Film Transfer FAQ

We do transfer 16mm optical sound and Super 8 magnetic sound. We always check for a sound strip on Super 8, and preserve the audio whenever present. We do not transfer Regular 8 sound strips, as this is not standard Regular 8 film, and not very common. We will convert the video portion of the Regular 8 even if it contains a sound strip. Most Regular 8 sound strips were recorded after developing, and more often than not contain only ambient music, or voiceovers which can be added again at much higher quality in the authoring process.

Due to the way video is recorded on MiniDV, SP is more compatible when using different camcorders/decks.

As long as the reels are properly spliced together using splicing tape, and not scotch tape, yes. If the reels are not spliced properly, you will be charged based on the film piece length. In other words, if you wrap 8 50' reels onto a 400' reel, without them being properly spliced together, the charges will be 8 x $9.00 as if they were 8 separate reels, as we have to run each segment on it's own.

Elastic bands on film can ruin the film quicker. It binds the film together, the elastic degrades over time and can leave particles in projectors, and they just aren't needed in most cases.

We generally remove your project from our systems after you have received it back. The amount of space these proojects take up, wouldn't make it possible to hold the information for extended periods of time. Since early 2008, we've been archiving all film to DVD projects on MiniDV for safe keeping.

We use a proprietary digital telecine system. The cameras we use are 3CCD lenses to help capture the color balances left in the film. Our video and audio streams NEVER touch an analog source to degrade the quality. We shoot directly through the telecine system, into our docking stations for editing and creating your final product.

Your expectations are important when it comes to film transfers. Many people "remember" their film a certain way, and are extremely happy to receive the final product on a DVD that wont deteriorate any more. Most film we receive is 30-50 years old. Technology back then was not what it is today. If you keep all these factors in mind, you will be very happy with your transfer. If you expect to compare your old films to Video Camera quality, you may be dissapointed.

We cannot improve the quality of film. We can only preserve the quality that is left in the film. In addition, because you are taking a small size format film, and expanding it to a larger TV format (depending on your TV size), you may see more of the imperfections inherent in film.

We have priced "final media" separately so that you can order your film on multiple media's instead of having to pay film digitizing charges multiple times. This way, you can reveive your film on DVD, VHS and even MiniDV with minimal extra charges.

Unfortunately we are not equipped to provide a viewing room. We do however offer free "film clips" which are 45 second internet capabe clips that you can view prior to us transferring to DVD. You will be able to download these clips after we have digitized yoru film. We ask that you let us know the order of films within 24 hours of these clips being made available to you. Please be sure to ask for this option when ordering.

The time varies from 7-12 business days, depending on the time of year, and how many jobs are in-house at the time.

Yes. We do not damage or otherwise alter the film in any way. You receive your film back generally in better condition than we received it.