ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: Turnaround, rush orders, copies, payments, quotes, why Timeless DVD?

ORDERING QUESTIONS: Getting started, local orders, return shipping, shipping worries

PACKAGING QUESTIONS: Packaging info, cases, special requests, text-only, custom design, VHS, menus

COMPATIBILITY QUESTIONS: computer playability, DVD players, incompatibilities, damage, guarantee

GENERAL QUESTIONS: working at distance, Sample Disc, coupons, references, confidentiality

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS: why DVD, DVD/video terms, DVD disc longevity, Timeless DVD equipment

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

What is the turnaround time?
Turnaround time depends on the service, the complexity of your order, our current workload, and the time of the year. But here are general estimates for our three services:
DVD Video Transfer: 1–2 weeks for a single DVD transfer with one or a few videotapes. If your project is complex and requires multiple DVD discs, or you have a large number of videotapes to transfer, turnaround is closer to 2–3 weeks. Turnaround is 2–3 weeks for Video Transfer–Music Editing projects.
DVD Photo Slideshow: 3-4 weeks. We advise that you submit your slideshow materials about a month prior to your event or deadline. For very large slideshows (200+ photos), 4 weeks or more is needed.
DVD Disc Duplication: 1–2 weeks for most short-run orders (less than 100 discs).

If you have a specific deadline, please let us know in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your time constraints. Please note that turnaround time can be slower during busy times of the year, such May/June (wedding and graduation season) and November/December (holidays).

Do you do rush orders?
We do offer rush services with conditions and additional fees. We require this because our production schedule must be rearranged in order to accommodate a rush order. Please note that our capacity to accept rush orders always depends on our current workload of project commitments to existing customers and the time of year.

A video transfer or disc duplication order due within 1 week or less is a rush order. A video transfer that includes one or two videotapes being transferred to one finished disc can be completed within 1 week for a 20% rush fee in addition to the total cost. A disc duplication order of 100 disc copies or fewer can be completed within 1 week for a 20% rush fee in addition to the total cost. For more complex projects and Music Editing transfers, please contact us with your needs and we will advise you as to what timeframe is possible.

Rush service for slideshows depends on a few factors. A slide show montage needed within 2 weeks is considered a rush order. For these jobs, a 20% rush fee is added to your total slideshow cost. Please note that depending on our current workload, we cannot always accept slideshow orders with less than 2 weeks' production time, and a rush order timeframe begins the day that we RECEIVE your materials. We absolutely do not accept slideshow orders that only allow for one week before the deadline. Contact us FIRST if you need a slideshow to be rushed. We will be able to advise you whether we can complete your slideshow as a rush order. If we aren't able to accommodate your schedule, we will do our best to refer you to a company that can.

Can I get copies of my DVD?
Absolutely! Additional copies of your DVD may be added to the order form with your project, or requested after the order is finished. Each copy is an exact duplicate of your original DVD, including video quality and packaging. We keep your DVD's files in our archives indefinitely, so you and your loved ones can order additional copies even if it's been years since your project was completed. This is an extra measure of service that few other DVD companies offer; many other providers will require that you send your DVD back so they can make copies, or charge additional fees for post-project work.

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.

For confidentiality reasons, we ask that the original purchaser make requests for copies of the DVD. To order copies, please just contact us with your request. Copies of your DVD make great gifts for birthdays and holidays!

Can my relatives order copies of my DVD and have the copies sent directly to their homes?
Yes. However, for confidentiality, you must request the copies from us and handle payment. We can then mail the copies directly to your family and friends' homes, using trackable USPS mail service. Please note that your copies continue to count towards our discounts for certain levels of multiple copies. For example, when Aunt Ida tells you she wants a DVD and it's the 10th copy you've ordered of your project, your price per copy will then be only $8.50!

What payments are accepted by Timeless DVD?
We accept personal checks, certified checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Make checks payable to "Timeless DVD." For credit cards, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You may also use PayPal, but please note you must complete your PayPal transaction before we can begin work on your project. Mark your preferred form of payment on your order form.

I can't figure out what my project would cost. Can you give 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.

Larger DVD companies slam small studios. Why should I choose Timeless DVD?
First, for specifics on why to choose us, please see our "10 Great Reasons" page. Our FAQ for DVD transfer service, DVD slideshow service, and disc duplication also provide rationale for choosing us.

