You're busy and often out of the office. We understand that and are constantly trying to support you and your communication needs (be it from a fixed location or remotely). So, Video Labs has gone mobile. We've repurposed www.videolabs.net for your cell phone. You no longer need to be in front of your desktop or laptop to contact us. Be it needing Blu-ray copies, graphic design or editing of a message, while on the road, use your cell to connect with Video Labs. No change to our great service and quality support. That stays the same.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Video Labs Goes Mobile
You're busy and often out of the office. We understand that and are constantly trying to support you and your communication needs (be it from a fixed location or remotely). So, Video Labs has gone mobile. We've repurposed www.videolabs.net for your cell phone. You no longer need to be in front of your desktop or laptop to contact us. Be it needing Blu-ray copies, graphic design or editing of a message, while on the road, use your cell to connect with Video Labs. No change to our great service and quality support. That stays the same.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Video Labs Wins Prestigious Award
Video Labs Selected as Recipient of
The Gazette of Politics and Business
Third Annual Exceptional 53 Business Award
The P&B Exceptional 53 Award program, produced by The Gazette P&B, acknowledges Maryland's top 53 businesses and organizations based on criteria that included the recipient company's annual revenue and employee growth, as well as noteworthy product or service innovations, community service efforts, strategies for success through the economic downturn, and reputation as a "good place to work."
It's no secret that website video production has fast become the premiere advertising vehicle in today's market - a clever and informative presentation can entertain, educate and ultimately bring visitors to your website through social media and cost-effective web ad campaigns.
Video Labs' talented team can help plan a targeted campaign by shooting, editing and producing your website video - all to gain you significant exposure.
15237 Display Court
Rockville, MD 20850
Monday, October 11, 2010
VIDEO LABS CEO ELECTED PRESIDENT OF AIMMA
Michael Weiss, who has served on AIMMAs board of directors since 2005, has been elected the association’s Executive Director and President. Mr. Weiss has been a member of AIMMA since 2001 and is also the Chief Executive Officer of Video Labs, a Rockville, Maryland, media marketing firm.
Founded in 1987 as the AVDA (American Video Duplication Association), AIMMA is a senior executive-level organization of independent media manufacturing and service company owners and operators. All members manufacture media or provide related services, and the association is inclusive of replicators, duplicators, packaging companies, printers, fulfillment houses, production/postproduction companies and authoring facilities. Membership is open to all North American media management companies regardless of size or medium manufactured/provided.
Two new board members were elected, two appointed, and officers named. New board members, Jad Porter of Design Video Communications (DVC), Ram Nomula of MAM-A and Chris Elmore of International Media Services (IMS), will join serving members Michael Weiss of Video Labs, Dan Redd of Replicopy, Jerry Koerner of Video Services Group (VSG), Max Wyler of Accord Productions and Mary Reeves of Spinergy.
The board elected the following officers:
Executive Director/President: Michael Weiss, Video Labs (Rockville, MD)
Vice President/Programs: Dan Redd, Replicopy (Carrollton, TX)
Board Member & Secretary: Jerry Koerner, VSG (St. Louis, MO)
Board Member: Jad Porter, DVC (Indianapolis, IN)
Board Member: Ram Nomula, MAM-A (Colorado Springs, CO)
Board Member/Membership: Chris Elmore, IMS (Fort Mill, SC)
Board Member/Marketing: Max Wyler, Accord Productions (Miami, FL)
Board Member/Immediate Past President: Mary Reeves, Spinergy (Rochester, NY)
Treasurer: Tom Whitworth, Synchronicity Mastering Services (Salt Lake City, UT)
The recent AIMMA meeting agenda included the association’s business meeting, presentations on digital asset management, encoding and media packaging. In addition, representatives of member company DiscMakers led a marketing training session. Meeting sponsors were Snell, Empress Digital, CShell Packaging Products and EcoDisc.
“This most recent meeting reflected a pattern of growth for AIMMA. With a 35% increase in membership and a meeting inclusive of relevant topics such as marketing, revenue generation, digital asset management and best business practices, AIMMA continues to be the most well-rounded of media-related associations,” stated AIMMA President Michael Weiss.
