CINE FILM TRANSFERS

Depending on the gauge of film, each 50ft (3") cine reel runs for 3 4 minutes. Each 200ft (5") reel runs for 12 17 minutes and each 400ft (7") reel runs for 24 28 minutes approximately. As we do not use the thin 4 hour tapes the maximum recording time for Video Tape is 3 hours, DVD 2 hours and CD Rom is 1 Hour. If you wish to view in the correct sequence all reels and boxes must be clearly numbered.

If you have not viewed your films in recent years, we strongly advise you to scan through the contents of your film(s) using a projector and (assuming they are numbered) check the reel numbers correctly match the numbers on the boxes, particularly numbers 6 and 9!. Check also that all spools are wound the correct way round start to finish. White leader tape should be found at the start of the spool and not in the centre. If your films require editing we recommend transferring the entire contents onto tape or disc then creating a simple edit list using the time clock on the front of your video or disc player. A note explaining how to do this will be found inside the cassette case that accompanies the tape or disc. A few options you may wish to consider are a title at the start of your film ( per insert up to 12 words). e.g. THE SMITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, FUN DAYS, HOLIDAYS AND CHRISTMAS 1971 1983).

As most cine films are silent the second option is to add some gentle background music ( per hour). The music is copyright free easy listening for general footage or a wedding theme for weddings. Both of these suggestions will pleasantly enhance the overall production. Should we detect a soundtrack already on the film it will be recorded at no extra charge. If you intend to add some additional material at a later date it is important that you request a 3 hour tape. Be warned however that this is not possible with DVD as the discs have to be finalised. Do appreciate that there will always be some loss in picture quality in the transfer process whichever format you choose. If transferring to DVD or CD Rom read the relevant section below.

SLIDES, PHOTOS & NEGATIVES TRANSFERRED

Each image is portrayed on the screen for approximately 10 seconds and dissolves from one picture to the next. Up to 900 (300 per hour) can be transferred to one 3 hour video tape or 300 on a DVD. Each slide or negative should be dusted with a soft brush if necessary and clearly numbered on the correct viewing side. Photographs must be loose (no photograph albums please) and should be numbered on the reverse side with a pencil, not a pen otherwise the ink may bleed through. Once completed you may add additional slides or photos at a later date if you wish, but with DVD we will have to use a new disc. An easy listening music sound track is available at .00 per hour. If you require this please make sure it is written on the order sheet. Unless you request otherwise all portrait (upright) shots will be cropped top and bottom of the picture (without cutting off feet and heads) to create a more natural full screen effect. As with cine films there will always be a small loss of picture quality in the transfer process, however, if you are concerned about this and possess a large quantity we can mail you a ampletape containing the first six images on a trial basis before we proceed. If you are transferring to CD Rom or DVD please read on.

TRANSFERS TO DVD

The maximum recording time for DVD is 2 hours. Please be aware that the format is known as DVD and a few DVD players and computer drives will not play the discs. To find out whether your machine will play these discs you will need to check your manual or consult the dealer where you purchased the machine. We cannot consider refunds or be held responsible if the disc(s) will not play in your machine. If you are about to purchase a DVD player do make sure it plays DVD (DVD Recordable). Slides, photos and negatives transferred to DVD will be processed in a (rolling) slide show format the same as video tape. Up to 300 images will fit onto one disc. For an extra an easy listening sound track is available. Please be aware that the picture ratio is 4.3 non-wide screen, and once the disc is completed and finalised no additional material can be added. Note that the discs are region zero which means they will play in all DVD players around the world provided they are DVD compatible.

TRANSFERS TO CD ROM

The maximum recording time for transferring video or cine film footage to CD Rom is approximately 60 minutes. Please be aware the picture quality is inferior compared to DVD. The file format is Mpeg 1. Unless you request otherwise the discs will be completed as data (un finalised) versions allowing you to playback full screen, edit, add special effects, create tracks, download onto websites, E mail or even print off single frames. Still images, (slides, photos, negatives) are transferred in a non compressed tiff file format at 360 dots per inch which is ideal for general viewing, websites, E mails and 6" x 4" prints. Approximately 300 images will fit onto one CD Rom. Should you require a higher resolution (1200 dpi) for magazine print or larger print sizes add 60p per each image. Jpeg files can be requested as an alternative.

The discs we use are quality name brands ( Maxell / TDK etc.) and include a plastic jewel case and a help sheet explaining how to access the file.

Note that the discs will only play on PC computers that support Windows 95, 98 and 2000 around the world. Mac users should check that the software will handle Mpeg1 or tiff files. Should you require a finalised version or a different file format do make sure these details are printed on the job ticket.

VIDEO TAPE TO VIDEO TAPE TRANSFERS
(INCLUDING FOREIGN CONVERSIONS)

All formats (VHS, Video 8, Mini DV Etc.) are the same around the world but the run times and recording signals on the tape are different. Pal is the system we use here in the U.K. , most of Europe, and all commonwealth countries. It is therefore very important that the details of the country and format are printed on the order sheet (e.g. to U.K. VHS) . Note that copyright material will require permission in writing from the copyright holder. Special rates apply for obsolete or broadcast formats. All editing work must be accompanied by an accurate edit list with start and stop points in Hours, Minutes and Seconds using the time counter on your video recorder or camcorder. Do remember to rewind the tape and reset the counter to 0: 00:00 before you start. There will always be a small loss in picture quality in the transfer process, especially if the recordings are in long play or from the American N.T.S.C. system.

PHOTOGRAPHS PRINTED FROM A VIDEO STILL FRAME

If you require only one print, stop the tape at the correct position. Should you require more than one image we will require time counter readings in Hours, Minutes and Seconds (not 4 digit counter readings) using your time clock on your video or camcorder plus a brief description of each picture. Do remember to rewind the tape and reset the counter clock to 0:00:00 before you start. Most important of all we must be provided with the original tape, which in most cases will be a camcorder tape otherwise the quality of the prints will be very poor. If we are unsure which frames you require we will mail a coloured proof to your local dealer for you to approve. Note that the print quality will not be as sharp as a regular photograph especially if the recording was made in long play.

AUDIO REELS (REEL TO REEL) TO CD, CASSETTE OR MINI DISC

If you have not listened to your recordings in recent years we must warn you that the sound quality may have deteriorated somewhat.
A handling charge will be made should we find all of the reels (or reel) totally blank. Copyright free personal recordings only please.

Note that all original material is returned. We use a variety of quality brands of tape and disc including Sony, Fuji, Maxell, TDK, BASF and Nokia.
For more information contact your local dealer or telephone our technical help line

(0870) 7708326.