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About Me: madnatben( 1203Feedback score is 1000 to 4,999) Get fast shipping and excellent service from Top-rated sellers.About Me

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Video Transfer Devices A Synopsis

by madnatben

 

 
My About Me page focuses on the concept of transferring home movies (Super 8, 8mm, 16mm), slides, and photos to various targets. These targets include Videotape (regular or digital), DVD Video, and Digital Images. There are numerous video transfer devices with various features. This page will help you decide which one best fits your needs. I have been using video transfer devices since the early 1980. The recent advent of DVD recording has sparked the interest for these Video Transfer Devices

 

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Regarding my selling of Video Transfer Devices on eBay, many questions have been posed from potential buyers. I hope that the following pages will help answer your questions before deciding on the final purchase. This publication of over 14 pages is complimentary as I hope you will acquire the understanding of these devices.                                                                     

 

 

Various topics are discussed in this write-up:

 

1. Why do I want to do this myself?

2. Using the Video Transfer Device with Your Camera

Make a DVD!

3. General Operating Instructions and Information  for Video Transfer Devices

4. Questions and Answers on Video Transfer Devices.

5. Producing Your Final Product Tips and Tricks

 

 
 

 

 

All information and photos presented on this bout Me page are solely fro informational purposes and copyrighted material by ebay user Madnatben It is against eBay policy to copy any photos or portions of text. Permission may be requested. madnatben makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained heirin and reserves the right to add, modify, or delete any information at the "About Me" page at any time.

 

  1. Why do I want to do this myself?

 

There are numerous services that provide transferring your home movies to Video or DVD. Why not just eliminate all of the hassle and let someone else do the transferring? After purchasing your Video Transfer Device on eBay you can perform this service in your own home.

 

Advantages Include:

 

Price Example fees for transferring movies and slides to video are $0.15-$0.25 per ft. A 50ft reel of Super 8 film lasts 3 minutes and 20 seconds and would price $10.00. Let say you have 25 movies (50ft reels) to transfer, a resulting price would be approximately $200 to $300 depending on initial setup costs (cleaning, etc.).

 

Editing This is the MAJOR advantage of doing the transfer yourself. YOU get to select what YOU want to copy. You can eliminate those scenes where your parents film you for an entire 3 minutes taking your first steps, years later 20 seconds will satisfy the viewer. You may have situations of overexposure or over-zooming by the cameraperson. These unwanted scenes could be eliminated as you see fit. I feel that over 90% of home movies are termed tiresome due to overemphasizing a subject. Relatives imagine to enjoy the full-length movie. Using a Video Transfer Device with proper editing can eliminate over 75% of the presentation thereby sparking the interest.

 

Narration Several of the Video Transfer Devices made include a feature that allows microphone input. This allows you to narrate a movie, slide, or photo presentation. You could have family members simply introduce a movie scene and leave the remainder as is. Another feature of selected Video Transfer Devices allows for fading between narration and actual audio on sound movies.

 

Adding Music Several Video Transfer Devices include a feature that allows audio input during the transfer process. The audio source could be from a CD player, radio, iPod, mp3 player, cassette player, etc. You could add music from the 60 for a movie from the 60. Play your wedding song, etc. Video transfer devices that have stereo mixing capability can fade from music to voice.

 

  2. Using the Video Transfer Device with Your Camera - Make a DVD!  

                                                    

The Video Transfer Device is basically a device with a built-in mirror that takes an incoming image from your projector and adjusts for proper recording by the camera. The following schematic helps you understand the process. Certain systems do not have the capability to add sound or voice.

 

You must provide your own projector and camera to work in tandem with the Video Transfer Device.

 

Make a DVD!

image copyright 2006 - madnatben

 

Making a DVD from your home movies, slides, and photos is the primary objective of many of the eBay purchasers. I am always glad to answer questions that keep coming in. The purchased Video Transfer Device is the key to producing your initial video.  First you would create your video using the Video Transfer Device.

 

Then transfer to DVD using one of several options:

 

 

  1. Send your video to an outside service that will create your DVD.  The prices for these services vary from $5 to $15 for a two-hour single production. Look for these services in ebay.

