Your video and/or photos can be put on this DVD

Have Your Video or Photos Put on DVD FAQ
What does "have your video put on DVD" mean? Is it simply recording the video on a DVD like a VHS recorder (VCR) or DVD recorder (DVDR)?

Not at all. Although a DVD recorder (DVDR) can create a DVD which can be played on your average table-top DVD player (a "menu" can be created by a DVDR by a process usually called "finalization", and even a chapter index can be created), there is not much control over the actual menu or menus added (for example: the background, or placement of buttons etc. Other features such as motion video backgrounds are usually not available.). DVDs created ("authored") by RTFFX can be structured very much like the commercial ones authored for the movie studios. Of course, on a VHS tape, there are no menus.
I just want some video put on a DVD for the least cost. What can I do?

RTFFX currently offers several levels of DVD authoring packages, based on two major categories.

  1. Basic - The design of your DVD is left mostly to our devices (pun intended).
  2. Custom - You participate in the design of the DVD.

You can also contract RTFFX to create more sophisticated DVDs. There is also a wedding package which includes DVD authoring described here. You should call for a quote as many projects are unique in some way.
What formats for the source material do you accept?
The acceptable formats are the same as for material that you want RTFFX to edit. See the editing page for the list. Digital formats are preferred. If a format you are using isn't listed, contact RTFFX. Even if it is not on the list, it still might be possible to accommodate you. Still images for slideshows can be in almost any format. Photographs can also be scanned, converting them into digital images. HD (high definition) formats are currently being looked into. HD DVDs have existing standards defined for them, but these types of DVDs are nowhere close to being in widespread use. Videotaping services in HD are not currently available, though it may become available in the not too distant future.
How about standard VHS? I have my video on VHS tape. Can it be put on DVD?
Yes. However, please be aware that the "resolution" of standard VHS tape is less than half of that of a standard broadcast television image (called "Standard Definition", abbreviated SD, when contrasted to HD or "High Definition")."Resolution" relates to how many different lines the TV draws on the screen. The higher the number of different lines, the clearer the image is. So, to start off, VHS does not produce as clear an image as so called SD broadcast TV does. Also, VHS is not a "digital" format. It is "analog" so that when copies are made, some (usually slight) loss of picture quality occurs in addition to the effect that the lower resolution has. So the bottom line is that a VHS tape will not look as good on DVD as a DVD made using video from a digital source (such as a modern digital camcorder). Nevertheless, at least acceptable results will usually be obtained.
My VHS tape is a copy of video originally made on a digital camcorder. Should I try to locate the original digital tape and use that instead?
Absolutely!!! With a digital tape it is possible to transfer the video or make copies without any losses to the image quality. (Also see the answer to the previous question.)
If the picture quality of a VHS video put on DVD is not as good as it could be, then why bother?
It's not quite that bad. Good results can usually be obtained. There are also other reasons why having the video on DVD would be preferred. Video is a lot safer if stored on DVD. Stray magnetic fields (even from the earth!) may erase tapes slowly or quickly. Besides a VHS player wearing out the tape during repeated use, the tape can also be torn or literally chewed up by a player malfunction. The problems arise because the "heads" in the player necessarily make physical contact with the tape. The tape wear problem is aggravated when the displayed image is stopped or "frozen". Although in this case, the tape has been stopped, the tape heads are kept rotating against the tape. (For this reason most tape decks, if put in still image mode, automatically begin playing after a short amount of time. Otherwise, kept in the "still image" state indefinitely, the tape would almost certainly be destroyed.). A DVD player makes no contact with the disc. A laser is used to "read" the disc (by picking up dark spots and reflections caused by "pits" in the DVD). Because there is nothing making physical contact with the disc, a DVD player can be left in "still image" mode indefinitely.
So what are the down sides of DVD?
There aren't many. Among them are that discs are not indestructible, are susceptible to scratches, and may not work very well if dirty. Proper care (handling) is the antidote. In a sentence, handle discs by the edges, and outside of its case or a player, avoid allowing the disc to come into contact with anything. Some discs have problems in certain players. It's been alleged that the recorded data pattern on the disc may degrade over time, but if this occurs, it may be a disc manufacturing issue.
