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Q:
What
makes you different from other companies? |
A:
There are several things that set
us apart:
Step-by-Step Assistance
We understand how
overwhelming planning a project like this can be, so our goal is to make it as
simple as
possible. Within 24 hours of filling out an online order form, a consultant
will contact you to discuss each detail of your order. Your consultant will walk
with you through the entire process – making suggestions and answering
questions to ensure that your video album meets and exceeds your expectations.
We Give You Choices
No two
Retrospect video albums are the same.
When ordering, you’ll be able to choose:
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* A
Personalized Theme
(with custom-designed intro/conclusion) |
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* Personalized Titles and Captions |
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* Video Format (VHS or DVD) |
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* Music (see our song ideas or choose
your own!) |
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Video Album "Extras"
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and much more! |
This allows YOU to have control over the finished project.
The final result can be
anything from a classic picture slideshow with smooth fades and floating
photos to a fun-filled trip down memory lane with explosive animations
and spinning pictures!
Better Effects & Equipment
To
ensure your video will withstand the effects of time, we use the finest
media available.
Each photo is carefully animated by a professional designer – we do not
produce “cookie cutter” presentations.
Your slide show will come complete with pans, zooms, tilts, and
captions. We utilize the “Ken Burns” effect, commonly known as the
“pan and scan” effect. This method brings each photo to life by slowly
zooming in on focal points, panning across a photo with several people,
or zooming out from the key person(s) in the picture.
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Q: What are steps for
creating a video album?
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A: The
process is easier than you think!
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View our
Packages & Pricing to determine which package
works best for you. |
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View our
Video Album Samples
to select a personalized theme. |
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View our
Song Suggestions to help
with your music choices. |
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Now you're ready to fill out the online
Order
Form. Here, you'll provide us with your contact information as well as your
choices for theme, music, etc. |
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A Retrospect Design Consultant will contact you to discuss the
details of your video album (sending photos, payment, video album
personalization, etc.) |
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Before sending your photos, view our video album
Planning Guide for tips and suggestions on
choosing/scanning photos, captions, music, etc. |
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The hard part is over!
Your Design
Consultant will walk with you through the rest of the process! |
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Q: What exactly is a "video album"?
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A:
A video album is a "high tech slide show" that brings your snapshots to life on VHS or DVD using high
quality transitions and custom animation, carefully synchronized
with your favorite music. Retrospect skillfully
produces video albums using a publisher quality scanner and a combination of
cutting edge software and video equipment. The
result is simply stunning and extremely emotional!
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Q: My videographer can do a photo montage,
is that the same
thing? |
A: We suggest
that you request a sample photo montage from your videographer. After
viewing our online
samples, you'll see the difference in a video album and a photo
montage
(Click here
to view
a video album and photo montage side-by-side). Video
albums are very different than photo “montages” for three reasons:
Video Albums are More Entertaining
Photo montages created by
videographers are usually limited to one photo slowly fading into another,
resulting in an impersonal, "cookie-cutter" presentation. While we allow plenty of “screen time” for each of your
photographs, our video albums include as many as four photos on the screen at a
time. The end result proves to be much more entertaining and allows you to
include many more photos in your video!
Timing is Everything
More people will see
your video album if you have it to present at your wedding ceremony or other
special occasion. Photo montages are
usually “after the fact” productions
that are created after your event is over.
Retrospect video
albums are created for presentation at your ceremony or anniversary party. All
of your family and friends will experience your video album if you present
it on your special day.
Most Importantly…
Last but not least, each video album that we create is set
off with a professional introduction and
conclusion which incorporates your favorite photos, quotes, song lyrics, etc.
Your input is important to us. We do not have “cookie cutter” layouts for you
to choose from. Instead, we work closely with you to design the perfect
introduction, conclusion, and theme to celebrate your special event. |
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Click here to see a video album and photo montage
side-by-side! |
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Q:
I've placed my order. What happens next? |
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A:
After you've completed your
order
form,
a Retrospect Design Consultant will contact you by phone or email. Your
design consultant will walk you through the design of your album
from beginning to end (check your email regularly to ensure that your video ship
date is not delayed!). This individual attention will result
in a video
album that will reflect your personality.
We want to make sure that the
creation & design process is enjoyable and easy-to-understand. To
explain the process further, we've created a
planning guide for you to refer to. |
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Q: How long will
it take to make my video
album? |
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A.
Once everything has been received, typical production time is
approximately 2 weeks. For information about "rush" orders, see below! |
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Q:
My event is in less than 2 weeks! Is
it too late? |
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A: Don't
worry! We accommodate rush orders!
