Wedding Definitions│ Photographic Definitions│ Common  Wedding Captures

       Probably the most frequently asked question is; do I have 8mm or Super 8mm movies?  While both type films are 8mm in width and it is true that, generally, 8mm film have no sound, it is also true that the majority of the Super 8mm films that we’ve converted were also silent.  Therefore, we should look at the films themselves. The best way that I personally know of is to turn the film towards a light source, being careful to avoid any heated lamps because of the danger of possible burns, as well potential damage to the films.  When viewing the film you should find that the 8mm films will have the sprocket holes located between frames while the Super 8mm will have the holes in the center of the frame.  Furthermore, when compared to each other the Super 8mm will have smaller sprocket holes than the 8mm.  Click here for a drawing.

Back to Top

Our process may not be the same as others.

• Designers: - Each of our designers have a minimum of three years training in photo conversion and Web design,

• Projection Equipment: - Our illuminators (projectors) have been modified / customized.  The illumination lamp has been reduced to less than 10 watts; therefore, any heat related damage is virtually none existent.  Additionally, the illumination lamp and the sprocket motor have separate power supplies which allows for timing adjustment without changing the amount of light associated with the image. 

• Cameras: - We use high end, variable speed, broadcast quality, digital cameras which are equipped with 3CCD systems to capture the images. See our 8mm or 16mm page for a more complete description.

• Computers: - Custom built, high speed, computers, each with a minimum of four hard drives, high quality graphics cards and either Raid zero plus one or Raid five.

• Software: – We utilize premium software manufactured by industry leaders including, but not limited to Microsoft, Adobe, Ulead, Pinnacle, Nero, etc.

When it gets to the bottom line; we assume our competitors know what their process is worth.

Back to Top

Unfortunately; there is no absolute method, other than physical measurement, for determining your footage before conversion, but the following guidelines are commonly used.

• 3 inch rolls = 50'
• 4 inch rolls = 100'
• 5 inch rolls = 200'
• 6 inch rolls = 300'
• 7 inch rolls = 400'

• 14 inch rolls = 1600'  (14" rolls are ordinarily used with 16mm movies and normally have the length markings on the side of the reel).

Back to Top

We are concerned about every form of security including, but not limited to your personal information, movies, photos, slides, audio data, etc.  We know that some, in fact most, movies are irreplaceable and for numerous reasons (i.e. loved ones pass away or move, children grow, family structures change and the age factor that we all deal with).  We also know that most 8mm/Super 8mm/16mm movies are between twenty five and forty years old (good luck getting your children to pose like that again ... and if they did it wouldn't be the same).

We have at various times removed, from the Web, the ability to purchase our services due to security concerns.  Furthermore, we have obtained professionally designed shopping carts from designers that specialize in credit card links. 

We recommend that all movies, films and photos be sent to us by an insured carrier (i.e. United Parcel Post "UPS", FedEx, United States Postal Service "USPS", DHL etc.) with a signature required for receipt.  We would never recommend that you ship anything as valuable as your movies (memories) by way of standard mail.

Once received; all movies are placed into a water resistant, labeled, storage container.  Additionally, in order to insure separation of your movies from those belonging to others, the designer assigned to your presentation will not work on two orders at the same time.

Back to Top

We offer both R(+) and R(-) DVD formats and we use NTSC (National Television System Committee) standards.  Most new DVD players will play either of the aforementioned formats; however, some of the older players will not.  Therefore, you should check your DVD player for the required format. 

Back to Top

We do not know what kind of player that each customer has; therefore, we ask that you check your player for the required formats, before ordering.  Nonetheless, we want anyone to be happy with their purchase so we guarantee each disc to play in the least expensive "Cheapest" player that is sold, on the date of conversion, at Wal-Mart.  Occasionally, we purchase the cheapest players that are sold at Wal-mart, Best Buy and Circuit City so we can check our productions.   Each disc is inserted into at least one, but normally three different players before shipment. 

Back to Top

Yes, but quality conversions will require:

• A high quality camera with good color capabilities, variable shutter speed, etc.
  

