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Archiving the Past
Reproduce and restore film, video, and audio recordings into digital archives.
Add value and meaning by organizing the content and including historical context or personal commentary.
Think this service is the same anywhere you go?
Think again!
What makes us better?
Better Tools....
- Better playback systems. By far, the biggest quality difference in reproducing any of the analogue formats is in the transducer of the playback equipment. This where the analog signal is re-created by converting the magnetic, optical, or mechanical energy back into electronic signal. Once the best electronic rendering and optional processing is applied, only then is digital conversion performed
- Dedicated conversion and processing systems. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same is exactly true with analogue signal flow—from transducer to digital delivery, we make no compromises. Your recordings make a journey through specialized hardware and software with all settings and adjustments customized for their specific content.
Better Techniques...
- Modular systems allow for open access to the signal path, as described above. One of the big advantages to having been in the media business for so long is that yesterday’s professional equipment and hardware that are bulky and obsolete for production purposes are today’s workhorses for better playback and imaging than most customers ever experienced on their home equipment. Access to the transport, signal path, and entire workflow allow for vast improvements over the closed, automated systems available today that home users and competing services offer.
- No shortcuts in our Standard service. Analogue recordings often need a little TLC and manual oversight as stated above for best results. A professional, no compromise workflow allows for optimal digital transfer and the option for digital restoration (as well as editing and any other mixing and matching of content that you can imagine) in software before mastering. For recordings in good, stable condition though (especially video), or when the value to the customer is less or unknown, we offer Express service to by-pass any non-essential steps and pass the savings on to you.
Better service...
- The technology means nothing unless a dedicated and committed person is there to look after all of the details. The prep work before playback may entail cleaning and/or evaluating recordings for their physical condition, running time, and other issues. (I urge you not to skimp on this stage if there is an option to do so.) Playback is routinely monitored, if not attended, and we always digitize recordings onto a hard drive first. This way, we can assure you professional, archival quality results.
- We do everything in our power to be on time, on budget, and helpful throughout the process.