AIMMA member companies comprise the majority of the non-theatrical replication and duplication capacity in the North American market and related content delivery solutions. The organization was established to advance the interests of the media manufacturing industry and its members through collective advocacy, education and networking. For additional information about AIMMA, visit http://www.aimma.org/.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Video Labs Selected as Recipient of The Gazette of Politics and Business Third Annual Exceptional 53 Business Award
“I applaud these exceptional Maryland businesses that are consistently on the leading edge of innovation and doing their part to help through their pro-active community service programs. To make the 53 list is a great accomplishment,” said Cliff Chiet, publisher of The Gazette P&B.
“Having been in existence for over 32 years, Video Labs appreciates being recognized for its efforts involving community and industry support, along with measures used to enable operational and client-driven efficiencies,” stated CEO Michael Weiss. Michael also stated, “It’s an honor to be recognized as one of Maryland’s best businesses by such a well-respected publication.”
With this recognition, Video Labs continues its commitment to invest in technology and media distribution services. Video Labs media solutions offers its clientele the widest range of Videotape/Broadcast duplication, High Definition cloning, International standards conversion, Blu-ray/DVD/CD duplication/replication, authoring, postproduction, captioning, packaging, distribution, and digital media delivery. Video Labs continues to offer its clientele rush service every day of the year.
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For more information, please contact Video Labs at 301-217-0000, or reach Video Labs on the web at http://www.videolabs.net/ or via email - mailto:sales@videolabs.net/mweiss@videolabs.net
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Look Carefully for These Sitings
We're Focused on All Your
Media Needs!
Closed Captioning and Subtitle Services . . . .
. . . and don't forget transcription and translation
Producers have come to rely on Video Labs' full-service approach to captioning services for the hearing and vision impaired. We can even assist you with transcription services as well as translation into foreign languages for subtitling your project.
Confused by all the formats out there? In our ever-changing, ever-challenging industry, it can be difficult to stay abreast of the current technical requirements for your project. Count on Video Labs to provide you with the latest information. We offer services for DVD, web video formats (like Flash and Windows Media) as well HD and SD videotape formats for broadcast.
For those projects that require multiple deliverables, check with your Account Representative for combination rates for these services.
Video and Media Production for Your Website
It's no secret that
Video Labs' talented team can help plan a targeted campaign by shooting, editing and producing your website video - all to gain you significant exposure.
Recently we worked with Mark Diley, a golf professional, to produce his demo for "The Core Putting Coach," a unique training tool currently for sale in retail shops. Mark's commercial will soon appear on 200 websites nationwide and will include tags for each of his retail outlets. Check it out here......http://www.coreputting.com/.
Are you confused by . . .
High Definition vs. Widescreen vs. Anamorphic vs. Letterbox . . . SD and HD, 4:3 and 16:9 terminology?
High Definition has set a new standard for our industry. Video professionals have never had such grand and varied options for visual impact, widescreen functionality and exceptional audio.
Here's the question - how can you plan your workflow so that widescreen video looks great no matter what type of monitor is used for viewing? When planning your project, it can be a challenge to anticipate how the image might look when displayed on everything from widescreen computer monitors to high quality YouTube videos to tiny iPod screens to downconverted PAL BetaSP copies.
Check out this recent blog post ......http://tinyurl.com/26c6ws6 from Video Labs Account Executive David Ryan on "Anamorphic Confusion."
What Else is New at Video Labs?
USB Duplication
In response to customer demand, Video Labs has recently expanded data loading & USB duplication services. Portability, capacity and ease of use offered on USB Flash drives continue to expand as media costs have become more affordable and more reliable. Video Labs has supported data loading for clients with software applications, medical research and promotional media.
Video Labs
Rockville, MD 20850
http://www.videolabs.net
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Meet the Graphic Design Dream Team
Replication & duplication - CD, DVD & Blu-ray
Print & media packaging, distribution & fulfillment
HD & SD broadcast tape duplication services including captioning, subtitling & SpoTrac encoding
Kids & Summer Jobs
- Valerie Yoscak, Senior Account Representative & World's Best Aunt
Babysitting - Learn how to get certified.
