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VHS Duplication FAQs:

Why are you still offering VHS tapes? Isn't everyone using DVDs now?
What source media do you accept for VHS tape duplication?
How soon will my tapes be ready?
How do I prepare my master to ensure my copies are of high quality?
Can I send a DVD as a master for VHS duplication?
How are my tapes going to be labelled?
How can I get white title printing directly on the VHS tape shell?
I need to send some tapes abroad. What format should I send?
Can you convert my VHS tapes to DVD?
I only want a portion of the video duplicated. Can you do this?




Q. Why are you still offering VHS tapes? Isn't everyone using DVDs now?

A. While many have upgraded to be able to play a DVD, many corporate boardrooms, training rooms, and some population demographics still only have VHS players, so it is a reliable way of ensuring your video can be watched.

Q. What source media do you accept for duplication?

A. We accept DV, Mini-DV, DVC-PRO, BetaCam, Digital BetaCam, DVCAM, 3/4" tape, 1" tape, and DVD discs.  If your master is not listed, please phone us to see if we can accommodate you.  We can also accept standard VHS tapes as your master, however since VHS does not offer the quality needed for a proper master, we will use it only upon special request.

Q. How soon will my tapes be ready?

A. Normally your tapes will be ready within 3 to 4 business days. If you have ordered custom printed cardboard sleeves as packaging, we will need about 8 to 10 days.

Q. How do I prepare my master to ensure my dubs are of high quality?

A. To ensure your duplicated tapes look and sound good, add standard colour bars and a normalized test tone before at least 10 to 15 seconds of black lead-in preceding your video. Follow your video with at least another 10 to 15 seconds of black lead-out. This is good practice for all masters, including DVDs. Our technicians will use the colour bars and tone to ensure the colour and audio signals are set to the proper levels.

Q. Can I send a DVD as a master for VHS duplication?

A. Sure! For best results, please provide us with a disc containing only the video (without menu) you wish to have duplicated. Again, please remember to include 10 to 15 seconds of black lead-in and another 10 to 15 seconds of black lead-out before your video starts.

Q. How are my tapes going to be labelled?

A. For orders under 1000 pieces or for orders that need quicker turnaround, we can apply white labels to the top and/or edge of the tape for 15¢ each.  We can also print full-colour labels, please contact us for more details and current pricing.

Q. How can I get white title printing directly on the VHS tape shell?

A. We have a minimum of 1000 tapes for printing directly onto the VHS tape, like big-name movies.  We can only print the label area on the top of the tape, and not the edges.

Q. I need to send some tapes abroad. What format should I send?

A. North America uses NTSC formatted video. If you plan to send your tapes around the world, you may need to to convert your video to a PAL or SECAM format. We can convert your tapes for an additional charge.

Q. Can you convert my VHS or other analogue video tapes to DVD?

A. Yes, we can convert your corporate training or home movies on VHS or other tapes to DVD. Since analogue tapes have a limited lifespan, preserving the video on DVD is ideal. Please keep in mind that some tape formats like VHS are not high quality, so the resulting DVD can only look as good as the source we are provided. Please contact us for more details and current pricing.

Q. I only want a portion of the video duplicated. Can you do this??

A. Absolutely.  We will have to scan your video digitally and extract the clip you want (or cut out clips you don't want) and create a new master. All our work is done to broadcast quality standards.

Still have some questions? Contact our product specialists for more information.

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