PASTPLAY FAQs: Convert your Slides, Prints, Negatives, Home movies, Home videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment does PastPlay use?

Without putting you to sleep with all the technical specifications, we use only professional-grade equipment.
Our video transfer gear is made by Sharp and Sony. We send all video through a Datavideo Time-Base Corrector to fix sync problems (like picture roll) and to minimize glitches and tracking issues. We use exclusively 24-karat gold-plated audio and video cables to reduce signal loss and interference.
For film transfers, we use a Cinemate projector paired with a Canon 3CCD camera. This is a broadcast-quality camera with three image chips (one for each of the primary colors) instead of the single chip you find in most home video cameras.
Before we thread your film in the projector we inspect, clean and lubricate it with FilmGuard, a product used in movie theaters across the country.

I have some film or video, but I’m not sure what format it is. Help!

16mm

Super 8

8mm

If you're still unsure, just shoot us an e-mail. We'll help you figure it out.

How do you protect my DVD?

DVDs come to you enclosed in black jewel cases. DVDs are enclosed in black jewel cases. DVDs are titled in black text, unless the color/photo option is selected.

Can you transfer Super 8 with Sound or 16mm film?

Yes, we can transfer Super 8 with sound. It requires an extra step, so there is an additional fee.
We will begin transferring 16mm in the very near future. Please inquire about this service.

How soon can you complete the job and return everything to me?

That depends on a lot of factors, not the least of which is the speed of the US Postal Service. Normally, we can have your order completed and returned to you within 3-4 weeks. PastPlay pays the return postage and we use delivery confirmation to ensure your priceless memories make it safely back to you.

I need a service I don’t see offered on your website. Can you help me?

PastPlay’s website lists the most popular options but occasionally someone needs a service that’s a bit, well, off-the-beaten-path. Just ask! We can usually provide that service.
For example, you may want your Super 8 film transferred to an AVI file or MPEG file. No problem! Or you may want it converted to a Windows Media or RealVideo file, suitable for streaming on a website. Again, no problem! Just email us first to check whether we can handle the format you desire.

There’s a scene (or a blank spot) in the middle of my film or videotape that I don’t want transferred to DVD. Can PastPlay remove it?

Sure we can, but video editing charges would apply , and we’d need a lot more guidance from you to ensure we remove the intended material (see video editing). Email us for more information.

What if I already have a bunch of digital images (JPEGs, etc.) and I want them made into a DVD Slide Show? Can PastPlay do that?

You bet we can. Send us your digital pictures on CD or Memory Card (we can accept Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, SmartMedia, Memory Stick or Memory Stick PRO, Compact Flash or IBM Microdrive). The cost is the same, as listed on our pricing page.

Are you experienced?

Are we ever! We have more than 25 years of experience handling photos, film and video. We have worked in both cable television and broadcast television for two decades. If we can’t solve your media problem, we definitely know whom to ask!

YOU CAN TRUST
with your precious memories, knowing they’ll be treated with the utmost care.

They will be returned to you (free shipping) digitally preserved, so you can view them with ease… AND share them with others!

To what kind of DVD will you transfer my media?

Most people choose to have their film and video projects transferred to a DVD. PastPlay uses DVD-R discs, which will play in most home DVD players just like a DVD movie you buy or rent. However, some older or less-expensive players may have compatibility problems with DVD-R. The issues is not with the disc itself, but with the player. Also, DVD-R discs may or may not play on your computer system, depending on whether it can read a DVD-R. When in doubt, check the manual.

Can PastPlay put more than one videotape on a single DVD?

We can, but it will involve a bit more expense and planning on your part. We charge an extra $5 for each additional tape you want added to the same 120-minute DVD. Therefore, if you have 3 short videotapes that you want, in sequence, on a single DVD, the cost is $25 for the first tape, $5 for the second and $5 for the third, for a total of $35.
In addition, the tapes will need to be NUMBERED so we know what order they go in. You’ll need to make sure the TOTAL RUN-TIME is under 120 minutes, or else the end of the last tape will be cut off.
If your COMBINED RUN-TIME is over 120-minutes, we can still put your tapes on a single DVD at a cost of $35 plus $5 for each tape after the first one. Just let us know, up front, that you want an Extended Play DVD. But be aware: when more than 120-minutes of material is put on a DVD, there is some loss in video quality. The DVD will have about the same resolution as a VHS tape.

We didn’t completely satisfy your curiosity or answer your question?

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