What about the other direction: DVD to VHS?
Even though DVD is a superior format to standard VHS, understandably there are times when a VHS copy is required. If the DVD was not built with copy protection, you can make the copy yourself. Obviously, you would need both a DVD player and a VHS tape deck, plus cables to connect the two. You should try to use the best available connection methods for the video. For the common types of connections, the order in decreasing quality is: "component", "S-Video", and "composite". (Other types of connections at the top of this "food chain" have been appearing such as DVI or HDMI, usually associated with HD, however) If you do the copy, and the picture quality turns out to be terrible, you probably are using a disc with copy protection, so then don't ask RTFFX to help you out with this! If you really don't want to do a legitimate copy yourself, you can ask RTFFX to do it for you.
What about the high end formats, such as Betacam, etc.?
Professional formats are currently not supported. RTFFX's video services are aimed at the consumer market.
What about 8 mm film as the source material?
Sorry. Film is a format RTFFX is not currently equipped to handle. 8mm tape, however, would be fine. To do 8 mm film to video transfers "properly", without flickering, and at the correct speed, an 8 mm. film telecine machine would be required and these typically are expensive. This conversion issue is similar to what occurs when DVDs are made for the movie studios from 35 mm film. Video displays images (or "frames") at a rate of about 30 fps (frames per second). Movies shot in 35 mm. typically show images at a different rate of 24 fps. Video also usually interleaves alternate lines of the image at twice the 30 fps rate (60 fps [fields per second]). Film does not. It displays each image all at once. Video can also display each image all at once (called "progressive scan video"). To convert film to video, the process becomes complicated. Extra frames need to be "created", and unless progressive video is to be created, the interleaving (AKA "interlacing") has to be added. 8 mm. presents a similar problem. Most home shot 8 mm film was shot at 18 fps, though some has been shot at 24 fps. Neither is anywhere near the 30 fps video frame rate. The images, of course, are also considerably smaller. However, acceptable results might be obtained using a much simpler conversion scheme using an 8mm. film projector, a screen, and a video camcorder. You could try this yourself.
I heard that even still images can be put on DVD. Is that so?
Yes. A series of images on a DVD is called a "Slideshow". Each image is presented on your TV screen in a pre-defined sequence, each for a pre-defined amount of time, or the viewer can advance to the next image with the DVD player remote control. Optionally, music or other audio can accompany the slideshow. Each slide can have individual audio, or the whole slideshow can use a single soundtrack. With different audio for each slide, the length of time the slide appears on the screen can be set to the length of the audio for that slide, or even set to a fixed time. A single soundtrack for the entire slideshow can be made up of more than one musical selection. With a single soundtrack, the time per slide can be set to the total time of the soundtrack divided by the number of slides. Individual slides can also be made to display for different amounts of time with no relationship to the audio.
I have printed photos of different sizes, even some that are quite small. How would these look and be presented in a slideshow?
Normally one photo per slide, meaning that each photo would appear by itself on the screen. If the photos are scanned at a higher resolution, even small photos will tolerate being "blown up" very well ("blown up", of course, is meant only figuratively!).
If you scan the photos for me, how can I get them shown in the order I want?
You can put them in an album or in an envelope in the order you want. A binder which has the photos in removable transparent sheets would be ideal as the photos could probably be scanned without removing them from their "proof sheets". Another method would be to number each one using pencil on the reverse side of each. If you have another way in mind, that would probably work as well.
How about photo arrangements and transitions other than "cuts" in a slideshow?
Certain transitions can be done in slideshows with no trouble at all (A list of most of the available transition effects can be seen here. A demonstration of these transitions is available on the RTFFX Demo Disc. There are also a few online at the bottom of the animated demo page. If you do not understand what these are, just ask!) Fancier slide layouts such as having multiple images on the screen, additional single images fading in, etc. may be from a little to much more labor intensive. You should contact RTFFX and ask.
My pictures were all taken with a digital camera. Are these better? How would they look?
