Note: We do not transfer Copyright movies, CD's or any materials that are currently commercially available in the marketplace.
High quality digital encoding using the very latest codecs (compression/decompression algorithms). Prices reflect an unedited transfer (what you see on the DVD-R is an exact image copy of what was on your tape - that is: a virtual clone. This is the most economical way of preserving your videos. They may always be edited later.
For greatest compatibility with DVD players in the marketplace, we record only using the DVD-R format.
Note also that we record no more than 2 hours of video (SP Mode) on a DVD-R to maintain high quality. Optionally, we can record the DVD in XP mode for the highest possible DVD quality. (1 DVD will hold only 60 minutes each in XP mode)
We can also transfer to DV, MiniDV, Digital8 or DVCAM that has certain advantages over a DVD if future totally lossless editing is to be performed. Because DVCAM is an expensive format, we charge an additional $4.00 per tape when DVCAM is selected as the target format to pay for machine wear & tear and maintenance. Unless there is some burning reason DVCAM is necessary because of the synchronized audio lock capability, MiniDV is otherwise the same DataStream but at a much lower cost not only in terms of machine cost but also the cost of tape stock. Naturally, customers may supply their own tape stock as long as it is Sony Brand and still in the original new packaging. We do not accept used tape stock for transfer. Because of quality issues, we only burn CD's and DVD's to our own supplied media. Because of the wide range of other choices (so this thing doesn't go on for another 50 more pages) please contact us for other types of target media and formats.
NOTE: Effective July 1, 2004 we are no longer accepting any work originating from within the State of Maine !
The State of Maine has levied a new "Service Provider Tax", which is in addition to the existing Sales Tax reporting requirements. The implementation of this new tax requires a few businesses such as Video Interchange, who sells both services and materials in various & often complicated combinations, to now track and collect two separate taxes, and report the taxes in two separate filings to two different State agencies. Furthermore, the classification of our services and the application and distribution of each item being deemed either Service or Sales taxable, is different for nearly every job, and depends upon a confusing set of rules often open to interpretation as to how each is to be categorized... So unique is this operation, that the new law does not clearly address how many of our services are to be classified. Obtaining written rulings for each job component & how each may be treated differently depending on combinations of other services or materials provided, would be a time consuming and expensive endeavor.After carefully reviewing the new laws and contacting Maine DOR several times for clarification, and each time receiving conflicting interpretations, (9 calls & 9 completely different answers to just one single question), we have reached the conclusion that the expense and time spent administering and reporting the new tax, will cost substantially more than the total gross amount of billings originating from Maine.
Regrettably we have therefore decided we cannot accept any work from customers residing in the State of Maine. This situation is unique to Maine, and does not affect any other states or countries...
First Step: Label your Media !
Label all your media with your last name, not just the cases, but the media itself. Unlabeled tapes are too easy to get mixed up with someone else's or separated. If order is important, then also number them, as that will then be the sequence we will use in making the transfers. A grease pencil usually works fine for this and is easily removed later if so desired.
Content:
You are responsible for sending us the correct tapes for transfer. If you do not know what is on them, then don't expect us to know either until we make the transfer.
(We're good at what we do.... just not clairvoyant !) We do however offer screening services at additional cost to screen the tapes first for content. Unless screening is requested, we transfer all that is recoverable without regard to content - other than spot checking for copyright infringement.
Tape Screening:
In cases where you have no idea of what is on your media, we offer screening services for most formats to identify rough content before proceeding with the transfer. Tape Screening is not a detailed rundown of every exciting minute, but rather is a general screening of the tape for content , sampled approximately every 10 minutes of tape. We then call you with a general description of the content. In some cases, tape baking charges apply in addition to screening, since we often have to clean and bake the tapes first to even get them to play. Screening and associated baking charges apply whether or not you desire the final transfer, since we have already at that point performed much of the time consuming tape preparation work. Labor to screen and email results is in addition to the standard transfer costs if you decide you do want the material. Costs for screening and baking if applicable must be pre-paid in advance.
Below are our prices for transfers to DVD-R in SP or XP mode. Prices are for the transfer only and do not include the cost of target media, labeling of cases or archival storage cases. Since many folks prefer to use or purchase their own archival cases to match the rest of their collection, the DVD will be shipped in a clamshell case to afford the best protection in shipping. Naturally, archival cases are available. Prices do include color labeling of the DVD itself printed directly onto the DVD or CD. To take advantage of the formats where lower costs for additional copies/recording hours are offered, all tapes of the same format must be organized together. Prices are based on recording time per source tape.
Source video tapes are transferred unedited with the exception of large areas of either blank or unrecoverable areas. Otherwise, the DVD-R or target format will be a duplicate of the master supplied. Our specialty is in the recovery & transfer of extremely rare, vintage or damaged tapes. As such, we do not offer any other editing services as our time is much better spent doing what few others can do ..... There are however, many sites on the web that specialize in post production editing !
Video Transfer costs include the following.
machine setup
Standard tape cleaning (1 cycle)/re-tensioning
*
Time Base Correction to RS-170A Broadcast sync timing specifications
setup of video levels (process amplifier)
Chroma and Luminance Noise Reduction when applicable
chroma gain/phase
and up to 10 attempts to recover the video should your tape be damaged.
* Additional cleaning pass/passes are required for tapes exhibiting mold, the effects of hexadecanoic acid or just plain absolutely filthy tapes. Tapes exposed to flood waters will always require additional cleaning. Additional cleaning cycles if required, incur an additional cost. Tape burnishing is not included in the standard included cleaning.
Because of the wide variety of target media types available, media is an additional cost. (See the link to current media prices at the bottom of this page). Clients have the option of supplying their own blank media stock, however supplied tape media must be factory fresh and unopened. Because of DVD quality issues, we use only our own DVD media.
DVD's are labeled and are shipped in a clamshell shipping case that affords the best protection during shipment.
Return Shipping
Domestic Shipments are returned
via UPS. Alternately we ship via the USPS Priority Mail upon request.
We DO NOT ship via any other carrier including Federal Express, even although
you may have a FedEx account number to bill against . Neither do we ship to Post
Office Boxes. In all cases, a $6.00 handling fee applies to all return shipping
except for fragile records which incur a $12 handling charge.
Shipments are insured though UPS for up to $100. Please advise if you
desire additional coverage. Actual coverage
provided is per their published insurance tariffs.
Visit or contact UPS www.ups.com
for more information on their insurance tariffs and coverage.
