FAQ - Frequently Asked
Questions
General
+ Can I copy the DVDs that Videoscape supplies?
When companies such as Videoscape Productions transfers your valuable memories to DVD, the resulting DVD is never copy-protected. You can make as many copies as you like, or if you prefer, we can do the copying for you.
You retain full copyright.
However, in terms of the menus used or any additional content such as titles and so forth, the copyright for these would remain with whoever did the transfer.
Some businesses use this technicality to limit your ability to copy your own DVDs.
We do not think this is fair and do not implement any copy protection on our DVDs. We believe that the transfer we do for you, from your images, belongs to you to copy as you like. While we do not grant unconditional rights to any additional content, we do permit you to make copies.
Our business is safeguarding and restoring your memories. Not restricting them.
+ Why shouldn't I just buy a cheap USB video-to-dvd device and do it myself?
People often ask about the plethora of cheap usb devices for transferring video to DVD. They are available everywhere and can cost as little as $40 - if you shop around. Are they worth investing in? Should you buy one of those and do all your transfers yourself? Why wouldn’t you?
There are a number of very important factors to consider if you are thinking of getting your old video onto DVD. If you don’t think carefully and make the right decision, the chances are that you will regret it.
1. You get what you pay for.
Firstly, you must bear in mind that the cheaper the device, the more corners it will cut to deliver the video capture and subsequent encoding. There actually is a difference between a $700 dedicated firewire video capture device (such as we use) and a $100 usb video-to-DVD device. Here are just a few:| Our Video Copy Process | Cheap USB devices |
| Higher quality video capture | Low-quality video capture |
| Image stabilization using Line Time Base Correction (LTBC) | What’s LTBC? |
| Digital noise reduction | A pretty box |
| Instant cleaning and stabilizing of old VHS and Hi8 video signals in clean DV format | A pretty box |
| Superfast iMac Firewire error-free operation | USB2 port management issues and Windows inherent stops and starts |
2. GIGO (garbage in, garbage out)
We use commercial quality AG series video players as the source for video copies. These units are about 7 times larger than your domestic VHS and probably about 11 times heavier. They were designed for the pinnacle in playback quality. You must understand that copying video is not like copying a CD or DVD. Video (VHS, BETA, Video8) all play back using analogue signals. These were designed to degrade on play - as a means of minimizing copyright breaches. So to get a good copy, you need the absolute best quality player. Most domestic players are designed to produce watchable results, and that’s all.
3. Spaghetti Junction
Buying the USB device is easy. But then you have to get the computer and the video together, convince the PC to recognise your new Pedro-built video-2-usb device, iron out the software incompatibilities, work out what cable goes where.....
It’s not going to look like the picture on the box. The smilin’ girl, the amazing HD 3D effect - the reality will be messy to connect, complicated to make work and very average in terms of results.
4. The Scars of Time
Videotape does not age well. There is no such thing as ’antique’ videotape. With the passing of time there is damage from moisture, dust, magnetic fields; tape edges can easily be creased or bent; the very coating on the tapes oxidizes leaving you with unwatchable garbage. No, time is not kind to videotape.
If we transfer your tape, our equipment can help to reduce the impact of these problems. We can also clean your tape which can help considerably with oxidization. When you do it yourself, you run the risk not only of a very poor copy but of damaging each subsequent tape due to clogged video heads, damaged rollers and so forth.
5. We are your Round Tuit.
It’s the old story - you’ll do it when you get around to it! We are your round tuit. Even with the best intentions, most people will never actually copy their precious videos onto DVD. It takes time and it takes dedication. Usually, life is far too busy to spare the time to transfer your video memories onto DVD. Even when your nephew Shane offers to do it, you end up waiting months, years - or forever - because he’s got distracted with the iPhone or the iPad or the iHelicopter.
If you have videotape that contains something that you want copied to DVD, then it is worth getting it done right, with a minimum of fuss. If it’s worth keeping then it’s worth getting someone to do it right.
+ Can you copy my mother's singing from cassette to CD?
Certainly. We can also enhance the recording - reducing hiss and other artifacts of the recording process.
+ Can you put my picture on DVD labels?
We can certainly do that - with a minimal charge (if any).
+ Copyright - What are the responsibilities?
Copyright is a complex area of law and varies from country to country, however since Videoscape Productions operates mostly within Australia for Australian clients we are mostly bound by Australian law.
To over simplify things (and this is general guidance and not legal advice!) :
If you recorded it from free-to-air TV or cable TV then no-one is allowed to copy that recording.
If you bought a pre-recorded video tape then under certain circumstances, you can copy it to a different medium (e.g. DVD) however only you may legally do that - no one else. We are not even allowed to rent you the equipment to do so.
If you have a recording made for you (e.g. video of a wedding) then unless your contract specifies otherwise, YOU own the copyright.
