Video Processing

Thanks for visiting my video processing page; since I started this service a few years ago DVD readers come with most PCs, DVD set-top boxes are affordable and so are DVD writers. It no longer makes much sense to lose video quality by compressing it to fit on a CD-ROM. Here you can read about the service I offer to convert your video to MPEG2 format for playback from DVD (although I can still do CD-ROM if you really want it.)

WHY MPEG2 ?

MPEG2 is the video compression standard for DVDs. and can be stored on hard disks, DVDs etc. At highest quality, 2 hours of VHS video can be stored on a single DVD and can be played-back or edited on a computer. To play back on a set-top box, the additional step of DVD Authoring, which creates chapters and menus for navigating the video , is required.

FAQs - click the question to find the answer.

What use is MPEG2 on DVD ?	What is needed to play an MPEG2 DVD ?
What can be converted ?	How is the conversion done ?
How much video fits on a single DVD ?	DVD Authoring ?
How much does it cost ?	How long does it take ?
Copyright ?	Anything else ?

What use is MPEG2 on DVD?

Here are some of the advantages of MPEG2 video :-

If you travel a lot, have your lap-top with you and have your favourite videos on DVD, you can watch them on your lap-top.
Using relatively cheap software, you can edit MPEG2 video on your computer - a lot easier than using your camcorder or video player.
You can make short video clips to send over the Internet.
Video stored on DVD can't be accidentally erase.
Video stored on DVD keeps its quality and can be copied over and over again without loosing quality
If you are more ambitious, you can use more sophisticated software for applying video effects and sound dubbing.

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What is needed to play an MPEG2 video on DVD ?

Either a PC or lap-top equipped with a DVD player and suitable software. If your computer has a Video Out socket, you can watch using a TV set as well as the computer monitor. Sound comes via the computer's own speaker (not good), earphones or external speakers.
Or a stand-alone DVD player (set-top box) connected to a TV. Recent models can play DVDs authored on computers; the authoring step converts the raw MPEG2 file to something that the set-top box with its remote control can handle.
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How is the conversion done ?
Your video tape is placed in a high-quality VCR and the output is fed into a professional video digitising unit in the computer, where it is stored on the hard disk. Using professional conversion software and hardware, the digitised video is converted to MPEG2 format, authored if necessary, and written to the DVD. That's all !
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What can be converted ?
PAL video in VHS or Video-8 format; DV on tapes from digital camcorders.
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How much video fits on a single DVD ?
If your video tape is in good condition (no snow, no drop-outs), around 2 hours can be accommodated. The worst case I have encountered was 45 mins. This tape was in very poor condition and some special processing was needed to make the end result acceptable.
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DVD Authoring ?

Private customers
This step is recommended if you want to play your DVD on a set-top box. It adds menus and chapters to give you an index to different starting points in your video so that you can navigate it with the remote control; otherwise, the video just starts at the beginning and plays through to the end. When placing your order, you must tell me where (in mins. from the start of the video) the chapters should start and what menu each chapter belongs to.
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Commercial customers
I can offer you a full DVD authoring service.
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How long does it take ?
The actual processing time is roughly three times the video playing time. Delivery time depends on workload; commercial customers will receive prompt attention as agreed before their order is placed. Private customers receive greatly-reduced charges, so their work has to be fitted-in where time is available.
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How much does it cost ?

Private customers
This is a professional service offered with the home video enthusiast in mind and I offer a special rate for these customers of SFr. 20- / GB£ 10 per video tape. Authoring costs an extra SFr. 10.-- / GB£ 5. Payment can be by cash (notes only), direct credit transfer or a cheque in GB£ drawn on a British clearing bank. For Swiss customers, the usual payment forms are available. When sending payment with your order, please add enough for the return postage.
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Commercial customers
I can certainly offer you an attractive deal with short turn-round times. Please e-mail your requirements and I'll make you an offer.
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Copyright ?
If you want copyrighted videos digitised, you MUST include a covering letter stating that the digitised copy is for your personal use only and will not be made available to any third person.
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Anything else ?
Please do not send material which is illegal where you live. Customs may open any package and, if the contents are illegal, they can be seized and we can both be prosecuted.

Otherwise, you can be sure that confidentiality will be observed. I will copy your material only for you and will not show it to anyone else. Your original, along with all copies, will be returned to you.
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