Preserve your video 4ever on DVD!

Frequently Asked Questions


	DVD & Transfer Questions:
		What is a chapter point?
	Think of a chapter point as a bookmark. Your DVD will contain chapter points at 5-minute intervals (or at scenes that you specify if you purchase a Custom Scene Menu and/or Custom Chapter points). These allow you to instantly access scenes from the menu, and skip forward or backwards from chapter to chapter using your remote.
		Will my DVD have menus for navigation?
	Yes, absolutely! Unless you specify that you do not want any menus, all of our DVD transfers include 2 FREE basic menus: 1) a standard Title Screen Menu (which is the first screen you see when you load the DVD, and includes your title, a Play button and Scene Index Menu button) and 2) a Scene Index Menu. The Scene Index Menu allows you to see images of the chapter points of your DVD, and jump directly to any scene you choose. It will display the chapter numbers, and if you purchase a Custom Scene Menu, you will also be able to specify your own captions for under each chapter image on the menu screen.
		How long will my DVD last?
	If handled properly (like a CD), a DVD can be expected to last for over 100 years (possibly much longer)! Also, because playing it won't wear it out, your DVD will have the same high quality in the future as it does today. Your memories will be preserved for generations to come!
		Why do VHS (or other format tapes) lose quality?
	In as little as a couple of years, the magnetic particles that make up the picture and sound on your videotapes begin wear off of the plastic tape. Some of the tape is rubbed off every time you play it. Stray magnetic fields in your environment also cause signal loss on the tape, even when it is not being played. In addition, if you copy your tape, the copy will be of lesser quality. So copies of a tape are even further degraded in quality from the original. None of these things can happen with a DVD! Transferring your video to a digital DVD eliminates the threat of losing any more of your video's quality. In addition, your DVD can be copied without any quality loss at all. By the way, since your original master tape has the least quality loss, it is recommended that you send that to us for transferring!
		How much video will fit onto my DVD?
	We can transfer up to 2 hours of high quality video from your tape. If your tape contains only 1 hour or less, we will be able to take advantage of even higher encoding bit rates to produce a super-high quality DVD.
		Can't you squeeze more than 2 hours on a DVD?
	While it is technically possible to transfer more than 2 hours onto a DVD, it greatly reduces the quality of the DVD. In order to do this, you need to lower the bit rate and quality of the video and audio. We do not do this because we use only a high-quality true DVD transfer process. Therefore, we will to transfer up to a maximum of 2 hours onto a DVD. If your video is longer than that, additional DVDs should be ordered.
		How long does it take to create my DVD?
	This depends on the complexity of your order. Highly customized orders sometimes take longer. We will send you a confirmation e-mail as soon as we receive your tape(s). Our turnaround time is usually less than a week, but you should allow 5-10 days for processing.
		What tape formats do you transfer?
	Formats we accept are: VHS, VHS-C, SVHS, SVHS-C, Hi8, Digital 8, Mini DV and 8mm camcorder tapes. We also only transfer NTSC at this time, not PAL.
		Our wedding videotape is a professionally edited tape with various segments and titles. What is the best way to transfer this to DVD??
	We would suggest adding a Custom Scene Menu to your DVD, so you can jump directly to certain important wedding scenes. This would also allow you to customize your scene index menu with your own captions such as "Ceremony", "Vows", "Rings", "Reception", "Cake Cutting", etc. instead of just having a numbered menu. Many of our customers also add a Custom Opening Title Screen (the first screen you see when you start up the DVD), and have a wedding photo placed on this screen along with their title. A FREE photo scan is included with this option. Most customers also like their wedding song playing in the background of the menus or title screen. And if you want all of the bells and whistles of a "Hollywood-style DVD", you can also add a motion menu in which the chapter points of your Custom Scene Menu are actual moving video clips, or even have your Custom Title Screen include a video clip. The possibilities are endless!
		Do you transfer corporate training videos to DVD?
	We certainly do. From corporate training videos and sales presentations to seminars. We have many very pleased corporate customers!
