTSC or NTSC to PAL.
Please contact us for details.
Will you convert copyrighted videotapes?
No. We're sorry, but Memory Keepers services are
only available for non-copyrighted materials. If you have copyrighted
material that gives you the right to make a back-up copy, we will provide you
with that service.
What happens if my tape gets
damaged?
We go to great lengths
to ensure that your tape is returned to you in the same condition we received
it. Our equipment is well maintained to ensure that no damage occurs to it, but
in the highly unlikely event a tape should unravel/jam while being played, we
will replace the tape with an equivalent one. We know we cannot replace the
content, so you may want to consider insuring the tape.
How good
will my new DVD look?
Your new
DVD will be virtually identical to the source tape that you give to
us.
How many tapes can I put onto one DVD?
We can combine as many videotapes as you like,
as long as their total length is no longer than 120 minutes. If they are longer
than 120 minutes, then they will continue onto a second DVD. There is an extra
charge for multiple source tapes, so see our price list for details. Furthermore, we recommend
only transferring up to 60 minutes of content on to one DVD when the source tape
is a digital tape such as Digital 8 or miniDV.
Can I watch the DVD on my PC or Mac
computer as well as on my TV?
Absolutely. Use any of the standard DVD playback
programs for Windows or Mac and enjoy it on your computer or on your TV.
Not all stand-alone DVD players used to watch DVD's on your TV are compatible
with burned DVD's. Anyone who burns a DVD must burn that DVD in either the
+R or -R format. These formats are compatible with about 97% of all
stand-alone DVD players manufactured in the last three years. Some DVD
players may only be compatible with one format or the other. At Memory
Keepers, we burn all of our DVD's in the -R format. Should you want your
DVD's burned in the +R format, simply make that known to us at the time you
place your order.
Does playing my DVD wear it out?
Absolutely not. Unlike videotape, playing a DVD
does NOT wear it down (there is no physical contact with a DVD when it is
played). Every time you watch it, it will look just as good as the first
time.
I am concerned about my privacy. Who will be viewing my
videotapes?
We have absolute
respect for your privacy. Our studio is completely off limits to outsiders. In
addition, we have no need to watch your entire video. Once it is set it up for
conversion, our equipment handles it from there.
What
kind of customer service can I expect from Memory Keepers?
We pride ourselves on the great service we
provide our customers. Because many of our customers come to us as referrals,
our goal is make sure you're 110% satisfied with the final results! After you
see what we can do with your videos, you will want to tell your family and
friends to save their videos, too.
Do you offer Gift
Certificates?
YES! And what a
great gift idea! Contact
us for details.
What if I have other questions that are not
answered here?
We realize this
conversion service may be new to many people, so we encourage more questions.
Call us at 630-717-0278. We are always happy to
help.
