Frequently ask questions |
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| What is the image size you scan film at? |
2K Film Resolution (2048 x 1556) which we output to 1920 x 1080
4K
Film Resolution (3840 × 2160) which we output to 3840 × 2160 |
| How do you transfer cine film? |
We use a 2K or 4K one-to-one frame scanner on all our film transfers |
| Does cine film have enough information to warrant scanning at such high resolution? |
Some customers assume that a High Definition (HD) or 4K (UHD) transfer is overkill for their 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm or 16mm film. After all, it's old! The fact is that resolution is only limited by the film grain size and the size of the frame. 8mm and Super 8 film have a maximum horizontal resolution of around 900 lines. 9.5mm has 1070 lines and 16mm film has a maximum horizontal resolution of around 1800 lines. Standard definition video is limited to 576 lines. our 2k film scanner (1556 lines) is the only process that can capture all the detail on your 8mm, Super8, 9.5mm film and our 4K scanner (2600) is the only process that can capture all the detail 16mm film and Super16. |
| Can you transfer Negative film ? |
Yes we can transfer from Positive or Negative film. |
| What film formats can you transfer? |
| 8mm, Single-8 |
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| 8mm, Single-8 With Sound |
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| Super8 |
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| Super8 With Sound |
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| 9.5mm |
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| 16mm |
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| 16mm Magnetic Sound Film |
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| 16mm Optical Sound Film |
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| Super16 |
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| Can you transfer sound film? |
| Yes from 8mm, Single-8, Super8, 16mm but not 9.5mm. We can only transfer film with a sound strip. We do not transfer audio-only reels. |
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| What formats do you output to ? |
| We can transfer to most formats. Our online order form offers Digital HD/4K, Apple ProRes, JPEG Image Sequence, if you require something that's not on the online order form, please call us on 0800 0830561. |
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| Do you clean the film before transfer? |
Yes we dry clean all film before transfer. |
| Do you do any film restoration ? |
| Yes, our studios are equipped with restoration hardware and software which allows us to perform colour correction, image enhancement, reconstruction and noise removal, sharpening highlights and softening shadows. Alive Studios can really bring dull footage to life - our goal is to get the video to look like the cine did originally. Restoration and colour correction is of course dependant on the state of the original films. |
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| How do I order? |
| It's easiest for you to place your order online as the forms prompts you with all the information we will need from you. However, don't be afraid to phone us to let us help you build your order too. |
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| How do I get the films to you? |
You can send the order yourself using the Post Office,
but most people prefer to let us collect the box. Collection FREE |
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| How long does it take? |
| This is a tricky question. We receive orders from a single reel to a room-full, so we'd need to know what you're sending to give a lead-time. We find we are in high demand and always have seveal weeks of work already scheduled in, so if your order is needed in a hurry, just phone and tell us what you need :) |
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