  2. You could connect to your PC with proper cables and a video capture card and software. You could even eliminate the step of producing a tape. Instead you would directly feed your camera into your PC for digital transfer. Your camera acts like a conduit into your PC. Your PC would produce a DVD from its DVD burner.

  3. You can create a DVD right from a DVD Camcorder

  4. You could purchase your own DVD Player/Recorder today for a reasonable price. Just create your video in any format and produce a DVD by feeding your video into your DVD Recorder.

 

General Information Relative to Producing a DVD

 

Using a video card

Your PC may already have the hardware needed to back up video tape segments on their computer. Video cards have audio and video input jacks. To confirm if you have a video card, examine the back of the computer and follow the cord from the monitor. Multicolored (red, white, yellow) plugs on the same card indicates that you have a video card. All that is required is an 3-Way RCA Audio/Video cable. My sales of Video Transfer Devices with sound mixing capability usually include these cables. If your video card also has the round S-Video jack, this would be a better connection as it provides higher quality.

 

Using a video capture card

If there is an available PCI slot at the back of your computer, then you may consider a video capture card instead of replacing the entire video card. Some may plug into an available USB slot, which is more convenient if you are hesitant about opening your PC case and install the card. This alternative is more economical. Products usually come with a installation CD that will provide necessary instructions for backing up video from a VCR or camcorder onto the hard drive. There's a wide selection of editing software and packages ranging in price from $30 to $500.

 

Using a DVD recorder

This is the simplest of the options. A DVD recorder is an external device with built-in video capture capability. You can fluently transfer videos from tape onto blank DVDs or the device hard drive.

 

copyright 2006 - madnatben

 
 
  3. General Operating Instructions and Information   

 

This section may help lead you into the right direction as to what you want in your Video Transfer Device.

 

Over 90% of Video Transfer Devices produced reveal similar operating instructions. I have compiled some general instructions taken from various documents that come from the manufacturer. Photos have been included to help you better understand the concept. You can learn more about these steps further in the ips and Tricks section of the publication.

 

The Basic Video Transfer Device Type A

 

This Video Transfer Device is a basic and simple device for transferring movies and slides. It does not have the capability to transfer photos. Sound recording/mixing features are also not included.

 

 

 

The instructions are relatively simple:

 

  1. Adjust the height of your movie/slide projector so that center of the lens is horizontal to the center of the small side window on the Video Transfer Device.

  2. The image is then directed horizontally this window.

  3. Adjustments need to be made for height, setback distance, and focus until a sharp image appears on the front mini-screen.

  4. Position your video camera directly in front of and perpendicular to the mini-screen. The centers of the camera lens and mini-screen should align in height.

  5. Your video camera should be set-up to allow live viewing of the production work on a television screen. What You See is What You Get.

  6. For sharp focus, you must use the macro (close-up) lens feature on your camera. If your camera does not have this capability, a macro lens filter may need to be purchased.

  7. You should use the manual focus mode on your video camera.

  8. Now you can make adjustments to the framing of the camera. Zoom the camera out, aim the camera at the image center, and then gradually zoom inward until the fuzzy edges disappear on the television screen.

  9. As the image becomes clearly focused you may begin your video recording using this device, your projector, and your camera. 

 

The Movie, Slide, and Photo Video Transfer Device with a Macro Lens Type B

 

This Video Transfer Device is a simple device for transferring movies, slides, and photos. The benefits of Type B over Type A are the additional capability of transferring photos. Type B Video Transfer Devices also include a built-in macro lens that allows a recording device to get a close and sharp recording image. There are no requirements for your video camera to have a macro lens feature. Sound recording/mixing features are not included.

 

 

The basic instructions are as follows:

 

  • Getting Started:

     

    1. Lay the base (pods or legs) of the Video Transfer Device on a flat surface

    2. Raise or lower the Video Transfer Device macro-lens to the height of your camcorder lens

    3. Pull out the lens hood on the built-in lens

    4. Place your video camera on a tripod (or a stack of books) and set the lens to a manual focus mode

    5. You are now ready to begin

  •  

  • Transferring photos, artwork, postcards:

  1. The fluorescent light bulb runs on four D-size batteries or an optional AC adapter. Battery compartments are located at the bottom of the Video Transfer Device. To install batteries follow the diagram located inside the battery compartments.

