Doi Camera, NY

Best Video Transfer Services in Manhattan, NYC, NY.
PAL to NTSC conversion in NYC.


How to place an order with us
You can bring your tapes to one of our stores in NYC anytime during our business hours, no appointment necessary.
Or you can send your tapes to us.

Tape to DVD conversions - New Low Prices
VHS tape to DVD VHS-C to DVD
Digital 8, NYC
8mm, Hi8, D8 to DVD miniDV tape, NYC Mini DV tape to DVD
Digitize video to
MOV(Quick Time), AVI,
WMV or MP4 files
DVCam tape to DVD
BetaMax to DVD
BetacamSP to DVD
U-matic tape, 3/4 inch tape Micro MV tape to DVD
     
PAL to NTSC conversion NTSC to PAL conversion
PAL to PAL transfer DVD Dupe, DVD Copy
Cassette to Audio CD or Mp3 8mm/16mm movie film to DVD
DVD video to MP3 audio file Mini DVD to standard DVD
     
Q & A about our Video Transfer Services
How to place an order with us.
Store Locations and Business Hours | Contact us | Home page |
       
   
Video transfer services at our Manhattan, NYC lab.
Video Transfer Services, New York Your tapes stay at our New York Lab throughout the process.
Quick turnaround time (same day or next day transfers will be available).

Privacy kept tight. See our Confidentiality / Non-Disclosure Agreement.
State of the art Equipment and Professional DVD media.

 

Doi Camera Doi Camera Location & Hours - here

 

Video to DVD Transfer, NYC, NY.
New Low Prices

 
New Low Prices
(per tape)
Regular price
(per tape)
Turn around time
50 and over
$12.95 each
$19.95 each
within a month
10 and over
$15.95 each
$19.95 each
within a week
5 and over
$17.95 each
$19.95 each
a couple of days
1-4 tapes
$19.95 each
$19.95 each
in a day or two

 

Video to DVD conversion in Manhattan, NYC - New Low Prices


To qualify for these quantity discount prices, please read the following conditions:

1.

NTSC (American TV system) only - PAL tapes are different prices.
Tapes must be in NTSC (USA TV system), not in PAL (Europe, Asia or Africa) or SECAM TV system.
PAL / SECAM tapes are $29.95 each

 

2.

Video tapes that you can combine to get q'ty discounts.
VHS, VHS-C, 8mm ( Video8, Hi8 & Digital8) and miniDV can be combined to get quantity discounts.
No other tapes, such as Standard size DV cam tape, 3/4 inch U-matic, 1/2 inch BetaSP, BetaMax, HD (High Def), Micro MV tape nor PAL tapes can be combined (regular prices apply).

 

3.

One tape to one DVD video disc each transfer only.
The discount prices are based on one tape to one DVD each basis.
If you want to have multiple tapes transferred to a single DVD disc,
the price is $29.95 per NTSC tape and $39.95 per original PAL tape.
You would pay more per tape to get multiple tapes on a DVD disc, because it will take much longer and more attention for our lab to finish your work. *1
When you're planning to make DVD copies, this would make more sense than one-by-one method.

 

4.

The whole tape will go on to a DVD disc.
No video editing, such as a portion of a tape transfers.

 

5.

No Quick Time files - DVD video disc only. *2
MOV(Quick Time), WMV, AVI, MP4 or any other digital format are $29.95 each.

 

6.

Each tape must be less than 4 hours.
A longer than 4 hours tape will be transferred to two DVDs, and the price is double.

 

7.

A half deposit required for an order over $50.00.
This does not apply to Send-in orders (by FedEx, messenger service or Mail).

 

*1
Let's say you have 3 of 30 minutes tapes. With one tape to one DVD method, we can use 3 systems simultaneously, therefor all work will be done within an hour or so.
If we have to put 3 tapes to a DVD, we have to wait till the first tape is converted to the DVD, then start the next one and so on and on. It takes much longer and need more care, therefore gets expensive.
See also here.
*2
DVD video disc means, a DVD disc that will play on DVD players (and PC or Mac with DVD drive).
A data DVD disc (a DVD disc with MOV or other files or data) is not a DVD video therefore it will not play on DVD players.
 
The prices are subject to change without notice.

 


Video Transfer Services, New York Doi Camera is the New York's full service digital conversion lab.
Digitizing is the only way to protect precious memories against catastrophes.
Be prepared for Hurricane, Snow Storm, Flood, Fire or Divorce.
Get your memories digitized and keep them in safe places, on line or iCould.
 
Video Transfer, NYC movie film to DVD, NY audio casette to CD, NY
Slide Scan, NYC Film Scan, NYC

We respect copyright laws.
By submitting your tape or any other material, you agree to:
1. Leave Doi Camera and its affiliates free from copyright violations.
2. You shall indemnify and hold Doi Camera and its affiliates against any claim, damage, loss, liability or expense arising out of, relating to or in connection with the copyright issue of your item(s).

Recent DVD copy right issue:
Fed Ruling Lets Doc Makers Legally Rip DVDs
Copyright Rules Made More Flexible
Original document PDF file (see page 3)

 


Video Transfer Service, New York How Can We Help you?
I'm not sure what kind of tapes I have. I don't know the name of my tapes. - please see here
All other Q & A's about our Video Transfer Services - please see here.

