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Most companies that
offer
DVD conversion service say they are the
best. But we don't hesitate to offer an explanation as to WHY
our process is the best! Ask a transfer service what equipment
they use. If they won't tell you, be wary – they
are probably using cheap equipment and don't want you to know!
The best transfer begins with the best hardware
and process
– period. Not only is our equipment beyond the
ability of the hobbyist to purchase, even most services have
not invested in hardware or skills to our degree. |
Recording
to DVD, starting with the VCR |
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The playback deck is the most important factor in pulling
out a tape's quality, and so our studio is stocked with the
top decks manufactured. We have an assortment of machines,
since matching a tape with the best deck to play it is
key to the best transfer. (Our Convert
Tape to DVD page explains further.)
For VHS to DVD, we primarily use VCRs from JVC's HR-S9000 and
W-VHS lines, both widely considered the best VCRs available.
The "Digipure" processing in these units features a
video stabilizer, excellent noise reduction, and accurate color.
We also use Panasonic's studio-grade AG-1980, which is particularly
suited for tracking EP and LP tapes, and decks by Sony, Sharp,
and Mitsubishi.
We also frequently convert Video8/8mm, Hi8, and Digital8. These
tapes usually copy to DVD exceptionally well, and are processed
in Sony's prosumer EV-S7000, A-500, or GV-D800. For Mini DV,
Sony's DHR-1000 is top-notch. Finally, for Betamax transfers,
we use Sony's "Dream Machine,"
the SL-HF1000. |
DVD
Transfers chain |
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Next, we use additional video processors to gain
significant benefits when recording to
DVD. The most important
is a time-base corrector (TBC), which corrects timing errors
caused by the imperfect moving parts of a VCR. A TBC is able
to fix problems such as jitter, audio/video sync, and wavy
lines, and is essential for transferring older, worn-out tapes.
Next, video passes through a SignVideo or Elite processing amplifier,
which corrects a video's contrast, color, and hue. After you've
seen the vibrant images that result when a tape is adjusted
with a proc amp, you'll never want a transfer done without it!
Finally, we add a SignVideo or Vidicraft detailer, which provides
a high frequency boost to the video signal, making the
transfer sharper and better defined.
Few video to DVD services include these devices because
they involve effort, but the benefits they provide for a transfer
to DVD are
indisputable. |
DVD
Conversion Service |
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Like most services, Timeless DVD uses a recorder
for DVD transfers. The quality from a good
DVD recorder is indistinguishable from that of a capture card,
which can choke on many glitches that a recorder often fixes.
The key is to use a recorder with an excellent digitizing
chip. We primarily work with Toshiba hard drive recorders, which
are regarded as having the most accurate picture of any
DVD recorder. (We convert
video to AVI when we do
significant editing.)
After the analog tape is converted, the video is
tweaked in Womble's DVD Video Wizard.
Our authoring is done with Adobe DVD Encore, and the files
are burned onto Taiyo Yuden discs. The
discs are printed via the Primera Bravo, a dedicated, professional-caliber
disc printer. Our beautiful covers are created on prosumer Epson
printers, and then inserted into one of our many studio-grade
DVD cases.
How can we reveal all this information about how our VCR
to DVD conversion is accomplished? Simple: The equipment and
processes that our studio uses is far beyond the capabilities
of most people, and even most conversion services. |
Our DVD conversion
service is the best available! |
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