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It can be difficult to choose a photomontage company from the hundreds that are online. Timeless DVD has spent
the last few years researching over 100 slideshow services, and
we offer this page to help you focus on the true differences. |
"Does the style of their picture DVDs appeal to me?" |
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Every slideshow company has an editing style. Some
services, like Timeless DVD, base their style on
PBS documentaries, which primarily focus on the
photo and utilize classic editing techniques. Other slideshow
providers squeeze all the transitions, graphics, and
animated backgrounds they can into a show.
What style do you prefer? This is actually an easy question
to answer. Most slideshow companies have a page with
samples. Just watch them!
Do you like the
amount of time they devote to each photo? Does the music
flow with the motion and content of the photos? Do
pans and zooms keep the focal point of the photo in mind, or
are they random? Do they use elegant dissolves and fades for
transitions, or more obvious effects? Did they add any extra
graphics – and
do you think they're appropriate?
By watching companies' samples and
asking yourself what you do and don't like, you'll be on your way
to selecting the company with the right editing style for your
photo slide show with music. |
"How
do their slideshow components compare?" |
• Are photos corrected as part of
the price? The level of photo optimization in slide
shows can vary widely.
• Is photo scanning included? Many
services have a surcharge, or do not offer scanning.
• Do they offer real DVD packaging? Many skimp on
the quality of the disc, type of case, or on-disc DVD
production.
• Can videos be used? Smaller home services that do
not convert
tape to DVD may not have the right equipment.
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"How
fast do I need my photomontage?" |
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Some companies are able to create your video
montage in just days. When companies offer rapid
turnaround, it's because all they're doing is dropping
your photos into automatic templates. Other video production
companies, like Timeless DVD, require a few weeks' turnaround
time. This is usually an indication that a slideshow is going
to be carefully crafted to best suit the photos and music.
If you allot more time, you will get a better slideshow. |
"Is
a price package the most economical?" |
Many slideshow companies offer price "packages."
For example, a package might include 100 photos, 3 songs, 10
titles, and 2 video clips. If your slideshow
conforms to a package, that might be a good
option – but whose slideshow is that exact? Timeless
DVD offers an
à la carte system, which allows you to add photos,
songs, and other options to your show individually,
and is generally a fairer option. |
"Do
they use professional video software for photos to DVD?" |
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This question is key to knowing if a company
is a
"home hobby" operation or a real video studio. Professionals
use programs such as Apple's Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere
for their video editing services – including
picture DVDs – because they provide more
flexibility and creativity for the slide show creator. |
"Is
the work done on-site?" |
Maybe you've noticed some photo montage slideshow
companies offering extremely low prices. They do this by outsourcing
their labor to places like India or Costa Rica. When considering
a cheap photo slide DVD providers, remember that sending your
family's photos over the Pacific Ocean and through
multiple rounds of customs is a considerable risk! |
Select your photos
to DVD company
wisely! |
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