Any order needed in less than 10 business days is considered a "rush
order.”
If you need to place a "rush" order, the
turn around time is approximately 3 business days from the time your photos are
received. The charge for this service is 20% of your package price (For example,
the Our Song Package is $189. The rush order fee is $38).
Because each situation is different, please
contact us
for more information! |
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Q: How do I send my pictures to you?
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A: Many clients prefer to scan their
own photos or have them scanned at a local photo lab (Wal-Mart's photo labs
usually have the best prices), to avoid having
to send their pictures through the mail. We accept photos in .jpg or
.bmp format. Giving us digital photographs is often more convenient and
will accelerate the design of your video album. If you do not have a
scanner or other means of having your photos scanned, we will be happy to scan
your photographs for just $.50 (fifty cents) each. For instructions on numbering
and organizing your photos, please see our
Planning Guide. |
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Q:
How do I pay? What payment methods are accepted? |
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A: We accept personal checks and money orders, or credit card payments
through
PayPal.com. After
you've completed your Retrospect
Order
Form, a Retrospect consultant will contact you to make payment arrangements.
If you choose to make a credit card payment online, we will send you an email
invoice, giving you step-by-step instructions on how to pay through PayPal. |
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Q: Can I
get my video album on DVD? |
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A:
Yes. All packages come
standard with 1 DVD or VHS copy of your slide show - it's your choice! The DVD
format uses digital technology so the information delivered is exactly the
information recorded, with no quality loss. In addition, DVD supports higher
image resolutions. The result is a crisp, clear image without any of the
fuzziness of videotape. Your material simply looks better when delivered on DVD.
There is virtually no deterioration with repeated use and no limit to the life
of information on DVD's.
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Q:
Will my DVD play in my DVD player? |
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A: Over
98% of all DVD players on the market support our DVD format.
If you purchased your player in the last 2 to 3 years, you should have no
problem playing your DVD. If you receive your DVD and it does not work
with your player, simply return the DVD to us,
and we'll exchange it
for a VHS copy.. |
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Q: Can I use copy-written music? |
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A:
It is safe to say
almost all music has a copyright. In order for us to use
copy-written music in your video album, you must supply the
original CD or purchase a copy via
Rhapsody or iTunes. By
submitting an order form and agreeing to our terms of service, our
customers agree that they have purchased and possess their own original
copy of all music used in their video.
Under copyright law,
customers may then display their video album for personal family and
friends. Mass production of a video album is strictly prohibited without
purchasing the additional copyright licensing per song used.
Contact us for more information.
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Q. I do not live
in your area. Can I still use
your service? |
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A: Of course! The
majority of our
clients live several states away! Much of our correspondence takes place
online, allowing us to serve clients all over the world!
After you fill out our online
order form, a Retrospect Design Consultant will contact you to discuss the details
of your video album (sending photos, payment, video personalization,
etc.). Your personal consultant will guide you through every step of the
process! We aim
ship your video
album at least 10 days prior to your special occasion - giving you plenty
of time to review our work before presenting the video to your friends and
family! Shipping is just $25 for those in the United States, and $40
for those outside the U.S. This flat fee covers your entire order - no
matter how many copies you need! |
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Q:
Where can I view a full length sample? |
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A:
We have
created 4 "mini" video albums. To view the mini versions, click on
the thumbnails below. If these links do
not work for you, please
click here to have a
sample mailed to you. |
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Our Story
(weddings) |
Grandma's Diary
(anniversary) |
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Today I...
(weddings) |
Square Style
(anniversary) |
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Q: Can I choose a background other than what is shown in the video album
samples?
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A:
Our sample themes are just that -- samples! :) You can choose one of our suggestions,
send us a background you'd like to use, or start from scratch. Your design consultant will work
with you to customize your video album background especially for your occasion! |
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Q:
I have an idea that I haven't seen in the samples.
Can you incorporate my idea
into my video album?
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A: Yes! If you can imagine it, we can
do it!
Contact us
through e-mail or phone to discuss your idea. We'd love to make it happen.
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Q: What
is photo color-correction? |
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A: Photo color
correction is included with every package we offer and allows each of
your photographs to look its best. Before creating your video album, we
make every effort to adjust the colors, light intensity, contrast, etc. in your
photographs. We can brighten dark photos, detail blurred
images, and correct over-exposed shots. No matter the condition or quality of
your old photos, we'll do everything possible to bring them back to life! |
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Click here to see before & after samples! |
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Q: Can I get reprints of the color-corrected photos? |
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A:
Yes!