We ship via the USPS ONLY for APO/FPO addresses, in the case of some International
shipments or other times we deem it more appropriate.
Note: USPS in many cases, has a $200 maximum limit
on insurance coverage. In the case of International shipments, USPS insurance
coverage
is ONLY in effect while the package is still in the United States. Once the package
has left US shores and outside the immediate jurisdiction of the USPS,
there is no insurance coverage.
General Terms
All estimates exceeding $100.00 US will be charged one half the estimated amount before any work is initiated.
In the case of flood, fire, chemical or mold damaged tapes, the cleaning costs must be prepaid. Because of the very nature of such tapes, there is never any guarantees of recovery - the cleaning/preparation charges represent our best efforts.
Other than water damaged tapes, Jobs are placed in the queue in the order they are received. In the case of jobs where we did not receive any billing information by the time they became next in line, then those are returned to the end of the queue. After 90 days and 3 attempts at contacting you by ANY combination of phone message or email, we assume you changed your mind and the job and all materials received we will deem as being abandoned.
Abandoned Materials: Once deemed abandoned, we still retain the materials for 2 years, after which they will be discarded. We simply haven't the room. There is a $25 additional charge on top of the current rates in effect for locating abandoned materials. In those cases, 100% of the new estimate must be paid up front.
Payment
We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover directly. Credit Card info must be included in your shipment or phoned in before work is commenced. When included with your order, please clearly type or print your name EXACTLY as it appears on the card, the type of card, card number, CID number (the last 3 digits of the numbers appearing on the back of the card), the billing address the bank has on file (where the bank sends the statements) and expiration date. Your credit card will not be charged until your order ships or recovery services are initiated. We strongly recommend that you never send any credit card information to anyone in an email. Once your job has been completed and shipped, we do not retain any credit card information other than the last 4 digits of the credit card used and the address the bank had on file for that credit card.
We also accept PayPal. This means we never
receive your credit card information at all... only the transfer of
funds from your PayPal account where PayPal acts as your paymaster to our
own PayPal account. The
other advantage is that by using PayPal, more credit cards are accepted
including direct wire transfers from your bank accounts.
Since we do not retain on file any payment information, in the case of all work to be performed that is to be paid for via PayPal, those jobs require half the estimated amount to be paid up front before any work is commenced, and the balance due on completion, before shipping of the materials.
We also accept payment via personal or company checks. Orders will ship, subject to clearing. Note that "bounced" checks will incur a $20 additional service charge (to untangle the accounting "mess" !) We also accept International Money Orders or USPS money orders....
When paying by Check or Money Order, the amount is to be made out at least 1/2 of the total estimate. Should overpayment be made, a refund check for the difference will be included in the return shipment.
Transfer Costs
All transfer costs are per tape or block time as listed
unless otherwise noted.
We do not pro-rate the actual amount of material transferred in the case of short
tapes.
A VHS tape for example that had only 7 minutes of recorded material is billed
at $22 - the same
as had it contained 59 minutes since it fell within 0 to 60 minutes of material
transferred.
| Return Shipping via UPS Ground - International | Price |
| International Shipment Document Preparation | 10.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First reel always) | 215.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute reel | 150.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape | 50.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 5.00 |
These are listed in order of popularity
Released in the US in 1970
| Length/Tape - per reel | Price |
| 0 to 30 minutes (first tape always) |
95.00 (130.00 with baking) |
| 31 to 60 minutes (first tape always) |
140.00 (175.00 with baking) |
| each additional 30 minute tape | 60.00 (72.00 with baking) |
| each additional 60 minute tape | 90.00 (102.00 with baking) |
| Tape Screening for content | 33.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
|
Length/Tape = per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 30 minutes (First Tape always) | 172.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) | 207.00 |
| each additional 30 minute tape | 110.00 |
| each additional 60 minute tape | 134.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - per tape | 34.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 226.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 147.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape | 43.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 226.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 147.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape | 47.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 226.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 147.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape | 47.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 264.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 185.00 |
| Tape Screening for content | 55.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First reel always) | 226.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute reel | 152.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape | 45.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
1/2" Open Reel to Reel Video: Craig
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking
is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
This format is extremely rare !
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 375.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 275.00 |
| Tape Screening for content | 75.00 |
| Tape Splicing | 10.00 |
One Inch Open Reel Video Formats
These are listed in order of popularity
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| Spot or 10 Minute Reel | 90.00 |
| 11 to 30 minutes | 105.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes |
140.00 |
| 61 to 90 minutes |
180.00 |
| 91 to 180 minutes |
225.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) |
47.00 |
| Tape Splicing |
12.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 30 Minutes (First Tape always) | 207.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes (First tape always) | 260.00 |
| each additional 0-30 minute tape | 135.00 |
| each additional 31-60 minute tape | 169.00 |
| Tape Screening for content | 43.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 12.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 30 Minutes (First Tape always) | 220.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes (First tape always) | 286.00 |
| each additional 0-30 minute tape | 154.00 |
| each additional 31-60 minute tape | 200.00 |
| Tape Screening for content | 47.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 12.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per reel |
Price |
| 0 to 30 Minutes (First Tape always) | 231.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes (First tape always) | 291.00 |