Pictures taken with a digital camera are better in a couple of ways: 1) They do not need to be scanned with a scanner. For this reason alone, you would likely get a discount on your quote if your photos are all or mostly digital. 2) You can arrange to easily upload the images to this web site (this is preferred) using one of two methods. Your project will be completed faster if you upload the images. Otherwise you can send a CDROM or DVDROM with the files on them or have the CDROM or DVDROM picked up (local area only). Almost any type of image format (i.e. file type) can be used [jpg, jpeg, gif, tga, psd,.tif, png, and others]. If you think you have an "exotic" format, not in common use, check with RTFFX first. In terms of picture quality, as with any type of image, the higher the resolution the better, but quite good results will still be obtained with images that are 640 X 480 Pixels at 72 Dots Per Inch (DPI). This is a very common type of digital camera setting. Most people lean towards being able to take more photos each at a lower resolution rather than being limited to taking fewer photos at a higher resolution. If you haven't yet taken the pictures, you should consider setting your camera to take photos in a size larger than 640 X 480, if your camera allows this. The amount of memory in the camera matters. Obviously it would be preferable to be able to take enough smaller pictures rather than not have enough memory to take enough larger ones. Keep in mind that a standard definition television image corresponds to a still image size of 720 X 480 pixels. It is easier to crop or cut out unwanted portions of larger images without reducing the image quality presented by the DVD. In other words, the larger, the better.
How do I get pictures taken with a digital camera shown in the order I want?
1) Provide a list with the names of the files in the order you want. 2) Name the image files so that any computer would list them in a folder or directory in the order that you want them to appear. Example: name the files using names like "image_001.jpg", "image_002.jpg", "image_003.jpg", etc. Be careful and don't use something like "image_01.jpg" with the rest in the format of "image_???.jpg (3 digit numbering) as you may not end up with all the images in the order you want. 3) Indicate they should be shown in the order they were taken (If there is a readable header in the image file containing this information. Digital cameras usually record this information which can be read by popular image software). Since this method can be time consuming, it is suggested that you do this ahead of time and instead use one of the other methods based on the results. 4) a combination of the above methods.
Can I scan my own photos if have access to a scanner?
Yes. There are the advantages pointed out in the answer to a previous question about digital cameras. If you want to touch them up yourself, you can still have RTFFX scan them for you, but an additional deposit would be required since partially completed work would be turned over to you. In any event, the photos should be scanned at a highest resolution and quality your scanner provides (at least 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch), though 200 DPI or less, down to 72 DPI will probably work). Doing this will improve the appearance on the screen, particularly that of small photos. You can also still arrange to have your photos picked up (local area only).
Can you touch up or color correct my photos - some of them are pretty old?
Free for a few photos, up to 3, and only if you specifically ask. Otherwise, for more, you can get a quote. The range of adjustments possible go between simple removal of spots up to the removal of an object! (this was actually done). If you scan the photos yourself, you would be able to touch them up yourself. This is one way to guarantee they turn out exactly the way you want. It is not a difficult skill to learn and inexpensive software can be found that allows you to do it and is often given free if you purchase a printer or a scanner. If "major surgery" is needed, this can be done, but you will be charged for it (i.e. request a quote). There's also another school of thought on touch up. Many family photos ARE old and often look fine being that way. Everybody knows they are old. They'll look fine on the screen.
Instead of "touch up" where something is usually removed, what if I want something added?
That can be done also. See the page on "special effects" This is also relevant for video (see the next question).
What about touch up of my VIDEO - Is that possible???
Definitely. It is the same as touching up a LOT of photos. The video is first converted to an image sequence. Since video used in the U.S. is shown as approximately 30 frames per second, one ends up with 30 still images for every second of video. Despite the likely large number of images, the touchup process is the same. Once the images are changed, they are re-assembled into video. Deliberately drawing something on video (or film) is called "rotoscoping". An example would be a ray gun battle. The beams from the ray guns could be drawn on the video frames, essentially "by hand". You can get a quote for either type of video touch up after the amount of work required is determined.
Can I get a copy of my photos?
Yes. In fact, you will get a copy. If there is room left over on the DVD, a folder containing the images will be created right on the DVD. You will be able to access the files in that folder using any computer with a DVD drive. Usually there is some space left over. In the unlikely event there isn't enough room on the DVD, you will get a CD with the files on it. If you want them on CD instead, just ask.
