The VidiPax™ archival film to tape transfer service is tailored for those who have valuable collections of older films. Unlike many traditional transfer facilities that find this work cumbersome and are staffed by technicians concerned more with the latest technology than preservation, the VidiPax™ archival film transfer service is specifically designed to handle archival material. Our highly trained staff is educated in the unique problems that arise when working with aged films. However, our price structure considers those organizations and individuals who are working with limited budgets.

Each film VidiPax™ receives is subject to a four-stage process resulting in a high-quality transfer to the client's choice of videotape. The client has the option of transferring onto two videotape formats at no additional charge other than the tape stock. As with our magnetic tape restoration services, the condition of the film is documented through the entire process in our database management system. The client receives a Film Condition Report with each film transferred.

Each film is closely examined for physical damage and deterioration. The technician looks for problems that may cause damage to the film if not addressed prior to transfer. Many of the problems can be repaired or accommodated on our premises. In cases in which a film has deteriorated to an extent that special treatment is required, you will be informed. VidiPax™ will assist you in finding a specialty facility that can accommodate the problem.

The information gathered during the inspection will determine the extent of work required. Leader is added and splices and sprockets are repaired if necessary. Smaller reels will be spliced together for time- and cost-efficiency if you request.

Cleaning
Many archival films are susceptible to damage when cleaned with harsh solutions. VidiPax™ has developed several non-solvent cleaning methods that avoid damage to sensitive emulsion. When excessive fungus, grease or dirt is present, a solvent approved for archival use may be applied.

Transfer

The Rank Cintel™ Mark III C telecine provides a mechanism for images to be converted into a video signal. Our telecine handles films gently. Unlike projectors, the film is not propelled by sprockets engaging the sprocket holes. VidiPax™ has custom-made transports, designed specifically for use when transferring archival film with notches and shrinkage. The signal from the telecine is fed into a Da Vinci™ Renaissance 8:8:8 computer-based color corrector. Parameters such as brightness, contrast and color accuracy are adjusted by our experienced colorist as the film is transferred. Image enhancement and grain reduction are available upon your request.

VidiPax™ has developed a process called Kine'mazing™ that eliminates much of the flicker present when transferring kinescopes from the 1950's and 60's to video. The process restores the "video look" of film that was used to archive video images.

Final Check and Shipping

When the transfer is completed and new masters have been made, all materials are labeled, packed and checked against the original shipping manifest. Film Condition Reports are generated for each film from the database management system and reviewed by a management-level restoration specialist. Unless the customer specifies otherwise, the original masters will be shipped after the restoration masters, in case of loss or damage during transport.