Frequently Asked Questions

1. What quality can I expect if you transfer my VHS to DVD, or another format?
2. What is the difference between Finished and Final copies?
3. Am I able to make my own copies of the DVDs you produce?
4. Are specialty projects welcome?
5. What sort of DVDs do you use?
6. How does pricing and billing work?
7. I don’t like the look of your samples. Does your work really look that pixilated?
8. I have a project, but I’m not sure I can afford to have it edited. Is there a way to reduce the price?

What quality can I expect if you transfer my VHS to DVD, or another format?

All video transfers use the state-of-the-art Canopus ADVC-110 digital converter for unmatched picture and sound quality. Of course, severely damaged tapes cannot be fully restored to pristine status, but we can guarantee that no quality will be lost. Your new DVDs will look as good or even much better than your original VHS tapes.

What is the difference between Finished and Final copies?

We will do our utmost to carry out every editing project according to your vision. When we feel that we have met your objectives, we provide you with an unlabeled “Finished” copy. You are then given time to review that version. Any changes you wish to see will direct our work in making the “Final” copy, which is fully labeled and packaged.

Most often, the Finished and Final copies are identical. We will not mark a disc as Final until after you have approved it, however.

*Basic Video Transfers include only a Final disc.

Am I able to make my own copies of the DVDs you produce?

All our DVDs are suitable for making perfect digital copies. If you wish to make your own copies of a disc, you are free to do so. This can be a time-consuming process, and will not include Novamation packaging, but there are no legal or technological reasons why you cannot do so on your own.

There are advantages to using our duplication service, however. We use specially-ordered Grade-A media for the highest-possible quality and compatibility, and design our own labels for use with your project.

Are specialty projects welcome?

Very much so. If you have a video idea, we’ll help you make it a reality. This website focuses on the types of projects we are asked about most frequently, but the full scope of our services is wide-open.

What sort of DVDs do you use?

Novamation Studios exclusively uses Taiyo Yuden media -- guaranteeing the highest-possible quality and compatibility. All our discs have their labels imprinted directly onto their surface. Other businesses will often use adhesive paper labels. While this technique does work, the paper labels will occasionally be unbalanced (making the disc erratic or unplayable) or become loose while the disc is spinning (potentially sticking and destroying your DVD player). Neither of these problems could ever happen with our DVDs.

Unlike some earlier models of printable discs, our Taiyo Yudens can easily handle true full-color.

How does pricing and billing work?

We have some flexibility with our billing system, depending on your specific project and desires. If you’d rather pay a flat fee for a project, as is common for people working off of a grant, we’re willing to discuss alternate payment plans. Some types of projects may require you to pay for half of the project initially, and half upon completion. Most projects are subject to Minnesota sales tax, although Basic Video Transfers are one exception.

I don’t like the look of your samples. Does your work really look that pixilated?

Absolutely not. Loading full-quality DVD video onto a website would make playback so slow that many computers would simply refuse to play anything at all. The samples on the portfolio page have been severely reduced for easy playback. This results in a “fuzzy” image and slight audio/visual mismatches. If you’d like a full-quality example, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary DVD.

I have a project, but I’m not sure I can afford to have it edited. Is there a way to reduce the price?

Definitely. The single biggest difference you can make in the price of your project is to be prepared. Novamation Studios is able to handle any aspect of video production, but there are many sections you can have already prepared. Giving us scripts, storyboards, clear instructions, all materials up-front, logged footage, or easy contact information will all reduce the amount of time we spend working, and reduce your final price tag proportionally.

Additionally, feel free to discuss with us possible short-cuts or alternate payment plans.