Getting back to criticism of small companies, we've heard it all. Large companies need to justify their practices, so they say that smaller DVD companies work out of a residence, use consumer-grade equipment and poor-quality DVD discs, skip quality control, and don't know how to correctly transfer or edit. Moreover, they say we require customers to do all the up-front work themselves, including perfectly labeling and organizing tapes. So let's examine these points:

– Yes, we do work out of a home-based studio, as do 98% of video businesses. This is not unusual and the video business would be sad indeed if this percentage also indicated poor service. By using a studio in a private home, we save on all the additional expenses of a commercial office, including rent, utilities, and insurance. And we pass on these savings to you!

– We do not use consumer-grade equipment. As specified on our DVD Video Transfer page, we use professional video decks and video processing equipment for all of our video transfers. All of our video equipment is special-ordered from video supply companies.

– We do not use low-quality DVD discs. We regularly spend time testing and researching DVD discs to provide the highest reliable and compatible media. Currently, Taiyo Yuden discs are the best quality, a fact that is accepted by the DVD industry. These are the only discs we use. We special-order these as well; they are not available in consumer stores.

– We absolutely do not skip quality control. In fact, unlike some DVD transfer companies that do automate home movie transfer, we watch every frame of video to ensure quality. We also scan every photo by hand and carefully perform photo optimization. We want your project to be done as perfectly as possible.

– We know what we're doing. We have been authoring DVDs for over six years, which is as long as the technology has been available to small businesses. And we have been working with video in various capacities for over 25 years. Moreover, Timeless DVD's owner has an M.A. in Digital Design, so we offer degreed certification as well. We are not amateurs.

– Sure, it's great if you can label and organize your tapes for us. It makes it easier. But it's absolutely not required. We frequently receive videotapes whose owners can't watch ahead of time. We approach every project on an individual basis and can handle all kinds of organization.

"Small" does not mean substandard or amateur quality, as these larger companies would like you to believe. However, "large" almost always means impersonal, and a lack of customization options and design.

ORDERING QUESTIONS

How do I get started and place an order?
It's easy! You can find step-by-step instructions for transfer, slideshows, and duplication on our How to Order pages. Order forms for all three services are also provided at the top of each page. Please see:
DVD Video Transfer – How to Order
DVD Photo Slideshows – How to Order
DVD Disc Duplication – How to Order
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions after reading our ordering instructions.

Can you help me fill out the order form?
Sure. First, though, take a look at our ordering instructions for our three services. We have provided detailed step-by-step instructions that can help if you have questions about the various items on the order form. If you still have questions, you may either e-mail or call us. Also, if you're confused by anything on the order form, we encourage you to simply write out your instructions on a separate paper in a way that makes sense to you. This is not a problem at all – we want the process to be as easy as possible for you. If we have questions about what you write, we'll ask!

I live in the suburban Philadelphia area. Can you pick up my order or can I drop it off?
Yes. You can ask for either service. We offer free pickup of your project in the general Philadelphia suburbs, and we can come to your home, office, or a public location to pick up your order. (A public location, such as Starbucks, is often useful if you are ordering a surprise slide show montage gift for your husband or wife!) You may also drop your project off at our studio. Since our studio is located in a private home, we ask that you schedule an appointment ahead of time if this is your preference.

I've sent in my order. What happens next?
If you wish, you can e-mail or call us after you've sent your order so we know to watch for it. In any case, we'll contact you when we receive your materials so you'll know they're safe. Then we'll get to work. If your order form raises a question, we'll be back in touch. Keep in mind that turnaround averages 1–2 weeks for a DVD transfer or duplication order, 2–3 weeks for a Music Editing project, and 3–4 weeks for a DVD slideshow. If you need your project faster than that, please contact us for rush arrangements before sending your order.

How much is shipping and handling?
We charge $10 for shipping. This covers UPS Ground shipping for most orders throughout the United States. For larger orders, such as transfer projects with many videotapes or larger duplication jobs, we may need to raise the shipping fee. We will contact you as soon as we receive your order if this is the case. We will also need to raise the fee if you desire the finished project to be shipped to you via overnight service. Please note that additional shipping charges must be paid for before the finished DVD can be sent. If you know you will require additional shipping charges before sending your order, please contact us so we can give you an estimate.

How are my finished DVD and project materials sent back to me?
We use UPS Ground service for return shipping. If you would like us to ship your order with overnight shipping or via a different carrier, please let us know and we will change the shipping cost on your order accordingly. For copies of DVDs sent directly to your relatives' or friends' addresses, we use trackable USPS mail.

