Frequently Asked Questions

What is HD?

High Definition Video (or HD), delivers from about two to four times the detail as standard definition video.  It’s also 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.

What kind of cameras do you use?

We use professional three chip HD 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.

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.

How difficult is it to upload a video to Youtube?

Once you have your video, it’s actually pretty easy.  Once you have your video in the correct file format, uploading to Youtube (as well as most any other video sharing site) is actually quite simple.  You need to sign up for an account.  If you have a Google or Gmail account, that login will work as well.  Simply click the upload button, and choose your file.  There are size and length limitations.  Information about this, as well as suggested file formats, is available on Youtube.com.

Couldn’t I just do this myself?

As with any skill, one can certainly learn to shoot and edit video.  The consumer level video equipment available today is actually quite good, and the cost of the necessary hardware and software for editing is within the reach of many.  Many amateur camera operators achieve very good results.  There are many examples 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 doesn’t this cost less?

Not an uncommon question, and certainly an understandable one.  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.  Sometimes, it makes more sense just to hire someone to do the job.