Telecine Technology is Expensive

Telecine technology is the process of converting movie film to video has been available since mid-20th Century.  The process is complex, highly efficient and expensive.  High efficiency relates more to production speed than it does to quality.  There are telecine devices available from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.  The low-price units produce images acceptable to most people.  They are labor intensive with slow scan rates opposed to highly automated, high speed continuous (real time) scans.

Best Use of High-End Telecine Technology

The high end telecine machines are best utilized when digitizing feature length professional documentary films for commercial distribution.   That is not our market. Minnesota Digital Conversion is dedicated to preserving home movie memories at affordable rates. 

How We Use Telecine Technology

We offer a basic digital conversion service.  You receive HD quality editable digital files.  We do not combine small 50 foot reels so you get separate files for every reel you present for conversion.  This simplifies the editing process even though it is more time consuming.  You get back what is on your film.  We do not cut any material from your originals.  There are no edits, corrections or additions.  We do scan to the frame border and make minor exposure adjustments. 

Edits Improve The Enjoyment

Film edits like titles, music tracts, color correction and scene cuts are all part of a separate editing process. We offer editing services, however the process is highly subjective; without your personal involvement the results will be disappointing.  We recommend you review the digital video clips; and then decide whether to combine them into a narrative. There are a number of free programs available to edit digital files and make your movies more interesting to watch.  If you simply cut out over exposed and poorly focused segments and limit scene length while adding a simple music track, you enhance the viewing experience for your audience.