If you wish to have production music (e.g. from your favourite CD) put onto a slide show then this is normally possible but does require the extra expense of an AMCOS/ARIA license and the resulting video may only be displayed at non-public events (e.g. to the family)
Of course, there is a lot more to copyright and licensing than this but it will give you an idea.
When you sign an agreement with Videoscape Productions to transfer images or video or to create some piece of media, part of that agreement consists of your assurance that you do possess all of the appropriate rights.
Where desired, we can organise the appropriate licenses to allow your choice of music but we also have an extremely large range of licence free resources that create mood and evoke emotion without evoking a higher price tag. We will always work with you to deliver that special experience that you deserve.
Videotape
+ Surely my videos will last forever?
There is no such thing as an antique video tape! Once they get to twenty years old, many will have become unwatchable.
There are many reasons for this.
As time passes, the tape oxidizes, stretches and the recorded signal is degraded by magnetic fields. The tape can also be subject to damage from moisture, from creasing through incorrect storage or from physical damage due to shock. It may simply just break.
Your precious memories can soon turn into grain, wobble, flicker, drop-outs and regret. Often there is no way back. Unlike photographs, video is very difficult to restore once it is damaged. While breaks can often be repaired, most other damage is final and unfixable.
But luckily you found us. We have successfully transfered video that no-one else could. Our equipment, our comittment, is 100%.
+ Can you copy my video of Gone With the Wind that I bought onto DVD?
Unfortunately, Australian copyright law prohibits us from copying pre-recorded video onto DVD. You, as the owner are permitted to do so but we are not even allowed to loan you the equipment. While we do not necessarily agree with this limitation, we must abide by it.
+ Can you copy my video of Gone With the Wind that I recorded off TV onto DVD?
Unfortunately, Australian copyright law prohibits anyone from copying video recorded from free-to-air television onto DVD.
We may be able to source a retail copy on DVD for you if desired. Please feel free to ask.
+ Some of my videos are dark (or bright) - can you fix that?
Generally we are able to improve the brightness, contrast and even (under some conditions) the colour. We do this as a matter of course while transfering the video - although we cannot guarentee to do so as it is not always possible to monitor every minute of video playback.
+ Can you fix broken videotapes?
We have fixed numerous videotapes and will continue to do so, often at no charge (other than the transfer cost of course). Sometimes this involves rejoining damaged tape, other times it may involve replacing the video cassette enclosure.
We try to re-use old (functional) parts so usually we do not need to charge. If special parts are required to be purchased to effect a repair, then we would need to factor that cost in to the ultimate price.
Please note: we are not able to repair video recorders/players.
+ How much video can you get on a DVD?
Generally we can put up to 2 hours of video onto a DVD. Copying more than two hours onto a DVD will usually result in a poorer quality transfer. Copying less than two hours will typically not improve the quality.
+ Can you put my picture on the DVD label?
We can certainly do that - with a minimal charge (if any).
Digital Transfers
+ My camera wont work with my MAC - can you help?
Yes, we can. We have Macs (and know their value) but also have access to other computers running Windows XP and Windows 7. We can almost alway transfer your memories from your camera onto DVD.
+ I have a High Definition camera - is that a problem?
At the moment we do not produce BLU-RAY disks which effectively means that the DVD you receive will be standard definition.
We can still backup your high-definition video files however so that they can be burnt to BLU-RAY disk at a later time if you so desire.
+ I can't get the video from my hard-disk camera onto DVD - can you help?
Most certainly we can. We can produce a playable DVD for you or alternatively, we can simply backup your video onto DVDs in their native format so that you can get them back in the future - should anything happen to your camera.
+ Do I need to backup the images/video on my camera?
Look at it like this : if you put all your eggs in one basket then you are asking for trouble. What happens if the camera is lost or damaged? Where will your valuable images and video be then?
What if you just fill it up?
We can backup your precious memories in their native format to DVDs so that you can always get them back should something happen to your camera. And we can provide you with DVDs to play in your DVD player too!
Photos and Slides
+ Are my photographs and slides really at risk?
Photographs can actually last for many years - though few actually do. Mostly they either gradually decay or are damaged through poor storage.
Some of the biggest destroyers of photographs are:
1. Dust, moisture and light from poor storage
2. Damage from fire and flood
3. Marks and tears from mishandling by family and children
4. Loss from lending to family and friends
5. Damage by vermin such as rats, mice and other pests
6. Degradation due to cheap processing
Once the damage is done, you really have the choice of restoration - if that is still possible - or forgetting them. Of course, with our experience in restoration processes, we strongly advise this. Something, usually, is salvageable - you would be surprised.
Of course, preventing the damage - or at least further damage - is the best step. There are a number of things that you can do to achieve this. Just reading through the above list will give some ideas.