 

VHS and VHS-C Tape to DVD transfer

VHS tape
VHS-C tape
A VHS tape or VHS-C tape to a DVD transfer is $19.95 per tape.
If you have 5 and more tapes, quantity discounts are available. Please check our New Low Prices

Turn around time:
Video tape conversions
will be processed at our studio here in Manhattan, New York City, so the turn around time is very quick.
Your tape will stay with us from the beginning to the end of digital video conversion process.

How to place an order with us:
How to place an order with us


 

8mm, Hi8 & Digital 8 Tape to DVD Transfer

8mm
8mm
Video8  
Hi8
Hi8
Hi 8  
digital8, Digital8
Digital 8, NYC
Digital 8  
   
An 8mm, Hi 8 & Digital 8 tape to a DVD transfer is $19.95 per tape.
If you have 5 and more tapes, quantity discounts are available. Please check our New Low Prices


Turn around time:
Video tape conversions
will be processed at our studio here in Manhattan, New York City, so the turn around time is very quick.
Your tape will stay with us from the beginning to the end of digital video conversion process.

How to place an order with us:
How to place an order with us.

 

 

 

 

Mini DV (DVC) Tape to DVD transfer

miniDV tape, NYC DVC tape, miniDV tape Mini DV Tapes to DVD

Our equipment for your DV, DVC & miniDV tape conversion

Mini DV tape in DV format to DVD transfer is $19.95 each
If you have 5 and more tapes, quantity discounts are available. Please check our New Low Prices

 

Mini DV tape in DVCam format - price is different, see here.
Mini DV tape in DVCpro format - we don't process.
NTSC DV tapes in HD - we can process 60i, 24F(P) and 30F(P) - to regular DVD disc.
PAL DV tapes in HD - we only process 50i, no Progressive 24F(P) nor 30F(P) - the price is different.

Methods we use to transfer your DV tape to DVD disc.

With standard definition mini DV or DV Cam tapes to DVD transfer, we will use DV cable(= iLink) transfer method.
Unlike the old AV cable analog transfer method, this is the very best quality DV tape to DVD transfer method you can expect.
With this method, the digital data on a tape will be transferred to DVD in its original digital format.

For HD DV tape, we will encode it to standard DVD, so you can play on a regular DVD player as well as PC/Mac computers.

 

Turn around time:
Video tape conversions
will be processed at our studio here in Manhattan, New York City, so the turn around time is very quick.
Your tape will stay with us from the beginning to the end of digital video conversion process.

How to place an order with us:
How to place an order with us.

DV Cam Tape to DVD transfer

DV Cam Tape to DVD

Min and Standard DV Cam tape recorded in DVCam format to DVD transfer is $29.95 each.

We convert DV Cam tape to DVD, but are not handling DVCPro tapes.
(There are three different recording systems on mini DV tape).

Tape
All use the same mini DV tapes
Do we process?
Yes
No
Main users
Consumers
Consumers / Pros
Pros
Recording system
DV
DV Cam
DVCPro
Camera
Logo
Manufactures
Many such as Sony, Panasonic,
Canon JVC, Samsung,
Sanyo and others.
Sony, Canon, JVC
Panasonic only
Other sizes
than mini DV?
No


Micro MV Tape to DVD transfer

Micro MV tape / MicroMV tape

Micro MV tape was the smallest commercial video tape ever invented. It is smaller than miniDV tape.
Only Sony made camcorders for MicroMV tapes from 2001 through 2005.

 

Prices for Micro MV tape to DVD conversion services

Micro MV tape to DVD transfer is $19.95 each
There is no quantity discounts available due to our limited production capability.

 

NTSC Micro MV tape only.
We are unable to transfer PAL Micro MV tapes.

Turn around time:
Video tape conversions
will be processed at our studio here in Manhattan, New York City, so the turn around time is very quick.
Your tape will stay with us from the beginning to the end of digital video conversion process.

How to place an order with us:
How to place an order with us.

 

BetaMax tape to DVD transfer

NTSC (USA BetaMax tape) only
$29.95 each
for DVD video Disc
$49.95 each for Digital files (Quick time, MP4, WMV or AVI)

 

BetacamSP Tape to DVD Transfer
(1/2 inch tape, Half-inch tape to DVD conversion )

NTSC (USA BetaSP tape) only.
$39.95 each for DVD video Disc
$49.95 each for Digital files (Quick time, MP4, WMV or AVI)

Professional Video Tape Comparisons

 

U-Matic Tape to DVD Transfer
(3/4 inch tape, Three-quarter-inch tape to DVD conversion )

NTSC (USA U-Matic tape) only.
$39.95 each for DVD video Disc
$49.95 each for Digital files (Quick time, MP4, WMV or AVI)

U-Matic Tape is also called 3/4 inch tape or 'three-quarter-inch' tape.
Professional Video Tape Comparisons
The cassette size is just about 5 1/2 x 9 inches.

We are receiving many U-matic tapes unable to digitize due to heavy degradation.
If you are planning to digitize Umatic tapes, do it now, don't wait.


Convert Video to Digital Video Files (MOV, AVI, MP4 or WMV)

Digitize video tape to Quick Time (MOV) , MP4 or AVI.


How to place an order with us:
How to place an order with us.

When digitizing a video to a digital file that you can view and edit on a computer, the "digital movie file for computer" is not one and only. There are many types of digital files to choose from.
What type of digital movie file is good for you?