• Exposure of an image that is large enough for the camera to capture while remaining in focus.
  

• Ability to time the image exposure with the image capturing device (camera) thereby eliminating the flicker.
  

• Ability to transfer the data onto the desired storage media. i.e. DVD, VHS, etc.
  

• Lighting control.
  

Quality equipment and software will require a major investment of both money and training. 

Back to Top

Our normal backlog is twenty one business days.  Therefore, you should expect approximately thirty days for the entire process, return shipping not included.  This time may, and will, vary due to seasons and backlog of prior orders.  We do honor special request for a specific time if we have an opening.

Back to Top

We are, currently, using the United States Postal Service "USPS", with a signature requirement.  We would never ship anything as valuable as your Movies (memories) by way of standard mail.  Furthermore, to date; we have not received a complaint about the condition in which the returned photos or new DVDs were received.

Back to Top

Background music can add beauty and enjoyment to a presentation; if, properly applied, but this takes more thought your part.  Movies can be very tricky to add background to (e. g. a five minute musical number (My Heart Will Go On, by Celine Dion at 5:24) will exceed 50' of film (8mm, Super 8mm or 16mm); therefore if the music was inserted for a birth and there happened to be a funeral scene on the adjacent footage then the overlapping music may seem inappropriate.  Furthermore, we occasionally have someone request background music with a "sound" film and in this case the original sound may clash with the new background music.  You're still the boss and we'll do what you ask, but be careful because we want you to be satisfied with your purchase. 

You must label the movies and indicate the song to be inserted into a particular movie before shipping.

Back to Top

Yes; if you provide the desired music, prearranged in the desired chronological order, on a CD or DVD and enclosed with the initial shipment.  Additionally, you will remain responsible for licensure. 

Back to Top

Only minor repairs such as splicing.  Our specialty is  the conversion of images from conventional into a digital format and then the transfer of the newly acquired data onto a DVD.  There are companies that specialize in movie/photo/color restoration; however, we are not one of them.

Normally; we try to keep copies of all completed conversions for at least one year and under normal circumstances we have copies for a much longer time.  However, the price for the duplication may not be the same as the original duplication.

Normally, you will receive an excellent copy, but it is a copy.  If you order copies at the time of the original conversions then you will get additional burns of the data directly from the hard drive (additional masters) and not a copy of an existing DVD.

Back to Top

Yes: theoretically, DVDs have a much longer life expectancy.  Some disc manufacturers estimate life expectancy to be one to two hundred years, but even if the disc was to last that long, we believe the technology will be obsolete and require upgrading. 

Back to Top

Yes; however, we recommend, if VHS is your preference that, you purchase both VHS and DVD.  VHS tapes have a much shorter life expectancy than DVD (normally 5-10 years, or 200 viewings verses 50 - 200 years).  Furthermore numerous tapes are destroyed by the VCRs.  If you have the DVD you can always record onto another VHS tape.  

Back to Top

Currently; the charges for return shipment  is shown on our descriptive pages, shopping carts or calculators.  Unfortunately, shipping cost have been rising due to the cost of fuel.

Back to Top

Some items you should consider before ordering:

1. Presentation order of movies (if you want chronological order then you must number/label each movie reel. NOTE: be careful when labeling movie reels because some markers contain chemicals that will harm the film),
   

2. Music.
   

3. Title page information
   

4. Any special design request. 
   

If you consider these things before ordering then you will save yourself the hassle of having to make contact with the designer and the possibility missing the date of conversion / work completion.

DIGITAL VIDEO DISCS ARE COMMONLY SOLD IN TWO (2) FORMATS, PLUS (+) AND MINUS/NEGATIVE (-), PLEASE CHECK YOUR DVD PLAYER AND SPECIFY THE FORMAT THAT YOU PREFER.  IF YOU DO NOT SPECIFY WE WILL BURN TO THE MINUS/NEGATIVE (-) FORMAT DISC, BY DEFAULT.  MAKE SURE YOUR PLAYER WILL READ THE DVD THAT YOU ORDER, OR THE DEFAULT. 

WE WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY WITH  YOUR PURCHASE. 

Back to Top