dvdSanta http://www.deprice.com/dvdsanta2.htm

dvdSanta is an All-in-One software that lets you copy, create, convert and burn your DVD movies. It can copy 9GB double layer DVD movies into a 4.7GB DVD-R disc, can turn your photos into DVD movies with Hollywood style motion effects, can convert other video formats(avi, wmv, vob, asf, DivX, Mpeg,...) into DVD video, can transfer miniDV camcorder tapes directly to DVD video.

Ok, final tip. If you want to be able to watch your home videos on Pocket PC, consider getting Poket DVD Wizard. http://www.deprice.com/pocketdvdwizard.htm

The Pocket DVD Wizard allows you to make backup copies of your personal DVDs, Mpeg, Avi and DivX® video and then play them on your Windows Mobile™ Pocket PC or Portable Media Center.

Imagine possibilities! You can now record your favourite TV program with your DVD recorder and transfer it to your Pocket PC, then watch it later in office, or on beach!

The Pocket DVD Wizard is designed for Windows XP (or Windows 2000) based PCs, and Pocket Pcs running Windows Mobile™ 2003 or later. Using Pocket DVD Wizard you can fit over 90 minutes of compressed DVD recording, Mpeg, Avi or DivX® video on a single 128Mb memory card, then take recording on road. The Pocket DVD Wizard works with both standard Pocket PCs, and high resolution 640x480 VGA Pocket PCs, allowing you to select quality level you want, and to watch converted video 'full screen' without black bars above and below picture.

Whether you retain services of a professional or do archiving yourself it is imperative to create multiple backup copies and store them in a safe place. I strongly recommend storing at least two copies in a safe deposit box at your local bank. These storage facilities are generally fire proofed, temperature and humidity controlled but you should inquire just to be safe. Another option is to take multiple copies and distribute them amongst family and friends. They should store them in a cool, dry place in home; more people who store a copy of your digital archive, greater chance that it will remain undamaged over time.

As you can see having a digital archive is an excellent way to preserve your precious memorabilia. So gather up your cherished photos, slides, video, home movies, documents, etc., have them digitized and store them in a safe place. You will never be sorry you made effort but you may regret it if you don’t.

Jay Corrao is the founder and president of Memory Archivers, a video production company based in Apple Valley Minnesota. His company specializes in wedding and event videograpy, video biographies, and consumer digital archiving.