Your Computer
Recommended file formats
Free App to Play
Windows WMV, AVI, MP4(new PCs) Windows Movie Player, VCL Video Player
Mac MOV (Quick Time), MP4 iMovie, Quick Time Player, VCL
Web site, iDevices and smart phones MP4  


Please note the followings on the digital video files we create from your video tape:
1.

The digital video files such as Quick time (MOV) or MP4 will play on a computers, Tablet or smart phones, but will NOT play on DVD players.

   
Movie File Type
DVD Player
Computers, iDevices
YouTube, Facebook video
DVD video (on DVD disc)
Yes
Yes (w/DVD player)
No
MOV or MP4 files
No
Yes
Yes

There is no such file format that will play on DVD player and is editable on computers, at the same time.
If there is, then you can edit (change) the DVD movie story - Disney doesn't like it, Hollywood doesn't like it either!

 

2. For Windows (XP, Vista, W7 & W8). we recommend WMV over an old format of AVI.
3. Windows users might need "Quick Time Player for Windows" (free from Apple) to play Quick Time (MOV) or MP4.
4. We will save digital movie files on a CD / DVD disc or on an external hard drive (please bring your hard drive).

Note:
Although the files may be written on a DVD disc, that DVD disc will NOT play on DVD player

The external hard drive must be empty and formatted in either NTFS or Mac.
FAT32 format will not be accepted.
WE ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DATA LEFT ON TJE HARD DRIVE.
Please format or empty out the hard drive before bring it to us.
5. HD tape will be down convert to standard file format of 720 x 480 or 640 x 480.
We are not offering MOV, WMV, AVI or MP4 in HD (1920 x 1080) file size.
6. We don't handle DVCPro tapes.
   
   
Video format
Uncompressed
DV or ProRes4.2.2.
WMV for windows
MOV in H.264 for Mac
MP4
DVD video
(DVD disk)
Good for
Heavy Editing
Moderate Editing
Facebook, Youtube
iDevice, Smart Phone
Anyone can view
anywhere, anytime
Note
Very big files
Powerful PC needed.
No standard video file
format for both PC & Mac
 
You can RIP the DVD
to edit
Play on PC or Mac?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Play on DVD player?
No
No
No
Yes
Internet sharing?
No
Yes
Yes
No
Ready for iPod?
No
No
Yes
No
Need PC to view?
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
File size / one hour
100 or more GB
2 - 5 GB
2 GB or less
one DVD disk
How the files given
on Hard Drive
on DVD disc
on DVD disc
DVD
Technical spec.
Mpeg4 for Windows
H.264 for Mac
NTSC
No region code
Price
We are not offering
$29.95 per tape
$29.95 per tape


MOV = Quick Time file for Mac.

We are not offering uncompressed MOV files.
We are not offering HD size (1920 x 1080) MOV files.
All High Def video (1920 x 1080) will be down converted to 720 x 480 file size.

 

 

 

PAL to NTSC, PAL to PAL or NTSC to PAL conversions

Understanding PAL,/ NTSC vs. Region Code (what's the difference?)

How to place an order with us:
How to place an order with us.

PAL to NTSC conversion

PAL (European tape, Russian tape, African tape) to NTSC (American) DVD Transfer

If you have an European tape, Russian tape, African tape or South American tape that you want to convert to an American DVD(a DVD that will play in the US), two things have to done;
1. Digitize the tape into digital video format
2. Change that digital file into an American DVD called NTSC DVD.

This NTSC DVD will play on American DVD players, as well as PC, or Mac computers.

We convert following PAL tapes to NTSC (USA) DVD:
PAL VHS tape, PAL VHS-C tape, PAL mini DV tape, PAL DV Cam tape, PAL 8mm tape, PAL Hi8 mm tape, PAL Digital8 tape.

Some of PAL tapes we don't handle are:
PAL U-matic, PAL Betamax, PAL BetaSP etc.

Turn around time:
The turn around time is very quick because our Video tape conversions
are processed at our studio here in Manhattan, New York City.
Your tape will stay with us throughout the video conversion process.
Normally a PAL to NTSC conversions could be done in a day or two.
Multiple tapes or a long duration tape may take longer.

Price:
$29.95 per original PAL tape.
A longer than 4 hours PAL tape will be $49.95 for a set of 2 NTSC DVDs.


PAL VHS Tape to NTSC DVD Transfer

PAL VHS tape to NTSC DVD conversion.
SECAM tape to NTSC DVD transfer
(Branch SECAM and Russian SECAM)

$29.95 for up to 4 hours original PAL tape,
A longer than 4 hour PAL tape will be transferred to a set of two NTSC DVDs at $49.95.

 

PAL DV Tape to NTSC DVD Transfer

PAL DV tape to NTSC DVD transfer.

$29.95 per original PAL tape.

PAL DV and PAL Mini DV tapes that we will convert to NTSC (American) format are:
All Standard Def recorded tapes (SD mode)
No additional charges on PAL HD to regular NTSC DVD conversions, however,
we can process High Def (HD) PAL in 50i only - no 24F(P) or 30F(P).

We don't handle DVCPro in PAL.

 

PAL Mini DV Tape to NTSC Mini DV tape transfer

SD (Standard Def) recorded PAL tape to SD tape conversion only.
No HD PAL tape to HD NTSC tape conversions.


