TechHelp Ottawa

We use the best equipment available to ensure the best quality possible. We caution, however, that some video camera tapes are STANDARD DEFINITION (SD) producing a picture in a 4 X 3 aspect ratio (like with older TVs).

NOTE: Some Mini DV tapes produce high definition images with an aspect ratio of 16 X 9 (compatible with new HD widescreen TVs).

Yes, we can edit your Mini-DV tape content, but additional fees will apply. Please ask us in advance about editing your video content.

NOTE: Sound restoration techniques can be applied to MP4 video files as well. This is particularly effective in reducing consistent background noise such as fans, air conditioners and hum, and in enhancing voices. Ask us to explain.

We use only the best equipment such as a state-of-the art high definition Canon Vixia HV30 Digital Camcorder, Sony Hi8 Camcorder, Mac computers and advanced movie editing software.

DVDs that have been transferred from Betamax tapes will display a skewed line at the bottom of the screen when you watch the disks on a computer. This happens because, when tapes are transferred to DVD and watched on a computer display, we see the whole picture, including the part at the bottom that was meant to be hidden through a process called over-scanning.

When playing these same disks on a DVD player, however, this bottom line—produced by the NTSC video signal—is hidden from view because of over-scanning. Similarly, the electronics of Betamax players hides this skewed line through over-scanning.

Mini-DV tapes that are converted to MP4 video files are cropped at the bottom so that this line is not present.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that tapes are accurately labelled and organized. This helps us to properly label the resulting video files.

If you can, please save us time by rewinding your tapes before delivering them to us.

It is very helpful when you can indicate to us the length of each tape.