What media do you recommend transferring my old material to?

It makes sense to have your media transferred to more than one storage format.

As a general rule, we would suggest for example having an additional data version of your material as say on a hard drive (which will also allow you to immediately do some editing of your material) as well as in DVD format. The More discerning will also ask for an additional back-up copy on digital tape - i.e Mini DV Tape or DV-CAM.

Commonly Requested Formats:

DVDs
The DVDs that we use (it stands for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc depending on who you believe!) are suitable for playback on most standard set top DVD players and computers. We use the -R format of disc since it works well with most machines and cannot be overwritten.

Note re the safe handling of your DVDs and CDs:
1. Handle the disc only by it’s outer edge or the hole in its center - Do not bend the disc.
2. Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs - Do not store disc horizontally for a long time (years)
3. Return disc to storage cases immediately after use
4. Store discs in a clean, cool, dry and dark environment - do not expose disc to extreme heat or humidity
5. Only use special CD-R markers or water soluble pens with a soft point
6. Do not expose recordable disc to prolonged sunlight or other source of ultraviolet light
7. Do not touch the surface of the disc
8. Do not use adhesive labels
9. Do not write or mark in the data area of the disc
12. Make more than one backup copy on a regular basis
13. Re-transfer them to another type of media
14. Don't retain all of your copies on a single site

DV-AVI File (PC Editing Friendly)
Suitable for PC Users, these are large quality video files which can simply be loaded into one's PC via a hard drive (which is by far the simplest solution). These files allow a great deal of versatility in respect of what you can with the video thereafter (i.e adjusting light levels etc).

These are normally purchased in addition to a standard playback dvd since they represent not only an ideal way to edit ones movies, but also act as an invaluable back-up. Unlike DVDs digital files don't fade and can be also be easily copied onto another hard drive for safety.

Quicktime Files (MAC Editing Friendly)
Quality Video Files above but these files are suitable for MACs using say i-movie or 'Final Cut Pro'. If you're looking for cine to quicktime transfers - This is for you.

Note re the safe handling of your video files:
Once your media is transferred to a hard drive, be it internal or external, the key benefit is that digital files do not fade. Beyond this however there are many other benefits such as being able to simply edit them and make inexpensive dvd copies yourself thereafter. However unlikely the scanario, these tow above formats of digital files could also however become corrupted or affected in other ways so it makes sense to observe the following simple rules once you have them in your possession:
1. Make more than one copy.
2. Re transfer to another type of media.
3. Employ write protection.
4. Don't retain all of your copies in a single site.
5. Do not expose the unit to prolonged sunlight or other source of ultraviolet light
6. Do not expose disc to extreme heat or humidity
7. Do not drop or damage your hard drive in any way.
8. Do not disconnect any power, firewire or usb cables when transferring data.

Mini DV Digital Tape
In addition to your editable DV-AVI or Quicktime files, many clients opt for an additional archival Mini DV tape version (Max 1 hr per tape) which acts as an inavaluable alternative type of back-up source. It can also be imported into your system after the cine to dvd transfer. You'll just need access to an everyday Mini DV camcorder from which you can output your film.

DV-CAM Digital Tape
(As Mini DV above but DVCAM is an even higher quality, long-lasting format that allows you to easily edit your films at a later date. Its increased track width lowers the chances of drop-outs).

Note re the safe handling of your Digital Tapes:
Once your media is transferred to a digital tape, it makes sense to observe the following simple rules once you have them in your possession:
1. Make more than one copy.
2. Re transfer to another type of media.
3. Employ write protection.
4. Don't retain all of your copies in a single site.
5. Do not expose the tapes to prolonged sunlight or other source of ultraviolet light
6. Do not expose to extreme heat or humidity
7. Do not drop or damage your digital tapes in any way

Should I ever throw away my original source material such as cine films, videos, camcorder, audio tapes or photos? Never - For Two Reasons:
1. You never know what superior transfer techniques and formats might be available in the future that you may wish to make the most of.

2. If you were to suffer any damage to any new media that you've transferred your film to, you would still be able to transfer your original films.

How should I store my original media?
Store them in a clean, cool, dry and dark environment - do not expose them to extreme heat or humidity.

Note Regarding Risk and Liability
Risk in the content of the Customer's films tapes or other supplied material (the “Customer’s Material”) will at all times remain with the Customer. The Company cannot insure against loss of or damage to the Customer's Material. Furthermore, the Customer acknowledges having read and understood the Company’s guidance on media longevity and care published on the Company’s website at the time of acceptance of the Quote and the Customer waives the right to claim for any loss or damage incurred as a result of any future defect in any media supplied by the Company (the “Media”). Subject to Clause 8 liability in respect of such loss or damage, even as a result of negligence on the part of the Company its servants, agents or sub-contractors, is hereby excluded.