| each additional 0-30 minute tape | 161.00 |
| each additional 31-60 minute tape | 203.00 |
| Tape Screening for content | 50.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 12.00 |
Note: Both our Quad Machines
are currently down
| Length/Tape - per reel | Price |
| Spot or 10 min reel (First Tape always) |
165.00 |
| 30 minute reel (First Tape always) | 275.00 |
| 60 minute reel (First Tape always) | 385.00 |
| 90 minute reel (First Tape always) | 495.00 |
| each additional 30 min tape | 247.00 |
| each additional 60 min tape | 346.00 |
| each additional 90 min tape | 445.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - per tape | 77.00 |
| Tape Slicing | 22.00 |
Cassette & Cartridge Formats
Alphabetical Order
| Length/Tape - per reel | Price |
| 0 to 30 min (First Tape always) |
60.00 |
| 31 to 60 min (First Tape always) |
70.00 |
| 61 to 90 min (First Tape always) |
90.00 |
| each additional 0 to 30 minute tape |
42.00 |
| each additional 31 to 60 minute tape |
49.00 |
| each additional 61 to 90 minute tape |
63.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) |
24.00 |
| Tape Cleaning/Burnishing on RTI |
9.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
25.00 |
| Length/Tape - per reel | Price |
| 0 to 30 min (First Tape always) |
100.00 |
| 31 to 60 min (First Tape always) |
115.00 |
| 61 to 90 min (First Tape always) |
129.00 |
| each additional 0 to 30 minute tape |
70.00 |
| each additional 31 to 60 minute tape |
80.00 |
| each additional 61 to 90 minute tape |
90.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) |
40.00 |
| Tape Cleaning/Burnishing on RTI | 9.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
25.00 |
| Length/Tape - per reel | Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) |
38.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always) |
55.00 |
| 121-180 minutes (First Tape always) |
69.00 |
| each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape |
26.00 |
| each additional 61to120 Minute Tape |
38.00 |
| each additional 121-180 Minute Tape |
48.00 |
| Recover tapes recorded on mis-aligned decks (per tape addl)* |
200.00 |
| Recover additional Pixelating Tapes with same mis-alignment |
10.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape additional) |
22.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
22.00 |
| Length/Tape - per reel | Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) |
61.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always) |
80.00 |
| 121-180 minutes (First Tape always) |
95.00 |
| each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape |
42.00 |
| each additional 61to120 Minute Tape |
56.00 |
| each additional 121-180 Minute Tape |
66.00 |
| Recover tapes recorded on mis-aligned decks (per tape addl)* |
200.00 |
| Recover additional Pixelating Tapes with same mis-alignment |
10.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape additional) |
30.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
22.00 |
| Length/Tape - per cassette | Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) |
55.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always) |
75.00 |
| 121-180 minutes (First Tape always) |
93.00 |
| 181- 240 minutes (First Tape Always) |
110.00 |
| 241-300 minutes (First Tape Always) |
128.00 |
| each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape |
38.00 |
| each additional 61to120 Minute Tape |
52.00 |
| each additional 121-180 Minute Tape |
65.00 |
| each additional 181-240 Minute Tape |
77.00 |
| each additional 241-300 Minute Tape |
89.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape additional) |
24.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
24.00 |
| Length/Tape - per cassette | Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) |
78.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always) |
100.00 |
| 121-180 minutes (First Tape always) |
115.00 |
| each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape |
54.00 |
| each additional 61to120 Minute Tape |
70.00 |
| each additional 121-180 Minute Tape |
80.00 |
| Convert PAL Betamax to NTSC, SECAM, PAL-N or PAL-M |
50.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape additional) |
33.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
24.00 |
| Length/Tape - per cassette | Price |
| 0 to 60 Minutes (First hour always) | 88.00 |
| each additional 0 to 60 minutes | 71.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) | 35.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
24.00 |
All necessary parts including brand new heads,
now acquired ! - This format will be supported shortly !
|
Length/Tape - per cartridge |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 215.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 242.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 150.00 |
| each additional 61 - 120 minute cartridge/reel | 169.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - per cartridge | 49.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 35.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Disc | 57.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per cassette |
Price |
| 0 to 30 minutes | 41.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes | 66.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes | 77.00 |
| 121 to 180 minutes | 101.00 |
| DVCAM VCR Usage when target | 4.00 (per tape) |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) | 19.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 24.00 |
The DVD-R Copy will be an exact lossless digital
copy of the original
| Length/Tape | Price |
| DVD : 0 to 120 Minutes | 15.00 |
| Addl DVD Copies with order | 10.00 |
| DVD+R surcharge per DVD+R * | 4.50 |
| MiniDV 0-60 min each | 15.00 |
| VHS 0-120 Min | 15.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per cassette |
Price |
| 0 to 30 minutes (First Cartridge - always) | 195.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes (First cartridge- always) | 220.00 |
| each additional 0 - 30 minute cartridge | 125.00 |
| each additional 31 - 60 minute cartridge | 143.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - per cartridge | 45.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 24.00 |
| Length/Tape - per Disc | Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Disc always) |
34.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Disc always) |
50.00 |
| 121-180 minutes (First Disc always) |
64.00 |
| each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape |
23.00 |
| each additional 61to120 Minute Tape |
35.00 |
| each additional 121-180 Minute Tape |
43.00 |
| Screening for content (per disc additional) |
20.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per cassette |
Price |
| Spot or 10 Minutes (First Tape always) | 112.00 |
| 11 to 30 minutes (First Tape always) | 130.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) | 202.00 |
| 61 to 90 minutes (First Tape always) | 277.00 |
| each additional Spot or 10 minute tape | 83.00 |
| each additional 11 to 30 minute tape | 91.00 |
| each additional 31 to 60 minute tape | 141.00 |
| each additional 61 to 90 minute tape | 192.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) | 43.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
24.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per cassette |
Price |
| Spot or 10 Minutes (First Tape always) | 75.00 |
| 11 to 30 minutes (First Tape always) | 87.00 |
| 31 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) | 135.00 |
| 61 to 90 minutes (First Tape always) | 185.00 |
| each additional Spot or 10 minute tape | 52.00 |
| each additional 11 to 30 minute tape | 61.00 |