We don't handle DVCPro tapes.

A 60 minutes original PAL miniDV tape to a NTSC miniDV tape: $29.95
A 60 minutes PAL tape in LP recording mode ( = 90 minutes ) to NTSC tapes: $49.95 ( two NTSC tapes)
A 83 minutes original PAL miniDV tape to NTSC tamps: $49.95 (two NTSC tapes)

 

PAL to NTSC tape, VHS tape

PAL VHS to NTSC VHS tape transfer

PAL VHS to NTSC (American) VHS
SECAM VHS to NTSC (USA) VHS

$29.95 per original PAL tape up to 4 hours.
A longer than 4 hours PAL tape will be transferred to two NTSC video tapes at $49.90

 

PAL DVD to NTSC DVD Transfer

We convert PAL DVD to NTSC DVD, that will play on American DVD player.
$29.95 per original PAL DVD.

PLEASE RESPECT COPY RIGHT.
WE DO NOT HANDLE ANY COPY RIGHTED DVDs.

The NTSC DVD we create is free from regional restrictions.

Note: When you make a PAL DVD with a main menu (sub menus), multiple languages, or multiple sub titles,
we are unable to re-create the whole DVD construction.
All we can do, is to convert the main movie with a single language with or without single subtitle into NTSC format.

 

 

 

NTSC to PAL conversion

NTSC to PAL Conversion

If you need to have a US tape converted to a DVD that should play in Europe, Africa, South America or China,
the NTSC (American) tape has to be converted to a PAL DVD.

Turn around time:
The turn around time is very quick because our Video tape conversions
are processed at our studio here in Manhattan, New York City.
Your tape will stay with us throughout the video conversion process.
Normally a NTSC to PAL conversions could be done in a day or two.
Multiple tapes or a long duration tape may take longer.

Price:
$29.95 per original NTSC tape.
A longer than 4 hours NTSC tape will be $49.95 for a set of 2 PAL DVDs.

NTSC VHS Tape to PAL DVD conversion

If you are in need for a DVD that should play in Europe from an American tape,
what you need is a PAL (European TV standard) DVD from NTSC(American TV standard) tape.

$29.95 per PAL DVD for up to a 4 hours NTSC tape,

Longer than 4 hour tape subject to $19.95 additional for an extra DVD.
(a 6 hour NTSC tape will go on to two PAL DVDs at $49.95)

 

NTSC VHS to PAL VHS tape conversion

$29.95 per original NTSC tape up to 4 hours.
A longer than 4 hours NTSC tape will be transferred to a set of two PAL tapes at $49.90.

 

NTSC DVD to PAL VHS tape Conversion

$29.95 per original NTSC DVD.
(when the NTSC DVD has multiple languages and/or sub captions, only one setting goes on to tape)

 

NTSC DVD to PAL DVD Transfer

We convert US DVD (NTSC DVD) to PAL DVD, that you can play in Europe.
$29.95 per original NTSC DVD.

PLEASE RESPECT COPY RIGHT.
WE DO NOT HANDLE ANY COPY RIGHTED DVDs.

The PAL DVD we create is free from regional restrictions.

Note: When you make a DVD in NTSC (USA TV standard) with a main menu (sub menus), multiple languages, or multiple sub titles,
we are unable to re-create the whole DVD construction in PAL.
All we can do, is to convert the main movie with a single language with or without single subtitle into PAL format

 

 

 

PAL to PAL Transfer

PAL DVD to PAL DVD copy

PAL DVD to PAL DVD copy : $9.95 per DVD (quantity discount available)

 

PAL Tape to PAL DVD conversion

$29.95 per original tape.

The PAL tapes we are handling at our New York lab:.
PAL VHS tape, PAL VHS-C tape, PAL miniDV tape, PAL DV cam tape, PAL 8mm tape, PAL Hi8 mm tape, PAL Digital8 tape.

Some of PAL tapes we don't work with are:
PAL U-matic, PAL Betamax, PAL BetaSP etc.

 

 

DVD Copy, DVD Dupe

 

9.95 per DVD in either paper or plastic case.
Quantity discount available. Ask us.

Turn around time:
DVD copy
will be processed at our studio here in Manhattan, New York City, so the turn around time is very quick.
We might make small quantity DVD or CD copies while you wait, if there is no printing on discs required.
A 100 disc copy will be read in a day or two.

How to place an order with us:
How to place an order with us.

 

Mini DVD to DVD (regular size) copy


 

Standard Def. Mini DVD disc to Regular DVD disc copy.
Single sided mini DVD to regular DVD: $9.95 per DVD
Double sided mini DVD to regular DVD: $9.95 pre side (=$19.90 for both sides on two DVDs)

Blu-ray mini DVD disc to Regular Blu-ray disc: $49.95 per mini Blu-ray disc.
Blu-ray mini DVD disc to Regular DVD disc (down-convert): $49.95 per mini Blu-ray disc.

The mini DVD MUST BE FINALIZED in the same Camcorder that recorded the DVD.
We've seen many customers bring un-finalized DVDs to our stores.
Unless the DVD is not finalized, it cannot be played on other players except the camcorder that was recorded.

We cannot FINALIZE the min DVD here. It must be done in your camcorder.
Please refer your manual and lean how to Finalize your disc in the camcorder.

