click questions for answers

1. COMPATIBILITY. My DVD player can play any DVD from the video store, so it should have no problems playing a SharpShooters Video DVD, right?

2. COMPLICATIONS. What if my player isn't DVD-R compatible or I have other problems viewing my DVD? 

3. COMPUTERS. Can I play my SharpShooters Video DVD on my computer?

4. CARE. Why should I treat my SharpShooters Video DVD more carefully than a normal disc?

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1. COMPATIBILITY. My DVD player can play any DVD from the video store, so it should have no problems playing a SharpShooters video DVD, right?

Right... for most of you. Wrong... for a few.

The biggest obstacle we face as a business is the confusion between regular DVDs and DVD-Rs (also called "duplicated", "burnt" or "recordable" DVDs).

We use DVD-Rs, which are very different than DVDs from the video store. What makes them different is the way the video is added to each disc. For DVDs, the video is "pressed" onto the disc making them 100% compatible with all players, For DVD-Rs, the video is "burned" into the disc with ink and lasers making them compatible with most, but not all players.

*DVD Technology: Replication v. Duplication

Regular DVDs are made through replication: the process of "pressing" discs in production lines that make a new disc in seconds. The vast majority of commercially available DVDs and DVDs printed in copies larger than 1,000 are replicated. A variety of expensive machines are used to create a glass master, create metal stamping masters, stamp substrates in hydraulic molds, apply reflective layers, bond substrates together, and print on disc. Replicated discs, like those you rent from the video store, are silver or gold on the disc's bottom surface and are 100% compatible with all players.

The process we use is duplication, because it's most cost effective for the type of projects we handle. (The initial mastering process for replicating DVDs starts at $2,000-$9,000!) Duplication involves "burning" onto recordable discs (DVD-Rs).  Unlike manufactured DVDs, the discs produced in this manner are made from recordable DVD-R or DVD+R media. We use DVD-Rs, which are more compatible than DVD+Rs, but due to current DVD technology are still not 100% compatible with all players. Our DVD-Rs are purple on the disc's surface due to the dye used in recording.

We use the highest quality media and DVD-R duplicator, and our discs will play in about 97% of machines on the market today; 90% of the machines that came out a year ago and 75% of the machines made before 1999. Click here to see if your player is DVD-R compatible.

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2. COMPLICATIONS. What if my player isn't DVD-R compatible or I have other problems viewing my DVD? 

Our goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality video on the most reliable discs and video tapes. We will gladly exchange/refund any videos if there is a defect or problem with the DVD-R or video tape, or if there is a compatibility issue with your DVD player.

If your SharpShooters Video DVD-R will not play in your player or if it skips heavily enough to make the video unwatchable, you have a few options:

1) EXCHANGE FOR NEW DVD-R: We will promptly replace your disc with another DVD-R once we confirm that your player is DVD-R compatible. Click here to find out if your player is DVD-R compatible. The original DVD-R must be returned in its original condition with no scratches on the disc’s surface. We cannot exchange damaged DVD-Rs or cases. *We cannot exchange any DVD-R after two weeks from the original date of delivery, so please check your DVD-R right away.

2) EXCHANGE FOR NEW VHS: If we find your player is not DVD-R compatible, we will replace your DVD-R disc with a new VHS tape of the same video. The original DVD must be returned in its original condition with no scratches on the disc’s surface. We cannot exchange damaged DVDs or cases. *We cannot exchange any DVD after two weeks from the original date of delivery, so please check your DVD right away.

3) REFUND: If your player is not DVD-R compatible and you prefer a refund over a VHS tape of the same video, we will refund your money upon receipt of the original DVD-R. The original DVD-R must be returned in its original condition with no scratches on the disc’s surface. We cannot provide a refund for  damaged DVD-Rs or cases. *We cannot refund money for any DVD-R after two weeks from the original date of delivery, so please check your DVD right away.

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3. COMPUTERS. Can I play my SharpShooters Video DVD on my computer?

Yes... if your computer has the right equipment. In addition to DVD-ROM drive, you must have extra hardware to decode MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital or MPEG-2 audio - or your computer must be fast enough to handle software decoding.

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4. CARE. Why should I treat my SharpShooters Video DVD more carefully than a normal disc?

The main reason is because we do a bang-up job and you'd hate to lose such quality work :) ... but ALSO... DVDs are said to be capable of lasting 100 years. Unfortunately, one bad scratch and all you're left with is a shiny coaster. So if you want to preserve those memories, you have to remember that your SharpShooters Video DVD - and any DVD-R for that matter - needs more care than a regular DVD or CD.

Here are some good guidelines:

~Always handle a disc from its edges and the center hole. There's never a need to touch the disc's surface.

~To remove your DVD from its case, press the button on the hub located at the center of the disc, then gently remove the disc by its outer edge. Never pry your disc from its case by the edges. Repeatedly doing so can bend or warp your disc.

~Do not bend or twist your DVD.

~Keep discs away from extreme heat or direct sunlight. Such conditions may virtually "erase" a disc's data or cause it to become warped and unusable. Typically, DVD media can withstand environments ranging from 23 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.

~Keep discs away from extreme children. We've seen too many discs (two days after delivery) with peanut butter smears and jelly smudges... Meanwhile the parent is wondering why their new disc is having trouble playing in their confirmed DVD-R compatible player. Who knows???

~If life happens and you DO get smudges on the disc's surface, use a lint-free cloth to wipe the disc gently. Compressed air or a wet disc cleanser approved for DVD media may also work well. Remember to wipe only in a radial direction (a straight line between the inner circle and the rim). Never wipe in a circle around the disc. And never use a tissue, paper towel or other random rag on the disc's surface.

~Always store the disc in its protective case - that's why we give you one. Also, don't stack discs out of their cases.

~Make sure the DVD is properly seated in its full upright (label up) position in the DVD player tray before takeoff or viewing.

~Keep your DVD player or drive clean. Just like VCRs need a head cleaning every now and then, DVD players can also use an occasional dusting. Even if you keep your discs clean, dust and debris can build up inside your unit over time. We suggests using a lens cleaning disc on your drive, burner, or player once every six months, to remove any buildup that could affect its pickup assembly.

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