FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Film transfer.
Why transfer to VHS/Mini DV/DVD/?
How is it done?
Can you improve video and audio quality?

How long will this process take?
How do I get my tapes/DVDs/CDs to you?
What kind of guarantee do you provide?

What about creating separate tittles when transferring?
How do you arrive at the cost of transfers?


Shipping FAQ
Shipping Address ?
Who pays?

Q: Can you improve video and audio quality?

A: Occasionally. Most transfers are copied directly from the source. Video and audio are generally recorded within the proper specifications and do not require additional adjustments. If the quality of the film/audio signal is lower than than standard requirements we can make the following adjustments*: For FILM; tracking, brightness, contrast, color, tint and video sharpness, for AUDIO; sound level, de-noising and equalization. We can usually eliminate a high percentage of poor video signal and audio surface noise, but there are limitations depending on how severe the damage is to the original source. Please check out the samples page to see and hear what type of results you can expect.
* There is an extra charge to enhance poor quality source tapes.

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Q: How long will this process take?

A: On average about 5 to 10 business days from the day we receive your films/tapes/DVDs/CDs, plus the time it takes for your shipment to get back to you. We cannot guarantee a specific time frame as there are many variables to consider, so your patience is appreciated!

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Q: How do I get my Film/Tapes/DVDs/CDs to you?

A: Ship your tapes to our mailing address in southern California. If you live in the area you may visit our Outlet Center to drop off and pick up your projects; Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm PST and Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. To visit our studio please call for an appointment at 949-495-2016.

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Q: What kind of guarantee do you provide?

A: We guarantee the highest quality possible transferred from your source format. If you are wary about the process just send us one or two films and check out the results. We are very confident that you'll be more than satisfied. To read some testimonials from some satisfied customers, close this window and click the "Clientele" link and select "testimonials".

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Q: What about creating separate titles when transferring?

A: Yes, we can separate any section of your original footage into individual titles. This, however, requires editing and is billed @ $90hr. (1/2hr. increments). Call us for additional info at 949-495-2016.

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Q: How do you arrive at the cost of transfers?


A: The short answer is, that in order to transfer any film it has to be done in "real time". Meaning, if a film reel takes 55 minutes to play, it will take 55 minutes to record. Add to that any additional time to process it for video signal improvement or noise removal and finally copy to video or to burn it to DVD. This makes for a very "time intensive" or "computer labor intensive" process. Our prices are based upon the length of your footage to be transferred.

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SHIPPING FAQ (Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Shipping)

Our Shipping Address is:

Coliday Media Center
30262 Crown Valley Parkway #C
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

We are located in southern California, approximately 40 miles south of Disneyland, and about 10 miles north of the beautiful mission in San Juan Capistrano. If you happen to live in the Orange County Area and wish to arrange drop-off or pick-up of your order, please contact us.
International Customers: We will use your choice of carrier to return ship your order or for questions please contact us.

IMPORTANT! Please don't forget to include in the package your name, e-mail address, phone number and the return ship address

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Q: Who pays?


A: You, the customer, are responsible for all related shipping costs. We use USPS Priority Mail as our standard shipping provider.

When using a shipping service such as UPS, Fed Ex, USPS or other carrier, remember the Golden Rule of Shipping: Pack your shipment just like you would want it packed and shipped to you. In our effort to keep prices low we will in most cases use your same packaging to return your order to you. In this circumstance, less is not more, MORE is more, and even more is better. The more material you use to insulate your tapes etc. from getting damaged the better. We recommend a couple different methods....


1) Bubble Wrap, use two (or more) sheets of inexpensive bubble wrap approximately 13-14 inches wide and wrap your films first in one direction and then 90 degrees the other direction so that they crisscross each other. Place them in a sturdy corrugated cardboard box they fit snugly in to prevent jostling.

2) Peanuts, we DO NOT recommend the use of styrofoam peanuts unless used in conjunction with the bubble wrap method described above and even then only as filler on the top and bottom.

Larger Shipments

For shipments of larger quantities (25 or more) we recommend the use of a professional shipper (i.e. UPS/FedEx Etc). We suggest dividing your shipment into smaller more manageable sized packages to possibly reduce costs.

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Q: Why transfer to DVD?

You want your video collection to last for years to come, but most of yesterday’s recording formats have a tendency to "break down" from multiple playings, neglect, or just the passage of time. When this happens the "noise", such as hisses, poor picture quality and tracking problems can make the video no longer enjoyable. By preserving your footage your enjoyment is restored as well.

Another advantage is the technology of the DVD itself. Designed to last, DVD-Rs will continue to play with the same degree of quality for years and years and won’t break down like other formats. This means your collection will not only be restored, but preserved for generations to come.

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Q: How is it done?

You send your film.

List the service you desire (please use the order form). We will transfer your original into the new format.

Each order takes approximately one week depending on the size of the order.

Once your video tape or custom DVD-R is created, we ship it, along with your original film (3' reels are typically spliced together on a 7" reel in order specified by you) back to you.

We welcome your comments once you receive the finished product so that we may continue to provide a useful and successful service to you.

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