Once I've selected my photos, how do I figure out how much music I need?
Go by these general estimates: Each photo is onscreen for an average of 6 seconds. Therefore, about 10 photos fit in each minute of music. It is best if you make sure there are at least 6 seconds devoted to each photo in a given song, and then try to have about a minute of the song left over so we have room to be creative when we convert a photo to slide show context. It's better to have the song be longer than the photos and content it accompanies than too short.

For example, let's say you have 20 photos in the "college friends" section of your reception video. 20 photos x 6 seconds = 120 seconds of music (or 2 minutes). That means that the song you assign to this section needs to be AT LEAST 2 minutes long. (And to be safe, it's better if the song is about 3 minutes long.)

However, let's say you change your mind and want to use two songs for these 20 photos instead of just one (one song for the bride's college friends, and one song for the groom's). That's fine too. We ask that you assign a minimum of 10 photos to each song you'd like to use. This way, we have at least a full minute of each song to work with, which will create a smoother slideshow. So in this situation, you'd need a 1–2 minute song for the first 10 photos and a 1–2 minute song for the second group of 10 photos.

How many songs can I use for my photo slideshow with music?
Generally, the number of photos you have in the slideshow indicate how many songs should be used (remember, 10 photos fit with each minute of music). It also depends on how many separate "sections" are in your slideshow, because most people choose a specific song for each section. For example, for your parents' anniversary slideshow:
1. Mom and Dad's dating years, Photos 1–30: "Moonglow"
2. Their wedding, Photos 31–45: "I Only Have Eyes for You"
3. Their daughters, Photos 46–65: "Isn't She Lovely"

How long should each song be?
As long as you allot 6 seconds per photo (or 1 minute for every 10 photos), a song can be any length. We can shorten music or fade in and out to meet the specific photos within the section.

Should I organize my photos on DVD so they fit the exact length of a song?
No, we do not recommend this, as it will impede our ability to custom-edit your show. But if you have photos that you would like to be keyed to specific lyrics or sections of music, let us know.

Can I choose my own music? What music is recommended?
Absolutely, yes, you should choose your own music! We want your slideshow to be as personal as possible, so we encourage you to select songs that are meaningful to the subject of your show or your family. Our Slideshow Music section offers extensive tips and recommendations.

Selecting music for your slide show is one of the most important decisions about the project! The music sets the mood and pace of your slideshow, holds the audience's attention, and produces laughter and tears. Pop, rock, swing, or anything with a faster beat conveys excitement, and good times, and works great with fun photos. Ballads or slower songs provide a more emotional connection, and are effective for photos of strong relationships of all kinds. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are selecting music that is appropriate for the slideshow – not your own favorite songs. Look for songs that are meaningful and fit the mood of the photos.

Can I use copyrighted music in my slideshow? Is it legal?
Yes, but you must provide all of your music. When you purchase a song, either on CD or as a legal download, you acquire the rights to make one backup copy of that song for your own personal use. So for example, you could copy the CD to an audiotape or burn a backup CD-R.

Our assumption when we create a DVD slideshow is that the slideshow constitutes your legal backup copy of that song. The song can be used in your slideshow as long as:
• The slideshow is only for viewing privately by your family and friends
• Admission will not be charged to see the slideshow
• Few original copies are made, and only given free to family and friends
• The slideshow and DVD will not be mass-produced
• The slideshow will not be sold or recopied
• The slideshow has no impact on the market for the copyrighted work

You will sign a statement on the order form affirming that you own the music included in the slideshow and that the DVD is for personal use only and will not be resold.

If you still have qualms about using copyrighted music, please see the next question.

I'm wary about using copyrighted music. Where can I get royalty-free music?
When you purchase a royalty free song, you receive a “lifetime synchronization license” for that song. This license provides you with the right to pair the music with your video productions for an unlimited number of times without additional expense. Timeless DVD does not provide royalty-free music because we've found that most customers want to use songs in their slideshow they know. However, if you are interested in royalty-free music, see our Music for Slideshow page.

How do I provide my music for my slideshow?
You may send us the original CDs, or a burned compilation CD with the correct songs from your purchased CDs. You may also send MP3s on CDs (please ensure the MP3's bit rate is at least 128 kbps or higher). We advise downloading music from Amazon if possible to avoid DRM copyright restrictions. All CDs you provide are returned with your finished project.

I can't find one of the songs I want to use. Can you get it for me?
Yes. We can purchase the song through a legal service like Amazon. The price for the song is still $10, as you are paying for our audio editing services, and not for the song itself. Please note that to avoid any potential copyright issues, we can only provide this service for 1 or 2 songs, not every song in your slideshow. If the song you want is not available as a legal download and we have to purchase a CD that contains it, we will charge you for the cost of the CD, and it will be given to you with your finished project. We strongly encourage you to provide your own music, however, since that way you can guarantee that each song is exactly the version you want.

Can I add voiceovers or voice messages?
Yes. Just record your messages and provide them as MP3 files or on CDs, just as you would provide music. Then write special instructions on your order form that indicate where and how the voice message should occur in the slideshow.

Photo Slideshow with Music - video clips

Can video clips be used in picture slideshows?
Yes. Timeless DVD is primarily a video services provider, so we have all the equipment needed to transfer video clips to your slideshow!

Video can add dynamic life to a DVD slideshow! You may include as many video clips to your slideshow as you like. For best results, we recommend that each clip be less than 1 minute long. We can either use the clip's original audio, mix the original audio with your music, or just use the music. (Let us know if you have a preference; otherwise, we will use our judgment.)

What tape and video formats are accepted?
The same as our video transfer formats: VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, Betamax, Mini DV, and DVCAM, as well as DVD, Mini DVD, and digital camcorder video. We can also accept video computer files such as MPEGs or AVIs.

We do not transfer professional videotape formats (such as DVCPro, Betacam, or U-matic) and we do not transfer film (8mm, Super8, and 16mm). See our Tape to DVD page for information about individual tape types.

Photos on DVD - titles and captions

Can I use titles and captions?
Yes. Both are great for helping the audience to understand your photos and follow along with your photo story to DVD. Both can be indicated on your order form, and can be inserted anywhere you wish in the slideshow.

A title is a separate screen that has a short message on it, and it used to introduce a grouping of photos. Titles are often used at the beginning and end of slideshows, or in between sections of photos to introduce new content. They can also be used to display poetry, lyrics, religious verses, quotes, and family in-jokes.

By comparison, a caption is a short line of text that appears on the bottom of one photo. It is used to identify people or places in a photo, or to describe and explain the photo's content. A caption should be kept short and to the point, so viewers can absorb it as well as the photo itself.

Can you do credits at the end of the slideshow?
Yes. Credits are useful for acknowledging the people in your slideshow, or to thank people who provided photos and helped you put the slideshow together. We offer two different ways to show credits. You may set up your credits as separate title screens, in which case you would add as many title screens as you need for your text on your order form. If you are interested in rolling "movie-style" credits, we can do that too; just ask us for a customized quote before ordering.