Copyright © 2006 Applause Audio Video of Arlington, TX
Located in the heart of the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex
Family History Preservation
Is it safe to assume that I will definitely receive all of my pictures in the same condition as they were sent?

We work with irreplaceable original photographs all the time. We never have had lost photographs or damaged
packages.  The MOST important issue to consider here is shipping. Applause Audio Video is NOT responsible to what
happens to your material while in transit to and from our location. We do have a disclaimer statement on our Order
Form that you will need to sign.

While your photos are with us, they are subject to meticulous handling and care. We guarantee that your photos, slides
and music will be returned in the same condition as received (unless there is an act of God, act of war, unexpected
accident, or tragedy).


You can send your photos confidently if you
  • exercise care when packing your photos.  For details please read our free eBook "How to Organize Your Photos".
  • carefully double-check your shipping addresses
  • use a traceable shipping service such as  FedEx next day or Express Mail. Place transparent tape on top of your
    shipping label to protect the addressee and the send-to address.



How should I pack my slides?

It's best to pack them in the slide carousels or the plastic / cardboard boxes that were used when your slides were
developed.  If you don't have any of the above, then use a sturdy cardboard box, packing them in groups of 50's and
securing each bundle with a couple of sturdy rubber bands.

Numbered slides should be labeled on the viewing side frame.  All the slides should be either numbered OR placed in the
order you wish them to appear on the slide tray or carousel. If sending several carousels or box trays please number
those as well.  If the carousel already has numbers, there is no need for you to write the numbers on the slides, just
place them in their appearance order.  Make certain your slides are facing viewing side forward in their containers. To be
certain of this, check a slide that contains text such as license plates, signs or t-shirts.

Pack your materials in a smaller box within a larger box using plenty of of cushioning material or newspaper at the
bottom of the larger box.  

SHIPPING DISCLAIMER:

Applause Audio Video shall not be liable for photographs, slides, video or music while in transit through the U.
S. Post office or while in the possession of any other mail carrier or courier. Applause Audio Video will not be
liable for damaged or lost photographs, slides, videos or music while in transit to or from the possession of
Applause Audio Video. The consumer agrees to be liable for their photographs, slides, videos or music should
they be lost, stolen, damaged while in transit through the U.S. Postal Service or any other mail carrier or
courier used to transport said photographs, slides, videos or music to or from Applause Audio Video. By
placing an order and paying for Applause Audio Video services by check, money order or any other payment
accepted by Applause Audio Video , the consumer understands and agrees to these terms and conditions and
shall assume all liability for photographic materials while in transit to and from Applause Audio Video via the
U.S. Postal Service and or any other mail carrier or courier. I understand that Applause Audio Video is not
responsible for the loss of pictures due to an act of God or loss incurred while in the possession of a mail
carrier or courier.

Do you provide the music?
We use music you provide or we will purchase the music of your choice on your behalf.  Please see our copyright
disclaimer below.


What music formats do you accept?

Commercially made CD's and audio cassettes only.  Due to copyright restrictions we can NOT accept mp3 or CDR's
unless you can provide proof of purchase. Or at your request, we will purchase the music of your choice on your behalf.


Can I choose my music for different sections of the video?

Yes, you can send the music you feel will best match your personal memories while watching those photos. We require
that you sign the copyright disclaimer and agreement on the Order Form.


Do you use the entire song in each case?  

Rarely. We edit your music to fit.  For example if you have a section with 15 photos that lasts 1 minute, and you have a
music selection for that section that lasts 3 minutes, we dissolve to the next song.

If you specifically request that a particular song to be played until the very end, we will attempt to accommodate you
assuming there are enough pictures to fill the necessary time and doing so doesn't compromise the quality and feel of
your video.



What if the song I select is actually shorter than the images?

We will edit your song, repeating sections to extend it as necessary until the start of your next requested selection.  



Do I need to send the original tape or CD?  

Yes. Due to copyright restrictions we can NOT accept burned CDR's or mp3's unless you can provide proof of purchase.


How many music selections can I use?

As many as you want, limited only by the number of photos.  Each of our three Photo Montage Packages includes a base
number of music selections.  Additional selections are available for $5 ea.   


Can I incorporate a voice-over?

Yes. Simply record your message on a cassette tape, and just count it like a music option.  Some of our clients call in
their voice-overs.  Please make arrangements in advance.

Typically we do not match photos exactly to the exact words in your narration. For this we would have to charge editing
time at $50/hour. If you are interested in this option please
contact us.



Can you place an instrumental music version to play on the background of my narration?

Yes. You can either send your music or we will choose an appropriate selection from our music library to be mixed along
with your narration.

    DISCLAIMERS


COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER

Applause Audio Video assumes no responsibility or liability with respect to any copyright infringements and
the customer hereby agrees to assume all responsibility for any and all costs and expenses incurred by
Applause Audio Video as a result of any legal action or litigation taken against Applause Audio Video as a
result of an alleged copyright infringement. By requesting the services the services of Applause Audio Video
and in the submission of photographs, slides and music to us, you are stating that you own the copyright or
have expressed written permission to use such copyrighted material. Applause Audio Video reserves the right
to use your production as a video sample to a customer looking for the making of a similar project.