Will my tapes and photos be returned?
Absolutely! Any materials you send to us, including videotapes, photos, and CDs, will be carefully handled throughout the production process and returned to you with your finished DVD. We do not keep or discard any of our clients' possessions, and everything is handled with the greatest care at all times.

Should I be nervous about ordering online?
We understand your concern, and we want you to feel comfortable choosing us for DVD transfer service or DVD slideshow service. Here are a few features we offer to alleviate this worry:
– Testimonials page. We are proud to show comments that real Timeless DVD customers have written about us after their projects have been completed. With permission, we also display photos of the actual DVDs we produced for them.
– Samples. We offer samples of our work online as well as a Sample Disc that you may order. We are completely open about the services we provide and the quality and style of our work. We believe in showing you work we've done for previous customers as much as you would like prior to placing your order. This is both for your own peace of mind as well as to give you ideas for your own project.
– Multiple ways to pay. We can take checks or credit cards, or you can handle payment yourself through your PayPal account. So if you are uncomfortable marking your credit card information on the order form, you may send a check. Or you can control the payment entirely by using PayPal. We offer all these options to put you at ease.
– Contact information. We offer a few ways to reach us: e-mail, phone, and physical address. We really are based in Lansdale, PA, in a home studio.
If you have any specific questions for us that would help in this area, please contact us.

PACKAGING QUESTIONS

How is my DVD packaged?
Excellent DVD packaging is a hallmark of Timeless DVD! Every DVD we create includes a full-color, professionally-designed DVD cover and full-color printed disc. In addition, every DVD project includes one of our "Themes," which combine a photo of your choice with one of our designs. Our Themes were developed by our in-house, trained graphic designer expressly for our customers and are unique to Timeless DVD. They ensure that your menu, cover, and disc all match professionally in full color and look amazing!

Secondly, we include a professional-grade DVD case with every order. While most customers prefer a black DVD case, we also offer white, clear, slimline, and a range of color cases. You may choose whichever case strikes your fancy!

Finally, we only use blank discs that the DVD industry considers to be top-quality. In 2007 we began using WaterShield discs for every customer project. These discs are water-resistant and scratch-resistant, and feature a stunning glossy finish. Traditional matte discs are also available by request. Whichever you choose, you are assured that your disc is the highest quality available!

Are the DVD discs labeled?
Yes. Your DVD will have the same full-color, on-disc printing as the DVD cover, and will match it.

Are DVD cases included?
Yes. We provide a professional-grade DVD case with every order. A range of colors is offered, including black, white, clear, and many color cases. We also offer slimline DVD cases in black, white, and clear. See the bottom of our main Themes page for all available options.

Are other types of cases available?
We stock quite a few different kinds of DVD cases, so we're not sure what else there would be! But if you are interested in something special, please let us know. We can custom-order many kinds of cases, including CD/jewel cases, multiple-DVD cases, and paper sleeves.

My wedding's colors are pink and green. Can my DVD match?
Sure! We provide a space on your DVD's order form where you can indicate colors you'd like us to combine with the DVD Theme. If no colors are specified, we will use compatible colors that work with your photo.

Can I add an additional feature to my Theme design, such as a logo, second photo, or special element?
Sure. One of the advantages of working with Timeless DVD is the lengths we will go to customize a DVD for you. Many of our Themes can be adjusted in various ways, and we can often add various types of special features to the design. Just contact us to discuss what you have in mind. There is no extra charge for adding something special to a DVD Theme – just ask! :-)

Can I use a screen capture instead of a photo for my DVD Theme?
Yes, although a photo will generally look better. A screen capture taken from a video is low-resolution, and will look blurry and jagged when printed on a DVD case cover and disc. But if you prefer a screen capture, just let us know what image in your video you wish to use.

What if I don't need a photo on the menu, cover, and disc design?
Many customers who order DVD video transfers do not wish to provide a photo, don't know what's on their tapes, or have ordered a project that will have multiple DVDs from many source tapes. For DVDs without photos, we offer a variety of all-purpose "text-only" Themes. If needed, we can adjust these Themes to fit your project.

Can I order a custom-designed DVD?
Of course! One of Timeless DVD's many strengths is graphic design. In fact, our owner was a freelance graphic designer before opening Timeless DVD. If you want a special design for your DVD's menu, cover, and disc to be made from scratch, just contact us to discuss your ideas. We work very hard to try and meet the requests of our clients. Additional charges do apply for original graphic design work.