| each additional 31 to 60 minute tape | 94.00 |
| each additional 61 to 90 minute tape | 128.00 |
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) | 38.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
24.00 |
| Length/Tape - per cassette | Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) |
37.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always) |
55.00 |
| 121-180 minutes (First Tape always) |
69.00 |
| each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape |
26.00 |
| each additional 61to120 Minute Tape |
38.00 |
| each additional 121-180 Minute Tape |
48.00 |
| Recover MiniDV Pixelating - Mosaic
Video (per tape addl)* Pixelating recovery pertains to NTSC SP Recorded Tapes only |
200.00 |
| Recover additional Pixelating Tapes with same mis-alignment |
25.00 |
| Recovery employing Dynamic Tracking (per tape) |
50.00 |
| Tape Screening for content per tape additional) |
24.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
24.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per cartridge |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 195.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 220.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 126.00 |
| each additional 61 - 120 minute cartridge/reel | 143.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - per cartridge | 47.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair - VX or Vcord | 35.00 |
|
Length/Tape - per cartridge |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 195.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) | 220.00 |
| each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel | 126.00 |
| each additional 61 - 120 minute cartridge/reel | 143.00 |
| Tape Screening for content - per cartridge | 47.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair - VX or Vcord | 29.00 |
|
Length/Tape -per cassette |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) |
31.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always) |
44.00 |
| 120 to 240 minutes (First Tape Always) |
59.00 |
| 241 to 360 minutes (First Tape Always) |
68.00 |
| 361 to 480 minutes (First Tape Always) |
76.00 |
| ea additional 0 to 60 minute Transfer |
22.00 |
| ea additional 61 to 120 minute Transfer |
30.00 |
| ea additional 120 to 240 minute Transfer |
41.00 |
| ea additional 241 to 360 minute Transfer |
47.00 |
| ea additional 361 to 480 minute Transfer |
53.00 |
|
VHS-C Transfers |
|
| First VHS-C 0-30 Minutes |
25.00 |
| First VHS-C 31-60 Minutes |
31.00 |
| First VHS-C 61-120 Minutes |
44.00 |
| First VHS-C 121-180 Minutes |
59.00 |
| each additional VHS-C cassette (0-30 min) |
18.00 |
| each additional VHS-C cassette (31-60 min) |
22.00 |
| each additional VHS-C cassette (61-120 min) |
30.00 |
| each additional VHS-C cassette (121-180 min) |
41.00 |
|
Screening & Repair |
|
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) |
19.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
22.00 |
|
Length/Tape -per cassette |
Price |
| 0 to 60 minutes (First Tape always) |
37.00 |
| 61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always) |
52.00 |
| 120 to 240 minutes (First Tape Always) |
71.00 |
| 241 to 360 minutes (First Tape Always) |
81.00 |
| 361 to 480 minutes (First Tape Always) |
91.00 |
| ea additional 0 to 60 minute Transfer |
26.00 |
| ea additional 61 to 120 minute Transfer |
36.00 |
| ea additional 120 to 240 minute Transfer |
49.00 |
| ea additional 241 to 360 minute Transfer |
56.00 |
| ea additional 361 to 480 minute Transfer |
63.00 |
|
Screening & Repair |
|
| Tape Screening for content (per tape) |
22.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair |
22.00 |
(We do not offer low end consumer grade conversions)
| PAL Source |
NTSC |
SECAM |
MESECAM |
Price |
||
|
VHS
VHS-C |
To |
Any Supported |
or |
VHS |
VHS |
$50.00 First Tape |
| NTSC Source |
PAL |
MESECAM |
SECAM |
Price |
||
|
Any Supported |
To |
VHS VHS-C S-VHS S-VHS-C DV MiniDV |
or |
VHS |
VHS |
$50.00 First tape |
|
SECAM Source |
MESECAM |
NTSC |
PAL |
Price |
||
|
VHS
VHS-C |
To |
Any |
or |
VHS
VHS-C |
$50.00 First tape |
Snell & Wilcox Alchemist PhC Conversions
For the ultimate in broadcast
quality conversions
|
Format |
Spot | 15 min | 20 min | 30 min | 45 min | 60 min | 90 min | 120 min |
| Any format we currently support | 178 | 213 | 288 | 357 | 418 | 483 | 546 | 619 |
Pal Conversion Quality Considerations Click here to read more.....
Before looking for the least expensive price, consider the following..... All conversions are not of equal quality. Depending on the converter employed, output quality ranges from almost un-watch-able to virtually transparent. The link above covers this issue in greater detail. Also covered is a simple explanation of the conversion process and how it is technically accomplished. Though by no means an in depth article, you might find it quite interesting. Click the link above to learn more...
| Format | First Tape per run | Additional Tapes/Run |
| 2 inch Quadruplex | 55.00 | 15.00 |
| 1 inch type C | 45.00 | 14.00 |
| 3/4 inch U-Matic | 40.00 | 14.00 |
| Broadcast Formats (BetaCam, M-II etc) | 35.00 | 12.00 |
| Consumer (Vhs, S-Vhs, VHS-C, 8mm, Beta) | 35.00 | 12.00 |
| Consumer - Remove from shell | 45.00 | 20.00 |
| Vcord, VX or Cartrivision cartridges | 40.00 | 15.00 |
| 1/2" Reel to Reel, | 35.00 | 12.00 |
| Audio 8-Track Cartridges | 35.00 | 12.00 |
| Audio Tape 2 inch | 55.00 | 15.00 |
| Audio Tape 1 inch | 40.00 | 14.00 |
|
Audio Tape 1/4 & 1/2 inch |
35.00 | 12.00 |
| Chapter Creation (Break out separate selections into their own chapters) |
$5.00 per separate chapter |
Each chapter will have it's own thumbnail on the start menu
|
Format |
0 - 30 min (5"Reel) |
31 - 60 min (7" Reel) |
60 - 120 min (10" Reel) |
120 - 240 min |
| 1 inch Type C or 1" Audio Tape | 20.00 | 25.00 | 30.00 | - |
| 3/4 inch U-Matic (RTI Cleaner/Burnishing) | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | - |
| 1/2 inch broadcast Cassette Based Formats | 17.00 | 22.00 | 27.00 | - |
| VHS (RTI Cleaner/Burnishing) | 9.00 | 900 | 900 | 9.00 |
| Consumer Beta & 8mm | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 |
| Video Cartridges (ie VX, Vcord, Cartrivision etc) | 22.00 | 27.00 | 33.00 | - |
| 1/2 inch Reel to Reel (EIAJ, Skip Field, Pilot Tone etc or audio tape | 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 | 12.00 |
| 1/4 inch Video or Audio Tape | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 |
| Clean/ DVD only - per disc | 5.00 | |||
| Polish DVD - per DVD (remove moderate to severe scratches) | 20.00 |
One cleaning cycle if required, is included
in the basic transfer. Additional cleaning passes are often necessary
for tapes exhibiting the effects of hexadecanoic acid (a white crusty deposit
that's not water soluble) or just plain absolutely filthy tapes that were improperly
stored, as is sometimes the case.
Flood damaged or tapes with mold require additional cleaning procedures.
Cleaning - Flood Damaged
Tapes
| Format | Price |
| All Open Reel Formats | 25.00 |
| All Cassette Based Formats | 55.00 |
Flood damaged tapes often are loaded with, mud, silt, as well as many other contaminants. In cases where the tape is in a cassette, the tape must be removed to allow cleaning of both the tape, but also the hubs and shell interior in a surfactant bath. This cleaning is in addition to the final cleaning which is performed after the tapes have been baked. Tapes that were exposed ONLY to clean water, usually do not require this step, but only need a standard cleaning & burnishing.
| Color Correction (in addition to transfer costs) |
$50 per Hour |
To read more on Color Correction: Click Here.......