How about adding music to my slideshow or video? I have a particular artist in mind.
Be very careful about what music you want to use! In most cases, music is copyrighted, and therefore cannot be used without permission from the author. Permission can also require that large royalties be paid. In some cases, a piece of music may be "free for personal use". This scenario even creates a problem if you pay someone to do the work. This can be frustrating, but legalities are what they are. Unfortunately it leaves one with the choices of a) finding "free music" [classical music often is "free" since it was written before 1923 and the author has long since passed away but even a .midi file with just the notes in it may be claimed by somebody, b) paying the royalty (buying the right to use a work), or c) writing the music yourself. Very very few people fall into the latter category. However, there are ways to deal with this issue. If you can take some time to look around, you may be able to find free music that's appropriate for the background music for your DVD. Works written before January 1st, 1923 are in the public domain and therefore are free. So a good place to start is with list of classical music, most of which was written before 1923. Most everyone has heard Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer". This is a example of music that is in the public domain, that is also well known. "Pachelbel's Canon" is an example of a classical piece that is often played at weddings. It is ideal as background music for family oriented slideshows. Another type of music you may be able to find is music available for very low licensing fees. This music is usually written by independent artists and you can buy the right to use a piece of music in your DVD "production". You would own the piece, not RTFFX. (RTFFX couldn't afford to buy all the music required to satisfy all customers' tastes.) To summarize, with a little persistence and possibly a small investment, you will be able to find music you think is appropriate. Do not let this "problem" discourage you.
This web site I was on says that the MIDI files on it are in the public domain. Are these Ok?
Not necessarily! Do not assume that what they are saying is automatically correct! A MIDI file created from music copyrighted by someone else is not in the public domain even if the one who created the MIDI file says he or she has released it (the MIDI file) to the public domain. The music itself is still carrying the copyright and the person who created the MIDI file had no legal right to create the file in the first place unless that person also owns the original copyright to the music. One should be particularly suspicious if the music was written after 1923 or the author or artist is still around.
How about computer-generated music? I hear some in some of the demos.
RTFFX can synthesize music by entering a series of notes or by downloading a file format representing a series of notes (such as a MIDI note file). Digitally sampled "recordings" of practically any musical instrument can be assigned to the sequence of notes. If the sequence is "played" using appropriate software, it will sound as if someone were playing that instrument. Additional sequences of notes assigned to other sampled instruments can be added until an entire synthesized orchestra is created. MIDI files with embedded instrumental assignments can be played directly. Regarding the melodies that can be played, the same issues of copyright as described in the previous question still apply. The advantage of using computer generated music is that the music can be played at any speed. The "beat" of the music can therefore be synchronized with what is happening on the screen. This fact is particularly useful with slideshows as the slides can be made to change in time with the music. Otherwise, with recorded music, it becomes much more difficult to achieve the same results.
What about vocals in the computer-generated music?
Some of the pre-defined "instruments" sound like a person singing or even sound like a choir. That is as far as it goes, however.
Come on now, can't you "compose" anything?
Actually, YES. RTFFX has access to some royalty free musical "loops" which can be used singly or combined together into royalty free and unique musical compositions.
Since we are now on the subject of sound, what can you do with sound?
Sound is usually associated with a video clip, so sound is edited just like the picture. When video clips are re-arranged or subdivided, the associated sound goes along. The sound can also be edited separately. Sound can be moved around with respect to the video. An example of this is in a conversation with two people. There could a shot of one person's facial expression while the other's words are being heard. Adjustments to the sound can also be made. The volume can be adjusted and vary throughout the video to compensate for sections where the sound is not loud enough. The volume could be adjusted even for a single syllable of someone's speech. Unwanted noises such as hum, clicks, or pops can be removed.
How long will it take for my DVD(s) to be ready?
If RTFFX has everything it needs for the project, typically from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks. It can take longer if you need to get additional materials to RTFFX or for other reasons, such as you are getting a review copy. If it otherwise needs to take longer (typically if there are a lot of projects in the queue), every effort will be made to let you know how long it will take. Most often this is known at the time an order is to be placed. Custom digital animations usually take extra time to render, and may cause a project to take longer to complete. Please be patient with animations. Usually they will be worth the wait.
