DVD Archiving -

Frequently Asked Questions

Find all your answers here...

I have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions and the answers in hopes that it will provide additional information to you about our services. If you have a question or issue not listed here then please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

Q. How long does it take?
This can vary on the process required and the time of year. If you require a basic transfer of tape or digital media to DVD then this will normally be done within 7 days from receipt of payment. For more extensive editing or our enhanced archiving services it could take anything up to 21 days. A fast track payment option is available for items needed in a hurry. Towards Christmas we advise customers to allow more time due to a higher demand for our services as well as on the postal service. We will advise you of the approximate completion date at the time of your order.

Q. What will the quality be like when my media is transferred to DVD?
We use high quality video readers, scanners and DVD recorders to transfer your footage to DVD. You can be assured that your DVD footage will be as good as the quality of your original video footage, if not better.
If there are problems with the original recording (such as poor sound, or deteriorated picture quality due to age etc) then these will be transferred onto your DVD copy unless you specify the enhanced archiving option, in which case we do our best to optimise the quality of the original source.

Q. Will my DVD player be able to read the DVD you create for me?
We create DVDs in the DVD-R format, which is read by almost all DVD players. Some very early players may not read this format, but this is extremely rare and limited to a small set of first generation DVD players. Please contact us if you have specific concerns about this.

Q. How safe are my items when I send them to you?
Note that all locations within Brisbane include free pick up and delivery.
If mailing, we advise you to use Express or Registered Post when sending your items to us, and to safely wrap each item separately within the package that you send us. (We will also do the same when we return your items via post).
Whilst in our possession your items will be treated with care and respect in a clean, secure, smoke free and safe environment. It is imperative that you label your items clearly, as specified on our order form. This will assist us in safely and efficiently processing your order.

Q. Can I combine multiple tapes onto a single DVD?
Yes - please contact us with details of your order and we will be happy to advise you on the best price we can offer. We deal with these requests individually since most of our customers transfer one tape per DVD.

Q. I've got some video that I want to be transferred to DVD, but it's in a format that you don't mention. Can you transfer this for me?
Please contact us with details of your format and we will be happy to help you if we can.

Q. Do you transfer 8mm/Super-8/Cine film onto DVD?
At the moment we do not have the facility to transfer this type of film to DVD, but we are currently looking into it. Please contact us for further details if you have specific questions about this film transfer.

Q. Do you transfer LP records or Audio Cassette Tape onto CD/DVD?
YES! We can now convert your favourite songs and music from old vinyl records and audio tapes and we can supply them in any audio format you require (eg. MP3 or audio CD).

Q. I've got some old slides and negatives that I would like transferred to DVD. Can you transfer this for me?
Yes. Your images will need to be first scanned in and you can find additional information on this here. Once digitised you then have the option of including your images in a Photo Montage.

Q. Do you scan any type of photos?
We can scan any size of printed photos up to 8.5" x 12" (approx. 21cm x 30cm). We cannot by law process photos depicting child abuse or animal cruelty. Our judgement in this matter is final. Nudity is acceptable and all images are handled discreetly.

Q. Some of my photos are faded and damaged. What can be done about it?
Our scanning services include basic enhancement services for all pictures. This includes rotation, cropping, and colour correction and optimisation. We also offer an extra cleanup and image enhancement process. If your photos need a more advanced correction, we will be happy to give you a quote for those services.

Q. In what order will you arrange my photos on the disc?
We will scan and save your photos in the same order you send them to us. You should arrange your photos by theme or event in smaller batches and group them together. You should also number each photo or mounted slide on the back with a pencil. Envelopes and plastic bags containing photo batches can also be numbered or labelled to indicate to us the proper scanning order. You can also include a clearly printed piece of paper with special instructions for us.

Q. Will I get chapters in my DVD so that I can skip forward and backwards like I would with a Hollywood DVD?
Yes - either an automatically created chapter every 5/10 minutes or custom chapters throughout the DVD. These can be shown as chapter images on the menu of the DVD if using the Enhanced Archiving process.

Q. Can I ask for you to only transfer part of my video?
Yes - with the Enhanced Archiving option. Please use the "Special Instructions" section of the order form to tell us which part of the video you would like to copy using the hh:mm:ss (hours, minutes, seconds) format, for example: "Please copy only from 00:12:34 to 01:03:00 on video 3". We will then copy that video section exactly as specified to the nearest second.

Q. What will my DVD look like when it is done?
All of our DVDs come labelled with a printed image, taken from the video disc's content where possible. We prefer not to send out unprinted discs. The DVD disc will have the title you requested on your order form. Each single DVD is supplied in a clear plastic case, or with a multiple DVD collection a larger DVD case is used with an accompanying cover.

Q. What methods of payment do you accept?
Whilst we prefer payment by Direct Deposit for a fast and safe transaction using your own bank, we also accept payment by cash, cheque or money order as well as PayPal. (PayPal is the largest and most recognised online payment agent. You DO NOT need a PayPal account in order to complete payment. You only need a valid Visa or MasterCard.)

Q. How should I package my items when I send them to you?
Note that all locations within the Brisbane region include free pick up and delivery. If you are able to take advantage of this service, then you simply need to package your items securely. We will take care of the rest. We transport all items in a strong, safe, and weather resistant container.
If mailing at other times throughout the year, your items should be well packaged to avoid damage whilst in transit. We advise customers to use bubble wrap or similar material, and to wrap each item separately within the package. We cannot be held responsible for damage to your items whilst in transit to us and it is imperative that you package your items to avoid damage. We will thoroughly wrap each of your items when returning them to you using the postal service.

Q. I want the DVDs sent outside Australia. Do you do this?
Yes, we are happy to send your items anywhere you like, providing the delivery is paid for. This often makes a great surprise gift for someone! If you have a specific requirement for DVDs to be sent abroad please contact us and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

You can phone us on 07 3800 1509 to discuss your needs or email your inquiry to sales@virtuosoit.com.au