 

 

 

 

DVD to MP3 (DVD Audio to MP3).
Convert DVD to MP3, Convert Video to MP3.

Disclaimer
Please respect Copy Right.
Under no circumstances, we will make soundtrack CD from commercially made DVD video.

We will make an audio CD (or MP3 files on a CD) from your DVD video.
In other word, we will take out audio part from your DVD video and make a music CD.

DVD to MP3 is a good idea for listening to a video taped lecture, party, wedding, class, meeting or testimony.

Audio CD can be played on boom box, CD player or PC/Mac computer.
The MP3 files can be listened to on iPod, iPhone or other MP3 players.

Price is $29.95 per DVD.

 

Audio Cassette to CD Transfer

audo cassette to CD, NYC Audio Cassette to CD Transfer
Micro Cassette to CD Transfer
Voice Recorder to CD Transfer

 

Video Transfer New York, NY Q&A

Digital Video Basics Made Easy (for those who want to learn more about digital video)
Contact us If you still can't find the answer you are looking for.
   
Edit DVD disc on your PC or Mac.
Place an order with us.
Play my video on iPad, iPhone, iPod or Website (Facebook, Youtube)
Upload my video to YouTube
Confidentiality / Non-Disclosure Agreement
Convert a big video collection on to a small hard drive.
Why VHS tape to DVD transfer is necessary?
Turn around time for VHS tape to DVD transfer.
What format of video tapes you can transfer on to DVD?
My video tape is over 4 hours long. How good is the quality on the DVD?
How long tape can you put on a single DVD?
Original tapes returns to me?
Do you transfer copy protected Video / DVD ?
MP4 file does not play on my computer. What's wrong ?
AVI file does not play on my commuter. What's wrong ?
HD ( Hi Def) DVD from VHS or miniDV tape?
What DVD Disc brand you use?.
Do you transfer Multiple tapes to a single DVD?
Does the DVD play on my DVD player?
Does the DVD play on my PC or Mac computer ?
Do you transfer a portion of a tape to DVD ?
Additional DVD copies
What Regional code on the DVD?
PAL to NTSC conversion
Same-sex (Gay or Lesbian) contents video
Adult or Private videos transfer
I don't want you to view my video.
   
Can you E-mail me a video?
Can you upload video files to our FTP site, so we can download from it?
I'm not sure which tape(s) to be transferred. Can I view my tapes at your studio?
"Supported Disc Not Available" problem on Mac Leopard
Delivery Confirmation - what does it mean?
   
  Digital Video Basics Made Easy (for those who want to learn more about digital video)

 

How can I edit the DVD disc on my computer?

 

Disclaimer:
The information below is for your reference only.

Doi Camera will NOT take any questions about video editing, nor responsible about the result.
Please address your video editing questions to each application's support forum.
The software has a steep learning curve, but is actually quite easy once you have the hang of it.
You also need a good computer, an old one will take a lot longer than new machine.

If you don't want to do it by yourself, we can do it for you for $29.95 per DVD disc.
(from tape to MOV, AVI or other format is $49.95, see here)

The DVD video that we made for you can be Edited (cut, crop, putting new titles...).
(Also you can make DVD copies as you like if you have a DVD writer = burner)

There are 3 steps to follow for Editing DVD video.
1. Rip = take out the contents from the DVD video disc.
2. Convert file = change the video to a format that your Video Edit Program likes.
3. Edit = cut a portion of the video, crop out, paste, put a new tiles, enhance the image, etc.

The DVD Ripping and File Conversion can be done with one of the following Free programs.

Handbreake for Windows and Mac. - Most popular application
Mpeg StreamClip for Windows and Mac.
In general, you might want to convert the DVD video file(VOB = Mpeg2) to the following formats:
For Windows users- either Mpeg2 or WMV(Windows Movie Video)
For Mac users - MOV(Quick Time)
For Web uploading(sharing) such as YouTube and Facebook and/or iDevice viewing - MP4 / H.264 or Mpeg4

Video Editing:
After the Rip and Conversion are done, you can now Edit the video using one of these Free applications:
For Windows users - "Windows Movie Maker".
For Mac users - iMovie.
(Note that these applications are designed for video Editing - they don't Rip the DVD video.)

For advanced Video Editing software, please refer to the site below:
Comparison of Video Editing Software and Required Computer System.

 

How to archive a large collection of video tapes on to a small hard drive?

 

There are many ways of archiving video tape library in digital format.
Here are some solutions for archiving a big collection of video tapes digitally.

1.

Simple, Easy and most Economical solution - DVD disc. Prices for this service is here

If you are trying to make a digital library that anyone can watch without any technical difficulties, DVD video disc( normally called DVD video) would be the answer.
The DVD video disc is just like one of these Hollywood type movie DVDs, witch will play on a regular DVD player as well as on PC or Mac computers (equipped with DVD drive).

You can RIP the DVD video and change to "editable digital format" for you to edit on your computer.
Please see here to learn how to Rip DVD video disc.

 

2.

Enjoy video on computers and personal devices such as iPad, iPod or smart phones.

MP4 - Compact file that will work on PC and Mac, as well as most smart phones.
MOV(Quick Time) - for Mac people and iPad, iPod and iPhones.
WMV - for Windows people to watch on PC.