Yard work - Cut grass and gardening. Create a flyer and share with neighbors and friends.
Assistant with your local landscape company.
Yard Sale - Help by cleaning out the closets, basement, attic and garage.
Lemonade Stand - Great idea for those hot summer days.
Car Wash - Are the kids bored yet? Have some fun with friends washing your neighbor's BMW.
Bake Sale - Who can resist homemade cookies & brownies?
Walk dogs/Pet Care- Neighbors on vacation may need help with dog/cat sitting.
Data Entry - Every office needs help with computer input.
Re-apply at previous summer employment.
Seek volunteer work and get "paid" with Student Service Learning Hours for school.
Before your kids seek employment, check out federal and state laws for minimum age requirements. This blog has tips, laws and additional ideas.
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=eutcbvdab.0.0.cnb4necab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.usa.gov%2Froller%2Fgovgab%2Fentry%2Fsummer_jobs_for_kids&id=preview
Be safe and enjoy your summer!
Video Labs
15237 Display Court
Rockville, MD 20850
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=eutcbvdab.0.0.cnb4necab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.videolabs.net%2F&id=preview
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Volcano provides opp for us to help client
Monday, April 26, 2010
Blu-ray Disc - It's Not Just For Hollywood
Film festival season is upon us and, for some local filmmakers, Blu-ray Disc offers some great advantages for gaining entry into the most prestigious festivals. Jeff Colburn of Patriot Film Studios told us that, "With the advancement of High Definition cameras, technology is now affordable for the independent filmmaker to shoot at 1080p or greater. With our film, we utilized the RED camera and shot at 4K. Some film festivals allow you to submit Blu-ray, but most still only allow DVD screeners. Hopefully, more festivals will accept Blu-ray submissions in the near future as it's almost a disservice to show your film (even) at 720p. So much is lost." We worked with Jeff on mastering Devil's Racecourse in both DVD and Blu-ray. He also commented, "Once selected, many festivals support HDCam for actual screenings as well."
Marketing groups for our local broadcasters have recently added Blu-ray Discs to their outreach efforts, especially when targeting TV critics for their premiere shows. We're also seeing requests for use at trade shows, museum kiosks and conferences where widescreen monitors are now the norm. But, even with a small duplication order, Video Labs stocks a variety of packaging and printing options including Blu-ray branded cases and our high quality color thermal printing. To expedite orders, we have increased our capacity for this format.
If you're working on your next career milestone, we're prepared to help. How better to showcase your skill set if you're working in HD? Consider that decision makers may be viewing your work on a 46" LCD screen. Recently, we created a Blu-ray master that was included with a bid proposal - the advanced Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound really highlighted this contractor's talent in audio engineering and sound design.
Blu-ray is also a terrific storage medium. Unlike portable hard drives which may become damaged or broken, BD works like any data disc, allowing for a secure burn to archive assets and files. Those in the document management field might find them to be a cost-effective, secure storage format. Video Labs stocks 25GB discs and provides image scanning and archiving services for affordable rates.
Some leading indicators . . .
What accounts for the uptick? While we can't point to any one reason, here are some converging trends.
> Cost-efficient authoring solutions like Adobe Encore CS4 have made it easier to handle the production workflow, reducing the cost of mastering. At the same time, the cost of raw materials has been reduced. Video Labs' authoring specialists have found Encore to be an efficient tool for most projects to date. Using it we can easily provide pop-up and motions menus.
> Retail prices for Blu-ray players have fallen - it's not uncommon to find a quality player at a price point of $150.00 - 200.00. This also increases viewership.
To Learn More about Our Multimedia & Broadcast Services:
www.videolabs.net
(800)800-8240
(301)217-0000
sales@videolabs.net
"Use this handy spring guide to get started in your garden. Believe it or not, the key is to avoid getting too impatient and doing certain jobs too soon."
