How do you format my digital files?

Should I get a 720p or 1080p Transfer?

It really depends on you. If you're looking for the highest possible quality, 1080p is obviously the way to go. For 8mm and Super 8, 1080p is a terminal transfer. This means if a higher resolution transfer becomes available in years to come, the quality of the transfer won't be visibly higher.

Our 720p transfers were designed to provide a high quality transfer for clients on a budget. Your films will still receive the benefits of a progressive, HD transfer. You will be able to easily edit your movies, organize and archive them, and create still photographs from your films.

It's important to remember that the higher the resolution, the larger you can display the video. If you have a large screen HDTV, the difference between 1080p and 720p will be even more apparent.

You won't find any pushy sales people - just experienced film technicians happy to answer any questions you have.

Can't find the answer?

Call us at 412-264-2526

or e-mail us at: HDFilmTransfer@MyMovieTransfer.com

What process do you use when you transfer film?

We use highly modified custom Rank Cintel scanning machines for all of our transfers.  These are the same type of machines that are used to transfer Hollywood features and professional films. The machines have custom-designed technology developed to get the most out of your films.

This isn't a projector-and-camcorder operation.  Our machines scan your film at a resolution greater than 4K, and then we down-convert your film to 720p or 1080p High Def.  This means we can capture your film with greater enhancement in every detail. Our machines are safe for your film, too. They don't start and stop like projectors; instead they run your film with a smooth, constant motion.

Every transfer will receive the same level of care and attention from our professional staff.  When your film is prepped, we check and correct any incorrectly spliced film, and we fix any splices that have failed over time.  We also clean the film once (additional cleaning can be provided for a flat $19.95).  Your project is then assigned to a colorist who will monitor your entire transfer.  They will adjust for light and color in order to produce the best possible transfer from your film.  They will also ensure that the film plays back at the appropriate speed and that all of your film is captured.

How do I get my film to you?

We recommend shipping your film via UPS or FedEx. However you ship your film, though, always use a sturdy box that is well packed with bubble wrap, paper, or packing peanuts. We also recommend numbering your reels. That way we have a sequence for your films when we transfer them. Before you tape up the box, include an order form with your return address, phone number, and e-mail address.  Always get a tracking number for your shipment.

We understand that your film is irreplaceable. We also know how nerve-racking it can be when you ship your film. That's why we will e-mail you the day that your film is received at our studio. Once the film is in the studio, it stays here until we ship it back. We never outsource work. We will also notify you when we ship your project back, and we will provide a tracking number for the return shipment.

How do I determine the total price of my project?

Our order form has three different sections: Transfer, Media, and Shipping. Determine your total footage for your transfer charge and choose which media you would like for your project.

To calculate your total price, simply add the transfer charge with the media, and then add return shipping (flat rate $15 for US customers) for your project's total cost.

Again, we estimate the final price for every project that comes in. If you need us to make an estimate, or if we think your estimate is off, we will e-mail you when your project comes in.

Which media option is best for me?

We always recommend recording your films to an external hard drive. You can purchase one from us or you can provide your own external USB drive (note: flash drives cannot support HD video). A hard drive will have the highest quality video files, even higher than on a DVD or even a Blu-Ray. A hard drive is the best option for long-term storage, editing, and sharing your films.

Blu-Rays and DVDs are great for simple viewing on your TV. We recommend getting them in addition to the hard drive if you want something to watch immediately when you receive your finished project.

How much film do I have?

Most reels have length indicators written along their spokes. If your reels don't, or if the indicators have become illegible, then you can estimate according to the reel's diameter. Here's how much film fits onto the following sized reels:

3-inch: 50'

4-inch: 100'

5-inch: 200'

6-inch: 300'

7-inch: 400'

If you don't make an accurate estimate, don't worry! We make our own estimate on every project that comes in. We will notify you if you need us to make an assessment on your footage or if we think your estimate is off.

Regular 8mm and Super 8 films were originally shot on 50-foot reels, so we charge based on the number of 50-foot reels in your project. If your project consists solely of 50-foot reels (3-inches in diameter), simply count the number of reels and calculate your transfer charge. If your 50-foot reels have been spliced on larger reels, simply add up your total footage and divide by 50.

How do you price 8mm film transfers?

The width of 16mm film is roughly 5/8 of an inch, or about the diameter of a nickel. The width of 8mm and Super 8 is 5/16 of an inch, or roughly the width of a pencil.

What kind of film do I have?

For sound film, please add an additional $4.00/reel for audio transfer & sync.

When we record your films to hard drive, we format the files as ProRes 4:2:2 .mov. ProRes files are compatible with the most popular editing programs and they can be viewed using QuickTime. Not only are they highly compatible and easy to use, but they also compress video smarter than other formats. Our compression is visually lossless, meaning the difference between the raw file and the compressed file is imperceptible.

How do I pay?

How do you price 16mm film transfers?

We price 16mm film transfer based simply on the linear foot. To calculate your transfer charge, simply add up the footage on all of your reels and multiply by the transfer rate.

We always prefer check, but we also accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We always calculate exactly how much film we have transferred once we have completed your project. So if you overpaid when you sent your check, we will include a refund check back with your project. If you pay by credit card, your account won't be charged until we finish your transfer. 

 HDFilmTransfer.com