I need a VHS copy of my slideshow. Will it have the same color packaging as the DVD?
Yes. We use black library cases for VHS copies. They feature a glossy cover insert with a similar design to your DVD (adjusted for the different dimensions of a VHS box) and color-printed labels on the tape face and spine.

Will my DVD have menus?
Yes. Every Timeless DVD comes with a Main Menu that shows a photo of your choice. The Main Menu is the first screen you see when you load the DVD, and it includes the Play button. If you desire to add a Scene Selections menu, the DVD will have that was well. A Scene Selections menu displays full-motion video thumbnails of the custom chapter points on the DVD that you have selected and lists the captions you write.

Can music be added to the Main Menu?
Yes. Many clients choose to add this option to their DVD. If you are ordering a DVD Photo Slideshow, we can use one of your slideshow songs for the Main Menu, free of charge. For a DVD video transfer or if you prefer a different song for a DVD slideshow menu, this option is just $5. Please provide us with the song on CD. Your music will play in Dolby Digital audio continuously on the Main Menu until the "Play" or "Scene Selections" button is pressed.

COMPATIBILITY QUESTIONS

Will the DVD play on my computer?
Yes. If your computer has a DVD drive, your DVD will be playable in it. A PC needs to have DVD player software installed such as PowerDVD or WinDVD. Macs are equipped with built-in DVD player software. However, keep in mind that our DVDs are primarily intended for viewing on a television or projected screen. Computer monitors are higher resolution and so your DVD may not look as good there as it does on your TV. In particular, excessive brightness and "jagged edges" are frequently apparent when watching a DVD on a computer screen.

Will the DVD play in my DVD player?
Yes. All you need to do is insert the DVD into your DVD player and hit "play" to watch it on your TV. The DVDs we produce are compliant with DVD specifications and will play in nearly every DVD player available. In addition, every DVD is verified electronically to ensure that all data was written to it correctly.

However, some older or less expensive DVD players may not be able to read our DVDs. Older machines have problems because DVD technology has changed over time. And manufacturers of inexpensive players frequently cut corners and costs by omitting features, including aspects of DVD specifications. So if your player has problems playing DVD-R discs, there is a good chance that you will eventually experience problems with many other discs as well, even commercial movies. We recommend that you purchase a newer player that is more compatible.

This is the nature of short-run DVD production, and you will encounter it with other DVD companies as well. A short-run DVD is constructed differently than a DVD you buy in a store. Commercial DVDs are produced in mass quantities in large replication facilities and have few compatibility issues. But most DVD transfers and slideshows do not need more than a few copies, and so they are "short run." Our Disc Duplication – FAQ page provides additional information about the difference between duplication and replication.

If your DVD player supports the DVD-R disc format and you purchased it in the last few years, it will definitely be compatible. You can also look in your player's manual, which should tell you if it supports DVD-R discs. If you have specific requirements for a different format, such as DVD+R, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.

However, we guarantee that our DVDs will play in your specific player, and that is why we ask you to indicate your DVD player's make and model on our order form. We research your DVD player before finishing your project to make sure your DVD will play correctly for you. This is an extra measure of service that few other DVD services provide, but we think it is essential to avoiding any potential problems. Please note that we've run into few incompatibility issues with customers' DVD players, due to our use of professional-grade, high-quality discs and our careful authoring process.

If you have any doubt about your DVD player's compatibility before placing your order, please contact us and we will research your player to determine whether it will be compatible. As an additional measure of safety, we can send a copy of our Sample Disc to you, which you can then try out on your player. If it works, then you shouldn't have trouble with any other disc we provide.

What should I do if my DVD doesn't play?
If you have trouble with your DVD when you receive it, please let us know immediately. If you provided your model number and we sent a disc that should have been compatible, we recommend that you first follow the instructions in the next answer for cleaning your DVD or DVD player. You might just have a bit of dust or dirt in your machine. If these steps do not work, we will replace the disc free of charge. And of course, if the DVD was cracked or broken during shipping, just let us know and we will replace it.

However, if you did not specify your player model on the order form, we will need to know the make and model before sending a replacement, so we can figure out why the disc is not working for you.

Due to the time and labor involved in creating our transfers and slideshows, Timeless DVD does not offer refunds based on player compatibility. This is why we ask that you provide the make and model of your DVD player on our order form so we can avoid any compatibility problems ahead of time. We research every player you list to discover any potential problems.

