Bryan Clark

We typically do our film transfer to DV AVI (virtually uncompressed) for editing.

For those that don't understand the difference between 4:1:1 and 4:2:2 a simple explanation is here:

http://www.studio1productions.com/Articles/411samp.htm

My mistake. We use DV when we'll only need an mpeg in the end.

I intended to say YUV AVI for editing.

Yes, please do, please do, it's been very hard for me to find info on this stuff! Also, if you wouldn't mind filling me in on the specific computer/software setup you need with the MovieStuff...

 

Thanks,

Jon

If you get a non-HD Sniper Pro to do film transfers

For the computer, you'll need :

Windows XP Professional

Version 2002

Service Pack 2

I actually had to purchase an OEM SP2 disk since all of my systems came with SP3 CDs (~$100)

ONLY THESE UPDATES:

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service pack 1

Windows Installer 3.1 (KB8993803)

Windows Service Pack 2

Do not under any circumstances connect this computer to the internet (just in case, right?) because any random changes can throw the whole thing off. We actually had a problem with Nero, also. I would ONLY install Windows, the DV codec, and CineCap. Anything else might become the source of frustration. In other words, dedicate one computer to do captures (and the post processing necessary via CineCap) and don't use it for anything else.

You'll need a minimum 512 megs of RAM, a P4 level Intel processor (or equivalent). We're actually using a 3.2 hyperthreading with 1 GB of RAM. Spend a little more to spare yourself the headache, since if you end up having some sort of deficiency in processing power, you'll have to buy another computer anyway. We bought ours from a Mom & Pop refurb redistributer for around $450. You'll also fire-wire input ($12) for a Canopus ADVC 110 (purchase separately, $220) analog to digital converter. An outside power source ($15) for said converter (to make sure power is regulated properly, also purchase separately). You'll also want to use the 4 pin out from the Canopus to the six pin in on your computer ($5). Using the 6 pin to 6 pin means drawing power from the PCI card in addition to the outlet, which means power fluctuations. Also, reset the Canopus daily by unplugging and plugging back in. You'll need the CineCap Velocity software (PC only, $150), editing software (for post, which is a must), and they recommend the newest DV AVI codec from a specific supplier (another $50).

I recommend getting a UPC with power conditioner to plug everything into, to make sure browning or spiking does not occur (another $200 for a decent quality unit, but I would recommend this for either machine set).

We also capture during the day, digitally process overnight. You'll need to do batch capture/process cycles to make the most of your time.

What brand and model would anyone out there who has actually TRIED these brands ( and is not a salesman) recommend < $15k?

 

So far, I've encountered the MovieStuff, Tobin, and Elmo brands and I've scoured this forum to find nobody having a clear post about this...

Any thoughts?

Moviestuff will also require equipment it does not come with. Same with Tobin, only Tobin outputs with no processing, whereas Moviestuff does not (you'll need CineCap software for post processing, very specific computer/software setup which you must follow EXACTLY). I have had a couple machines by Moviestuff, and I'm waiting on 2 from Tobin to test out. Shall I keep you updated on my findings?

My company does the transfers as well. I have SniperPro machines from MovieStuff and I'm awaiting 2 machines from Tobin. One of our Moviestuff machines work great. One is the bane of my existence, and has been returned for repairs at least 4 times now. However, Roger Evans (the MovieStuff owner/manager) has been extremely accommodating, and as far as standing by their product, they definitely do. This almost makes up for the fact that most days I want to throw it off the roof.

What is your budget for the conversion process? We typically do our film transfer to DV AVI (virtually uncompressed) for editing.

I'm becoming increasingly interested in your machines. Can't wait to test them out!

Hello

I was cruising around forums to do with video conversion and saw this. I'm surprised how many people cannot capture to PAL directly. I know that DVD Your Memories in San Diego, CA, USA can capture straight to PAL, and can do negative or positive 8mm film. You might want to check out their film transfer page. Seems like it would be $240 for the competitive transfer and $390 for premium to hard drive (given you have 20 rolls of 50 ft).