• Why should I convert my audiotapes to CDs as soon as possible?
• What kind of audio formats can you transfer to CD or MP3?
• What is the difference between CD and MP3?
• Will my new CD disc play in my home CD player?
• How much audio fits on a CD?
• How much does it cost to convert an audiotape or record album collection to CD?
• How are my new CDs labeled and packaged?
• Can I play my Captivaudio CDs on my PC?

Why should I convert my audiotapes to CDs as soon as possible?

Audiotape degrades in several ways with time and use:

• The glue used to bind the magnetic material to the tape ages and fails rapidly after 10 to 15 years. It disappears, and with it, your precious audio recordings.
• As audiotape ages, it wears faster as it gets older.
• The more you play an audiotape, the sooner it will fail.
• Copying to new audiotape loses clarity each time you transfer.

With CD, you can keep those recordings alive forever ... CD discs will last 100 years and more. They will not fade away like audiotape. They will make exact digital copies, perfect every time and can be played over and over without wearing out like audiotape.

What kind of audio formats can you transfer to CD or MP3?

Currently, we accept standard audio cassette tapes. We also accept vinyl record albums (33 and 45 RPM). While we do not currently provide full restoration services, we are able to enhance the overall listening quality of your analog recordings (such as removing hiss). Call us if you need to convert older recording formats.

What is the difference between CD and MP3?

Audio-CDs are uncompressed digital audio on standard CD media. They provide high fidelity sound on all CD players.

MP3 CDs employ MPEG-2 audio compression (the same as used on DVDs). They allow 10 to 20 times the capacity on a single disc while providing the same CD quality audio sound experience as the uncompressed Audio-CD. MP3 CDs will play in most of the newer CD and DVD players; the MP3 playback feature is clearly marked on these players, on the box, and in the handbook.

While both Audio- and MP3 CDs provide excellent sound quality, MP3 offers a visual capability through your DVD player to make track selections from the screen.

Will my new CD disc play in my home CD player?

We test our CDs in a variety of different players to ensure proper operation and quality performance. Some older CD players may have difficulties with custom CDs.

How much audio fits on a CD?

Audio-CDs are created at a set bit rate and all have the same capacity, about one hour of sound recording.

Depending on the compression bit rate, MP3 CDs can hold 10 to 20 times more Audio-CD-quality audio on a single disc (as much as 10 to 20 hours' worth of sound recording!). For most voice and music, 128 Kbps MP3 audio is indiscernible from its corresponding uncompressed audio.

How much does it cost to convert an audiotape or record album collection to CD?

Our high quality enhanced conversion service uses a premium process that is more than just a simple audio transfer. Our pricing varies, depending on your custom editing needs. Straight audio conversion is priced at a flat fee per hour of audio. Call us to discuss pricing of custom editing for audio conversion.

How are my new CDs labeled and packaged?

For each CD in your collection, a main title is labeled on the disc and a track index is included as a printed insert. Custom track names can be labeled on the disc and listed in the track index for an additional fee.

Each CD is packaged in a slim jewel case for easy access and convenient storage.

Can I play my Captivaudio CDs on my PC?

Yes, you can if your personal computer or laptop is equipped with a CD-ROM drive and compatible player software.