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Here you will find a list of question that get asked by our customers on a regular basis.

For even more information about DVD and the technology behind it, you can also check the the official Internet DVD FAQ page courtesy of Jim Taylor.


How much does it cost to put a video on DVD?
thumbprints Multimedia DVD packages start at $80.00 for the Basic DVD. The price includes encoding, authoring of your Video to a DVD (up to 120 minutes), menus, and chapters, full color disc label and DVD case cover.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Master Card, Visa, money orders, personal checks or cash.
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How do I place an order now?

To start your order today, Contact Us by phone or e-mail to make an appointment to drop off your order.

For disabled customers or businesses in the Edmonton area, we can send a representative to your location to discuss your needs and what solutions we have for you. If you live outside the Edmonton area, we will send you instructions on how to safely ship us your videos and instructions to begin the process.

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How many minutes of video can fit on one DVD?
The capacity of a DVD is really calculated by the quality of video and sound that is saved to it. For a 2 hour video we have determined that the best quality video (MPEG2) and audio (Dolby AC3) average a bit rate of 5.0 Mb/s.
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Do you use a variable bit rate when encoding my movies?
Yes, we do use a variable bit rate when encoding your videos. By using a variable bit rate we can increase the quality of your video in areas where there is a lot of action or motion and fit more minutes of your video onto a DVD.
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If I already have an edited video may I transfer it to DVD?
Yes, although you will still need to design your menus and specify your chapter points if you would like an Enhanced or Premium DVD.
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What kind of video formats can you transfer to DVD?
We are currently setup to accept any VHS format (Foreign and domestic), MiniDV, Video 8, Hi8 tape, Digital8, Beta, BetaCamSP, 8 mm and Super 8 film. We can also handle DVCAM, DVCPRO, home movie film reels in 16 mm format though a partner company, for a extra charge. If you have other formats you would like to convert to DVD please call us.
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Can you transfer PAL video to DVD?
We can transfer any VHS, VHS-C, SVHS (domestic or foreign) tapes to DVD. Videotapes recorded in the PAL format can produce either NTSC or PAL DVDs. Other VHS formats we can handle are: SECOM, MESECAM, M-PAL and N-PAL
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How do I send thumbprints Multimedia my videos?
If you live in the Edmonton area, call us to make an appointment, or for disabled customers and businesses, we can arrange to pick up the videos from your home or business. You just call us to set up a time that is most convenient for you.

If you live outside of the Edmonton area, upon placing your order with us, we promptly send you our “Shipping kit” which includes a box, anti-static bags, and “how-to” instructions. The shipping charges charged when you order cover the shipping of the kit to you, the return shipping of your tapes to us, and the final shipping of your tapes and new DVDs back to you. To send your tapes to us, simply place the tapes in the anti-static bags, place your tapes back in the box with all of the labels and paperwork, adhere the return label provided to the box and reseal.
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May I put clips from different tapes on one DVD?
You can combine multiple tapes into one DVD. With our Enhanced and Premium DVDs you can take a segment of video from one tape and a segment of video from another tape and put them together with chapter points on one DVD.
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Will my new DVD play in my home DVD player or computer DVD-ROM drive?
We have tested our DVDs in a variety of different players. Our DVD compatibility page is made up of player information provided by customers and manufacturers. If you have a problem playing your new DVD, please give us a call or e-mail us with your order number, DVD player manufacturer, model, and serial number. Please visit our player compatibility page for information regarding specific players.
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How long does it take to process my order?

For customer within the Edmonton area, once we have picked up your videos, we should be able to process your order in 5-7 business days.

If you live outside the Edmonton area, once you have received your order, we will contact you within 1 business day. After receipt of your videos, we will send you a confirmation e-mail and should be able to process your order within 5-7 business days.

