• Why should I convert my videotapes to DVDs as soon as possible?
• What kind of video formats can you transfer to DVD?
• Can you improve the viewing quality of a video?
• How much video fits on a DVD?
• What else is included with my video on DVD?
• Will my new DVD disc play in my home DVD player?
• How much does it cost to convert a videotape collection to DVD?
• How can I be assured that my video is kept confidential?
• How are my new DVDs labeled and packaged?
• Can I play my Captivideo DVDs on my PC?

Why should I convert my videotapes to DVDs as soon as possible?

Videotape 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 video memories.
• As videotape ages, it wears faster as it gets older.
• The more you play a videotape, the sooner it will fail.
• Copying to new videotape loses clarity each time you transfer.

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

What kind of video formats can you transfer to DVD?

Currently, we accept videotape in VHS, VHS-C, SVHS, 8mm, Hi8, Digital8, and Mini-DV formats. Call us if you need to convert older or foreign formats. We convert to and from PAL, SECAM, and NTSC video standards.

Can you improve the viewing quality of a video?

While we are able to halt the aging process and enhance the video signal slightly, we are currently not able to restore your faded videos to their original clarity and vibrance. That is why it is critical to convert your videotapes as soon as possible.

You can choose the level of quality in the video transfer process: premium quality conversion at a high bit rate versus standard quality conversion at a lower bit rate. Once a video is encoded on DVD at a lower bit rate, it cannot be upgraded to a higher bit rate for better viewing quality. To improve the viewing quality, you must convert the original videotape at the higher bit rate using the Premium Captivideo Service.

How much video fits on a DVD?

The capacity of a DVD is calculated by the quality of video and sound that is saved to it. In our Premium Captivideo Service, about one hour of video is encoded on DVD at a high bit rate to ensure the best viewing quality for all types of video on all DVD players and on future high definition players and screens.

If you choose our standard quality service (up to two hours of video on each DVD), the video is encoded at a lower bit rate so the resulting digital video quality will be less than our high quality service. At this lower bit rate, digital artifacts (such as pixelization) may appear in scenes showing fast full-screen motion, fade-ins and fade-outs, and out-of-focus shots.

What else is included with my video on DVD?

For ease of use and the highest archival conversion quality, our premium service allows for up to one hour of video per DVD. We divide that hour of video play into 2 to 4 video segments, each less than 20 to 30 minutes long (40 to 60 minutes each if you choose the standard service for up to two hours of video per DVD).

The Captivideo DVD contains more than just your video recording:

• Captivideo DVD includes scanned images of the labels from your videotapes. Your label information is not lost in the process. It is presented on the DVD as a slideshow along with the video.
• Captivideo DVD includes multiple-level pictorial menus generated uniquely with "chapters" that mark every minute of video play. These 60-second snapshots make it easy for you to jump directly to the part of the video you want to see. (If you choose to squeeze two hours of video on each DVD, the chapter markers are set at two-minute intervals.)

To learn more about Captivideo features and how they appear on your DVD, take The Captivideo Tour.

How can I be assured that my video is kept confidential?

We take great pride in our service and the professionalism we maintain providing that service. You can be assured that your video will be processed with total confidentiality, your right to privacy being our first concern.

Can I play my Captivideo DVDs on my PC?

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