Memory Keepers

What kind of film can Memory Keepers convert to DVD?

1. 8mm & Super 8 film
2. 16mm film

Movies on processed 8mm, Super 8mm or 16mm film are typically found on 50-foot reels, which are 3" in diameter. Previously consolidated films are found on 4" reels (100 feet), 5" reels (200 feet), 6" reels (300 feet) and 7" reels (400 feet). In addition, 16mm film can be found on reels with diameters as long as 15" which contain 2,000 feet of film.

What is the difference between 8mm and Super 8mm film?
8mm film was pioneered by Kodak and was introduced in 1932. 8mm film actually starts out as 16mm film on a 25-foot reel. When recording, one-half of the film width is exposed. After recording 25 feet, you would then take the film out, flip it over and expose the other half. After processing the film, it was split down the middle and the two resulting 8mm halves were spliced together, yielding a 50-foot reel. Because the flipping process was somewhat troublesome, a number of manufacturers introduced continuous 8mm film on 50-foot reels. Because of Kodak's influence in the industry, continuous 8mm did not catch on.

In April of 1965, Kodak came out with Super 8mm film. Super 8mm film comes as a 50-foot reel and does not entail flipping the film or cutting the film in half during the processing. The frame image for Super 8mm film was enlarged by 50% by using smaller vertical perforations. Kodak is still producing Super 8mm film today.

Why is it important for my film to be prepped and cleaned?
The first step in our conversion service is to carefully examine the film for any defects, such as torn sprocket holes, burns, or otherwise unusable footage. Any such sections of film are carefully repaired, or removed if necessary.

Next, all of your film is cleaned and conditioned by hand. This is one of the most important aspects of the conversion process. Dust, mildew, and other particles will cause significant reduction in image quality. We remove all contaminants in order to give you the cleanest, clearest picture possible!

In addition to giving you the best possible image, cleaning and prepping your film protects our sensitive, state-of-the-art equipment from any damage that could result from dirty or damaged film. It is absolutely necessary for your film to be cleaned and prepped prior to running it through any of our equipment.

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How do you capture the images from my movies?

We use the ScanStream Rapid Motion Picture Scanning System which provides TRUE frame-by-frame HD scanning in full 1080P of your precious movie film. This is the same equipment employed by the Academy of Motion Pictures Film Archives in Hollywood. In addition, the robust capabilities of this equipment received high praise by PC Magazine.

We capture only a full and accurate image of each and every frame of your film. Those individual frame images are collected and turned into high-quality digital video files which are then used to create your DVD's. Since we are capturing frames and not video, there are no partial frames, which degrade viewing. Also, there are no issues with shutter speed conflicts which cause "flicker". If you have seen other transferred movie film, which appear to have a dominating light that constantly pulses on and off, then you know the value of a flicker-free transfer.

Can you improve the quality of the recording on my film?
Our equipment does attempt to improve your images through some of the automated functions inherent in our robust equipment. We assure you that our conversion process will give you the absolute best final product. However, recording flaws such as blurred images, poor lighting, debris on your old camera lens while recording, and improper camera handling cannot be reversed.

How do I place an order?
You can place your order at our location in downtown Naperville, Illinois OR you can ship your order to us at:

Memory Keepers (Attn Jay Parker)
216 S. Main Street - Suite 2A
Naperville, IL 60540 (630-717-0278)

We recommend using a shipper such as FedEx or UPS so that you can track your shipment via a tracking number. We recommend using a sturdy box and proper cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts or simply scrunched up newspapers. Please include how you would like your DVD's titled and whether you would like any additional DVD copies. We accept Visa, Discover and MasterCard. Please include your credit card information including your credit card number, expiration date, 3 digit code on the back of your card and the billing address for the credit card. Please include your phone number and an e-mail address so that we can contact you.

Simply contact us with any additional questions.

What is the life expectancy of a DVD, and why is it better than VHS?
Industry experts agree that a DVD will maintain its original quality for over 100 years, regardless of playback frequency. On the other hand, VHS tapes are intended to maintain original quality for an average of ten years, and that number can vary greatly depending on storage conditions and playback frequency.

Click here for more information on the difference between VHS and DVD.

Can I have my movies converted to VHS (instead of DVD)?
If you prefer, we will gladly transfer your film to VHS. However, this is not recommended unless you also purchase a copy on DVD, so that your memories will be preserved for a lifetime to come. Click here for more information on the difference between VHS and DVD.

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In what order will you put my movies onto the DVD?
If you are fortunate enough to have descriptions related to each roll of film and you would like to put them in chronological order, please clearly mark each roll with the appropriate number. Otherwise, your movies will appear in whatever order we process the reels.

Can I trust Memory Keepers to do a good job with my precious film?
We know you will be very happy with the quality of our work. We have converted over 4,000,000 feet of film. All film conversion work is done by a competent, caring, mature adult who treats each job as if it were their own family's memories.

How does Memory Keepers compare to others that offer a similar service?

At Memory Keepers, we value your memories like they are our own. We ask you to consider the following items should you compare our service to others:

Your movies never leave our care, custody and control. We do the work ourselves and do not ship your film off to a transfer house on the West Coast. Your movies will be expertly transferred by a mature and extremely competent technician.
The quality of the final product is dependent on the use of superior equipment and processes. This is the single most important aspect of choosing a provider. We digitally capture each frame of film using the best equipment. 8mm film offers the equivalent of 800 lines of resolution. Since we capture 1080 lines of resolution, we clearly are maximizing what your film has to offer.
Other film transfer providers use inferior services which can include filming a projected image off of a screen, using fixed-rate capture processes (which typically create video at a speed different from the speed the film was orignally shot at), using multiple reflection surfaces between the film and the capture device, using older analog VHS capture devices (and then transferring to DVD, which still only yields analog VHS quality), etc. Even if another provider offers frame-by-frame digital capture, they are most likely using a 1 CCD or a 3 CCD camera which maxes out at 480 lines of resolution. Our frames are 1920 x 1080, those providers can only offer you 720 x 480frames. In addition, many other providers do NOT clean and condition your film.