What is the turnaround time?
Turnaround time depends on the complexity and size of your order and our current workload in the studio at the time your project arrives. We handle most projects on a "first comes, first served" basis. Therefore, turnaround will be slower during busy times of the year, such May/June (wedding and graduation season) and November/December (holidays), or during a week when a larger quantity of orders than normal inexplicably arrives.

General turnaround estimates for our services:

DVD Transfer / Convert Video to AVI/MOV:
2–3 weeks for one or a few tapes. 3–4 weeks for 3–5 tapes.
4+ weeks for transfer of 6 or more tapes, depending upon the complexity and size of your specific project. Every large project is different. Turnaround time is also extended if you are requesting our "Send a Box" estimate service.

Digital Camcorder Conversion:
Turnaround time depends on the file format used by the camcorder and how many files and finished DVDs are involved. Much variation exists between different manufacturers' camcorders and file formats. In general, the turnaround ranges from 1–2 weeks for a simple Mini DVD conversion to a few weeks or longer for a project to 100 video files on a Flash memory card.

DVD Slideshow:
4 weeks required minimum. For very large slideshows (200+ photos), more than 4 weeks is needed. We do not accept slideshow orders that allow for less than 4 weeks of production.

DVD Duplication:
1–2 weeks for most orders (less than 100 discs). 2+ weeks to copy DVD for larger orders or projects with special packaging or design requirements.

If your order requires a due date, you must contact us before sending your order. We only guarantee a desired timeframe if we have confirmed to you prior to submission that your project will fit into our schedule. We will do our best to accommodate your time requirements.

We understand that you want your order completed as quickly as possible, and we do our best to accommodate every customer in this way. Please allow plenty of time for us to complete the work so you receive the best results. Bear in mind that Timeless DVD is focused on providing high quality and customized work, and so that is our priority rather than fast turnaround.

Do you do rush orders?
A tape transfer to DVD, conversion to digital files, digital camcorder conversion, or DVD duplication that is needed within 1 week or less is considered a rush order. The rush fee is an additional 20% of the total project cost. Orders that include video tapes are usually limited to two tapes. Rush orders require credit card or PayPal payment (no checks).

Rush services are offered with conditions and additional fees, since a rush order requires our production schedule to be rearranged. Availability always depends upon your exact project parameters as well as our current workload of commitments to existing customers. You MUST check with us prior to submitting your order if you need a rush order. We reserve the right to offer rush services for individual projects only when we can be sure we can fulfill them. Rush services are not offered when we are overcommitted.

Please note that rush orders for DVD photo slideshows are NOT available.

How much does it cost?
All of our prices are available online; there are no hidden costs. Please visit the Prices page for the service you are interested in:
DVD Transfer – Prices
Convert Video to AVI/MOV – Prices
Digital Camcorder Conversion – Prices
DVD Photo Slideshow – Prices
DVD Duplication – Prices

Where will my order be processed?
We do all work in our fully-equipped studio in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. No order is EVER outsourced. We realize how precious your video tapes are to you!

Keep in mind that most of the transfer services you see advertised at drugstores or big box stores outsource your tapes or materials far away to be processed – such as the other side of the country or even to India! If this isn't being done, they are using bare-bones, in-house processors that can be operated by a minimum wage clerk. Timeless DVD offers the safest and highest-quality service by doing all the work on our premises. If you entrust us with your video tapes and photos, you'll always know exactly where to find them!

Shouldn't I find a company that's closer to where I live?
Timeless DVD works with customers from all over the United States. Unless you feel a need to personally drop off your materials, there is absolutely no advantage to using a company that is your town. We advise you to choose a video service based on your needs and the benefits a particular company can offer you, not map location. With e-mail and trackable shipping, we are able to easily serve clients across the country!

Can I drop off an order and wait for it to be finished?
No. We do not offer same-day service or turnaround. We also do not offer waiting facilities.

Do you do scanning of photos, negatives, or slides?
Timeless DVD is a VIDEO service, not a scanning or photo service. We handle scanning as part of slideshow videos ONLY. If you have photos, negatives, or slides that you wish to be scanned to JPEG or TIFF files for preservation purposes, we advise checking with a company that specializes in scanning or photo work. Local camera stores often offer these types of services as well.

Do you convert audio tapes to CDs or MP3 files?
No. Again, Timeless DVD is a VIDEO service. We advise looking for a company that specializes in transferring audio. There are many services that convert records or LPs to CDs, and they are generally able to handle audio tapes as well.

Video service ordering is confusing. Can you give me a quote?
Sure. Please e-mail us with as much information about your project as possible, and we will work up a price for you. For DVD transfer estimates, please visit our Tapes to DVD page.

What's included on my DVD?

What packaging comes with my DVD?
Every DVD we produce includes a color DVD cover, authentic Amaray DVD case, and color on-disc printed disc. We offer a range of designs that can be combined with a photo of your choice and DVD cases in a rainbow of colors. See our DVD Design section for more information.

Can I include a title for my DVD?
Yes. You may submit a personalized title with up to 2 lines of text for every DVD we produce. The title appears on the Main Menu, cover (front and spine), and printed disc.

How will my DVD work?
Place your DVD in your player and close the drawer. The Main Menu will appear. Simply hit Play. If you ordered the optional Scenes Selection menu, there will also be a button called "Scenes." On this menu, you can use the video buttons to navigate the content of your DVD. Then simply hit the "back" and "next" buttons while playing your video to quickly jump back and forth in your content.

