Our most frequently asked questions. Save time, click on question.
Table of Contents
FILM QUESTIONS
How do I know what "gauge" my film is?
How do I know if my film has sound?
Do I get my film back?
Can I copy the DVDs and MiniDVs you send us?
Can I edit out parts I don't want to keep?
How do I send my film and video media?
What carrier do you use to ship back my order?
What is your shipping address?
PHOTOGRAPHIC, NEGATIVE AND SLIDE SCANNING QUESTIONS
What is DIGITAL ICE?
What is DIGITAL GEM?
What is included in the standard scanning price?
What resolution is best for my slides or negatives?
What resolution is best for my prints?
What is a Basic Non-Enhanced Scanning?
What is JPEG format?
What is TIFF format?
Do you make prints from scanned images?
What is the difference between a CD and a DVD?
How do I place an order?
What is the turn around time?
How do I pay for my order?
How do I package and ship my order?
Will the scans of my slides and prints look like the originals?
Do you do restorations?
Do you keep copies of my digital images?
What additional charges do you have for scanned images?
Do you have restrictions on what you scan?
What carrier do you use to ship back my order?
What is your shipping address?
FILM QUESTIONS
How do I know what "gauge" my film is?
16mm film is 16mm wide, it typically has two sets of sprocket holes - one on either side of the strip - and the frames run down the middle. Occasionally the film will have only one set of sprocket holes - usually but not always to make room for an optical sound track.
8mm (regular 8) film is 8mm wide and has wide sprocket holes down one side. The sprocket holes take up almost one quarter of the film's width.
Super 8mm film is also 8mm wide and has one set of sprocket holes along one side - but the holes are smaller, taking up roughly one eighth of the film's width.
How do I know if my film has sound?
Regular 8mm film won't have sound.
Super 8mm film will have a stripe of coppery or sometimes silvery metal along the edge opposite the sprocket holes. If it's stereo, there will be a similar, thinner stripe one the same edge as the sprocket holes.
16mm film with sound is "optical". There will be a stripe opposite the sprocket holes, varying in width. The stripe is transparent. Stereo 16mm will have a pair of these stripes.
Do I get my film back?
Yes you do - the film will have been gently cleaned (unless cleaning it risks damaging the film) and, in the case of small spools, collected on to larger reels.
Can I copy the DVDs and MiniDVs you send us?
Yes! Nothing we send you is copy-protected in any way - because the memories belong to you and your family.
Can I edit out parts I don't want to keep?
Yes! The format of the MiniDV master and backup tapes happens to be well suited to editing - and is in fact a preferred format for small productions.
How do I send my film and video media?
FILM AND VIDEO MEDIA
Old film, Mini DV and video can be transfered into digital form for computer editing, from here we can transfer to DVD, Video, Mini DV as well file conversion for the internet. Below is some tips to help you organise your film for sending:
- Find all of your film for conversion and lay them out in a clear spot.
- Organise all your film chronologically from the first date to the last as best as you can. If you want them organised differently, organise them in that way.
- Label film from 1 to whatever the amount of film it is that you have. Use self adhesive labels, masking tape or post-its.
- Title film and include any information related to this film, for example: "dad being pushed into pool 2 minutes into film." make sure all spelling is correct, such as names and places and that dates are also correct, mistakes take time to fix and can often incur an extra charge
- Make sure you package appropriately with bubble wrap, shredded paper, air bags, newspaper, whatever. If you have a variety of media, these should be given its own space, and photographs etc should be packaged into envelopes or appropriate containers and labelled where they belong in your production. Australia Post have excellent packaging methods with express, overnight options. Make sure you keep the tag with the mails code in case something happens in transit.
- Email 3 days after you send you media to confirm we have recieved it.
ADDITION OF MUSIC
Due to our License with APRA, we are able to include music of your choice to Video Editing and Slideshows to non commercial productions. if you have music you would like to send to be included (CDs and music files) please include them with the title of the music you would like to include, as well as the track number on the disc. If you want the music played in a certain sequence, please include the sequence you would like e.g. "Fred Smith's Melodies" over photos 1 to 20, then insert track 10 from "Annies Highland Fling" CD, video with dad dancing. Anyway, you get the drift.
If you prefer to leave it to us, we are quite happy to insert music we believe would be suitable and send you a list of what we chose via email for your approval.
Make sure you send your music with the rest of your media and pack it appropriately to avoid damage. Please send this order form with the media.
What carrier do you use to ship back my order?
We use Australia Postal Service unless otherwise requested.
What is your shipping address?
Biografix
Linda Robson
63 South Tacoma Rd., South Tacoma, NSW 2259
TIP: Don't rely on just one CD/DVD of your edited film. Have duplicate copies made & store them in a firebox or safe deposit box.
PHOTOGRAPHIC, NEGATIVE AND SLIDE SCANNING QUESTIONS
What is DIGITAL ICE?