- Valerie Yoscak, Senior Account Representative & Gardening Enthusiast
- Winter Clean Up - Rake your lawn to get rid of dead growth, leaves, twigs and winter debris. This lets the light and air to the soil levels, encouraging new growth.
- Re-seed bare or damaged patches in the lawn.
- Transplant any existing shrubs you want to move before they begin to leaf out.
- Weed beds early - Weeds are easier to pull while their roots are still shallow in early spring.
- Cut back any remaining dead perennial foliage from last season (trimmings can go into compost).
- Cut back ornamental grasses to about 10 inches from the ground.
- Don't plant annuals too early. Save your money and wait until mid May.
- Plan out your garden before heading to your favorite GardenCenter. It will save you money when purchasing your perennials and annuals.
- Stand inside your home and look out the window before planting your perennials and annuals. By doing this so you can enjoy the colors from the inside of your home too.
- Turn on your Ipod station with your favorite selections, plant, mulch and have fun!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wrappers and Codec's Revealed
What the heck is a Codec?
Not long ago, terms such as codec meant little outside of an edit suite
but with a rapidly changing industry, even those trying to download the latest Hollywood blockbuster might need a basic understanding of relevant video terms. Basically, 'codec' is geek speak for "Compressor/Decompressor," which relates to technology that makes video and audio files small enough to travel over the internet or fit into specified parameters. MPEG-2, for example, is the standard codec used for authoring DVDs. The latest, greatest codec on the horizon is known as H.264 (or MPEG-4, Part 10). Developed by Apple, this codec has some amazing advances in compression technology and scalability, making it a fast riser in the industry. It's a 'behind the scenes' file that's incorporated into many new, high-quality video products for use in Blu-ray, iPod, Playstation3 and X-Box 360 players.
About Compression
For compression, we use a wide variety of software at Video Labs
like Apple's Compressor, Adobe Suite, Sorenson, and QuickTime Pro. In the compression process, these tools apply complex algorithmic equations to determine which pixels to keep and which to throw out while still maintaining picture quality. Making the right choices in software settings (frame & bit rate, field settings, etc.) ultimately affects how the video will look once it is decompressed in your player.
What's up with Wrappers and Containers?
Wrappers, also called containers, are the structure that holds everything together in one neat file like, well, a container or wrapper. Commonly, they are referred to by the extension - .avi, .flv, .wmv to name a few. Within the container, you'll find video, audio, color space files & other metadata, all of which function together.
So, it gets a little confusing sometimes . . . that's ok, right?
Here's what makes these terms confusing -- in some instances, containers and codec's have the same or similar names and you can only tell by context what is being referred to. QuickTime, for example, can be referred to as a media file, but it's actually an entire system for digital media - .mov is the container format that holds it all together. To make it more complex, QuickTime can also be used within other container formats including mp4 for iPod.
We hope this has helped to sort things out a little and if not, call on the expertise at Video Labs - we're just an email, tweet or phone call away.
Our Membership Rewards Program is Taking Off!
Take Advantage of 20% off through March 20, 2010
To Learn More about Our Multimedia & Broadcast Services:
(800)800-8240
(301)217-0000
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103157469839&s=3&e=001Xbja-vW_fZXPSC5wubTsFd9LxXY2mCwtRqJOO3BMfFO-fIpMmydJKCj8cXcGlrN_DMqr8Ztdh5dsLv9CeydqVNBdGt96U27Menfhtfc3gjQSA-HaWAPrDg==
smailto:sales@videolabs.net
15237 Display Court
Rockville, MD 20850
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Video Labs Introduces Membership Program
The more you spend, the more you earn.
A five minute call to Video Labs will save you money on future
services. We'll deposit 1% in your account which can be
used for free editing, authoring or graphic design services.
