The team at DiskBank has put together their most Frequently asked questions relating to Transfers!
Q: The transfer on USB is not playing on my TV
A: We can’t guarantee that your USB will play directly from your TV. This depends entirely on the file format your TV can read. If you wish to view your footage on TV, you can try playing the USB through a laptop and connecting a HDMI cord from the TV to the laptop.
Alternatively, if you can find out what codec (digital language) is the most compatible with your TV, via the manual or the website, let us know and we should be able to convert your file into that format or provide you with a codec that can.
Q: My 2K film transfers are not playing on my computer/laptop, how do I fix this?
A: Firstly, try downloading your file onto your laptop or PC and play it from there, rather than from USB/HDD.
If it still doesn’t work, look on your USB or HDD for a folder called ‘Video Codec’. Inside that folder will be a text document called ‘read me’. Read this document first, which explains what to do. You will install the Canopus HQX codec to your computer. This codec will then decode your file.
If you are still having difficulty, it could simply be that your computer or laptop is unable to process the uncompressed bit rate of the 2k .avi file. If you have access to a more recent laptop or computer, try using that. If that is not possible or practical, please let us know as soon as possible and we can provide a solution by giving you a lower bit rate file using the h.264 codec with a .mov container. This uncompresses the file and works on less powerful computers. Then you will have two versions of your transfer – the compressed file and the uncompressed file.
Q: I work with both PC and Mac, what is the best digital file output for me?
A: It depends on what you intend to do with the file. If you just want to view the footage then the AVI file is the best, it will play on PCs and most Macs. If you plan to edit your footage – choose the file for what you plan to edit it with. If you will edit on a Mac, chose MOV, if on a PC – then choose AVI.
Q: Does DiskBank stock splicing equipment for film such as splicing tape or glue?
A: No sorry, we don’t hire out splicing equipment or sell splicing tape. Once your films are transferred to digital files, editing programs will allow you to edit your footage yourself.
Q: Can DiskBank edit our transfer?
A: Yes, we can. If you would like us to edit your footage, we can give you two files. One in your chosen resolution (for example 2K) and upon request, another in a lower resolution with a time stamp running simultaneously. When you discover something you wish to have edited out, write down the cut from time stamp and the cut to time stamp – and we will do the rest. Editing cost is charged at $99 per hour. On completion, we will provide you with the final edited version in your chosen resolution. You will then have two files, one unedited and one edited.
Q: Does DiskBank hire out equipment to view my materials before I transfer them?
A: No, unfortunately we do not hire out equipment. We used to but found that our equipment would often come back damaged and the repair costs negated the hire costs.
Q: How do I know how much film I’ve got on my reel?
3″ reel = 50ft of film (generally a yellow or black reel)
5″ reel = 200ft of film
7″ reel = 400ft of film
If you need some help, please feel free to bring your film into our office – or send us a picture of your reel/s. Aimee, who manages our transfer department, has seen her fair share of film reels and can help you identify how much film you have.
Q How do you capture your film?
A: We use the Retro Scan Universal Scanner for a true frame by frame transfer. There are no sprockets, no claws and there is no heated light – so it won’t damage your film.
Q: What is the difference between standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) for video tape transfer?
Basically, it’s the resolution – HD transfer will be a higher resolution than SD. A SD can be transferred to DVD or file format (on USB). A HD transfer can only be transferred to Blu-ray or a file format (on USB).
Usually, the native recording of a video means the best transfer resolution you can get is SD.
There are some exceptions, for example HDV tapes (High-Definition Video) can be transferred in HD. A HD transfer can only be transferred to Blu-ray or a file format (on USB).
If you chose a HD transfer and during the transfer process, we discover HD is not possible, we will let you know and transfer to SD at the lower SD cost.
Q: Do you send your photos, negatives or slides away for scanning?
A: A lot of transfer companies use services overseas for scanning. We scan and edit all our photos, negatives and slides in house.
Q; I’ve received my SD transfer but when I play it on TV looks blocky/pixilated.
A: This is due to the resolution. With video tape you are limited to the resolution of the native recording. Standard Definition is usually the best resolution you can get and on a high-resolution TV or monitor.
Film does not have a set resolution. If the original recording was film, and SD is too pixilated, HD or 2K will give you a much better result. If you have already done your transfer and have chosen SD, unfortunately it will need to be transferred again at a better resolution as we can’t upscale the resolution once it has been transferred. We will literally need to start again. If you are reading this and have not transferred your film yet, we highly recommend transfer in 2K for the best result.
Q: What about copyright?
A: DiskBank makes every effort to ensure copyright of all material is not breached. We will not transfer any content without consent of the copyright owner. If you have footage recorded from TV, you will need to contact the relevant TV channel and request permission to copy. Once you have received permission in writing we can do the transfer.
Q: Do you transfer vinyl records to CD or file?
Yes, we do. To make sure copyright is not breached we do require consent from the copyright owner.
Q: What is the turnaround time for transfers?
A: This depends on the quantity you would like transferred. Anywhere from a week for one video or film reel – to a couple of months for large jobs. If you require your transfer done by a particular date, please let us know and we will try and accommodate.
Get in touch with the transfer team at DiskBank today or call us on (08) 9388 0800.