MP4, MOV(Quick time), AVI or WMV files will be written on DVD disc.
Price: $49.95 per tape.

 

3.

Moderate Editing purpose. -Edit with iMovie or Windows Movie Maker for Web Sharing, Party or Presentation.
Windows - WMV (Windows Movie Video) file, Mac- MOV in H.264 video / MP3 Audio.

MP4, MOV(Quick time), AVI or WMV files will be written on DVD disc or external Hard Drive.
Price: $49.95 per tape

 

4.

Editing purpose. - Uncompressed ProRes 4.2.2., Uncompressed DV file.
Not recommended for analog tapes such as VHS, VHS-C, Hi8 or 8mm tapes; most of the time it's not worth it.
We only process DV tapes and Mini DV tapes in DV format, and DV Cam format in SD mode (No HD tapes).
As long as the tape is in SD, we can process either NTSC or PAL tapes.

We don't handle DVCPro tapes at all.

Price: $49.95

Please provide us with an external Hard Drive formatted in Mac or NTSC(not FAT32).
Digital movie files will be written on the external Hard Drive.
Please format or erase all data on the hard drive.
WE ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HARD DRIVE OR THE DATA ON IT.

 

Image quality
Best Possible
Good
Standard
Better
Price      
Most economical
Video format
Uncompressed
DV or ProRes4.2.2.
WMV for windows
MOV in H.264 for Mac
MP4
DVD video
(DVD disk)
Good for
Heavy Editing
Moderate Editing
Facebook, Youtube
iPod ready file
Anyone can view
Note
Very big files
Powerful PC needed.
No standard video file
format for both PC & Mac
Good for Web Sharing
You can RIP the DVD
Play on PC or Mac?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Play on DVD player?
No
No
No
Yes
Internet sharing?
No
Yes
Yes
No
Ready for iPod?
No
No
Yes
No
Need PC to view?
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
File size / one hour
100 or more GB
2 - 5 GB
2 GB or less
one DVD disk
Put on a Hard Drive?
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Technical spec.
Please provide us with an
External Hard Drive
Mpeg4 for Windows
H.264 for Mac
NTSC
No region code
Price
$49.95 per tape


Mac shows "Supported Disc Not Available" and DVD will not play.

 

There seem to be a problem with Mac OS X, Leopard and Snow Leopard that some DVDs will not play on it.
Many people are complaining on the internet that Apple has not fixed this problem.

The symptom is unique to Mac OS X Leopard (and Snow Leopard) - when you insert a DVD, it mounts on Mac's desk top with a DVD icon, but Mac's DVD player will not play saying "Supported Disc Not Available.".
The same DVD does play on Tiger, and no one knows which DVD will play and which one doesn't.

When this happens, a practical solution is using a free reputable Mac DVD application called Mpeg Stream Clip.
This software is free and available from this link.


Let's hope Mac OS Lion will fix this problem.

 

MP4 file does not play on my computer. What's the fix ?

 

Although MP4 file format is very popular, some Windows system does not play MP4 files.
Why not all Windows computer play MP4 movies? The answer is on Microsoft's website.

 

MP4 is a very popular that YouTube, Myspce Facebook, iPod, iTouch, iPhone are all adopting it.
This popularity comes from its highly compressive, still keeps good quality function.
You can get a 2 hour video footage in less than 2 GB, which can be stored on a single DVD.

Mac users have no problem enjoying this new format.
You can just double click on the file and QuickTime Player comes up and play it.
To edit the file, you can just drag it into iMovie.
Very easy, because MP4 was developed from Quick Time (MOV) platform.

Old Windows system, especially before XP SP3, sometimes cannot play MP4 files.
To view the MP4 movie on Windows, you need to download a free software called QuickTime Player from Apple.
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/

If you want to edit MP4 file on Windows, in Windows Media Player or Windows Movie Maker,
you might (or might not ) need to download a free software called mp4cam2avi.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/mp4cam2avi/
This software change MP4 files to Windows Movie Maker native AVI format,
that Windows Movie Maker can read and edit it.

An alternative choice to "Windows Movie Maker + mpecam2avi " is to use an Apple made video editing software called "Quicktime Pro".
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/pro/
You have to pay for it, but it is very easy to use.


AVI file does not play on my computer. What's the fix ?

 

If your system is unable to play the AVI file, you need either Divx or Xvid codec to your Windows system.
You can download free codec from the following sites: Divx or Xvid:

Why does AVI file need Dvix or Xvid codec to play AVI movie? Microsoft's explanation is here

 

How can I play my video on iPad, iPhone, iPod or Website?

 

You must have video file that can play on iDevices.
DVD video disc does not play in its original format, it has to be changed (= converted) to iDevice friendly format.

There are two options for you to do:
1. You can make the file by yourself from a DVD disc - how to do it is here.
2. You can have us make a digital movie file for you. The price is here.

Why VHS tape to DVD transfer is necessary?

 


Here is the bottom line - Once it digitized, image will be preserved "forever".
1. The image on VHS tape has been fading day-by-day, and it will be totally gone eventually.
2. The machine (VCR) is almost out of market. You can't see the tape in the future.
3. DVD disk as a plastic media won't last long, but the digital file can be copied on another media perfectly.

The material of the VHS tape degrades as time goes by.
It's a magnetic tape and deteriorates even if it's not watched for years.
The magnetic info will be eventually totally gone from the tape or the tape itself goes bad.