Please note that we do not issue refunds or redos for incompatibilities with all the DVD players that might ever play your disc. If you have a family member who borrowed your DVD but whose DVD player won't play the DVD, a solution would be to order another copy. Then you would provide us with the make and model of the person's DVD player so we could create a compatible disc for that player.

How do I clean my DVD disc or DVD player?
If your DVD is simply "stuttering" in the DVD player, you may have a slightly dirty disc or DVD player. Because short-run DVDs lack the plastic coating of mass-produced store-bought DVDs, they are highly sensitive to the tiny particles that are commonly found in most DVD players. Dust or dirt on the player's laser can cause pausing, stopping, skipping and soundtrack issues.

When this happens, we first advise you to clean your disc. Many problems can be solved by wiping your disc with glass cleaner and a soft paper towel. Spritz the disc, then wipe straight out from the center hole to the outer edge, all the way around the disc (not in a circular fashion, however). When the DVD is dry, try playing it again.

If that doesn't work, a second solution is to clean your DVD player with a DVD laser-lens cleaner. A DVD laser-lens cleaner is a DVD disc containing tiny brushes that "sweep" your DVD player's laser lens, and it can be purchased at most electronics stores. If you have never cleaned your DVD player's lens before, you should run the cleaner at least 2-3 times to ensure that all of the dust and dirt is removed.

If these steps haven't solved your problem, just let us know and we will replace your disc. We may ask that you send back your disc so we can examine the error and figure out how best to fix it.

Do you offer a guarantee or refunds?
We guarantee our work. We're not happy with your DVD until YOU are happy. If you're not pleased with the results, we'll do whatever has to be done to correct the problem.

However, we cannot offer refunds, due to the time and labor involved in creating our transfers and slideshows. But if you have any kind of problem with your order, we will bend over backwards to fix it. If your disc has an error or is incompatible with your DVD player, we will replace it, free of charge. If we have misspelled a name on the title of your DVD case, we will fix it, free of charge. If the DVD transfer has a glitch that isn't on the videotape, we will redo the transfer, free of charge. If we absolutely, positively cannot fix the problem in your order, then, as a last resort, we will discuss a refund with you.

What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel your order at any point in the process. However, we will charge for whatever work we have done up to that point.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

I'm not local. Does Timeless DVD work through the mail?
Yes, of course! While we have many local customers in the Philadelphia area, we have transferred videotapes and created slideshows for many customers all across the United States, most of whom find us through this very website. We pride ourselves on our fast e-mail communication, which makes faraway projects and questions easy, and we accept a range of payment options for your convenience.

To facilitate working at a distance, we emphasize safe packing of projects and shipping with a trackable carrier. Our shipping/ordering address is a private mailbox, which ensures that your shipments are always signed for and never sitting outside, subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Return shipping is always via UPS Ground or a similar service. We are proud to say that we have never lost any shipped materials, and so we are a great choice for working at a distance!

I live in Australia and would like to order a slideshow. Can I?
Sorry, we only work with customers located in the United States and Canada. This is mainly because of the technical restrictions of DVDs and worldwide television formats, but also because of complicated payment and shipping issues.

Can I see a sample of your work?
Absolutely! Extensive samples is one of our "10 Great Reasons" to work with us. We believe that the best way to show you our abilities is through work we've done for previous customers. You can watch excerpts of our slideshow work on our Samples page, or order a copy of our Sample Disc, which contains video transfers from a variety of videotape sources and additional, full-quality slide show montage samples.

I e-mailed to request a Sample Disc. Why didn't I get one in the mail?
We request that you mail $3 to us first in order to receive a Sample Disc. This $3 "borrowing fee" is fully refunded to you if you return the disc or place an order with us. See the Samples page for more information.

Why does the Sample Disc cost $3?
We ask for $3 as a "borrowing fee" to cover costs associated with producing the disc and mailing it. We instituted this policy after we were swamped with requests for the Sample Disc and could not continue to cover the costs for free. Still, our Sample Disc is an absolute bargain at $3. If you're seriously considering a DVD project, you owe it to your wallet to see what a transfer/slideshow company can do before placing an order. We think our Sample Disc is absolutely essential to the customer for this reason. Plus, your $3 is fully refunded if you place an order with us or return the Sample Disc. So there's no risk whatsoever!

