DVDSanta -whats going on!!

[swedman]

Have signed up and paid my monies (money taken out of my Bank) to buy this software and although I had a Thank you Email with order number with Instructions saying once money is cleared they would send me another Email giving me Instructions on download etc:

This was 1st March and nothing!!

Tried making contact via their Website but ALL Emails are returned..

As anyone out there had the same problem!!

IS THIS A SCAM!!!

HELP!!

[tomwil]

On their contact page at http://www.dvdsanta.com/contact.html , they give the following information. You could try the fax and snail mail method.

Our physical address:
ZY Computing, Inc
111 North Market Street, STE 614
San Jose, CA 95113
USA
FAX: 1-408-273-6572

Found additional contact info at http://www.123loganalyzer.com/faq.htm

Our phone number is (888)447-1175
Our fax number is (801) 497-9456
Also standard phone number is (801) 444-2837

[redwudz]

They are a reputable company, AFAIK. There is also a email address for registration problems in their FAQ: registrationproblems@<a class="contentlink" href="https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=...dSanta</a>.com

They may be having problems with their Email server or you may have a problem with your Email client. You might try a different computer to contact them if the above address doesn't work or the links tomwil posted.

[swedman]

They are a reputable company, AFAIK. There is also a email address for registration problems in their FAQ: registrationproblems@<a class="contentlink" href="https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=...dSanta</a>.com

They may be having problems with their Email server or you may have a problem with your Email client. You might try a different computer to contact them if the above address doesn't work or the links tomwil posted.

well I have just tried sending FAX but guess what - no answer!!

I have been reading somewhere else that others have had the same problem - by the way I have tried using another Computer as suggested -but no luck!

I am aware of all their Email contacts and have tried them all...

I must have tried at least 30/40 email attempts

Any other suggestions

please

[BobK]

well I have just tried sending FAX but guess what - no answer!!

It's Saturday. My first thought is that they are not open on Satuday.

Any other suggestions

please

Wait until Monday and see if there's a reply. If not, call them.

[swedman]

surely it doesnt matter as the FAX machine should stay ON!!

call them from UK cost ARM AND LEG!!

CA

[BobK]

surely it doesnt matter as the FAX machine should stay ON!!

Apparently not.

[jimmalenko]

There may be a problem with the funds undergoing the currency conversion. When we send or receive funds overseas we mention that it could take up to 20 business days for the funds to clear. In reality it normally takes about 5, but there's always a chance of some unforeseen error occurring at one or either ends, hence our long "grace period".

[swedman]

O.K but why cant I still connect with them via ANY of their Email links.


By the way funds were taken out of my bank A/C on Friday 03 march.

Maybe someone could try and use their Email link for me..please

Wont be able to respond to any messages for a week after today..

Thanks for your comments - but when I come back I will pursue this problem - from where I dont really know at the moment...

[swedman]

Still have had NO LUCK in contacting this Company!!

Someone else out there MUST have had the same PROBLEM

CA

[CBC]

When I *used* to use this software, I had written them 3 different times about issues I was having. Never ever got any response back from them ( they are in the same state I am in)
I will not own/support software whose authors do not give at least the basic courtesy of a reply.
I much prefer donating to freeware authors, such as The Film Machine, etc.

[jimmalenko]

Someone else out there MUST have had the same PROBLEM

Either that or they cut their losses and learnt how to properly use a dedicated encoder and authorer

[swedman]

What are you on about learn to use dedicated software etc:
Are saying that DVDsanta is NOT a proper dedicated software bundle.
I wish they would reply, For what I have used so far is O.K except for the fact that it shows a watermark on encoded software.

CA

[jimmalenko]

What are you on about learn to use dedicated software etc:
Are saying that DVDsanta is NOT a proper dedicated software bundle.

Yes that's EXACTLY what I'm saying

Dedicated means one tool to do one job. Examples of encoders are TMPGEnc, CCE, MainConcept, Procoder, QuEnc, HC etc etc. Examples of authoring software are TMPGEnc DVD Author, DVD-lab, dvdauthorgui, gui for dvdauthor etc etc. DVDSanta is like Nero's encoding and authoring IMHO - throw anything old crap into it, get polished turds out. In the end, they're still turds

See my comments in the Tools section for DVDSanta way back when, when this software was (allegedly) great for newbies that don't want to (or can't) think for themselves. Options and flexibility just aren't pre-requisites if using this software.

Sorry

[swedman]

BUT..your missing the POINT old boy..I am NEW to all this and I do want to have software that will do the conversion for me without hassle...
Anyway I have logged onto The Film Machine and I will give that a go!!!

CA

[guns1inger]

I do want to have software that will do the conversion for me without hassle...

The you don't want the likes of DVD Santa or WinAVI. Not only does the software not work properly most of the time, but as you have found out, the companies behind them are as shakey as their software.

If you must spend $$ on a simple solution, consider ConvertXtoDVD. But if you take a little time to learn the methods and the tools, it soon becomes second nature to use the right tools for the job, and you will get predictable, quality results. If you use software like DVD Santa or WinAVI you simply play russian roulette with your video, and spend more time here trying to find an answer, than the time you would have spent learning how to do it well.

But it is your time and money . . . . .

[jimmalenko]

We ALL want conversions without hassle, but .... ah forget it. Noobs can't possibly be wrong !

If you're happy with what you're getting out, then don't let me try to educate you otherwise, eh ?

Coincidently, I noticed a comment for DVDSanta in the Tools section regarding not being able to contact the vendors by email, fax or phone (Around October last year IIRC). Hmmmm ......

[swedman]

o.k Im willing to learn... so tell me where do I start?
I have just downloaded The Film Machine is this OK to start with or something else maybe...

What I would like to do to start with is after downloading Movies to convert to PAL DVD.

Also to take my Photos and put them onto DVD for screening on my TV..

So.....

CA

[guns1inger]

To begin with, don't make life more difficult for yourself that you need to. Don't format convert. There is a very high likelihood that you can play NTSC material, so don't convert it to PAL if you don't have to.

Photos are easy. Most players will playback jpgs direct from disc. Unless you need a fancy slideshow, you might not have to do anything more than copy the files to a data disc and put it in the drive. Check your player manual to confirm.

Jimmalenko has provided a link to his guide http://members.dodo.com.au/~jimmalenko/AVI2DVD.htm that is a nice easy introduction into the world of avi to dvd conversion. Worth a read. (If you can't find the link, re-read his post, and stop where it says 'Click Here')

[smearbrick1]

Read the guides on the left. You can find alot of useful information as to what software works best. It's usually not just one piece either. You need to try several different pieces of software for each step of the process to find what works for you best. In my case, I encode with TMPGENC and author with TMPGENC DVD Author. Maybe you will find better results with something else. Many times you will find that the best tool for the job is free. Don't just run out and purchase the first software you find. Use the trial periods to find out what is right for you. Also, don't fall back on the "I'm a newb" just to justify the need for an all-in-one. We were all newbs once, we know the process may seem daunting. The work you put into learning will definately show on your finished product, and that is something of which you can be proud.

[tomwil]

Still have had NO LUCK in contacting this Company!!

Apparently, you are not the only one who is having trouble with ZY Computing. According to the Better Business Bureau, the company has an "unsatisfactory record" with 8 "no response" complaints.

[Soopafresh]

Look at VSO Software for decent apps for beginners.

[handyguy]

You could file with your credit card comp for a refund.