Noise Reduction - Recursive
and Median Filtering
| Video Noise Reduction for severe noise problems |
$50 per reel or cassette |
Often dramatic improvement in cases of moderate to severe "noisy or grainy" video
|
Tape Width |
Cost |
| 2 inch Quadruplex or 2" Audio Tape | 26.00 |
| 1 inch Type C or 1" Audio Tape | 19.00 |
| 1/2 & 3/4 inch Cassettes | 12.00 |
| 1/2 inch Reel to Reel | 12.00 |
| 8mm or MiniDV Cassettes | 15.00 |
| 1/4 inch Video or Audio Tape | 12.00 |
The Binder Layer of of magnetic audio and video tapes are impregnated with a lubricating agent when the tapes are manufactured. This lubrication is lost over time partly due to the tapes' aging process, but also a small amount is lost each time the tape is played. Thus tapes that don't suffer from the effects of hydrolysis resulting in the dreaded "Sticky Tape Syndrome" or tapes that have been successfully baked, can still bind on the head drum from lack of adequate tape lubrication. Tapes that suffer the most from this effect are notably the older reel to reel tapes.
Re-lubrication of the the tape involves application
of a lubricating agent to replace that which was lost.
Mold (Mould) Removal
| Format - Per Reel, Cassette or Cartridge | Price |
| All Open Reel Formats | 25.00 |
| All Cassette Based Formats | 50.00 |
Removal of mold requires special procedures due to the health hazards involved.
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Tape | 50.00 |
This is the technique of "last resort" for tapes where the binder has become "sticky" and simply won't play due to jamming in our playback decks. The process involves literally baking the tape in a temperature controlled electric convection laboratory oven. Past experience dictates that it is successful in about 95 % of the cases. In the remaining 5 %, some or even many parts of the tape probably still will not be playable depending upon the amount of other damage previously done. The process does not damage the tape in any way, but rather greatly improves the stability of the tape by removing the absorbed moisture and re-stabilizing the binder layer of the tape, thus allowing it to glide smoothly again over the head drum without sticking.
The process is not a permanent fix and it's positive effects are relatively "short lived", but will usually allow playback for several days. By that time, we've safely had your video transferred, so the old tape is no longer a concern.
The above prices pertain to whether the outcome is successful, or only partly successful (only some of the video is recovered). Should the tape be "too far gone" (for example the tape has been stored out in your barn for the past 40 years) and nothing is capable of being recovered, then there is no charge and your tape is returned and any payment made fully refunded - less shipping costs. (We'll cry right along with you....) Luckily, this is rare. Read more on Tape Baking
Additional labor to attempt recovery from severely damaged tapes where it's absolutely imperative that the video be recovered, such as those as evidence in court cases etc. It's no "no holds barred" approach whereby we invoke every known trick in the book. This might involve techniques for example, such as adjusting head amp gain, white peak, frequency response, tape path / skew alignment, tape tension in the source vtr/vcr, skip field recovery or requiring additional cleaning passes depending upon the nature of the defect. $75.00/tape
Often times the video or audio tape itself is fine, but the shell housing simply wore out, internal parts corroded, or is either jammed or drags unevenly. Re-shelling involves removing the tape from the defective cassette and placing it in a new one or making repairs to the original. Open reel formats are obviously the easiest while VHS, BETA, 3/4-U etc cassettes typically take longer, as they're held together by small screws and the wide tape is much easier to deal with. Other shells are more difficult to work with such as VCord, Quasar VX, and most cartridge based shells
Shells housing broken tape that requires cutting & splicing takes a bit longer. Some small format cassettes are not easily disassembled without the serious risk of damaging the otherwise good tape housed inside. Some shells are thermally welded which require drilling out the welds or breaking the old shell to get the tape out. In those cases the tape must be literally cut out and then either replaced in a repair shell (if available) or spliced into another should a repair shell not be offered for that format. In these cases, the repair is much more time consuming plus narrow tape formats are not as easily manipulated. These shells may take up to 2 hours.
Re-shelling and/or splicing for shells that are thermally welded together are billed $10 additional.
NOTICE: these prices are ONLY FOR THE END CONSUMER....... the CD's ordered at these prices are to be used only for personal, non-commercial use in the home. Federal law allows one copy for private archival use of copyright material, but specifically prohibits the use of restoration and re-mastering services for the "purpose of duplicating, distribution or re-distribution, publishing, broadcasting, net-casting or any other form of digital or analog copying and/or distribution" without proof of copyright ownership.
By ordering you agree to these terms and understand that the single CD Transfer is for private use in your home only, and that no other copies will be made. This does not apply for works in the public domain or those materials for which you own or have purchased the copyright. Because of the liability exposure we would have and the paperwork & compliance issues involved, we do not offer additional copies for any of our restoration services and is why do not see them on our price list...
Note also that we will not copy any copyrighted material that is currently in print and available for purchase in the marketplace.
|
Services |
1/4" mono or 4 Track Stereo |
1/4" Open Reel Half Track |
1/4" Open Reel 4 track Discrete |
1/2" Open Reel 8 Track discrete |
|
Target Formats > |
CD, standard cassette, MiniDisc or select others | CD, standard cassette, MiniDisc or select others |
DA-88, Alesis or Pro Tools CD Requires Mix Down |
DA-88, Alesis or Pro
Tools CD Requires Mix Down |
|
Direct
Transfer
- Raw Transfer
Only (Minimal cost) |
$48.00 | $70.00 | $93.00 | $120.00 |
|
Each
Additional 74 minutes or part thereof from the same source |
$33.00 | $49.00 | $65.00 | $84.00 |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source |
$12.00 | $18.00 | $23.00 | $30.00 |
|
Additional
Track or Source Restoration Filtering |
$10.00 per addl cut | $10.00 per addl cut | $10.00 per addl cut | $10.00 per addl cut |
| Tape Splicing - Open Reel | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $7.00 |