I received a coupon for $10 off my next Timeless DVD order. How do I use it?
Occasionally, we send customers valuable coupons for our services. If you'd like to use your coupon, just include it with your order form and deduct $10 from your order in the "Credits" box when totaling your costs.

Can I give a gift certificate for a Timeless DVD service?
Sure! You can buy a gift certificate for either a certain amount or for a specific service. Our gift certificate is actually a blank DVD enclosed in a custom-designed DVD case, complete with a message of your choice on the front. This makes the gift certificate a truly memorable present! Timeless DVD gift certificates are a great way to help a newly married couple create a slideshow of their wedding photos, encourage relatives to put their videotapes on DVD for the whole family, or any other purpose you can think of.

Do you provide references?
Our privacy policy does not permit us to disclose our customers' personal information, so we cannot provide references. However, we do provide a Testimonials page, where we're proud to post comments from our customers and photos of their real DVDs. We also show samples of work on our Samples page and on our Sample Disc, which enables you to see the high quality of our video transfers and our video photo montage work before you place your order.

Will my DVD be kept confidential?
We respect your right to privacy. The contents of your DVD are never shown or disclosed without your permission. We ask customers for written consent if we would like to use photos of their DVDs on our Testimonials page or clips of their projects on our Sample Disc. We do not show your DVD to any prospective customers unless you have specifically granted permission for your video to be used on our Sample Disc.

Does Timeless DVD keep a copy of my DVD?
Yes. We keep a master copy so we can produce additional copies for you at any time in the future. Copies of your DVD make great gifts, and can easily be ordered at any time. If you do not want us to keep a copy of your DVD in our archives, please let us know.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

Why choose the DVD format?
DVDs have been popular since 1997, and despite the introduction of of high-def DVDs and DVRs, traditional DVDs still remain the standard for home video. There are three main reasons:
– DVDs have become the accepted format for consumer video playback. DVD players can be purchased anywhere and for increasingly cheaper and cheaper prices. So they are a great way to view both videos and photos on your TV. VHS machines are now difficult to buy, let alone repair, and projectors for viewing slides fell out of popularity years ago. Plus, many computers have DVD drives as well. They're everywhere!
– DVDs are extremely durable. Because they are read by a laser in your DVD player, they do not touch a moving mechanism as videotapes do. VHS and other tapes suffer wear and tear every time they are played. By contrast, a DVD will look the same on its first viewing as it does on the fiftieth.
– DVDs are convenient. It's easy to pop a home movie into your DVD player once it's been transferred to disc. Most people keep their home videotapes stored away because it's either a pain to hook up the video camera or the camera is broken. Video Transfer DVDs make it very easy to watch all those old memories over and over!

How does my DVD work?
Place your DVD disc in your DVD player and close the drawer. The Main Menu will appear and you will see the word "Play". Hit "play" or "enter" on your remote control to watch your video or slideshow. When you do, you will see a colored icon or bar next to the word "play" change color, which indicates that the playing process has begun.

If you chose to add a Scene Selections menu to your DVD, two options will be on the Main Menu: "Play" and "Scene Selections." To view your scenes, use the arrows on your remote control to select the "Scene Selections" button and hit "enter." Your Scene Selections menu will appear, and you may select the chapter you wish to view by navigating to it and selecting "enter."

While watching your video, you can hit the "backward" or "forward" buttons on your DVD remote to skip from one chapter stop to another. Hit "Menu" on your remote whenever you want to go back to the Main Menu.

What is a DVD-R?
A DVD-R is a DVD disc onto which information, such as video, can be written. It is similar to a CD-R you may use to make music compilations on your computer. DVD-R, and to a lesser degree DVD+R, are the standard in short-run DVD disc production. Timeless DVD uses DVD-R for our discs, but can substitute DVD+R if compatibility issues require it.

What is VBR video encoding?
VBR is the abbreviation for Variable Bit Rate. When video is transferred to DVD, that video must be compressed to fit on the DVD disc. When VBR is used for encoding the video, high-motion segments of video are encoded at a higher bit rate (less compression) and low-motion segments are encoded at a lower bit rate (higher compression). For instance, a video of a soccer game needs a higher bit rate, because heavy compression for fast motion is very noticeable. Conversely, a very still video, such as a panel discussion, could use a lower bit rate and the heavy compression would not be noticeable because there is no motion. Using VBR encoding allows the maximum of quality to be applied to each section of video on the finished DVD disc and thus provides the best quality throughout. Timeless DVD only uses VBR video encoding for our DVDs.

