Audio, Video & Film Digitization

Digitization of reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes, DAT, discs and other audio formats, from individual recordings to large archival collections.

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Each recording is assessed and played on suitable equipment, with attention to its condition, recording speed, track configuration and playback requirements. Deteriorated or difficult recordings receive the preparation and specialist handling they need.

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Delivery formats are agreed based on how you intend to preserve, access, and use the recordings, and on established best practices.

Digitization of consumer, professional and broadcast videotapes, from family recordings to extensive institutional archives.

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Playback equipment is selected for the format and recording standard, with careful attention to tape condition and signal quality. RTI videotape cleaners are used to prepare VHS, U-Matic, Betacam and 1-inch videotapes for playback. Obsolete, obscure and deteriorated tapes receive the assessment, preparation and specialist handling needed to recover the best possible picture and sound.

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Preservation masters and viewing copies are provided according to your intended use and established best practices.

Scanning of motion picture film, from home movies to archival and professional collections, to create digital files for preservation and viewing.

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Film is inspected and cleaned using an RTI film cleaner before scanning, with attention to its condition, splices and handling requirements. The scanning approach is selected to capture the detail in the original while treating the film with care.

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Resolution, delivery formats, and any additional restoration work are agreed according to the material, your intended use, and budget.

Some recordings require more than a routine transfer. Examples include Ampex 456 and other tapes affected by sticky-shed syndrome, AGFA U-matic cassettes with RF signal loss, and DAT recordings with high error rates.

I also work with obscure formats such as Telefunken 600 and Dictabelts, where identifying the recording system and selecting the correct playback equipment are essential.

Assessment determines the appropriate treatment and playback approach. I explain what may be recoverable, where limitations remain, and how the work can fit your priorities and budget.

When a collection must remain in place, I can arrange on-site digitization or film scanning, bringing suitable equipment and working directly with the archive or collection owner.

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My on-site work with the IDF Archive spans 12 years. For a California-based filmmaker of Albanian descent, I also spent a month scanning films at the Albanian National Film Archive in Tirana, allowing the original materials to remain within the archive throughout the project.

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Each on-site project is planned around the formats, condition and volume of material, available workspace, schedule and budget.