Q. What is the audio and video quality of the Video to DVD transfers?

There is a measurable improvement in the quality of the footage transferred by Better Pictures from video to DVD. This is achieved by using professional image enhancement technology (including Line Time Base Correction - LTBC) that stabilizes and enhances video footage before it is transferred to DVD.

Q. My videotape is 3 hours long. Will that fit on one DVD?

Yes. We use both single layer DVDs (that can fit up to 100 minutes of high quality video) and dual layer DVDs (that can fit up to 200 minutes of high quality video.)

Q. What format can my original videotape be?

We can transfer from: VHS, VHS-C, Super VHS, Betamax, Beta, MiniDV, 8MM Videotape, HI-8, Digital 8, NTSC, PAL, SECAM

Q. Do you accept old movie reel such as 8mm, Super 8 or 16mm film reels?

Yes. We transfer 8mm, Super 8mm, and 16mm film to DVD. We use the latest frame by frame scanning technology for scanning 8mm and Super 8 mm film providing a far superior image than the older projection method of film transfer.

Q. Can you make a DVD from a foreign video format (NTSC) video tape?

Yes. We can convert from NTSC to PAL and visa versa.

Q. I have video already on a DVD that I would like edited and joined to video on another DVD and then put on one DVD. Can you do this?

Yes. Better Pictures uses specialised software that ensures the transfer of footage already on DVD is Frame Accurate and Video Synchronization is accurate. Without this technology, footage transferred from a DVD can often be pixelated and of poor quality.

Q. If I already have a DVD disc, can you make copies of it?

Yes. We can make duplicates of any DVD as long as the content is not protected by copyright.

Q. Can I put more than one tape on one disc?

Yes. We can join as many video tapes together as you wish up to a total of 3 1/2 hours footage per DVD.

Q. Can I have my videotape transfered to another videotape (video dubbing)?

Yes. As with our Video to DVD transfer professional image enhancement technology is used to produce the cleanest possible VHS Dubs.

Q. How should I ship my master tape(s) to you for transfer?

Please see Shipping and Handling Suggestions if mailing tapes.

If mailing videotapes, videotapes should be placed in a small box or padded shipper along with our video to DVD Transfer Order Form. If dropping off your videotapes at our studio no packaging required.

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Q. How many reels can I fit on one DVD?

The following number of reels can be transferrred to one DVD: 28 x 3 inch reels Standard 8mm films/ 35 x 3 inch reels Super 8mm films/ 8 x 5 inch reels Super 8mm films/ 4 x 7 inch reels Super 8mm.

Q. What type of film do you transfer?

Standard 8mm film / Super 8mm film / 16mm film.

Q. How do you transfer film to DVD?

Film is transferred using the latest frame by frame scanning technology. The advantage of this system is that the detail and resolution of the film transfer is far superior to the older 'projection method' of film transfer commonly used by most transfer businesses in Australia ("Projection Method" is when film is projected onto a screen and captured by videocamera and then transferred to DVD.)

Frame by frame scanning technology used by Better Pictures provides a flicker free, superior picture quality.

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Q. How is colour correction done?

Each scanned slide is individually viewed and corrections done by a colour managment expert using state of the art software. We do not rely on automated software filters. Automated filters can give good results for some images but for many it can make the image colouring even worse.

Q. What size can I have scanned slides printed?

Resizing of slides is done at time of scanning to ensure the highest quality print. High quality prints of all sizes including greater than 20 x 24 inches (60 x 61cm) can be achieved from your slides using our professional scanning technology. The most commonly requested output size is 5 x 7 inches (12.7 x 17.8cm).

Q. How many images can I fit onto a cd?

Each image will vary in size depending on factors such as colour, brightness, contrast, scanned resolution, and format saved in. Therefore the number of images that can be saved onto cd can vary significantly depending on these factors.

Q. Do you archive my digital images?

Yes. We will store your images for 1 week after we have shipped items back to you. Many of our customers are so happy with their digitized image they decide to order more for family and friends. Simply ring us in that time and order more copies.

Q. Do you convert digital images to slides?

No.

Q. Do you clean slides?

We apply compressed air to the slides to remove dust prior to scanning. We do not clean slides due to the risk of potentially damaging the slide. If the slide is scratched or has marks on it this will be reproduced on the digital image. If you wish to have these scratches and marks removed or additional colour correction performed then this can be done through our photo restoration service at an additional cost.

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Q. What file format (eg. jpeg, tiff) is best for my images?

The best format depends on the intended use of the images you are having scanned.

JPEG vs TIFF: If you plan to print your images or view them on tv then it is best to have your images saved as a JPEG format. Most photo processing stores will print a photo from Jpeg format. A Jpeg image can lose detail if it is edited and re-saved numerous times. This does not occur with an image saved as a TIFF format. If you intend to heavily edit your images on computer then you may be best considering having your images also saved in TIFF format.

It is worth noting that TIFF files are a lot bigger than JPEG files and will therefore take up much more space on your cd. Therefore you may need more cds to store your images in TIFF format than if your images were in jpeg format. Images in TIFF format will also take longer to open/close and work with.

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Q. Can you add sharpness to blurred pictures?

Slight improvement in sharpness is possible but it is not possible to attain a good result if the image is out of focus.

Q. Can you enlarge a small photo?

Yes we can. It can be quite exciting to discover the detail that could not be seen in the photo at its original smaller size. At the same time though, excessive enlargement can reveal many more defects that could not be seen when the image was smaller.

Q. Can I scan the image and email it to you?

Yes, you can. However we strongly recommend that we see and scan the original image on our professional equipment to get the best results.

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Q. Can I provide my own music?

Yes. Music can be added from any cd. Just provide Better Pictures with the cd/s containing your selection of music.

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Q. What form of Payment do you accept?

We accept cheque, all major credit cards (mastercard, visa) and money orders.

Q. Is there a minimum order charge?

Yes. There is a $35.00 minimum order (excluding postage and handling).

Q. How long will it take to process my order?

Video/Film/Audio transfer, Photo Restoration/Enhancement, Slide/Photo Scanning: Order process time depends on the size of your order and how many other orders we are processing at the time. Orders are processed usually within 2 weeks with orders processed on a first come, first served basis. During periods of peak demand turn around times can be longer. If you have a requirement for a shorter time frame please contact us and discuss your needs. In many cases we can accommodate shorter time frames.

DVD/CD Duplication: Our fast inhouse DVD/CD duplication service can often provide a turnaround as short as 24 hours or less for when you have that urgent deadline to meet. (Process time may vary depending on size of job and number of other orders being processed at the time.)

Q. Can I drop off my order?

Yes. If you wish to drop off your order please contact us for an appointment time.

Q. Can I come into your office to discuss my image needs?

Yes. If you would like to come in, show us your images and discuss what you would like done simply call us and we will make an appointment time that suits you.

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