|
*
These prices are for quantities
of 1 - 2 CD's. Media not included. Each CD may contain up to 74
Minutes. |
*** Note: Audio Restoration is NOT normally required on most magnetic media if originally recorded properly...
Professionally recorded open reels, may have used DBX Noise Reduction ( Available at $3 addl per channel)
|
Time Chart for Open Reel-to-Reel Analog Audio Tape (Approximate) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Physical |
One Direction |
2 Directions |
Four Directions |
||||||||||||
|
Speed - ips Diam Length |
15/16 | 1 7/8 | 3 3/4 | 7 1/2 | 15 | 15/16 | 1 7/8 | 3 3/4 | 7 1/2 | 15 | 15/16 | 1 7/8 | 3 3/4 | 7 1/2 | 15 |
| 3" 300 ft | 1 hr | 30 min | 15 min | 8 min | 4 min | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 30 min | 15 min | 7.5 min | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 30 min | 15 min |
| 5" 600 ft | 2 hrs | 60 min | 30 min | 15 min | 8 min | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 30 min | 15 min | 8 hrs | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 30 min |
| 5" * 900 ft | 3 hrs | 90 min | 45 min | 22 min | 11 min | 6 hrs | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 45 min | 23 min | 12 hrs | 6 hrs | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 45 min |
| 7" 1200 ft | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 30 min | 15 min | 8 hrs | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 30 min | 16 hrs | 8 hrs | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr |
| 7" * 1800 ft | 6 hrs | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 45 min | 23 min | 12 hrs | 6 hrs | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 45 min | 24 hrs | 12 hrs | 6 hrs | 3 hrs | 1.5 hr |
| 7-10" * 2400 ft | 8 hrs | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 30 min | 16 hrs | 8 hrs | 4 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr | 32 hrs | 16 hrs | 8 hrs | 4 hrs | 2 hrs |
| 10" * 3600 ft | 12 hrs | 6 hrs | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 45 min | 24 hrs | 12 hrs | 6 hrs | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs | 48 hrs | 24 hrs | 12 hrs | 6 hrs | 3 hrs |
* Some tape is thinner and thus more can be spooled on the same diameter size reel.
For example: a 7" diameter reel if fully spooled, could have either 1200, 1800 or 2400 ft of tape.
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Direct Transfer 0 - 74 minute tape | $69.00 |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$19.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 24.00 |
Predecessor of the 8 track cartridge
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Direct Transfer 0 - 74 minute tape | $47.00 |
| Transfer by Track | $5.00/track |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$15.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 24.00 |
| Where tape broke at hub requiring full re-spooling | 96.00 |
| Replacement Pressure Pad (often required) | 5.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| each 0 - 74 minute tape | $75.00 |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$24.00 |
| Tape Splicing - shell Repair | 24.00 |
| Where tape broke at hub requiring full re-spooling | 48.00 |
| Replacement Pressure Pad (often required) | 5.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per CD or DVD | 12.00 |
These wav files are the original master transfer - exactly
as what was sampled unfiltered, un-edited & unprocessed
as directly transferred from the source.
Small files are supplied on a data CD, while larger files are supplied on DVD-R.
Prices do not include the cost of blank media
The 44.1 16 bit WAV files are the desired format that will serve as the starting point for any future restoration work.
| Length/Tape | Price |
| 0 - 65 minutes (First tape) | $75.00 per source |
| 0 - 65 minutes (additional tapes) | $55.00 per source |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$20.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 22.00 |
| Mix Down from 4 & 8 Track - per cut | Price |
| From 4 Tracks to 2 track stereo | 30.00 |
| From 8 Tracks to 2 track Stereo | 40.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per 74 minutes or source (no master incl) | 33.00 |
| Per 74 minutes or source (44.1 - 16 bit master file incl) | 40.00* |
| Professional Level (Billed at hourly rate) | 70.00 per hour |
* Includes separate CD of un-restored Master .WAV file
|
Cart Machine Transfer - First Tape |
$60.00 |
|
Each Additional Tape |
$45.00 |
|
Duplication onto CD-R (With order) |
$5.00 |
| Duplication onto CD-R (separate order) | $10.00 |
The duplicate CD's will be
perfect digital copies. Price includes Jewell case and standard CD labeling
but does not include the CD-R media.
(Note: We do not copy CD's that contain copyrighted material)
| Length/Tape | Price |
| each 0 - 74 minute tape - Direct Transfer | $35.00 |
| Additional 74minutes from same source | 24.00 |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$15.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair Compact Cassette | 19.00 |
This is the older and much rarer format that used DBX Noise Reduction instead of Dolby
| Length/Tape | Price |
| each 0 - 74 minute tape | $60.00 |
| each additional 0-74 min tape | 42.00 |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$17.00 |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 17.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Cassette | 50.00 |
| Screen for content | 17.00 |
| TASCAM DBX Decoding | Price Per Channel |
| Per Channel and Source | 4.00 |
Before Dolby®
- DBX was a popular noise reduction encoding technology. First
employed on open reel formats, it was
also later adopted by professional cassette formats as well as early 1 inch
Type C Video tape.
We support Type 1 for open reel tape, and Type II for cassette based formats
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Cassette | 62.00 |
| Length | Price |
| Direct Transfers- per belt | 65.00 |
| Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts if required - 1st belt | 50.00 |
| Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts - ea addl belt | 10.00 |
| Mold removal - per belt | 30.00 |
| Cylinder Transfer | Price |
| Direct Transfer | 130.00 |
Dictaphone Minicassette - Mini Cassette
| Cassette Transfer | Price |
| Direct Transfer - First Tape | 74.00 |
| each additional Tape thereafter | 37.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| 0 - 30 minutes | $70.00 per source |
| 31 - 60 minutes | $90.00 per source |
|
Tape Screening
for Content - Per source |
19.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 24.00 |
| Length | Price |
| IBM Executary - First 3" Belt | 82.00 |
| IBM Executary - ea addl 3" Belt | 40.00 |
| Screen for content | 10.00 |
| Mold removal - per belt | 30.00 |
| Length | Price |
| IBM Executary - First 4" Belt | 95.00 |
| IBM Executary - ea addl 4" Belt | 55.00 |
| Screen for content | 10.00 |
| Mold removal - per belt | 30.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Disc | 68.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| each 0 - 74 minute tape - Direct Transfer | $35.00 |
| Additional 74minutes from same source | $25.00 |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$12.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair Micro Cassette | 26.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Cassette | 100.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Cassette | 100.00 |
Norelco Dictation Cassettes
| Cassette Transfer | Price |
| Direct Transfer - First Tape | 74.00 |
| each additional Tape thereafter | 37.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Cartridge | 100.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price NTSC | Price PAL |
| Per Source Per 74 minutes | $88.00 | $129.00 |
| ea Additional 74 minute block from same source | $61.00 | $90.00 |
| Screening | $30.00 per source | $30.00 per source |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Cassette | 69.00 |
| Replacement Pressure Pads | 2.00 |
| Pro Tools Session Setup | Price |
| Per source | 40.00 |
Prices do not include the cost of blank media
(If you don't know what a Pro Tools Session Disc is, then
you will probably not require this !)
