Frequently Asked Questions

What is HD?

High Definition Video (or HD) is a big source of confusion these days. More HD capable televisions and projectors are sold every year. After all, who doesn’t love watching TV shows and movies on a big screen? We’ve come a long way since the days when the largest televisions available were 25 inch diagonal models. We use high definition video cameras to produce both standard and high definition video.  HD video can be distributed online, over the air, and on Blu-Ray disc.  A standard DVD cannot deliver HD video.  This is a common source of confusion.

What are Blu-Ray discs?

Since standard DVD’s are not compatible with HD, we needed a new disc format that would contain several times as much information that is needed for standard definition video. Initially, two formats were released. One actually known as HD-DVD, and the second known as “Blu-Ray. Once again, we found ourselves in a VHS vs. Beta type battle as we witnessed in the 80’s. The HD-DVD format finally lost the battle, and Blu-Ray is the the current standard.

I need a video for my business presentation.  Should I choose a DVD?

We do not recommend using a DVD video disc for business applications.  A multimedia version, such as Quicktime or Windows Media is a much better choice.  You can then chose to deliver your video online, on a data disc, a flash or “thumb drive” or via email.

Couldn’t I just do this myself?

The consumer level video equipment available today is actually quite good.  Many amateur camera operators achieve very good results.  Many such examples may be seen on sites like Youtube.  A far greater number of examples of poorly shot videos fill this particular site.  Like many tasks, you must weigh the value of your time, and how important the quality of your video is to you.    A major limitation of consumer grade video gear is actually the audio.  Inexpensive microphones built into camera enclosures do not yield great results.  Ideally, a separate microphone is used, and this will improve quality greatly.

Why does this cost so much?

We get this question a lot.  I believe the main reason is that most people have no reference whatsoever, as to video production pricing.  There is also some confusion created by people “dabbling” with a high quality video camera on weekends, and charging a low rate.  The old saying applies here, you get what you pay for.  As a matter of fact, the people who service our cars charge more per hour than we do.  I’ve tried to save a few dollars here and there by working on the cars myself, and have learned the hard way.  I now gladly pay our auto mechanic instead.

What kind of cameras do you use?

We use three chip cameras from Sony.  These cameras are used in many TV programs like “Mythbusters” and “American Chopper” as well as a favorite for news coverage in places like Iraq, Afganistan, and other distant parts of the world.  We also use broadcast quality wired and wireless microphones from Rhode, Sennheiser, and Shure.