SHIPPING DISCLAIMER:

Applause Audio Video shall not be liable for photographs, slides, video or music while in transit through the U.
S. Post office or while in the possession of any other mail carrier or courier. Applause Audio Video will not be
liable for damaged or lost photographs, slides, videos or music while in transit to or from the possession of
Applause Audio Video. The consumer agrees to be liable for their photographs, slides, videos or music should
they be lost, stolen, damaged while in transit through the U.S. Postal Service or any other mail carrier or
courier used to transport said photographs, slides, videos or music to or from Applause Audio Video. By
placing an order and paying for Applause Audio Video services by check, money order or any other payment
accepted by Applause Audio Video , the consumer understands and agrees to these terms and conditions and
shall assume all liability for photographic materials while in transit to and from Applause Audio Video via the
U.S. Postal Service and or any other mail carrier or courier. I understand that Applause Audio Video is not
responsible for the loss of pictures due to an act of God or loss incurred while in the possession of a mail
carrier or courier.



PRICES / SERVICES

Applause Audio Video reserves the right to adjust, make changes to all products, items, prices and services,
listed and not listed on this web site for sale or promotion at their own discretion without notice.



DVD-R COMPATIBILITY

Our videos are delivered on recordable DVD (DVD-R) which will play on most DVD players made in the last
five years.  Please check your user manual to make sure that your DVD player is DVD-R compatible. Upon
special request, your project can be delivered on DVD+R.  We cannot accept returns or cancel orders after
they have been processed.  

Each is a custom recorded disc conforming to the industry standard.  Unlike the more common manufactured
"silver disc" DVD's that you might purchase or rent from retail outlets, DVD-R's are pre-grooved blanks  on
which digital video data is recorded. They are more sensitive to heat than silver discs, so please do not leave
them in extreme heat or in direct sunlight.  They are also more easily scratched than silver discs.  DVD-R's are
very sensitive to dirty laser lenses on DVD players or finger prints on the disc itself.  If you have difficulty
playing this disc on your DVD player try washing gently with a soft cloth and liquid soap.  Wipe the disc in
straight lines from the center to the perimeter.  If the disc still won't play, you can purchase an inexpensive
lens cleaner where DVD's are sold or rented.   If all of these measures do not render your DVD playable,
please contact us for a prompt replacement.  
Photo Montage
FAQ's

We will put the photos on video exactly as you request.  You'll need to organize them either into sections with titles for
each, or in chronological order.   Please refer to our free booklet: "
How to Organize Your Photos" for complete details.


Can I send you scanned pictures on a CD or DVD?

We accept scanned/digitized photos on data CD's, DVD's.  If you don't have your own scanner, many copy shops such
as Fed Ex Kinkos offer affordable scanning facilities and services.   Make certain you scan your photos using at least 200
dpi resolution.  Smaller photos such as wallet size should be scanned at 300 dpi or higher.  

When copying digital photos from your computer to a CD or DVD please number photo file names in the order that you
want them to appear in the video (i.e. 001.jpg, 002.jpg, 003.jpg etc).  Otherwise the photos will appear randomly.  
There are several ways to accomplish the numbering depending on your computer platform.  PC users can easily rename
files using Windows Explorer.  Mac users can rename files in Finder.


What size photos can I use?  

We can use all size photos from wallets to 16 x 20.  Additional media, such as newspaper clippings, scrapbook pages,
greeting cards, etc. can be used.

Please note that close-up shots in vertical format (most school portraits) don't allow to zoom-in enough to keep the TV
format  without cutting the head or chin; so they may have to have white or black space on the sides. TV format
pictures (horizontal, also known as landscape) are the best options.


Can I send you the photo album if I cannot remove the photos?

If photographs cannot be safely removed from an album, you may send the entire album and place post-it notes by the
side of the photos to be used. You will need to contact us and give us the weight of your package, since your shipping
charges will increase.  The same applies for YEARBOOKS.


How long will each photo be on screen?

The average on-screen duration for each photo is about 6 seconds.  It could be more or less depending on the artistic
element that the producer feels the photo requires. We create feeling and emotion though camera movement and
effects from one photo to the next.  

For example, there may be a group photograph of a family reunion. Depending on the focus, light and sharpness of the
photo we may decide to get closer and show the photo with a camera pan from left to right, so instead of showing that
photo for 5 seconds, we may show it for 12 (since there will be camera movement). Another example is a zoom-in or
zoom-out, during which we may watch a photo for 15 seconds.


Can you use black and white photos in my video?

We can use black&white, sepia and color photographs, slides and documents like diplomas, certificates, invitations and
so on.


Can you crop photos to show only a designated individual?

Yes, usually we can. Also, when there is a group shot we would like to know where the main subject is. Make sure it is
clear to us who is the main character in your photo. This will enable us to emphasize that area of the photograph.


Can I choose my own title and topic for my tape?

You can provide any titles you want.


Can you do scrolling titles?

Yes.  This is most often used at the closing of the video, where you can place a closing greeting or dedication.


Can I request specific editing effects?
Yes, although this is not recommended.  Creative elements are selected based on the subject, music rhythm, and quality
of the photograph.  Usually these decisions are best left to an experienced professional.  


Can the section title be on screen just before each section begins, rather than super-imposed on top of the
photo?

Main titles typically appear on the screen before the photos unless you request to have it on the photo. We can also
place small captions usually at the foot of the photo  for giving specific information about a particular photo like place,
name, date, etc.)


Do you recommend having titles in all photos?

No because it can adversely affect the rhythm flow of your production.

Can I order a demo DVD?

Most of our customers simply view our sample videos online.  However if you would like to receive a demo DVD of our
work, please mail your request along with a check for $10 to cover shipping and handling. A DVD will be sent to you via
Priority Mail. Simply return the DVD  with your order and you may deduct $10 of your total cost.
Located in the heart of the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex