Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  What is a clip?
A clip is a portion of a newscast, usually one story within a newscast. It may be an in-studio interview, a live report from a remote location, or an edited story.  When the newscasters stop talking about that topic, that's the end of the clip.  If they come back to that story later in the newscast, or in a later newscast, that's a new clip.  If one clip exceeds 10-mins, extra charges may apply.

2.  What info do I need before I order?
We need to know the topic, date, station, and time that the clip aired on television.  Any other info, like who was interviewed, when and where the clip was shot, and any keywords that may have been used in the story may be helpful.  If you find the story on the station's website, the date and time stamp only indicates when the info was posted on the website, but does not tell us when the story aired.  We make our own recordings, and do not pull video from the station's website.  We can search closed-captioned text to help locate clips on a given day, at no charge.  However, any research that involves scanning video, or searching for individual shots, may be subject to a research fee.

3.  Which format should I order?
If you have only a vhs machine, get vhs.  If you have a stand-alone dvd player, and want to see your video on a tv, get a dvd.  If you want to work with it  on your computer, get a cd.  If you want to download the video, without waiting for it to be shipped, ask for an e-clip.

4.   What is an eClip?
An "eClip" is a digital computer file such as .wmv, .mov. mp4, or .mpg.  It is the fastest way to get your video.  Once we edit and convert the news story you order into one of the above formats, we send you a link that allows you to download it directly to your computer.  eClips are intended for viewing on computers, not dvd players.

5.  How can I place an order?
The best way is to communicate with a live person.  Every order is different, and there are usually many questions.  Call the number at the top of the page, or email your info, and we will contact you.  info@thevideoco.com

6.  Can I get the footage the station didn't air?
Television stations don't normally release this video, and we have no access to it.

7.  Can I make copies of these tapes and discs?
We do not put any copy-guard technology on tapes or discs, but the material is protected by the tv stations' copyright.  Copies obtained from The Video Company are for personal use.  Extra copies are available at a reduced rate.

8.  Can I use the video on my website?
You must get permission from the tv station that aired the clip to do this.  We can provide the video as a .wmv file, but we cannot give you permission to publish it to your site.

9.  How far back do you keep newscasts?
Most newscasts are kept in our library for at least one year from the date that they aired.  However, our extended archive is growing rapidly.  Besides daily newscasts, we keep special coverage and memorable events for many years.

10.  Can I return a tape or dvd, if it's not the right clip?
If you don't get the clip you asked for, we will of course replace it with the right clip.  If you get the clip you ordered, but it's not what you thought it was, or what someone else told you they saw, then it is not our responsibility to provide a refund.  Tapes and discs are custom-made products, and extra charges may apply to re-do them.

11.  What if it won't play in my equipment?
If it's a vhs tape, send it back immediately so we can replace it while we still have the original newscast in our library.  Same thing if it's a dvd that won't play on your television.  If it won't play on your computer (even if your computer has a dvd drive), that may be a computer issue beyond our control.  DVD's provided by The Video Company are only guaranteed to play on stand-alone dvd players connected to a television.  If you want to watch the video on your computer only, you may want to order a cd.

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