Also, then popular Video tape player - is almost gone now.
This means that you can't play these tapes in the near future.

VHS to DVD conversion process stops the degradation of your original video
and preserves your movies on the DVD as a digital file.
In other word, the deterioration that's been happening to your tape is now stopped,
and will stay unchanged "forever".

"Forever"?
Yes, we all know that DVD media is far from perfect nor it doesn't last forever.
However, the digital information on on the disc will never be degraded and will be preserved
as exactly as it is forever.
Think it this way - put your digital file on the WEB site or on a network server
.
Does your movie ever fade?

Once it's digitized, your image stays forever as is.
All you have to do is to keep changing media that the image is on (like DVD or Network server) for future generations.

 

How long does it take to have my video converted to DVD?

 

We are pretty quick in general.
Because almost all video transfer work is processed in-house at our New York lab,
a simple tape to DVD transfer will be ready next day afternoon.

Same day or a couple of hours RUSH service might be available
with 50% price up. Please contact us with your particular needs.

Multiple tapes take longer.

 

What format of video tapes do you accept?

 

Almost any kind tapes, including, VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, Digital8,
MiniDV tape in SD format, MiniDV tape in HD format, Standard DV tape,
DVCAM tape, HDV tape, U-matic and so on.

We handle PAL video tapes as well as NTSC system.

 

 

How about the DVD quality from a video in long record mode?

 

Although we will try to make the DVD quality as best as we can, the DVD image quality form a
LP/EP(longer) mode tape, might not as good as from a SP mode tape.
This is simply because you tried to put more image on a tape, the image was poorer than
the regular mode recording.
The longer you tried to record, the lower quality you got on the tape already.

 

How long tape can you transfer on to a DVD?

 

We will transfer up to 4 hours per tape.

 

Is my original tape returned to me?

 

Absolutely Yes.

 

I am concerned about my privacy and confidentiality.

 

We respect your privacy and confidentiality seriously.
Being in photo business since 1971, no other companies are better than us to keep customers' information tight.
-1. Most jobs are processed in-house by experienced professional technicians.
-2. The technician will only watch your tape what is necessary for quality control.
-3. Once a work is done, all temporary files will be deleted from our system.

To put it in writing, we have our Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreement Form ready for you.
You can download the form, type in your (company) name and address, and print two copies.
Sign and date both, then bring the forms with your work.
We will sign them both and return one copy for you.

 

Do you convert copy protected videos to DVD?

 

Absolutely not.

 

What kind of DVD Disc brand you use for my job?

 

The DVD we create will be viewed decades and decades later.
So the DVD media we use must be the very best quality in the market.

After an intensive study and years of experience we've decided to use professional grade
Taiyo-Yuden's Premium Line DVD
(made in Japan) for our jobs.*
Taiyo-Yuden is recognized as an industrial leader in the manufacturing of its highest quality
and most reliable DVDs on the market.
Simply, they are the best professional grade DVD's in today's market.

We didn't stop there - not only we use Taiyo-Yuden brand, what we are using is their
top-of-the DVD product line called "Premium Line" (as oppose to Value line).
You can't find any better DVDs in the market.

Also Sony DVD might be used for Sony's High Definition jobs, such as AVCHD or Blu-Ray.

We firmly believe that your memory deserves much more than these cheap DVDs.

* Taiyo Yuden is a registered trade name

 

Can you transfer multiple tapes on to a single DVD?

 

One tape to one DVD method will give the very best quality possible, because we don't have to compress the original movies to fit on a single disc.
However, if requested, we can put multiple tapes on to a single DVD.
Please note the followings:

To make a single DVD, we have to transfer all tapes to a HDD, combine then together and create a single DVD video disc.
Therefore it take much longer and need more attention than one-by-one regular method.

Let's say you have 3 of 30 minutes tapes. With one tape to one DVD method, we can use 3 systems simultaneously, therefor all work will be done within an hour or so.
If we have to transfer 3 tapes to a DVD, we have to wait till the first tape is converted to the HDD first, then start the next one and so on and on, and we will edit these files to a single DVD vide disc
It takes much longer and need more care, therefore gets expensive.

-1. DVD quality might be lower than one-to-one transfer, because we might have to compress the files more to fit on a disc.
-2. Takes longer to finish your work than normal.
-3. Cost you more - $29.95 each per original tape (NTSC tapes) or $49.95 per PAL tape , no quantity discounts.
-4. Still it will make sense if you are planning to make DVD copies.

 

Will the DVD you create play on my DVD player?

 

Yes.
Most of the DVD players can play the DVDs we create.
However, regardless of who created the DVD, there are some DVD players that gives problem.
Even Hollywood movie DVDs - which supposed to be playable on all DVD players -
might not work on your DVD player. This happens more often with older DVD players.
If that happens to you, we will re-burn on a different DVD media.
(No refund will be made as long as it plays on many other DVD players)

 

Will the DVD you create play on my PC or Mac?

 

Yes, it will work on your computer if your PC/Mac has a DVD drive.
Please try a Hollywood Movie DVD on you PC/Mac - if it woks, ours will work also.

 

Can you transfer a portion of my video tape on to DVD?

 

No. We do not offer any editing services.
We will transfer whatever on the tape to a DVD as a whole.

 

Can I get multiple copies of the DVD you create?