What if I have a deadline?
If you have a mandatory deadline, you must indicate that this is the case when you contact RTFFX. Anything with a deadline, even a project with a published price, will require a quote. The quote could be the same as a published price, depending upon how many projects are being worked on. Assuming RTFFX accepts the project, every effort will be made to make the deadline. RTFFX cannot be held responsible for events out of its control, and the extent of the liability when it is the fault of RTFFX is limited to providing a refund or giving a 50% discount. If you say something like "I'd LIKE to have it done by Friday", rather than "It MUST be done by Friday" then the specified date will be interpreted as a goal but not as requirement.
I notice when I got the DVD, there was an animation included. I didn't really ask for one. Will it cost me more? What if I don't like it?
It won't cost anything extra. A quote is a quote. Sometimes, in the background, animations are being developed to add to the "library". The intention is to be able to offer these to customers in general. On a review copy, if an animation which seems to fit the subject matter exists, it just might be included. The reason for this is to simply try it out and see how it looks (and sounds). If you don't like it, no one will be offended if you ask to have it removed. However, animations are usually used for title sequences or other introductions, so please have an idea in mind as to what you would like to replace the animation with. You won't be able to ask for a replacement which requires a lot of work. Also if you have it taken out, you may end up not having any "sophisticated digital special effects" in your project to brag about to your friends!
Is it possible that I will have problems playing my DVD in my DVD player?
Unfortunately, yes, it is possible. Note that this problem also exists for DVDs authored for the movie studios. It depends on the model and age of the DVD player and how the DVD is authored, i.e., what features in the DVD specification are used. DVD players can be described as dedicated computers. Like computers in general, some DVD players are better than others. They contain built-in software (usually called "firmware" because it is rarely changed, if at all). The firmware may have problems ("bugs"). You may be able to get the problems fixed by returning the unit to the manufacturer for a "firmware upgrade". In some cases there may be a way for you to upgrade the firmware yourself. The player itself also may have design deficiencies. RTFFX in fact, is in possession of a couple of older DVD players that have trouble playing discs which use transitions or effects in slide shows. What happens is that when a dissolve (for example) happens between two slides, the sound will drop off, or even the screen will freeze entirely. Interestingly, a third DVD player, from the same manufacturer, but a different model, does not exhibit any of these symptoms.
If the disc won't play in my DVD player, can I get my money back?
Yes, if the issue cannot be resolved any other way. The DVD will have to be returned.
Yeah, well, I have a recent vintage computer with a DVD drive. Can't I do all of this myself?
Of course you can, if you already have such a computer. The software that comes with it may or may not let you do what you want, or you may have to purchase a software package that does. You'll need to know how to use it as well. You may need editing software also. Software to do 2D or 3D effects is needed if you want to include effects. If you don't want to incur the expense or spend the time, let RTFFX do the work.
I have a lot of "cool" features I want on my DVD. What if I'm not sure exactly what I want to do, but I just want it to be "cool"? Could I really get this DVD done for the minimum "custom" price? How can you keep the price down?
Software designed for this particular task has gotten easier to use. In fact, it continues to evolve, The tools that are used can often easily program features into a DVD that seem complicated to the viewer. A good example is a scene index which has text and little "screens" on it which play clips of each scene. In this instance, once the scene markers are in place (defining when scenes begin), the menu (or menus if needed) can be created in a matter of seconds. At the same time. a button can be automatically added to the "main menu" for the "Scene Index"!

If you would like to design your DVD, you need to know how DVDs are structured. Most people who have played a variety of commercial DVDs probably already have some ideas. For a detailed explanation as to exactly what can be customized with DVDs, click here. After you scan the customization pages, take one of the DVDs you own, play it, and this time really look at how it is organized. If you have many of them, you probably will observe quite a bit of variety. Find one, if you can, that does fancy things. Some may have setup menus, motion menus. Some use graphics on their menus, others have simple text. Most have a scene index. Others may have still image backgrounds on their menus. You may have one that starts playing the movie right away, or after a period of time. You could have one that plays highlights of the movie if you dont do anything for a while, or even "complains" if the viewer does nothing. Many have "stiill image galleries" (also known as "slide shows").