Will my DVD have menus for navigation?
Yes. Every DVD we create has a main menu We use professional DVD authoring software, so your DVD will function just like one purchased from a store.

The main menu will have a "Play" button. if you've added the optional Scenes Selection menu to your project, the main menu will have a Scenes button as well. The main menu's design consists of one of our DVD Themes (a design template), combined with your photo for no extra charge. Music of your choice can also be added to the Main Menu.

The optional Scenes Selection menu shows images of the chapter points of your DVD, and allows you to jump directly to any scene you choose. It displays your customized chapter stops as moving video buttons with captions of your choice.

What are chapters? Will my DVD have chapters?
Chapters are invisible bookmarks in your video that enable you to jump quickly from one section of the video to another. Think of them as chapters in a book. Your DVD includes chapter stops at 5-minute intervals during your video. If you add the optional scenes selection menu, you can indicate up to 8 customized chapter stops of your choice. These allow you to instantly access scenes from the menu, and skip forward and backward from chapter to chapter using your remote.

Can you make my DVD play on a continuous loop?
Yes. Just make a note on your order form. There is no extra charge.

Convert VCR to DVD - Copies

Can I order copies of my DVD?
Absolutely! Additional DVD copies may be added to the order form with your project, or requested after the order is finished – at ANY time in the future. Each copy is an exact duplicate of your original DVD, including video quality and packaging. A DVD makes a wonderful and unique gifts for friends and family – as well as an invaluable backup copy to your original! To order copies, just contact us at info@timelessdvd.com.

The cost of additional copies starts at $12 per copy, and prices are reduced depending on the number of copies ordered. For very large orders, prices can be substantially discounted. We keep a tally of your copies and reduce per-copy prices as you reach our various levels of quantity discounts.

Unlike most other companies, we archive your DVD forever FOR FREE, so you and your loved ones can order additional copies – even if it's been years since your project was completed! Most other DVD companies wipe your entire project from their equipment after an order is delivered, or charge an annual "subscription fee." What nonsense just to keep a copy of a disc!

Can I make copies of my DVD myself?
Yes, if you have the proper software and a DVD burner. Our DVDs are not copyright-protected in any way and you own the copyright to your video and photos. If you need copies, however, the fastest, easiest, and most secure way is to order them from us, because we are able to provide all the printing, packaging, DVD cases, and high-quality discs that were part of your original order.

Can my relatives order copies of my DVD and have the copies sent directly to them?
Yes. However, for confidentiality, you must request the copies from us and handle payment. We will then mail the copies directly to your family and friends' homes, using trackable USPS mail.

Tape transfer to DVD - Questions about DVD

What type of DVD discs do you use?
For DVD projects, we record to DVD-R discs. We exclusively use Taiyo Yuden 100-year archival premium discs. Taiyo Yuden DVDs are widely regarded the most compatible, reliable, error-free, and long-lasting media in the world. We offer TY's traditional matte disc as well as their glossy WaterShield discs, which are water-resistant and scratch-resistant, and feature a stunning finish that is completely smudge-free. (DVD+R discs are also available by request.)

By the way – do not believe companies that advertise using "gold archival DVDs" because they're more "durable" or "long-lasting." This is 100% marketing hype. Gold discs are less reflective than silver media. Only one manufacturer produces gold discs, and the internal dye they use is, to be kind, not the best quality. These discs are on par with the lower-quality blank media types. The only manufacturer claiming that gold discs are better is – natch – the manufacturer itself. The company advertising their use of gold discs either fell victim to the hype or has a business relationship with the disc manufacturer. Don't fall for their claims!

How long do DVDs last?
The best estimate puts DVD longevity at 25–50 years. Manufacturers like to claim 100 years or longer, which is entirely possible, but the fact is that no one really knows for sure since the technology is so new.

In all cases, longevity can be reduced by poor quality discs. Not all blank DVD discs are created equal; some are known for using unstable dye formulations or subpar manufacturing. Timeless DVD only uses high-quality, archival Taiyo Yuden discs, so your DVDs are starting off on the right foot.

Following that, handling your DVDs carefully and correctly is the most important thing you can do to improve their lifespans. See our Disc Dos and Don'ts page for a list of tips.

Why is DVD a good medium for preserving video?
See our Why Copy Video to DVD? page for an extensive discussion on this issue.

Why do VHS and other video tapes lose quality and wear out?
See our Video Tape to DVD page for a description of this issue.

What does it mean to "digitize" a video tape?
When you digitize or transfer home video tapes, you are converting them from a physical, analog format to a digital file. This is true whether you are converting to a DVD or to a computer video file. Digital files are comprised of binary computer code of 1's and 0's, whereas analog sources are electromagnetic in nature. This is why DVDs can be perfectly copied and never wear out (computer files are unalterable). By comparison, video tapes are made of imperfect, decaying material, and can be affected by magnetic fields.

Will DVD become obsolete?
Yes. All technology becomes obsolete over time. But the widespread consumer acceptance of DVD guarantees that players will be available for a long time to come, making it the best current video preservation option. The best way to safeguard your video content is to create duplicate copies of your DVD as well as transfer the original tape to a secondary medium, such as video files on a hard drive or Mini DV videotape.