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Direct Transfer | $65.00 per Cassette - 0 to 74 min |
| Direct Transfer | $46.00 per ea addl 74 min from same Cassette |
|
Tape Screening for Content
- Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$24.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 25.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Cassette | 69.00 |
| Replacement Pressure Pads | 2.00 |
| Per 1.75" Wide Belt | Price |
| Direct Transfers- per belt | 95.00 |
| Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts if required - 1st belt | 50.00 |
| Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts - ea addl belt | 7.00 |
| Mold removal - per belt | 30.00 |
| Screen for Content (per belt) | 20.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Per Disc | 70.00 |
| Length/Tape | Price |
| First tape - 8 track | $120.00 |
| each additional tape - 8 track | $84.00 |
| Tape Formatting/striping * | $15.00 per tape |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$24.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 25.00 |
* Tapes to be recorded must first be formatted
at 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates if the DA-88 is the target format.
Transfer prices to DA-88 do not include tape stock.
| Length/Tape | Price |
| Direct Transfer | $21.00 per recorded hour |
|
Tape Screening for Content - Per source We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. |
$15.00 per source |
| Tape Splicing - Shell Repair | 19.00 |
Note: A VersaCorder can hold up to 8 hrs on a 120 minute cassette (4 hrs/side)
For these low cost
- yet high quality transfers, we use a standard .7 mil stylus for all
microgroove records and a 3.7 to 6 mil truncated elliptical or conical stylus for
most vintage 78s. For the ultimate quality
vintage 78 transfers - especially where groove wear is apparent, see our professional
rates below.
| Description | Microgroove LP's & 45's |
Vintage 78's | Transcription Vintage 16" discs |
Speak-O-Phone Aluminum Discs |
|
Direct Transfer
- Standard Noise Reduction |
$37.00 per record or Source | $50.00 per record or source | $60.00 per record or source | $75.00 per Record or source |
|
Transfer and Sound Restoration
|
$70.00 per record or Source | $83.00 per record or source | $93.00 per record or source | $108.00 per record or source |
|
Record
Cleaning |
$4.00 per Record | $5.00 per Record | $5.00 per Record | $5.00 per Record |
|
Additional
Track or Source Restoration Filtering |
$11.00 per additional cut or source | $11.00 per additional cut or source | $11.00 per additional cut or source | $11.00 per additional cut or source |
|
Screening for Content - Per source |
15.00 | 20.00 | 25.00 | $35.00 |
|
Return Shipping.
|
Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling | Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling | Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling | Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling |
|
|
|
Vintage 78's, Microgroove or tapes |
$35 per disc or tape |
Recovery of
badly damaged, warped or crazed surface disks usually necessitate the half speed
mastering technique whereby an intermediate half speed master is made.
Often times a slow turntable speed is the only way a stylus may be made to track
the deformed surface.
To read more on Half Speed Re-Mastering.... Click Here...
|
Vintage 78's or Microgroove |
$150 per disc or source additional |
* Due to different construction or surface condition, this is not always possible for many vintage recordings
We employ deep cleaning vacuum
technology.
Non alcohol based solvents are used on vintage 78's
| Microgroove discs (LP's & 45's) |
$4.00/disc |
| Vintage 78's * |
$5.00/disc |
Transcription Recordings
Before the advent of magnetic tape, transcription records were used mostly by radio stations to record programs for delayed broadcast. Most transcription recordings were mastered on large 16" diameter discs. Composition of the discs were either aluminum core with lacquer, glass with lacquer, or more modern vinyl. Though there were no standards per se, most were recorded at 78 or 33 1/3 rpm although we have occasionally run across some recorded as low as 16 rpm. What's peculiar to this format, is the way that some started on the inside track and worked their way to the outside tracks.
A special turntable is required to play these discs.
Wire recordings were popular from 1947 through 1952 - before the advent of magnetic tape machines. The information was recorded on a very thin steel wire - about the diameter of a human hair. It was low fidelity but still of reasonable quality. The machine initially found service during WWII for sending messages via shortwave and the US Army & Navy employed many of them in their operations centers. Following the war, manufacturers such as Webster & Pierce offered them to the public, and many found their way into homes across America. Read more about Wire Recorders - their history, maintenance tips, longevity and pictures.
Prices are on a per wire reel basis. A 3 3/4" diameter reel can hold up to 7200 ft or approximately 1 hour of material.
All wire recording transfers include basic sound restoration hum removal and high end cutoff.
(Note: Most Wire recordings will NOT require sound restoration - they are holding up pretty well !)
We can transfer to almost any audio format : CD - Cassette
- MiniDisc - DVD and many more
(refer to the link at the bottom of this page for current
blank media prices)
Webster - Silvertone and others on standard 2 ¾ Inch diameter reels
|
Transfer/Restoration Service - Webster - Silvertone on 2 ¾" Reels |
Unit price |
| From 1 wire - Direct Transfer Only |
$65.00 |
| From 2 wires - Direct Transfer Only |
$113.00 |
| From 3 wires - Direct Transfer Only |
$151.00 |
| Additional reels - Direct Transfer Only |
$33.00 |
| Sound Restoration - more aggressive sound restoration (Rarely required) | $33.00 |
| Wire Reel Screening ** (to find out if a reel is completely blank, we must still fully play it) | $25.00 |
| Empty Webster/Chicago Reels for re-spooling - per reel | $16.00 |
|
Optional items |
|
| Repair - Removal of simple Snarls and Tangles ( * SEE NOTE BELOW ) |
$10.00 per tangle * |
| Minifon Wires (1 ¾ diameter - 5/8" hubs) * | Price |
| Per Wire | 100.00 |
| Non-Standard Wire Reels | Price |
| Per Wire | 150.00 |
* Non-Standard refers to those reels other than Webster or Minifon reels
Note:
Wires must not be snarled and also must be tightly packed on the spool.
The Wire pack should feel solid while pressing with your small finger.
Loosely packed spools will NOT be accepted for transfer !
(Scotch tape the wire end to the reel if the wire has no leader or splice a piece of string to the wire end)
** We do offer full screening of each wire which is billed at the rate of $25/wire. In the case where there is recorded information, we email you with a brief general contents of the wire. The screening fee applies in the case where the wire contains no recorded material or you decide based on it's contents, that you do not desire to have it transferred. Screening of each wire continues to the end of the wire or the point where we encounter a wire break or snarl. Unless instructed otherwise, we make no billable repairs to wires just being screened for content. Due to the time consuming nature of screening a wire then communicating the results, the cost is almost the same as for making the transfer.