So, just indicate what you want to do. You may be pleasantly surprised.
My video is very long and/or I need a lot of feature material on my DVD. What about dual-layer DVDs that have more space such as what is called DVD-9? Can you author these?
Yes. RTFFX can directly author dual layer (DL) (DVD-9) type discs without a replicator being necessary. The cost of the appropriate media (meaning "blank two layer discs") has come down and usually is around $2-$3 per disc currently. Keep in mind that originally DVD+/-R discs were at this price level (and higher). It is very likely that the cost of dual layer media will drop further in the near future.
Is a replication service really necessary?
Only if special circumstances described on this page exist. Up to a couple of hours of home video, for example, can be put on up to two single layer discs (DVD-5's) or on a dual later disc (DVD-9) without using any replication service. The is the fastest and most cost-effective scenario. If a replicator is necessary, for whatever reason, it becomes cost effective only when the number of copies requested becomes large. Beyond 20 discs it becomes cost ineffective. In other words, if you want to have made 1000 copies of discs, you will be sent to a replicator!
What about two-sided discs (DVD-18, 2 sides and 2 layers each side, for example)?
From the programming point of view, each side is treated as if it were a separate DVD. If either side is to use more than one layer, that side is treated as if it were a separate dual layer disc.
I prefer to use my own replicator. Can I do that?
Yes. RTFFX can send the data to the replicator, assuming that RTFFX can provide the data in the format required. If you don't currently know of a replicator, many can be found online. You can locate one yourself.
Do your DVDs use copy protection?
Normally no. The copy protection methods are licensed and would require that the DVDs be made at a replication facility. For the vast majority of our customers, this would incur unnecessary additional cost. The vast majority of the DVDs authored by RTFFX are for personal, not commercial use. You can, however, have any of the various copy protection schemes be installed on your disc(s).
Can I get extra copies?
It is recommended you make your own copies for personal use if you have access to a computer with a writing DVD drive, either yours or a friend's. You can make copies provided no copy protection was requested to be included on the disc. Software to copy DVDs is readily available. You would also be able to make copies to tape, to VHS for example. Otherwise, you can have a small number of DVD copies made for a nominal charge. (It costs extra for RTFFX to make copies to VHS tape or other media formats.) For large quantities of DVDs, a replicator is recommended as you will be able to significantly lower the cost per disc. (Note: in all cases, you must own the material - see the answer to the next question)
Can you make a DVD out of source material to which I do not own the rights?
Absolutely not!. RTFFX will not knowingly do anything to encourage piracy. A statement in writing that you are the owner, or written permission from the actual owner may be required. RTFFX will very likely not be able to modify and/or copy a commercial DVD. RTFFX also would not be able to place a copyrighted TV program on a DVD or any other type of media.
If I haven't agreed in writing to another arrangement, who owns the rights to my DVD? You or me?
You inherently retain the rights to your own material even if its been put on a DVD or even some other type of media. You are also inherently licensed to copy, for personal use, material created solely by RTFFX such as animations, graphics, etc., as well as so called "hybrid material": material that you supply and own, but modified by RTFFX, as long as the entire medium that contains material is copied. However, if you have been given a "file" copy of material and in one of the standard file formats (meaning a media file format that allows one to easily edit or change it), then it is yours. Image files of photographs scanned for a slideshow are examples, since you get a copy of these. If you asked RTFFX to videotape or shoot still images of a special event of yours, then you retain ownership of that material.
What region codes do your DVDs use?
Region codes is a technique where discs can allow themselves to be played only on players sold in a particular geographic region of the world. The default for discs authored by RTFFX is for the DVD to play in all regions, unless otherwise requested.
You say that at least an hour of video will fit on a single sided DVD. Can't you tell exactly?
The short answer is "no". It depends on what else is on the disc (menus, still images, etc.). There are other technical influences as well. The video on DVD is compressed. How this is done matters too. The one hour estimate is conservative. Theoretically, up to slightly more than two hours on a single layer disc and up to four hours on a dual-layer disc is possible.
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