What is time-base correction (TBC)?
A time-base corrector is a device that processes the video that comes out of a VCR or camcorder. It sends the video signal into its digital memory, recalibrates it, and then outputs it to the DVD encoder in perfect time over a regenerated sync pulse. As each frame of video passes through the TBC device, the color, hue, and tint are also adjusted to boost colors in washed out video or dull the reds that often bleed in older footage.

What is Dolby Digital audio?
Dolby Digital audio is a format for encoding the audio on a DVD. It is the most widely used audio format for DVDs, especially on commercial DVDs. Dolby Digital delivers great sound and and yet compresses raw audio very well, efficiently using the space on the DVD disc. By compressing audio with Dolby Digital, a higher-quality encode can be provided for the video.

What is a chapter?
Chapter markers are invisible bookmarks that allow viewers to jump instantly to a specific point in the video. We provide chapters in two ways. For video transfers, we embed chapter stops every five minutes in the video so you can skip backwards and forwards quickly. Or, if you choose to add a Scene Selections menu to your transfer or slideshow DVD, you may choose where you wish to put chapter stops. Your custom chapter stops are then listed on your Scene Selections menu. If you've used Scene Selections on a Hollywood DVD, you definitely know how convenient chapter markers are.

Can you do high-definition (HD)?
No, at least not yet. High definition is the wave of the future. However, right now, the only way to view HDTV is through your compatible cable or satellite box, or from a HD camcorder hooked to a HD-compatible TV. Most of the customers we work with order home movie transfer from their camcorder videotapes, which are always analog. In addition, most slideshows we create are played on regular DVD players, either in customers' homes or in event facilities. So we have not found a great demand for HD material yet. But we're keeping our eye on it!

How long will a DVD last?
Conventional wisdom says that DVDs will last for about 100 years. And in that time, they will never lose any of their picture quality or audio clarity. However, this is only a scientific guess, since DVDs have not been around for 100 years! Realistically, short-run DVD-R and DVD+R discs can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years.

Longevity depends on many factors. Some dye formulations in different brands of discs are more stable and last longer. This is one reason why Timeless DVD only uses the highest-quality media for our DVDs, since cheaper recordable discs are more prone to errors over time. Storing DVDs correctly, in professional cases and in room temperatures, can help longevity as well. Also, always handle DVDs carefully from the edges to avoid smudges or scratches on the surface of the disc.

Will my DVD wear out?
No. DVDs that are properly stored and handled should last at least 20 years if not longer. Unlike videotapes, playing a DVD will not wear it out. A DVD player does not have moving parts that touch the disc, and DVDs don't have fragile tape that can decay and break. The video and audio quality on your DVD will never diminish, no matter how many times you play it. Your video will be preserved for generations to come!

However, if you ever need a replacement copy of your DVD because your first disc was scratched or broken, please let us know. We can pull the video from our archives and make a brand-new disc for you.

What kinds of discs does Timeless DVD use?
We only use top-quality Taiyo Yuden DVD-R media. In addition, we specifically use WaterShield discs, which are water-resistant and scratch-resistant, and feature a stunning glossy finish that cannot be smudged. Alternatively, we can use high-quality matte discs if preferred. For compatibility, we can use DVD+R discs if needed. We special order all of our discs from professional suppliers. We do not use consumer-grade media, such as you would buy at local office or electronics stores.

Can I provide my own discs?
No. We cannot print either basic text or full-color graphics on anything other than the discs we stock, nor guarantee correct authoring and longevity.

What equipment and software do you use?
Sorry, that's a trade secret! To be honest, we use a wide variety of video equipment, DVD burners, graphics software, slideshow software, and DVD authoring software. We simply cannot list every piece of equipment and software we use, and honestly, it varies from project to project depending on what will work the best for an individual DVD. We are also constantly upgrading our equipment and processes, and so we would have to update this answer all the time!

The truth is that this answer is not important. Anyone can purchase a DVD recorder or slideshow software. But not everyone has the expertise and experience to produce a DVD that has true professional quality. Timeless DVD has invested thousands of hours of time and education in learning how to do home movie transfer accurately, how to professionally edit a video photo montage slideshow, and how to create well-done graphic design. While the quality of video equipment and software does vary, the expertise of a DVD company is the most important factor in transfers and slideshows – not the exact tools.