Q: What is a 'Tribute of Love'?

A: A 'Tribute of Love' is a photo montage created using photographs and/or videos of your loved ones life. 'Photo boards' have been popular ways to share memories of the deceased for years. In recent years these static boards have been replaced with customized video shows that, by incorporating music and captions, add a moving and beautiful dimension to the telling of their story. These tributes are played using a DVD, just like a movie you might buy or rent.

Q: What are the advantages of a 'Tribute of Love'?

A: Along with providing a beautiful way to remember your loved one with those that come to mourn and say good bye, the tribute DVD provides a permanent keepsake that you can share with others for years to come. For a small price everyone can have a copy of the DVD and/or the digital photographs.

Using digital photo editing programs, old photos can be enhanced and many problems (such as discoloration or creases) can be corrected. You'll receive a copy of your restored photos on CD, which you can take to any photo lab and have reprints made in any size. These photos can be viewed, edited, and printed on your home computer.

Q: How do I begin to create a tribute?

A: You and other family members begin by gathering together the media you want included in the show. This normally consists of pictures and music. Other media, such as old family videos or milestone documents (for example a marriage license or diploma) can also be used.

Q: How do we get the photos and other media to you?

A: I live in South Florida. If you live locally I'll meet you at a place convenient for you. If you want advice or help choosing the media for the tribute I'll be glad to join you and your family as they sort through the memories. For those who don't live locally, you have two ways to get media to me. You can mail the items to me or, if you already have them in a digital format on your computer (as jpgs), I have an internet upload site you can 'drop off' the pictures at. Sorry, but no video files can be uploaded at the site.

Q: How long does it take to create a tribute?

A: Once I have the media, the typical tribute can be completed within 48 hours. For a small fee rush delivery is available.

Q: What does a typical tribute contain?

A: A typical tribute contains an introduction screen with captions about the person, such as name, birth and death date. This is followed by 20-50 pictures with one or two songs as background music. This produces a 5-10 minute show which, if the funeral home supports it, can be played during visitation or the memorial service. Of course longer and more elaborate tributes can be created.

Q: What does it cost to get the tribute DVD made?

A: A typical tribute (20-50 pictures) cost $75.00. This includes scanning of photos and documents, retouching any problem photos, creation of the tribute movie, one copy of the tribute on DVD and one CD containing all of your retouched photos.. See the fee chart for the cost of other options, such as additional copies of the DVD, photo CDs, video transfer and cost for additional photos (over 50).

If your media is already in digital format (jpgs) then the fee for a typical tribute (20-50 pictures) is $50.00.

Q: What if I'm not satisfied with the finished movie?

A: Then I promptly refund your money.

All shows include custom theme, pan and zoom effects, special transition effects, text overlays, custom title and end credits, photo enhancement/correction, output to High Quality DVD with a laser etched label, and DVD case with full color inserts. You'll be given an internet address to preview your show before it's burned to DVD (requires downloading a small program to view).

If the typical tribute doesn't meet your needs, email or call me and we can discuss customizing a show so that it matches your vision.

Note 1: Items that can be scanned include photos, 35mm slides, film negatives, documents and any other flat items that don't exceed 13X9 inches.

Note 2: You can choose any song(s) in our collection or provide your own in MP3 format, or on CD. I can also buy music for you, if it's available. Price on purchased music will vary, but if the song is purchased from iTunes the cost will be $1.00 per song.

Note 3: I will transfer all the enhanced/corrected photos to CD.

Note 4: Shows are normally produced on DVD+R media (with laser etched label). I suggest you check your DVD player manual to see if you can play either DVD+R or DVD-R disks. If you need help with this, let me know. You might try locating your player here http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers to check compatibility. If your DVD player is fairly new, it will likely play either format, but it is best to be sure. If the DVD will be played at a chapel or funeral home, consult with them to insure that the DVD player they have will play DVD+Rs. Many home computers also play DVDs and compatibility with them should be no problem.

Note 5: If you provide the video in digital format (AVI, MPG, MOV, etc) on a CD/DVD there is a $10.00 fee to incorporate it into the show (up to 20 minutes of video). I can transfer the following video types to digital: VHS, mini DV, and Compact Videocassette.

Note 6: Rush orders will be created and mailed out as quickly as possible after media is received. I will gladly give you an estimate on how quickly I can have your order done and in the mail if you call me.

Note 7: Flash is a format used to place video on web sites. For example, the show at the top of this page is in Flash format. Your Flash show can be delivered to you via internet, or the files burned to a CD and mailed with the rest of your package. The files will include instructions and the HTML code you need to cut and paste into your web page.

Note 8: Your show can be turned into a screensaver for use on a computer. The screensaver file is burned to CD and delivered with your package. Instructions on how to install it are included.

Note 9: Having your show on the internet allows out of town family and friends to share in the memories. There are several sites that will host your show for free, but some setup and uploading the show is required. If you're interested in this option we'll discuss how to best meet your needs. My first suggestion will be to have your show hosted at PHOTODEX. Along with hosting your show in a high quality format, you'll be able to upload any photos you want and invite family and friends via email to view the show. There is also an option to require a password for viewing of the show. First time visitors will be asked to download a small program for viewing the video. I host samples of my tribute themes as PHOTODEX and you can see them by clicking here.

If you'd like to discuss having a 'Loving Tribute' created please email me at MemorialMusic01@aol.com. If you'd like me to call you please include your phone number in the message. For those with caller ID, I'll be calling you from the 561 area code - last name Cooper.

Click here to begin preparing your tribute or to learn more about the process.