		Can you add music to my DVD?
	Yes. We can add any music of your choice. Just provide us with either a .wav, .mp3, or .ac3 audio file of your song or background music on a CD (or floppy disk if it will fit) with your order. You can also choose to use one of our easy-listening type soundtracks. Your music will play (in Dolby Digital audio) continuously on the Title Screen and/or Scene Index Menu screen until a button is pressed. We can also add music to your silent video if requested.
		My VHS tape has already begun to degrade, and there is some color distortion and flickery video. Will converting it to DVD fix these problems??
	Please keep in mind that the quality of your DVD is totally dependent on the quality of the source tape. Although we cannot greatly improve the quality of your video or guarantee that we can eliminate all the degradation artifacts, we do use time-base correction and digital noise reduction to remove extraneous picture noise and flickering that sometimes occur on older or poorly reproduced tapes. However, if it is already too late, and your video is in fairly bad condition, unfortunately, transferring to a DVD will not repair a degraded tape. The good news is that you discovered it, and are able to have your video transferred to DVD now before it is gone forever!!
		Will my DVD play in widescreen format?
	Your DVD will be recorded with the same aspect ratio as your original recording.
		Do you transfer PAL format tapes?
	Unfortunately we do not transfer PAL or SECAM video tapes. We only transfer NTSC video at this time.
		Do you transfer tapes that contain adult content, nudity or pornography?
	Absolutely not! This is against our company policy, and is clearly stated under the Terms and Conditions (found at the bottom of each page on our web site). Also, as clearly specified, when you send in an order, you are agreeing to these terms. If your tape is found to contain either partial or full nudity, adult content, or pornography (which is a violation of these Terms and Conditions), your tape(s) will be returned to you without being transferred, and your payment refunded -- less the shipping & handling. In addition, we will be unable to accept further orders from you. Any future orders will either be: a) refused at the postal facility or, b) if delivered, will be returned with a refund minus the shipping/handling fees.
		Do you rewind my tapes if they are not rewound, and is there a fee for this?
	We suggest that you send in your tapes rewound. But we understand that sometimes customers no longer have their camera or a way to rewind them. In this case we usually waive any rewind fees if there are only a small number of tapes. However, if we receive large orders of tapes that are not rewound, there is a $3 per tape rewind fee.
		Is it true that I can play my DVD in my computer?
	Yes, it's true. If your computer has a DVD-ROM drive, your video will be playable in it, provided you have DVD player software installed (such as PowerDVD or WinDVD). Additionally, you will be able to capture frames from your video to print as photos or save as screen backgrounds.
		Do you use cheap stand-alone consumer grade DVD recorders?
	Certainly not! Our state of the art, high-end digital transfer system ensures that your video is reproduced with at least the same quality as your original, so there is no degradation introduced during the transfer process. Additionally, we use a time-base corrector and digital noise reduction to eliminate any extraneous noise or flickers common on an older or poorly reproduced tape.
		I've seen ads from some services that transfer DVDs onto CD-ROM discs using a CD burner. Do you produce these low-priced video CDS on CD-ROM discs?
	Absolutely not! First, the ads you've seen for those services are misleading. It is possible to heavily compress video onto a CD that some DVD players can read, but these discs are NOT DVDs. They are called video CDs (VCDs), and are drastically inferior in quality, plus they do not provide menus, chapter points, or the ability to fast-forward through them like a DVD. Secondly, VCD video quality is worse than VHS in EP or SLP mode!
		Do you produce inferior video CDs as some of your competitors do, placing video on a regular cheap CD-ROM?
	No. Again, we use only true DVD specifications to produce high-quality genuine DVDs.
		Do you use inferior MPEG-1 encoding?
	We use only MPEG-2 video and high variable bitrates for true DVD quality encoding. In addition, the DVDs we produce are in Dolby Digital sound.
		Do you use lower bit rates, meaning you could end up with dropped frames or audio problems?
	No. Your video will be encoded at the highest bit rate possible to maximize the quality of your DVD.
		How do I know if my new DVD will play in my DVD player?