Few people are able to prevent floods or fire. Bushfire, in Australia especially, is an almost constant threat to photographs. You could purchase a dedicated fire safe, rated to protect photographs and negatives - many of which will also protect against water damage.
Some albums are still not acid-free which can also lead to damage. This is often the case with the old plastic paged albums from the 70s and 80s.
Then, of course, there is damage caused through ’friendly fire’ - in other words, the wear and tear that they experience when family and friends are viewing them. Even in an album they are not safe - precious family photos are often inexpertly removed from albums causing damage to the album and, more importantly, to the photographs. All assuming, of course, that you ever get them back from Aunty Maudie who subsequently and emphatically denies ever having them.
Despite living in the 21st Century, damage from rodents and insects also remains a problem, especially with the elderly who are still inclined to leave them in a box in the loft, or at the back of a cupboard. Sadly, even insect sprays themselves can cause damage.
The worst of all this is that it is not just some old holiday snap that is at risk - it is your life, your history - your heritage. It is valuable and it is irreplaceable.
+ I have thousands of slides - can you help CHEAPLY?
Our transfer process is extremely good value for money - but unless you are a millionaire, a thousand slides is still going to cost a considerable sum.
So what is the answer?
You could buy a slide scanner and do the whole job yourself. That's a good economical option, assuming that you buy a good scanner that is easy to use - and actually get around to using it.
Another option is to RENT a scanner from us. Not only will you get one that delivers excellent quality in a simple, easy-to-use package, but you are much more likely to actually get down and start scanning because the sooner you finish, the more you save.
+ Can you transfer slides to DVD?
Yes! YES! AND you can choose either to view them on your television OR to take them along to the local print-shop and get them printed.
When we scan your slides we also apply some basic restoration so that they look as good as you remember them!
And if you elect for a slideshow, we can even add some appropriate background music to increase your enjoyment.
Those dusty old slides in the cupboard could come back to life - and bring with them your history, your heritage - your story.
+ Can you create slideshows from photographs or slides?
We certainly can!
First we scan your slides and apply some basic restoration to bring back the colour and contrast that they enjoyed when first taken. This includes elementary removal of any obvious and/or distracting scratches or marks.
Then we use a combination of zooms, fades and pans to bring the slideshow to life. This is important - most transfers perform these transitions arbitrarily but we don't. Each zoom in focuses your attention, each zoom out reveals some greater picture. Your slideshow should tell a story.
We can even add some appropriate background music to aid your enjoyment.
+ Can you take people out of photographs?
In most cases we can. We'd need to quote you because every photograph is different but generally it is a relatively painful process.
+ Can you mix photographs together?
Someone misisng from the picture who should have been there? Or did they have their eyes shut at the crucial point? It can be fixed! We can lift portions of different photographs, merge photographs - just talk to us about what you need.
+ Is the humble photo album dead?
The photo album is dead. Long live the photo album!
In short, it is not dead but changed.
Unlike a DVD or photo album, commemorative books come in all shapes and sizes and are a wonderful memento to celebrate the lives of those you love. They are a keepsake that will be handed down through the generations – a testament to family and friends, to the value and the importance of the past, to love and life.
Of course, with all family history it is important to share it. Getting a single photobook (or commemorative book) printed is like putting all your eggs in one basket. If anything happens to that book - it gets lost, destroyed, marked etc - you could be left empty handed.
Most photobook publishers - and we especially - can print off additional copies, and it is worth doing. Best practice is one for yourselves and one each for the kids. But don’t stop there - have one stored safely in the bank too.
When we create these items, we endeavour to retain the ability to reprint them for you at a later date - where possible without additional archive costs. We believe that your memories are precious and treat them that way.
Memory Care
+ How do I care for my CDs and DVDs?
Look after your CDs and DVDs!
1. When you are cleaning discs, wipe straight out from the centre and never in circles or spirals
2. Keep them in the dark as much as possible
3. Store them in cases and never just on top of each other
4. Store them on-end and not flat
5. Backup (i.e. copy) your non-copyrighted CDs and DVDs at least once every three to five years. A copy on hard disk is always a good option.
When CDs, and later DVDs, were first released, much of the hype suggested that they would last for years and were close to indestructible. Unfortunately, much of that information proved false. While you can sometimes repair damaged disks, fading due to light or warping is often irreversible. Not only that, but damaged disks can even further damage your player and may violate your warranty.
So it is worth looking after them.
Here at Videoscape, we will endeavor to keep a disk-based copy of the DVDs we supply to you - just in case you have problems in the future. We cannot promise to keep them for ever of course, but as an extra service to our customers, copies are kept as long as possible.
Of course, some customers, for privacy reasons, prefer that we do not keep such copies - naturally, we are happy to oblige.
+ How do I care for my videotapes?
There are a few simple rules for videotape care - allowing for the fact that whatever you do, the actual tape will still be prone to oxidization.