 

Of course. DVD copies make great gifts for family members. $9.95 each.

 

What regional code DVD you will create?

 

Our final DVD is regional code free. There is no regional restrictions on our DVD.
What is the DVD region code ?

 

Can you transfer PAL or SECAM tape to USA (NTSC) DVD?

 

Yes.
Because we are located close to the UN building, we have rich experience of PAL, SECAM and NTSC conversions.

PAL/SECAM tapes will be converted to NTSC US standard, so you can enjoy on American TV & DVD player.
PAL to NTSC conversion prices are here.

 

Adult and Private video transfer
 
We are accepting "Adult " or "Private" video tape transfer under the following conditions:
1. Absolutely no child porn ( No exceptions. Zero tolerance). We will return the video on customer's expanse.
2. No copy right protected video. We will return the video on customer's expense.
3. There is no graphical color DVD cover, instead tittle or number from video tape will be printed on the DVD disc.
Other than the above, there is nothing special because of the contents on the tape.

How to place an order with us.

 

Same-sex (Gay or Lesbian) contents video
 

There is nothing special for us to work on same-sex, transgender or transsexual contents.
What we care is the technical quality of our services, not the contents or people of the video.

 

Can you E-mail me a Video?

 

If the question is "Can you convert a VHS to a digital file and E-mail it to me? ", then the answer is No.
Simply because we don't send any job by e-mail, period.
(what if the video was sent to a wrong person, what if YOU can't receive that big file, what if you don't know how to download such a big file, what if the file itself is fine but you don't know how to play it..... too many what if's)

Can you convert a DVD-Video so I can E-mail?
This is possible. For more details is here.

 

Can you convert my video to HD (Hi Def) DVD?

 

It doesn't make a good seance to make a full HD spec video, such as 1920 x 1080, from analog tape.
Analog tapes are 720 x 480 pix maximum (including standard def miniDV tape, which is not analog).
Since they are interlaced image (not progressive), actual horizontal image to capture is 360 x 480 pix.
After capturing, it will then be encoded in Interlace mode, which makes the image on DVD 720 x 480.
In other word, there isn't even "720 pix" worth of information in a signal line on video tape.
Artificially increasing the pixel size to 1920 x 1080 doesn't make the image any better at all.
What you are getting is larger block of digital noise and each pixel on TV monitor will be ballooned.
This method is sometimes refereed as " Resolutionholic".

On top that, you must have a Blu-ray Player to view a Hi Def DVD, to begin with.
Without a Blu-ray Player, you can't do anything with a Blu-ray disc.

Now, if you do own a Blu-ray player, the player has what is called "Up conversion function" built in.
What it does is that it will adjust the quality of the image according to the resolution setting you have on the TV monitor.
So just putting a regular DVD disc on a Blu-ray player is the practical answer, rather than increasing pixel numbers of the image.

 

Can you upload video files to our FTP site ?

 

No.
We will not upload video files to your FTP site, because
-1. the move often picks up digital noise during up / down FTP traffic, especially through the internet.
-2. it will often take a hour or two to upload GB files.
-3. not all FTP sites are as stable as it should for GB files and we might have to try many times.
-4. password and other security issue

We don't want to get involved any of the above issues.

 

How to upload my DVD video to YouTube?

  We can offer two options for you to upload video to your YouTube or FaceBook account.
1.

We can make a digital movie file for you. The price is here.

Pro - you don't have to do anything except loading it into you iTunes or YouTube, Facebook account.
Con - cost you more than making a regular DVD disc and you can't play the file on your DVD player.

 

2.

Have us make a regular DVD disc, then you RIP the DVD and turn to different format such as MP4.

Pro - cheaper than have us make the file and you can enjoy the DVD disc on DVD player.
Con - you have to do it by yourself.

It is a two step process - 1) RIP the DVD and 2) encode to digital movie file such as MP4, MOV(Quick Time) or WMV.
MP4 is a compact movie file widely used on iPad, iPod, iPhone, Youtube or Facebook.
MOV, aka Quick Time is a Mac native movie file format.
WMV is a Windows (Microsoft) native movie file format.

There are a couple of free software available on the internet that do the job.
Handbreake for Windows and Mac.
Mpeg StreamClip for Windows and Mac.
If you want to do more precise video editing, consider using one of these free applications:
For Windows users, "Windows Movie Maker".
For Mac people, you can use iMovie.

For advanced Video Editing software, please refer to the site below:
Comparison of Video Editing Software and Required Computer System.

 

2. We can make a digital movie file for you. The price is here.

Pro - you don't have to do anything except loading it into you iTunes or Facebook account.
Con - cost you more than making a regular DVD disc and you can't play the file on your DVD player.


Before uploading to Youtube, there are some steps to follow:
1. Convert your video to MP4(recommended), WMV (Windows) or MOV (Mac).
2. Upload to YouTube - how to upload to YouTube is here.
3. You can set as "private" if you wish, and send the link URL(link address) by e-mail.

If you have any further questions, please address your issue to YouTube help center.
Doi Camera will not be responsible for the result.

 

Can I view my tapes at your studio?

 

Unfortunately we don't have any video players for customer's use at our studio.

 

Other questions?

 

Please contact us with your particular question.

 

   
   

 

(c) Doi Camera, New York, NY, USA
All Rights Reserved