1. What process do you use to transfer film?
   We use professional telecine units that are designed with built-in cameras for flicker-free high quality transfers. We run the video output through a high quality analog-to-digital converter and capture the resulting video as Digital files in the AVI format. These files are then adjusted and color-corrected using professional editing software prior to DVD authoring. Each DVD contains a series of motion menus with preview clips from each reel of film.
   
   
2. How much film do I have? How long will it run?
   To determine how long your film will run, use the following chart to estimate the length based on the size of the film reel:

   	Type	Reel Diameter	8mm & Super-8	16mm
   Length
   50'		3"	3 min.	1 1/2 min.
   100'		3 5/8"	N/A	3 min.
   200'		5"	12 min.	6 min.
   400'		7"	24 min.	12 min.
   600'		9 1/4"	N/A	18 min.
   800'		10 1/2"	N/A	24 min.
   1200'		12 1/4"	N/A	36 min.
   1600'		13 11/16"	N/A	48 min.
   1800'		15"	N/A	54 min.

   
   A good approximation for 8mm/super-8 films is that 1000 feet of film will last approxiamtely one hour. For film conversion to DVD, typically 2 1/2 hours (2500') is the limit, however with advanced compression utilities we can squeeze a little extra onto a disc without sacrificing any quality. Also notice that 16mm film runs at twice the speed of 8mm and super-8 film, so the resulting run time will be cut in half.
   
   
3. What is the cost of converting film to DVD?
   Our pricing is based on $0.12 per foot plus $2 per reel. For 3" reels the cost is typically $8 each. For larger reels, the cost varies depending on how much film is actually on the reel, but if full a 5" 200 foot reel would cost $26 and a 7" 400 foot reel would cost $50.
   
   
4. How long does it take?
   Our typical turnaround time for most jobs is 1 to 2 weeks depending on the size of the job. Larger jobs may take a little longer. During the holiday season we tend to get very busy so if you are looking to have your films transferred in time for Christmas we recommend getting them to us as soon as possible, but if we receive them by early to mid December we can usually have them ready in time..
   
   
5. My films are old. Are they still viewable? Won't they break during the transfer process?
   At this point pretty much ALL 8mm and 16mm film is old. We have handled film from as far back as the 1930s and are very careful in the handling of your materials. Our transfer machines use low wattage LED lamps which cannot "burn" your film like old-style projectors. Unless the film is physically damaged due to environmental or other conditions it should run smoothly through our telecine. If film does break during transfer, we splice it as needed and continue the transfer.
   
   
6. Will I get my films back?
   All original materials are returned to the customer along with the finshed DVD(s).
   
   
7. Not all of my films are labeled. What order do you put them in?
   Before you bring in your films for transfer, you will need to determine what order you would like them in. Many times you will be bringing in films that were shot by someone else (i.e. father grandfather, aunt, etc.), who may or may not have labeled them very well. In many cases people who have shot a lot of early home movies on film will have had the small 3" reels used by the camera spliced onto large 5" or 7" reels. It then follows that these larger reels will most likely have the older films on them. When there are combinations of large and small reels, typically the smaller reels were shot later and never spliced onto larger ones. Also, many times there will be a mix of 8mm and Super-8 film (as people "upgraded" their film equipment over time). Super-8 films are disinguishably because of the smaller sprocket hole in the film. Also, some Super-8 movies will have an audio track as well. These can be spotted by looking for a brown stripe running along the side of the film.
   
   
8. Will the DVD of my silent film transfer have any sound?
   Since your films will most likely be silent, determine whether or not you would like background music with the final video. We have a selection of subte instrumental music that we can layer under the video for a pleasing playback exprience. In cases where there are films with sound, we will remove the music and include the soundtrack from the film.
   
   
9. I want to edit my films before they are transferred? Can I splice them myself?
   Unless you have the proper materials and experience, cutting splicing films on your own can possibly cause damage to the film or affect its running through our transfer system. The ideal way to edit your films is to have them transferred to DVD first, then review the disc and make notes based on the time counter. We can then go back to the original transferred files and cut, paste or rearrange clips in any order you wish. For more on this service please visit our video editing page. If you would like to edit the digital files yourself, we can provide you with the transferred files in a variety of formats including AVI, Quicktime, Windows Media, or MPEG 2/4. For larger jobs and certain file formats, it is recommended to use an external USB hard drive. You can provide your own or we can sell one to you as needed.
   
   
10. I need additional copies of my finished DVD. Can I make them myself?
    Our discs are not copy protected so you are free to make your own copies. If you yould like to order extra copies from us they are only $5 each for a single disc (up to 2500 feet of film), $8 each for a 2-disc set (up to 5000 feet of film), or $10 each for a 3-disc set (up to 7500 feet of film). For very large jobs we have other multi-disc packaging options.
    
    
11. Do you keep backups of transferred film?
    All of our film trasnsfers are digitally archived on external USB hard drives. We also keep a backup of the master DVD that we send you. We do this in case your copy is lost or damaged or at some future point you would like to edit your transferred film. This footage is not used by Goodheart Media Servcies nor is accessible to any other customer so your personal privacy is always maintained.
    
    
12. I want to ship my films to you. What is the best way to do this?
    We recommend using any shipping service that provides package tracking. This includes UPS, Federal Express, or The U.S. Postal Service (if you select any service that includes "Delivery Confirmation"). Our address is:
    
    Goodheart Media Services
    171 Route 27
    Raymond, NH 03077
    
    
13. How to I make payment?
    We accept cash, checks, or any major credit card. For customers physically dropping materials off to us, payment is required upon pickup. For mail order customers, payment can be sent along with your order in the form of a check or we will contact you for credit card information prior to shipping your finished projects back to you.

FILM TRANSFER ORDER FORM