The newest award winning Digital ICE Technology works from within the scanner to detect and reduce dust and surface scratches without softening, blurring, or altering the image.
What is DIGITAL GEM?
Digital GEM (Grain Equalization & Management) equalizes image grain resulting in a smoother overall image.
What is included in the standard scanning price?
Our standard pricing includes Digital ICE, Cropping, Red Eye Reduction, Color Enhancement including Lightening/Darkening and Tonal Adjustments. Scanned photographs up to 4x6 inches, at 300 dpi and 600 dpi. For slides & negatives resolutions of 2000 dp, 3000 dpi and 4000 dpi are included. We provide at NO EXTRA COST, your first set of DVDs (JPEG Images). We custom label each DVD to identify its contents and place each in a Slim jewel case.
NOTE: If you prefer your images on CD (instead of DVD), please make that request in the comment box with your order on the Review Payment page or e-mail us.
What resolution is best for my slides or negatives?
The most important thing you need to ask yourself when deciding what resolution is best for you is, what do I want to do with my scanned images? Do you want to view a slideshow of your archived media and make quality prints? If so, how large a print?
The image size in pixels (ppi) determines the size you can print your images. The more pixels per inch, (ppi) the higher the resolution -- the higher the resolution the more your image can be enlarged without losing detail. In short -- pixels per inch (ppi) determines the output size, - dpi- the size you can print your images. So if you want large prints or you are planning on doing a lot of editing you should go for 3000 to 4000 dpi when scanning.
If you aren't sure what your image might be used for in the future and you don't want to have your media scanned again, it's better to scan at a higher resolution. Resizing to a smaller image discards excess pixels, which doesn't affect the print; resizing to a larger image creates fake pixels which can blur the print.
Here's a chart to guide you.
A scan resolution of 2000 dpi when cropped accordinly will give you a quality print up to 5x7 inches. This resolution in JPEG format displays excellent slideshow images on your computer and or TV screen.
A scan resolution of 3000 dpi when cropped accordinly will give you a fabulous print up to 8x10 inches.
A scan resolution of 4000 dpi when cropped accordinly will give you a fabulous poster size prints.
I highly recommend you order a TIFF "Master Copy" of your scanned images for premium quality prints, and for safe keeping in a firebox or safe deposit box. The TIFF Master Copy is the negative of your scanned, edited images.
What resolution is best for my prints?
The most important thing you need to ask yourself when deciding what resolution is best for you is: what do I want to do with my scanned images? How large is the print to be scanned and how large do I want my print to be? The image size in pixels ppi determines the size you can print your images. The more pixels per inch, (ppi) the higher the resolution -- the higher the resolution the more your image can be enlarged without losing detail. In short -- pixels per inch (ppi) determines the output size - dpi - the size you can print your images. If you want to make prints the same size as the image to be scanned then 300 dpi is right for you. If you want large prints (up to double the size of the original image) or you plan on doing a lot of editing you should go for 600 dpi when scanning.
If you aren't sure what your image might be used for in the future and you don't want to have your images scanned again, it's better to scan at a higher resolution. Resizing to a smaller image discards excess pixels, which doesn't affect the print; resizing to a large image creates fake pixels which can blur the print.
Here's a guide to help you:
If you are scanning a 2x3 print, a scanning resolution of 300 dpi will give you a quality 2x3 print from your scanned image. If you're scanning a 5x7 print, a scanning resolution of 300 dpi will give you a quality 5x7 print from your scanned image, etc,. 300 dpi is also slideshow ready.
If you are scanning a 2x3 print, @ 600 dpi, since the dots per inch, dpi, are doubled you will get a quality 4x6 print. If you are scanning a 5x7 print @ 600 dpi, you will get a quality size 10x14 print. If you crop your scanned image, the dots per inch -dpi- are downsized, therefore your print will be smaller.
What is the difference between an Image Slide Show and a DVD Movie Slide Show?
An image slide show displays your scanned images on your computer or TV screen. A DVD Movie Slide show contains chapters, transitions between pictures on your computer or TV, while your favorite music plays in the background. Most people choose their favorite scanned pictures and music, and I create a DVD Movie Slide Show for them. These also make wonderful gifts.
Because each DVD Movie Slide Show is unique and I work with my clients to create exactly what they want, pricing varies. Please email to discuss your personalized DVD Movie Slide Show.
What is a Basic Non-Enhanced Scanning?
Our Basic Non-Enhanced Scanning is for our clients who prefer to edit and enhance their raw scanned images in Photoshop or other editing software.
For Slides and Negatives we offer the raw images on DVD in TIFF FORMAT @ 2000, 3000 & 4000 dpi.
For Photo Prints we offer the raw images on DVD in TIFF FORMAT @ 300 & 600 dpi.
TIFF is an uncompressed file format, meaning all the information from the scanner, for each individual pixel is preserved when it's saved as a TIFF. The lack of compression results in extremely large files but it is the best format for editing, and saving the original digital images.