	The DVDs we produce will play in nearly every DVD player on the market. However, there may be one or two less expensive players on the market that may not comply fully with the DVD specifications. These same DVD players will eventually have problems playing other commercial DVDs as well. If your DVD player supports either the DVD+R or DVD-R disc formats, it will definitely be compatible. We are able to produce ANY format DVD, to virtually guarantee that your DVD will play on your player. But on the online order form, it is very important that you provide your DVD player brand and model number so that we can research your player's compatibility and select the format that is most compatible for you. This is an extra measure of service that is exclusive to 4everOnDVD.com, and that you won't get with other services! If you have any doubts about your player's compatibility before ordering, please contact us at info@4everOnDVD.com, and we will look up the player brand/model for you. For more information on compatibility, please see our compatibility page.
		What if my DVD will not play correctly in my DVD player? What is your return policy?
	Our DVDs are compatible with most all DVD players and are compliant with the DVD standards and specifications. However, if you recently bought an inexpensive DVD player, chances are it may not be fully compliant with all of the DVD standards, and you can return it to the store for one that is. One customer experienced this with a cheap player (Apex AD-1201), and when they returned it for a different brand (a Magnavox MDV 430) which cost only $10 more, the issue was resolved! If your player has problems playing the newer DVD format discs, there is a good chance that you will experience problems with many other discs (even commercial movies) as well. If returning your player is not an option, you may want to consider buying another player so you can have an extra one in a different room. Unfortunately, our return policy is the same as those for music CDs or computer software which are not returnable once opened, and we cannot issue refunds based on player compatibility. For this reason, we require that you provide your DVD player brand and model number on our order form, as we use a large database to look up your DVD player/model to determine which format will be most compatible. If you have any doubt about your DVD player, please contact us and we can research your player for you to determine whether it is compatible. In the event of compatibility issues, if your DVD player brand and model number is not provided to us on the order form - causing our inability to determine the compatibility for your player - you will need to send your DVD(s) (not the tapes) back to us along with payment for the cost of an additional copy of the DVD(s) plus return shipping. At that point we will be happy to re-burn your DVD(s) in a different format that is compatible with the brand and model# of DVD player that you provide to us. However, if your DVD player's brand and model number is specified on the order form and the disc(s) are incompatible, we will re-burn your DVDs at no additional cost to you, and you will not be required to pay for return shipping of the DVD(s). In any case, please keep in mind that your new DVD is compliant with DVD specifications, and it will play on many other players. In addition, it will last for over 100 years - much, much longer than your current DVD player will!
		What if the DVD I receive is defective or damaged?
	Each and every DVD we send out is inspected for any scratches or physical defects. We will not send out any visibly defective discs - not even with a tiny scratch. All DVDs are also briefly scanned for video recording defects. 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 after you return your DVD(s) and tape(s) to us for inspection and after we have determined that the issue is not due to DVD player incompatibility. If your order was damaged by the carrier during shipping, you should submit a claim to the carrier for any damage or losses.
		Do you edit my video at all or take out blank footage?
	Your video is transferred to DVD exactly as is. We do not edit your video or delete any dead footage unless you have ordered custom editing. If you are interested in having any edits done, please contact us for an editing quote.
		I experienced audio/video synchronization problems with another transfer service. Will the DVD you transfer have this problem?
	Not at all! If your audio and video are in sync on your original tape, it will be in sync on your DVD. Because we use only high-end equipment and processes, we can assure you that your audio and video will not be thrown out of sync.
	Ordering & Shipping Questions:
		How can I make sure my video reaches you safely?
	You can always send your package with delivery confirmation, or even a signature request although it is not necessary. We have a secure P.O. Box held by the U.S. Postal Service. This means that your priceless video(s) are not sitting outside all day in someone's home mailbox in extreme temperatures, which can be detrimental to your video. Therefore, you are assured that your video will reach us safely, and in the same quality as when you originally sent it.
		Will my tape be returned to me?
	Yes, you can rest assured that your tape(s) will be professionally handled and safely returned to you along with your finished DVD(s).
