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F.A.Q.

1) Can I videotape the deposition myself?
Although some video technology can be easy to use we recommend against videotaping your own depositions and legal proceedings. Hiring a certified legal videographer who is impartial and skilled at capturing audio and video accurately is worth the expense.

2) Is it expensive to hire a legal videographer?
A common misconception is that legal video services are expensive.  Courthouse Videos provides cost effective legal video services.  Over a period of time, using video and other trial technology we provide will pay for itself.  Many times attorneys think of using video after they missed something critical to their case.  Don’t let that happen to you!  

Contact Courthouse Videos to schedule a service now.

3) Is technology changing the way cases are presented?
Very much so! Although the principals remain the same, the way cases are presented today has changed. Technology is very effective in communicating a case to a jury and helps control cost and pace of trial. Many Judges prefer and even demand expert witnesses be presented via video for these reasons.

4) What can we use legal video for?

Video can be used to document many aspects of a legal case besides depositions. Site inspections utilize video to document the scene of an insurance claim, crime or accident. Videotaping medical exams for review at a future date to dispute claims made by the examiner is another use for legal video.

5) What do I do with a video after the deposition?
A video deposition can be utilized in several ways. It can be played back for a jury or it can be used in conjunction with other
trial presentation software.  Programs such as Trial director, Powerpoint and Sanction use video clips to very effectively
​bolster a case.

6) Why should I videotape a deposition?

There are several reasons to videotape a deposition.  Depending on the type of case and the circumstances surrounding the case an attorney may choose to use video to capture the witness testimony.  Often it is more cost effective to videotape a witness and show that video to a jury in place of live testimony.  Live expert testimony can be very expensive.  Doctors and experts can charge thousands of dollars to appear live at trial where a video deposition would cost a few hundred dollars.

Experts may also charge for travel time and accommodations.  

7) Why Video record depositions?

Video saves time and money!  With the cost of litigation, time is money!  With video, you can present your expert’s testimony at your discretion.  Video engages the jury because it is much more interesting to meet the witness than hear a bland reading of the transcript. 

8) Is video only needed for evidence depositions?
No. According to the new federal rules of civil procedure when a video deposition is made, it is part of the E- Discovery
(Electronic Discovery). Electronic courtroom presentations, using trial software, now enable you to quickly find any testimony made on video in the case.  You now bring up a clip on the big screen, and the jury sees before their eyes the witness on the stand contradicting his previous video testimony.  In federal cases, using video during the discovery phase helps settle cases sooner.

9) Will the questions and responses be able to be clearly heard on the video?

Every participant is micro phoned separately so the jury will hear each one. Microphoning each person separately allows individual audio level adjustment for superior sound quality. Using lavaliere microphones not only assures pristine audio, this practice is also in accordance with the clear standards of the NCRA.

10) Is Having a legal videographer video record a deposition expensive?

No. When comparing the costs of bringing a professional or an expert into the courtroom, video is extremely affordable and cost effective

11) How different is a video deposition from a non-video deposition?

The only difference is the way the room is set up for optimum video and sound quality. There is also a general awareness that the deposition is being videotaped. Once the deposition is underway the deposition proceeds as usual. The room and equipment are all set up before everyone arrives, so the deposition is ready to start on time.

12) What will the deposition cost me?

Cost is one of the biggest advantages of partnering with Courthouse Videos for all of your deposition video because we offer a
competitive hourly rate that is tailor-made to your requirements and specifications. 

Some of the more common factors that we will take into account when providing our pricing are:                 

*The geographic locations of your depositions.

*The quantity of depositions you book with us.

                 
*The billing method (we will bill jobs to your firm at discount rates which are suitable for you to mark-up and pass on, or we will  bill jobs directly to your client and pay your firm a referral fee on each job).

In short, our goal is to provide you with deposition-video rates that improve the bottom line on every deposition you set.

13) How soon can I get the actual DVD?

Our normal turnaround time for mailing the video on media of your choice is 48 hours after the deposition.  We can also make special arrangements for an attorney to take possession of the video on site, immediately after the conclusion of the deposition, provided we are advised of this need in advance of scheduling the deposition with a paid in full invoice. 

14) Can the videographer bring extra equipment to the site?

Yes, videographers can bring extra equipment to the site, such as an extra monitor, an Elmo visual presenter, an easel, and so
forth. The cost for this equipment will vary, depending upon the location of the deposition, how long the equipment will be needed and what piece of equipment is desired.

15) What are the most common media formats for a finished deposition video?

DVD Video  (up to 2 hours per DVD, for playback in commercially available DVD Players and computers with DVD-playback capability) MPEG 1  (up to 7 hours per DVD, for playback with computer media players such as Windows Media Player)

MPEG 1 with Synced Transcript  (up to 7 hours per DVD, for playback with computer media players) MPEG 2 or 4  (higher quality than MPEG 1, up to 2 hours per DVD, for playback with computer media players)

16) Do you provide courtroom playback services as well?

Yes, we can help you with courtroom playback services. Either one of our technicians can handle this service for you, or we can refer you to someone in your area who specializes in this service.

17) How does Courthouse Videos deliver courtroom playback?

In Florida and surrounding areas, we often provide this service to our clients using our own operators.  For playbacks outside of the South Florida areas, we use videographers in that area who are members of our network or we will refer you to someone in that area who specializes in courtroom playback services.  Whether Courthouse Videos provides the service personally or refers you to someone is dependent upon the location of the playback and the availability of an operator for that time period.

18) Can you edit videos that we already have for playback in court?

Yes, we can edit your existing videos to your exact specifications for use in a courtroom playback.

19) What types of playback equipment do your operators use?

A professional grade DVD/CD player is used most often, but the exact equipment used is determined by the media format of the video that must be played.

20) Can the video deposition be edited for use in court?

We offer editing services if the court permits.

21) How can I get answers to questions not covered in this FAQ?

Courthouse Videos will be glad to provide cost-free, no-obligation consultation regarding your video needs.  You can take advantage of this offer by submitting a simple Consultation Request online. To receive a consultation now, without delay, call us at 954-476-1510.