For just $20, we will send you a CD with your color-corrected photographs!
Take this CD to any photo lab and have reprints made in any size.
These photos can be viewed, edited,
and printed on your home computer. Each Photo CD comes with a
personalized label including your name, photograph, and date of the occasion.
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Q: What are captions and titles? |
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A:
To make your slideshow more
entertaining and help the audience follow the story being told, you can add
captions and titles to your video album. |
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Captions:
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A label or quote next to one specific photo. |
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Title: |
Text that introduces an entire group of photos. |
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To
add captions to your slide show:
1. Do not
write captions on the back of photos or in the filename of digital
images.
2.
Include a document or send an email with the photo numbers next to the
caption.
3. Unless
you're using an important quote or poem, it is best to keep your captions short
and sweet! Fewer than 10 words works best.
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Caption examples:
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Photo #023:
Photo #032: |
Highschool Graduation, 1999
Trip to Las Vegas, 2003 |
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Q: How will I project
my video album onto a large screen? |
A:
Projecting the
presentation onto a screen large enough for your audience to see really depends
on your preferences. If you are presenting your video album during a
wedding ceremony, consult with the church where you plan to marry.
Several churches now have a full projection system installed, and are able to
project it onto a large screen.
If they do not have the proper equipment, they'll be able to provide you
with a list of vendors that provide this service.
If you plan on presenting your
video album somewhere else (e.g. at a hotel or reception hall), speak with your
representative from that establishment. Several hotels have a projection system
that can be rented and set up for a small fee. If a projection system is
not readily available, they can be rented (check your local yellow pages under
"Projection Rental" - you'll need an LCD projector). Several clients have opted
to rent big-screen televisions (check in your local yellow pages under
"Television Rental") that set up nicely at a reception, rehearsal dinner,
or anniversary party (depending on the number of guests).
If none of these
options work out for you, speak with your video album consultant for a list of vendors
that provide this service in your area. |
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Q: Is Retrospect Video Albums affiliated with
Picture Perfect Slideshows? |
A: Yes!
Picture Perfect Slideshows (www.PicturePerfectSlideshows.com)
is our sister company. Though both companies offer quality, professional videos,
there are many differences!
After viewing the samples on both sites, you'll immediately see the difference.
When you purchase a Retrospect Video, you'll choose from over 50 personalized
themes. After choosing your theme, you will work closely with a consultant to
personalize your video album introduction (which incorporates your favorite
photos, quotes, song lyrics, etc., along with your names and date of occasion).
This one-of-a-kind introduction will be custom designed by a professional
graphic specialist. The personalized theme will be carried on throughout your
video. Your video will come complete with pans, zooms, tilts, and captions - and
your photos will sometimes appear next to each other on the screen. Because
each Retrospect Video Album is a one-of-a-kind creation, more time is required
to get it just right!
Instead of choosing a personalized theme, Picture Perfect customers select from
approximately 4 online samples.
Picture Perfect slide shows come complete with pans, zooms, tilts, and captions
- and photos are displayed one at a time. For more information about Picture
Perfect, please contact us
or visit the Picture Perfect
website. |
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Q: I'm nervous about
ordering over the Internet. How do I know I'll get what I pay for? |
A: We understand your concern,
and want you to feel as comfortable as possible when choosing an Internet
company to design your video. As extra assurance, there are a few things we do
to make sure you are happy with the finished product:
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We encourage you to view samples of our work before ordering. If
you're unable to view our online samples, we'll be happy to send a
sample DVD or interactive CD-Rom. Viewing samples of our
previous work will also give you ideas for your own video album.
Click here to have a sample mailed to you.
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In every case possible, we ship videos well before the requested
delivery date. We allow this extra time so you're able to view
the finished product at home and make any changes you'd like before
the day of your special occasion. In the event that we made a
mistake with the finished product (which is rare because we work so
closely with you), we'll make changes immediately and reship a new
video.
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As an extra security, we accept credit card payments through PayPal.com (takes about 2 minutes to
complete payment). Paying through PayPal
is safe and secure for both parties because there is a solid record
of payment. In your billing invoice, we include a statement that details the
agreement of the transaction - stating the terms of service between us. This
statement becomes an integral agreement and is stored in the details of the PayPal transaction. In the event that either party is not satisfied,
PayPal has recourse.
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We work very closely with you to make sure the
finished product is EXACTLY what you imagined it to be. Upon request,
we will provide you with a list of previous clients who would love to speak with
you about their experience with our company. |
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