Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is DVD?
A: DVD stands for Digital Versatile(or Video) Disc -- the new generation of the optical storage
technology. DVD technology enables high capacity of data to be stored on a regular-sized CD. Combined
with video and audio compression algorithms, DVD can be used to store high quality video.
Q: Is DVD better than VHS?
A: DVD uses a newer technology that provides superior video and audio quality than VHS. Please go to
Why DVD pages for a detailed comparison.
Q: What's DVD-R technology?
A: DVD-R is a one of DVD formats that allows video and audio to be recorded on a DVD disc by
a DVD recorder rather than traditional pressing process. It's a conventient and less expensive way
to make DVDs. Therefore, it's very suitable for small number productions such as home video.
Q: Will DVD-R discs be compatible with my standalone DVD players?
A: DVD-R discs can also be played on 95% of the standalone DVD players manufactured in past two years.
Older DVD player models may have problems in DVD-R playback. Please consult your DVD player manual.
Alternatively, you can look up from our DVD Players page.
Q: Will DVD-R be compatible with my computer?
A: DVD-R discs will play on your computer provided you have a DVD-ROM drive and proper DVD playback
software such PowerDVD from Cyberlink installed.
Q: How good the video quality of my DVD will be?
A: The quality of the video on your DVD primarily depends on your source tapes. If you have digital
tapes such as miniDV or Digital 8, the quality will be excellent. You will have a good quality when
transferring from VHS, 8mm, and Hi8 tapes.
Q: Why do you recommend maximum 2 hours of video on single disc?
A: The capacity of a DVD-R disc is 4.37GB which is about enough for 2 hours of DVD-quality videos.
More than 2 hours of video can be put on one DVD-R disc. However, the quality of the video will be
sacrificed in order to make rooms for the additional video. That's why we recommend 2 hours on one
DVD-R disc.
Q: What tape formats do you accept at this time?
A: Currently, we accept video tapes in VHS, 8mm(Video 8), Hi8, D8(Ditial 8), and miniDV using NTSC system.
Q: Can my DVD be played on oversea/other region DVD players?
A: Yes. Your DVD is regional code free. This means it can be played by any DVD players from any regions.
Q: Is my DVD copyright protected?
A: No. You DVD is neither Macrovision nor CSS protected.
Q: Can I record my video my my VCR?
A: Since your DVD is not copyright protected, you can record the video on your DVD to VHS tape. However,
The quality of video degardes in the copying process. If you need extra copies of your video, we
recommed you order extra copies at the time you place your order instead.
Q: Will DVD replace VHS?
A: Not at present time. Although DVD provides a higher audio and video quality, VHS is easier to use
for quick recording purpose. You can record DVD with your computer. However it needs proper hardware/software
combination and a fairly powerful CPU. There are few consumer DVD recordable players on the market right
now but they are still too expensive to own. As the technologies develop, the price of these DVD recordable players
will drop. When the price is affordable to average consumers, DVD may replace VHS.
Q: How do I get my tapes transferred to DVDs?
A: We offer three levels of DVD transfer services. Please visit our Services page
for detail.
Q: How much does DVD transfer cost?
A: Thanks to the latest DVD technology, it now can be produced at a very affordable cost. The price is
usually calculated based on the length of video and add-on items added to your DVD. Please visit
our Pricing page for detail.
Q: What is the turn around time of my order?
A: Normally, your video will be transferred to DVDs and mailed back to you in 4 business days from the day we
received your order. We'll email you a USPS delivery confirmation number on the day of shipping so you can
track your order.
Q: How can I find the status of my order?
A: To keep you informed, we email you order status notifications at various stages of our process. Typically,
you'll receive an notification when 1) we have received your tapes, 2) your check or money order is cleared, 3)
your video is being processing, 4) your order is shipped. We may also contact you, if we have any questions
regarding to your order. Therefore, please be sure providing an email address on order form.
Q: How do you ship your order?
A: We ship all our orders using Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation from US Postal Service.
It normally takes 3 days from the day we ship to reach you.
Q: How mucu is shipping cost?
A: We charge 5.00 for shipping for the first tape you send in and 1.00 for each additional tape. That's
6.00 for 2 tapes, 7.00 for 3 tapes...etc.
Q: How do I take care of my DVD discs?
A: Here is a general guideline to take care of your DVDs as well as CDs.
- Handle at the hub or the outer edge. Do not touch the shining surface with your fingers
- Store it in a keep case when it is not in use
- Be sure disc is properly seated on player tray before you close it
- Keep away from any heat sources, direct sunlight
- When the disc surface accumulates dirty, use a soft, lint-free cloth, wipe gently in radial direction
(from center to edge)
- Use commerical disc clean products. Same one can be used for both audio CDs and DVDs
If your question is not listed above, please email to us at
dvdinfo@dsystems.com. Thanks.