But, DVDs offer you much more in the way of custom features. Instead of just a video that rolls along from beginning to end, you can have your family video DVD loaded with special features, just like the DVDs from the store.
Put Whatever You Want On The Menu
Video rolls along from beginning to end, but DVDs serve up entertainment from a main menu. When you first turn them on, it shows you a table of contents with all the stuff on the disc. This way, you can put several hours of different videos on a DVD and see what you want when you want.
You can also make a custom background for the menu. Most video transfer places will allow you to choose an image, or even a scene from the video, to put in the background of the menu screen.
Make It More Easy To Navigate
If you have long videos on your DVD, you can split them up into "tracks" like a CD has. You can make your own scene selection screen on the start menu so that you can find exactly what you are looking for.
Another custom service that is usually offered is time markers. You can have the DVD made so that viewers can skip ahead to a certain time in one of the videos.
Make The DVD So That You Can Watch It Anywhere
There is a custom feature called "international video standards conversion," which means that a video duplication service can make your video region-free.
For DVDs, the world is divided into 8 major regions. Videos from each region can't be watched in the other regions. DVD players simply won't be able to read them. This is a measure created to keep people from bootlegging and selling cheap DVDs.
This can be a real pain for consumer, though. That's why most video transfer services offer region-free video conversion.
More Editing Options
It depends on the company, but many video transfer services allow you to do custom editing. They may charge more, or offer it as part of the deluxe package. You might be able to...
- Edit certain scenes. Is there a long stretch where somebody left the camera on and forgot about it? You can make it disappear. You can also make collages or "best of" collections.
- Custom music. You can often choose music for the start menu and opening scenes, but some places will allow you to add music into certain scenes. You can turn your home videos into Hollywood thrillers!
- Photos and slideshows. DVDs can store all kinds of information, and some services allow you to preserve your pictures on the same DVD as a movie. With photos on the DVD, you can also make slideshows.
A simple conversion to DVD will protect your family videos and keep the quality from deteriorating, but custom features can turn your average home videos into interactive adventures! When you shop around for a video transfer service, be sure to ask about what special custom features they offer.
The good news is that just about any media format can be transferred into newer digital technologies like DVD so they will last longer and be available when the moment is right to relive those memories.
There are a number of alternatives for converting your older media whether VHS / Beta tape or older film stock to a format which is usable in today's modern devices.
Methods for transferring film to video:
Believe it or not, converting film to video is a relatively uncomplicated process. You can certainly buy expensive tools and hire professionals to do it for you, but for the do it yourself types theres a method you can use right at home if you still have the projection equipment to match the film media.
This method is called a "screen projection transfer":
Very simply you project and record at the same time. Using your older projector you project the original movie onto a screen from which you can record with your newer modern video camera. Many feel as though this method provides nearly the same results as professional work (or at least good enough when factored against the cost savings). It may take a few tries to get it right, but at least you'll have your memories in a place where they're much more easily accessible without the trouble of unpacking and setting up the old projector.
Try these tricks to improve the quality of your new recording:
If possible, use a variable speed projector. This way you can adjust the speed of the film to eliminate flicker allowing a cleaner recording. Use a video monitor (or TV) attached to the video camera with which you're recording the film. This way you can be sure that the output is going to be as clean as possible without relying on the 2.5" screen of your video camera.
Make sure your video camera is as close as it can be to the projector lens to avoid distortion due to viewing angle.
Don't darken the room too much. If the room is too dark it may cause your video camera to adjust for the low light and over-emphasize contrast issues in the original.
Try different screen types. You might find that a matte finish is better than a projector screen when rendered on your video camera.
It is definitely worth a little effort to preserve your valuable memories. Take your time and get it right. A little experimentation up front should be expected, but you'll thank yourself in the end.
If you've got a bigger budget, there are some readily available tools which can ease the process and will probably improve the end result as well.
Telecine Transfer Box: This box actually connects to both the camera and the projector. The film projects into the box where there are both a mirror and a rear-projection image screen. By connecting the camera to the other end of the box you can record a much truer image than with screen projection transfer.
Multiplexer: A multiplexer is a complicated system which actually project from the projector directly into the camera through a system of mirrors and lenses. The image quality is great, but they are not cheap - this is more of a professional solution.
Professional Film to Video Transfer Services: There are a number of transfer services available. These services often engage in a number of video conversion and transfer services. While they're going to be more expensive than doing it yourself, the quality afforded by a true professional is well worth it.
Do be sure, however, that you do a little homework. Nothing could be worse than losing those memories to someone else's carelessness or unscrupulousness.
As you can see, all hope is not lost when it comes to preserving and displaying your filmed memories. You can entertain at parties, keep the grandkids enthralled for hours, but most important, assure you are leaving just one more part of a rich legacy to those who come along in the years to come.
Article Source :
Anna Woodward has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Business, CD Review and Binding Machines. For , DVD features, duplication and post production, the Transfer Zone is a professional full-service lab operating since 1976. At The Transfer Zone,. Anna Woodward's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.