		What payment methods do you accept?
	At the present time, we accept checks, money orders, and for your convenience, online payment by credit card, debit card, or bank account via the PayPal secure online payment system. After completing your order form, just click the payment link, and it will bring you to the PayPal payment system. If you need to make an electronic payment without using the order form, just log on to PayPal (www.PayPal.com) and send your total payment to the recipient: order@4everOnDVD.com.
		Do you offer any volume discounts?
	Yes we do offer a volume discount of 10% for a quantity of 10 or more transfers per order. So, essentially the more transfers you order, the more money you save!
		How are credits or refunds handled?
	We handle credits or refunds by any of the following methods: Credits or refunds are typically sent electronically via the PayPal secure payment system. If you have a PayPal account, please let us know the PayPal address so we can send it to you. Or, We can send a money order to you when your DVD(s) are shipped back to you. However, there is a $5.00 money order processing fee for this which would be subtracted from the total. Or, We can send you a credit voucher to be used on any future order. Just let us know which method you would prefer.
		How do I redeem my coupon or gift certificate?
	It couldn't be easier! Our online order form will accomodate this, and then calculate your total for you.
		What if I need help filling out the order form?
	We would be happy to help you with any questions you have regarding placing your order. If you need any help at all filling out the order form, please contact us at info@4everOnDVD.com, or give us a call.
		Can I order copies of my DVD?
	Yes, you can order additional copies of your DVD(s) with your order for less than half the cost of the original DVD. If you need to order copies of other DVDs you already own (except for commercial or copyrighted material), just send your DVD in with your order form.
		Can I order copies of a commercial or copyrighted video?
	We will not knowingly violate any copyright laws. Therefore we do not accept any type of copyright material unless either 1) it is accompanied by a signed waiver giving permission from the copyright owner, or 2) it falls under the "fair use" exception to the copyright laws, which entitles you to make one backup copy of a video that you own and will keep the original material, do not plan to show publicly, will not distribute or sell, and (in the case of a videotaped television show), is not available for sale commercially to the public.
	Miscellaneous Questions:
		Could you provide references?
	Because our privacy policy does not permit us to disclose our customers' names or any personal information, we may not provide reference information to you. However, we can assure you that we have had many customers (including corporate and government clients) whose expectations we have not only met, but exceeded. Just read our Testimonials page to see what some of our happy customers are saying. We hope to have the chance to provide you the same high-quality service we have provided to them.
		Do you fix broken videotapes?
	Please do not send in broken video tapes, as we do not provide repair service. If we receive a broken videotape, we will either return it to you or offer to repair it at a charge of $20 (assuming it is a basic repair that we are able to perform). However, if a videotape becomes broken during transfer, we will perform a basic repair at no charge.
		Will my video be kept confidential?
	The contents of all your material is kept strictly confidential, and we respect your right to privacy. At no time will any contents or material be disclosed to a third party. Also, since our transfer process is semi-automatic, we do not view customers' videos (besides, it would impossible to watch all videos even if we wanted to!). Completed DVD projects are briefly scanned for quality, and your video may be reviewed in the case of technical problems only. In addition, all information and data is wiped from our equipment after you safely receive your discs. We do not hold any copies of your material, nor use it for any purpose whatsoever without your direct written consent.
		How do you keep your prices so reasonable compared to other video transfer services?
	First of all, unlike some others offering a similar service, we are not a large corporation. We do not buy large racks of highly expensive automated machines - that the customer is actually paying for. We use high-end state-of-the art digital transfer systems that produce the same (or better) quality DVD as the more expensive automated systems. Secondly, we do not employ a large staff, but a small expert staff to ensure your video receives individual attention. For these reasons, we are also able to provide better "quality control", and your video will not get "lost" in a large company where it passes through dozens of hands before it is finally finished. Finally, we do what we do, and we do it well - compared to other companies that only "dabble" in DVD transfer as a side-business, while their main business or area of focus may be something entirely different such as consulting, photography, or web site design.

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