*If you prefer JPEG file format please note that when ordering or emailing.
For Slides & Negative scanning, 3000 & 4000 dpi is recommended if you are planning on doing a lot of cropping.
For Photo Print scanning, 600 dpi is suggested if you plan on doing a lot of cropping.
For those who would like Digital Gem applied to their images pre-scan, we offer that service. please email for a quote.
Basic Scanning DOES include small enhancements, and a generic label.
What is JPEG format?
JPEG is a compressed file format that compresses the image to save disc space. The downside is each time a JPEG image is edited or saved, it re-compresses and losses image quality. Therefore, your scanned images are edited in TIFF format, when converted to JPEG we use the minimal compression/highest quality setting so your JPEG images make excellent prints. JPEG is the best format for slideshow viewing.
I highly recommend keeping a valuable TIFF "Master Copy" of your images for premium quality prints, and for safe keeping in a firebox or safe deposit box. The TIFF Master Copy is the negative of your scanned images.
What is TIFF format?
TIFF is an uncompressed file format, meaning all the information from the scanner, for each individual pixel is preserved when it's saved as a TIFF. The lack of compression results in extremely large files but it is the best format for editing, and saving the original digital images and for printing gallery-quality prints.
Your images are scanned and enhanced in TIFF Format then burned onto your disc in JPEG format unless otherwise requested.
I highly recommend keeping a valuable TIFF "Master Copy" of your images for premium quality prints, and for safe keeping in a firebox or safe deposit box. The TIFF Master Copy is the negative of your scanned images.
JPEG and TIFF File Formats are both industry standard file formats, readable in Windows, Macintosh, and Linux systems.
Do you make prints from scanned images?
No. I can upload your scanned JPEG images to our website and you can order prints on-line, but this can work ourt expensive, unless you have very important photographs that need to be printed at a professional photographers lab. You can take your disc to most photo labs and have prints made.
What is the difference between a CD and a DVD?
The most important difference between the two is file size. A DVD can hold almost 7 times as much data, which means you have fewer discs to manage. You can also play your DVD image slideshow on your computer & TV. *You need a DVD player to play a DVD. *DVD Images are clearer on computer.
If you prefer a CD, please let me know by email.
How do I place an order?
On the Prices pdf logo, click the logo and a pdf will open. This has prices and an ordering system. You can pay BSB by emailing us and we will send the details.
What is the turn around time?
The turn around time depends on how many orders we are processing at the time. Please call for an updated time frame. If you're not on a deadline, place your order and we will confirm the scheduled process time upon receiving your order form.
Once we are processing your order, small orders take 7 - 10 days from the time we receive your order. Larger orders vary.
How do I pay for my order?
We take out payments through BSB payment. Details will be sent to you once you know exactly what you will be ordering and we have worked out a price.
How do I package and ship my order?
Packing and Shipping Instructions.
SLIDE AND PHOTOGRAPHIC SCANNING SERVICE
Photographic and film media can be sent without any previous organisation, but for better results, a little organisation from you can give much better results. A great idea is to label photographic media using 'stick-its', or directly labelling on the back of photographs with numbers from 1 to the last number. Or you can label the frame of the slides. Also making sure the media is in chronological order when packaged is a good idea. You can include instructions on a piece of paper to ensure we follow your wishes to the letter. Please send this order form with the media.
Will the scans of my slides and prints look like the originals?
Scanning and enhancing pictures is part art and part science. The results are amazing but sometimes even with the best techniques it's impossible to achieve the original color on damaged material. Embedded dust, mold or finger prints cannot be removed. Due to the effects of storage conditions, including temperature, humidity and exposure to light, the dyes in color film fade or darken. If I'm not satisfied with the result of an enhanced image, and I'm fussy, I will not charge for that scan. Please check out our Before & After Picture Perfect Scans Makeovers to see our fabulous results with old slides, color, and black and white photos.
Do you do restorations?
Yes, we do restore photographs. If you have a picture you would like restored we would need to see the picture before we can evaluate the work involved. At that time we will give you an estimate. We charge an hourly fee for restorations. Please contact us for more infomation.
Do you keep copies of my digital images?
We keep the edited file for 6 months. If your disc becomes lost or damaged, please contact us immediately for a free replacement disc.
What additional charges do you have for scanned images?
Our Standard Scanning Prices for slide scanning and negative scanning are based on quantity and resolution. Enhancements and your first set of DVD's are free. Scanning Prices for photo scanning are based on quantity, resolution and print size. We do have our price guide on this page.
Do you have restrictions on what you scan?
We do not scan pornographic material.
What carrier do you use to ship back my order?
We use Australia Postal Service unless otherwise requested.
What is your shipping address?
Biografix
Linda Robson
63 South Tacoma Rd., South Tacoma, NSW 2259
TIP: Don't rely on just one CD/DVD of your scanned images. Have duplicate copies made & store them in a firebox or safe deposit box.
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