All of our transfers are made by way of a direct line level connection on well maintained equipment.
* Reels that are tightly packed and not previously spliced, rarely exhibit any tangles or breaks, but occasionally we come across one that has become snarled. Simple removal of snarls and tangles are flat rate charged at $10/tangle which account for the vast majority. We will remove 3 simple snarls or make 3 splices before contacting you for authorization to proceed further. Occasionally we run into some tangles and snarls that are nothing short of "Snarls from Hell" - true handiwork of the devil himself ..... especially where the reel hasn't been played or re-packed in over 60 years...... is lightly corroded, stored improperly; or worse - the bailer failed or the take-up reel top cover was removed after a similar episode in it's dark past... Many of these snarls may involve 100's of hours of labor, and untangling the horrific mess is not financially feasible. In those cases, we'll return the reel at no charge. Some folks see it as an entertaining challenge - - - for us, the novelty of untangling such un-Godly messes has long since worn off !
In the case of horrendous snarls, beware that some of these may entail literally 100's of hours, and we advise that this might make for a great winter evening project (actually, many - many - many evenings to be more exact)
Please do not send in any snarled wires, loosely packed wires, or wires that have been wound by hand.
Our professional level of restoration goes well beyond what we can do for the fixed price transfers quoted above. Professional restorations are billed at a labor rate of $65 per hour. Samples of partially completed restorations are sent to the customer at various stages of the restoration process for the selection of various options and approval.
Professional restoration employs the use of a microscope to measure groove size as well as to locate and measure the wall wear area. This allows optimum selection of the proper stylus to avoid the dreaded wear zone and ride the elusive "sweet spot". Other services performed include professional vacuum cleaning as well as re-grooving if necessary. We simply employ every "trick in the book" to restore what you thought was lost forever.
Audio Sample Rates
All our master transfers are sampled at 44.1 kHz 16 bit depth for CD quality. (Audio CD's as dictated by the Redbook standard all must be 44.1 kHz/16 bit)...... In the future, audio restoration will make great strides as computer processing power makes even greater strides. Put another way, today's state of the art will seem like the "early stone age" compared to what can be easily done in the not too far distant future. (consider the advances the personal computer has made since it's introduction in 1984)
We can also sample at higher rates by request...
How Do I Get Started - I don't see any automated order forms on your site
Unlike modern day formats that are well known and straightforward, Vintage formats raise a number of issues
Vintage video - audio recovery and transfer is a specialized field and you've probably already noticed that there's only a handful of us scattered across the entire country or even the planet for that matter, that have the technical skills or even the inclination to support the obsolete formats. One has to have grown up with and have a love of the old, vintage, rare and obsolete audio/video equipment of the era to even consider getting involved with it. In our case it was easy.... I did grow up in the "vintage years" (have the grey hairs to prove it !) and the vintage equipment today was the then state of the art equipment I first cut my teeth on - back in the "days of old" !
Many video formats were developed before there were any standards - they varied from manufacturer to manufacturer - even across a single manufacturer's own product line. For example color video recorded on a Sony AV-5000 will not play on an AV-5000A... they use the same tape and are even completely identical in appearance, yet their color recording schemes are incompatible. Thus unlike modern formats where always "Life is Wonderful", vintage formats raise a number of questions that must be addressed first.
To date, there are well over 100 different video formats out there - just in the U.S. alone. Add to that foreign standards such as Pal, Secam and all their variations, and those numbers go up by a factor of at least 4. The client often times hasn't a clue as to what he/she has, which is understandably, pretty much the "norm". In many cases, the tape was handed down, found in Aunt Sadie's attic or shelved in some deep abyss of the corporate archives. The first step is simply to identify what format you might have. This is often easier said than done, as many different vintage formats used the same media which all look EXACTLY alike, and no one ever seemed to label the tape with such necessary information. Add to that the fact that sadly, we're not clairvoyant ourselves. Any 1/2 inch reel to reel tape for example, may be any of 5 totally incompatible formats.
It's not uncommon for someone who has not grown up in that era and not familiar with the old recording equipment of the day, to mis-communicate the format. The earliest format most folks ever heard of was BetaMax, or they ask their neighbor who says - "This looks real old - must be a Betamax". I can't begin to tell you the number of inquiries we get wanting to transfer their old Betamax to a DVD, only upon further investigation to find that it's a vintage reel to reel tape not even closely related to Betamax (which by the way was a newer cassette based format).
The other issue, is that vintage video as opposed to something that was just shot last week on a more modern format, is sometimes in poor condition. Some will playback fine and others are beyond any hope, or not worth the cost in attempting to recover them. Most however, need only a little "persuasion" to get to play.... It runs the gamut.
Most tapes from the mid 60's to the late 70's suffer from the "sticky tape syndrome" and will require tape baking to restore the binder layer so they can even be capable of being played without jamming. A few tapes that had an easy life stored in arid climates will not.
In the case of vintage formats, we really don't know what you have or it's condition until we receive it - nor will anyone else for that matter unless they're clairvoyant..... (and although I've heard of such people, I can't say as I personally know anyone who is endowed with this gift - at least as it relates to vintage video anyways......)
Thus, attempting to design an on line order form to cover all the possible permutations without it turning in to a mind boggling 50 page affair as "easy" to figure out as IRS tax code, is an impossible task.
Vintage Audio transfers often involve the same issues. We simply don't know what you have or it's condition, until after we receive it.
So the best route inevitably ends up being to send it in for evaluation. We do not charge for this (other than a nominal handling fee & our direct costs for return shipping) as it's just all part of the nature in dealing with the old, vintage, antique and obsolete video formats. Once your tape is received, we'll determine the format and be able to tell whether the tape requires baking or further restoration, what generally is on the tape, what condition and quality of transfer you can expect, and give an accurate estimation of the final cost.
Please call or e-mail us first. Unlike many others, we prefer direct communications on a personal level. In light of the above considerations, we've found it to be a necessity.
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Since 1978 - Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Video Interchange
Modified: Mar 6, 2010
Made In Maine
Video Interchange
92 George Luce Rd
Waldoboro, ME Maine 04572
207-832-5064
Northeast Region - New England