1. Store tapes vertically like books. Do not stack them.
2. Store them in dry conditions away from moisture.
3. Store tapes away from magnetic fields. Even a vacuum cleaner can help to erase your memories.
+ How do I care for my photographs?
Much depends on the amount of expense and effort you are prepared to expend. However, the first step is to preserve the content of the photographs, rather than the photographs themselves. This is done by transferring them to DVD.
Videoscape Productions prides itself in its quality of transfer as well as its restoration capabilities. We would be very please to aid in transfering and restoring your photographs on to DVD.
Once that has been done, you may decide to preserve the original photographs too. An indepth guide to this is beyond the scope of this FAQ - you’d be better off getting trained for it! - but the following, based on the National Archives of Australia website, is a good guide for the average person.
Handling
Always take great care not to crease or fold photographs
Never touch the photographs - either handle from the edges or use lint-free cotton gloves (or the throwaway surgical type)
Never, ever write on or stick labels on the photograph.
If the photographs have tape or labels already applied to them, don’t try to remove them. You may cause more harm than good.
Never use paperclips or elastic bands on or around photographs. Keep photographs away from dust or moisture - even when you are just looking at them
Storage
If your photographs are going to be viewed frequently, then they may be better stored in plastic bags otherwise paper envelopes are usually a better choice since they do not cause or encourage them to sweat. If you do use plastic then sleeves produced specifically for photographic stores are the best option, often polypropylene. Never use PVC.
Never use the so called ’magnetic’ albums - where the plastic pages ’stick’ and the photos adhere to the backing board. This is often a death sentence to photographs.
Photographs should be stored at low temperatures (the closer to freezing the better) with mid-range humidity. Given the dangers of moisture, you might be inclined to use silica bags, however if the environment is too dry then this will in turn dry out the paper and could cause cracking and other undesirable changes. The National Archives of Australia recommend about 35% humidity. For most people, an internal cupboard is as cool as will be feasible.
Always store photographs away from the light. Light will fade the dyes in the photographs and may cause other changes in the chemistry of the image and paper.
Don’t leave them unchecked for years on end. A three or six month check of the storage may save your collection!
Never store photographs outside, in the loft, under the house or anywhere where the above temperature and humidity requirements cannot be met.
Backup
As mentioned above, have your collection transferred onto DVD and give copies to others for safekeeping against fire, flood, burglary and other disasters.
Lost Memories
+ My camera ate my pictures - can you help?
Yes. Almost always. Yes!
The key thing to do is to do nothing. Do not use the camera, just take the camera card out and put it somewhere safe. It is really important because if you continue to use the card the images (or video) that you have lost may not be recoverable.
BUT if you don't use the card after the images are lost, there is a good chance we can get them back. Now that's good news isn't it?
+ I deleted an important picture (or video) - can you get it back?
Yes. Almost always. Yes!
Deleting an image or video does not totally destroy it. They can be recovered.
The key thing to do is to do nothing. Do not use the camera, just take the camera card out and put it somewhere safe. It is really important because if you continue to use the card the images (or video) that you have lost may not be recoverable.
BUT if you don't use the card after the images are lost, there is a good chance we can get them back. Now that's good news isn't it?
+ I formatted my camera card - is it all gone forever?
Not necessarily.
Even formatting your camera card does not totally destroy the images or video on it. They can be recovered.
The key thing to do is to do nothing. Do not use the camera, just take the camera card out and put it somewhere safe. It is really important because if you continue to use the card the images (or video) that you have lost may not be recoverable.
BUT if you don't use the card after the images are lost, there is a good chance we can get them back. Now that's good news isn't it?
+ My hard-disk camera lost my pictures - is it the end?
Take heart - there is hope!
The key thing to do is to do nothing. Do not use the camera. Switch it off and do not use it until we have had a look at it. It is really important because if you continue to use camera then the images (or video) that you have lost may not be recoverable.
BUT if you don't use it after the images are lost, there is a good chance we can get them back. Now that's good news isn't it?
+ Why don't you look at my recovered images or videos?
When we recover images or video from your camera card (or hard disk) we restore everything. Everything including images you may have deleted. Images that you might prefer no-one to see.
To protect your privacy (and because we don't necessarily want to see those inconvenient snaps of you in the bath) we do not look at the files we restore.
+ Why are some of my restored pictures only half pictures?
When images are recovered from camera cards (or hard disks) there is a chance that part of the files could have been overwritten by the camera. Because of this some images may actually only be part of the original image.
+ Why are there many copies of the same recovered videos?
When video is written to camera cards (or hard drives) they are not always written in one single go. It is quite possible for the actual video to exist on multiple parts of the card (or disk) which are then copied to other parts of the card. Confused? Don't blame you. But it happens. So it is possible that there could be many copies of a restored video.
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