VIDEO and CINE FILM DIGITISING
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
VIDEO
Pricing: Video digitising is priced on a ‘per tape’ basis so tape length and run-time are not important. Note: totally blank tapes incur no charge.
What tape formats do you digitise? We accept VHS and camcorder video tapes such as VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, Digital 8 and MiniDV.
Do you accept damaged or broken tapes? Yes, damaged or faulty cassettes, snapped, mangled or mould-contaminated tapes can be digitised - but only after the damage or contamination has been rectified. Other companies may tell you that such tapes are irrecoverable. In our experience watchable footage can nearly always be retrieved once the mould or other damage has been addressed. Please note in certain cases we may send tapes for repair to a specialist lab by Courier or Royal Mail - subject to carrier’s Terms of Service.
Can you edit or omit certain sections of my video? Our service provides a faithful digital copy of everything on your tape. so the short answer is “no”. That said, when you receive the digital versions they will be in MP4 - the most common video format on the Web - so there’s no shortage of editing software (some of it free) that can do the job — iMovie for Mac and Movie Maker for Windows, to name two freebies.
How should I prepare my videos before sending them to you? Just make sure you complete an order form and enclose it with your tapes. Where possible, leave tapes in their slip cases or boxes. Make sure that any labels on the cassettes are not about to fall off and damage our equipment! If any tapes show signs of mould or damage, wrap and label them separately. Each video will be allocated a reference code which corresponds to one on the digitised version. If you label your videos, please keep titles relatively short. You can also provide a separate sheet to which our team can refer.
Can I order extra copies? If you would like extra copies of DVDs or Memory Sticks, please order at the same time as your main order, but bear in mind that with digital files it’s easy to make your own copies!
CINE FILM
What film formats do you accept? We accept 8mm, Super8, 9.5mm, and 16mm films for digitisation. Our pricing for digitising cine film is on a ‘per foot’ basis and our equipment accurately calculates the length of film. We never ask for payment until we’ve completed your order so you will only ever pay for what you receive. To help you calculate how much film you have, please see our free guide to Cine Film
Do you convert Cine Film with an audio soundtrack? Audio of any kind is rare on amateur cine film but if an optical soundtrack exists it will be digitised along with the film. We do not convert magnetic audio.
My film is broken/snapped. No problem. We repair the odd break or bad splice in films free of charge. If your film requires special attention we may send it to our lab via courier or Royal Mail (subject to the carrier’s Terms of Service, not ours.
How do you digitise Cine Film? Each frame of your movie will be scanned individually. Not the fastest way to capture film but it is fully digital so there’s no loss in quality and the irritating ‘flicker’, so characteristic of cine film, is eliminated.
Should I organise my films before sending them to you? Where possible, leave your films in their original cases or packaging. This will help protect them in transit. If films are untitled we will digitise them in no particular order. (They will be easy to organise when you can actually view what’s on each reel!) If you label your films, please keep titles relatively short. You can also provide a separate sheet with to which our team can refer.
Can I order extra copies? If you would like extra copies of DVDs or Memory Sticks, please order at the same time as your main order, but bear in mind that with digital files it’s easy to make your own copies!
Can I edit my films? Your digitised video and cine film will be in MP4 format (by far the most common format on the Web). You will be able to edit your films with Windows Movie Maker or Apple’s iMovie.
The following applies to both Video and Cine Film
Where do I send my video or cine film? For peace of mind we recommend delivering in person. If this is not feasible, send via tracked delivery. There are a number of services who will collect from you and deliver to us. (parcelcompare.com and interparcel.com offer price comparisons). Deliver to:
keithjones.net
35 Granby Road
Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 7TL
Once we receive your items we will confirm receipt and give you an approximate date when they will be ready.
What type of box should I ship my video or films in? Please use secure, sturdy boxes or cartons. Don't be tempted to use thin, floppy cardboard boxes or damaged boxes. Be sure to tape up the box on the top and bottom. Your local post office may have appropriate mailing boxes.
Complete a Cine and/or Video order form and place inside the package
Use a rigid box with flaps intact
Remove or obliterate previous shipment labels and addresses.
Use adequate cushioning material.
Use strong parcel tape designed for shipping.
Use a label that has clear delivery and return information. If using a delivery service they will provide this.
How long do you keep my digitised files? We retain your digital files for 30 days after receiving confirmation that you have received them and the originals. If you have ordered DVD/s or USB Flash Drive/s, we strongly suggest you make duplicates of each and keep the copies ‘off site’ - perhaps with a relative or friend. Once the files are on your computer you can back them up to a Cloud service such as iCloud, DropBox or Google Drive.