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Can you transfer my old film reels to DVD?
Film cannot be transferred directly to DVD. As such, the film has to be captured onto our computers first. We handle 8mm and Super 8mm film in house, with 16mm film handled by our partner company. As a result of the extra effort and cost required to capture film, there is an extra charge for this service. If you have a preference for another professional, have them convert the reels to either, VHS, SVHS, 8mm or Hi8 tape - we prefer MiniDV, SVHS or Hi8 because of the superior image quality

If you live outside the Edmonton area, and do not wish us to handle the film conversion, we recommend that you find a video professional in your area that can convert your film reels to MiniDV, VHS, SVHS, 8mm or Hi8 tape. Some national drug stores chains offer this service in their photo departments. Once you have a tape of your video you can place your order with us to have the video transferred to DVD.
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Why does TMI charge so much less then other video production companies?
We have designed and created the most efficient process to encode digital video and author it directly to a DVD. This automated assembly style process allows us to produce high volumes of our products with very little man-hours involved. As an average, TMI charges approximately 10% of what it’s competitors charge for a similar service.
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May I add music to my scenes?
We can add music and sound effects to any Transfer or DVD Package for an addition charge. Please refer to our Pricing page for details on the integration of music and sounds into your video productions.
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What kind of case does my new DVD come in?
We use "Amery Cases" to hold your new DVDs. These are the same cases that most Hollywood studios use to package their DVDs.
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Can you edit my movie for me?

With our basic Transfer services, we do not edit the tapes or film. We take your tape as is and encode your movie or once you have an edited video we transfer that to DVD for you.

We do offer editing service with our other DVD Packages services at a different rate than our Transfer services.

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How can I be assured that my video is kept confidential?
We consider ourselves a leader in the digital video industry. As an industry leader, we take great pride in our service and the professionalism we maintain providing that service. You can be assured that your video will be processed with total confidentiality and you’re right to privacy being our first concern.
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How do I change my account information once it’s been established?
To change your account information please call customer service number on our Contact Us Page
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May I change my “Enhanced” or “Premium” order once it’s been placed?
If at any time you want to make changes to your customized DVD order, please contact our office immediately. If your order has not been processed at that time, we will allow you to make additional changes.
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What’s your return policy if I do not like my DVD?

We use the highest quality products from Pioneer, Apple, Snell, Rolland, Canon and Tascam. thumbprints Multimedia Inc. will replace your DVD if it is found to be defective upon viewing or will not play are your player. If the problem is the result of your player not being able to play DVD-R media, we do ask that you please provide us with the manufacturer and model number of your DVD player so we can continually update our compatibility list.

If you live in the Edmonton area, if one of our representative visits you, a Sample DVD will be tried on your player(s) to ensure that your final DVD will work for you.

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Do I have to pay sales tax on my order?

In Canada we are required to collect GST from all Canadian residents. If you live outside of Alberta, you may be required by local laws to remit provincial taxes when you receive your order.

Outside of Canada, no GST will be charge, however, you may be required by local laws to remit the appropriate tax when you receive your order.

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What is the difference between 3.95 GB and 4.7 GB DVD-R discs, and why do they have different rates of compatibility?

The 3.95 and 4.7 represent the capacity or the gigabytes of space available on the DVD-R disc. The larger the capacity the more high quality video you can author on a disc.

We do not recommend using the 3.95 disc for videos over 1.5 hours in length, and no more then 2 hours on the 4.7 disc. The 3.95 has a lower size capacity but higher rate of reflectivity. (Approximately 5% more) The reflectivity is how the laser reads the data on an optical disc like the DVD and the CD-ROM. Some have said that the higher the capacity the DVD-R, the less reflectivity you will get from the disc because the tracks, or grooves, get smaller and closer together. We do know that the tracks, or grooves, on the larger 4.7 discs are more dense and closer together (Approximately .06 µm). We also know that some players will play 3.95 DVD-R discs more reliably then the 4.7. thumbprints Multimedia uses 4.7 GB size discs exclusively, but can 3.95 GB discs if requested.

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