Join by March 20, 2010 and Save 20%
"True membership should have value and rewards. Video Labs has always recognized favorable relationships and now offers its clients another opportunity to enhance its collective connection. Our exclusive membership program is designed to provide clients with unique and valuable services that can be used to better serve their businesses." ~ Mike Weiss, CEO, Video Labs
Bronze Program
> * Free graphic design, editing or authoring services equal to 1% of
purchases during your membership period
> (25) duplicated DVDs with color print
> One Blu-ray or DVD master with static menu from your provided
content
Silver Program
> * Free graphic design, editing or authoring services equal to 1%
of purchases during your membership period
> Creation of up to 30 second video marketing demo (from provided content)
> (50) duplicated DVDs with color print
> Inclusion of your article in an upcoming Video Labs newsletter
(writing support provided)
Platinum Program
> * Free graphic design, editing or authoring services equal to 1%
of purchases during your membership period
> Creation of up to a two minute video marketing demo (from provided
content)
> (75) duplicated DVDs with color print
> Inclusion of your article in an upcoming Video Labs newsletter (writing
support provided)
Contact Video Labs today for Membership Rates
* Spending $10,000 during the membership period, for example, will entitle you to $100 worth of graphic design, editing or CD/DVD authoring services. Services can be claimed during the 12th month of membership.
Membership is not transferrable without approval from Video Labs.
Membership is for one year period and is renewable. Terms, benefits and fees are subject to change with each membership renewal.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Val's Snow Special; Price Falls With The Snow
Contact Valerie Yoscak for your discount.
301-217-0000 ext. 115
valerie@videolabs.net
http://www.videolabs.net/
Monday, February 8, 2010
Use All Forms Of Media To Communicate
Let Your Message Evolve. . .
Communicating Your Message
At Video Labs, we love it when a customer stops by to regale us with nostalgic tales of the good old VHS days. The typical comment is, "Can you believe we used to work with VHS?"
We know, we know. Things were so simple back then. These days the media landscape is a vast frontier with many options for communicating your message - online delivery, webinar, social media, high definition videotape, and, of course, optical discs like Blu-ray, DVD and CD. Planning a marketing strategy in this changing economy can be a challenge. So, how should you spend your valuable marketing dollars to convey your message and effectively hit the target audience? Which screen is the best for your message?
Good News - There are Many Eggs for All the Baskets
The American appetite for consuming media has never been greater - Nielsen reports that the average user logged 140 hours of TV, 27 hours of Internet and 3 hours of mobile screen time per month; 57% of consumers reported watching TV while simultaneously online at least once a month. Industry experts have a name for it - "The Three Screens" - TV, computer and mobile device. Based on that, smart marketing includes a comprehensive approach - one version for each screen. Thus, your strategy to convey an important message would be served best by using
multiple media formats, increasing your chances of reaching the audience.
Industry Update - Discs Get You Noticed!
Not so fast! Slow down ! Don't pull the plug on discs yet! While some might say that online delivery of corporate presentations offers the most cost-effective approach, consider some of these recent industry studies.
> For video, DVD is still an industry standard for quality, accessibility and ease of use. While it's been thrilling to see the increase in quality of web-related video, viewing can still be compromised by slow to intermittent connection speeds. In addition, it's difficult to determine if the viewer has proper software to view your video for optimal quality and functionality.
> Standards of quality for online hosting sites have increased as these sites have started to generate revenue from ad sales. Still, most sites restrict video into a browser window where it may sit side-by-side with plenty of other 'stuff' - all of which distract and detract from your message. For educational and training materials, you'll want to keep your viewer's attention as long as possible.
> Industry research indicates that cross-platform users will opt for the'best screen available' when given a choice, making their selection based on quality of screen experience, convenience and availability. Sales of HD TVs are still strong despite the slow consumer market for electronics.
> High quality packaging for disc media offers you an additional opportunity to enhance your message, providing a tangible look and feel. Social media messaging and emails can be easily lost and overlooked in the onslaught of messages that are received but a hard copy disc, nicely presented, may stay on someone's desk with your message front and center.
Communication Connection
The staff at Video Labs advises clients to consider all factors when communicating messages. Before settling on a particular type of media, consider the audience and what action is being asked of them. Video Labs will work with you to ensure the most effective forms of media are being used to communicate your message.
http://www.videolabs.net/
(800)800-8240
(301)217-0000
sales@videolabs.net
15237 Display Court
Rockville, MD 20850