Stacks of video tapes and Super 8 film reels are great for one thing: gathering dust. The items are bulky and require viewing technology that is nearly obsolete. And over time, the quality of your film is deteriorating, sometimes to the point of total ruin.
The real mission of your photo and film memories should be family entertainment. Transferring video tapes, film reels, photos and slides to an upgraded digital medium provides you with ease of access and the ability to share your memories using today’s state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.
Robert Sjodin, president of Audio Visual Specialists in Lynnwood, explains that converting boxes of memories to compact, streamlined digital technology is a convenient and affordable process when using a local audiovisual specialist.
Audiovisual specialists have professional tools and expertise that allow them to create enhanced reproductions. Often, damaged film can be repaired and the quality of the images improved. Background music and narration can also be added.
Specific to Sjodin’s company is a telecine machine that provides quality film transfers to DVD. The machines are extremely efficient, allowing Audio Visual Specialists to transfer more than 100,000 feet of film to DVD each year.
Frequently, customers want film shots or photos placed in chronological order. “You can try and edit them yourself or you can come in and, for a reasonable fee, sit down with a trained editor with specialized equipment and know-how,” Sjodin said. “We will help you rearrange the film, add subtitles, edit out segments with poor quality, and provide a professional-looking product for a reasonable price.”
An audiovisual specialist can also transfer musical recordings. “Some people have old records that their parents or grandparents made themselves, performing music or telling their life stories,” Sjodin said. “As long as the recording is not copyrighted, we can transfer it to CD.”
Transferred films and photos are perfect for gifts. “If you’re planning to give new digital copies of your films or photos as a Christmas gift, we strongly recommend getting your request in by Thanksgiving,” Sjodin said. “All of us in the industry get overwhelmed with Christmas orders.”
Customers also use their newly made DVDs as entertainment at parties, business events and admission applications for college or athletic programs.
“After your film is put together, we can also rent you the big screen projectors and other equipment needed for your event,” he said. “We’ll also provide you with a consultation to make sure you know how to use the equipment.”
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