  2. Turn on the fluorescent light by the on/off switch usually at the front of the Video Transfer Device.

  3. Turn the select knob at the top of the unit to the photograph position.

  4. Place your photograph or artwork you want to transfer into the print holding slot between glass and plastic print holder.

  5. Gently pull out the rubber lens hood. Place your video camera lens next to the built-in macro lens on the Video Transfer Device. It is a good idea to put you camcorder on a tripod for easy framing. If you don have a tripod, simply use a stack of books.

  6. Adjust focus and zoom control on camera until you have a full, sharp picture in viewfinder.

  7. When the picture is set as desired, begin recording. As a general rule, ten seconds per photo is a good time to start.

  8. After the first photo has been recorded, pause your camera, remove the photo and insert the second photograph into the print holder repeating onward.

  9. You can create more interesting transfers by using your camera zoom feature to make close-ups of a specific portion of the photograph.

The photo to the right is an actual photo placed inside the Video Transfer Device to produce a digital image.

  • Transferring movies or slides:

  1. The fluorescent light is not required for transferring slides or video. The batteries or adapter basically serve to power the lamp as you transfer photos as described above

  2. Turn the select knob on top of the Video Transfer Device to the movie/Slide position.

  3. Set up your movie or slide projector with the projector lens directed toward the mini-screen on the Video Transfer Device.

  4. Set the focus to manual on your video camera

  5. Focus the projector until the image on the mini-screen is sharp.

  6. Push or pull movable projection screen in or out for the most even illumination

  7. Set up your video camera with its lens next to the Video Transfer Device built-in macro lens.

  8. Adjust the video camera zoom to crop the projected image so that the image fills your viewfinder.

  9. It is recommended that you connect your video camera to a television so that you can monitor your results in color before recording.

  10. Begin to operate you film projector and simultaneously record your preferred segments with your video camera.

 

The Movie, Slide, Photo Video Transfer Device with Stereo Mixing Type C

 

This Video Transfer Device is a more complicated device for transferring movies, slides, and photos. The benefits of Type C over other types are the additional capability of adding/mixing audio.

 

The basic instructions are similar to type B. The sound features are described below. Note that there are numerous ways to use this Video Transfer Device with sound. Some units include stereo cables, a microphone or a headphone, or better yet a versatile headset featuring a built-in microphone.

 

 

The built-in stereo sound mixer provides maximum flexibility when transferring a video. You have full control over the sound on your product by minimizing or deleting sections of your original sound. The existing sound can be mixed with stereo music or voice narration with the sliding control levers. After a few test runs, your product will become a professional work of art.

 

  • Adding Music - As you record, music can be added to the final product by utilizing the music sources. The volume of the music track can be adjusted using the Music slide control. Music input jacks allow for outside sources (mp3 player, CD player, etc.) to be pumped in. All Type C converters should include cables, headset, and a power supply. When you are ready to buy a Video Transfer Device, confirm with the seller that these are included.

  • Adding Voice - As you record, your voice (narration etc.) can be added to the final product by utilizing Microphone slide control. There are usually two microphone input jacks on the Video Transfer Device. The volume of the voice can be adjusted using a slide control. Mixing can be possible between the original movie sound, music, or narration.

  • Camera Audio This Audio control sliding lever controls the volume of the original movie sound as it was recorded. It allows you to eliminate or soften the sound from the original movie and mix with music or voice.

  • Master This Master volume slide control on the sound mixer controls the volume of the complete sound track that is being recorded by your video or digital recording device. This allows for an appropriate outcome for your sound on the final product.

 

  4. Questions and Answers on Video Transfer Devices

 

Question No. 1: Can I purchase instructional videos or publications?

 

Instructional videos and publications that I have seen are short and don cover anything about how we can use these devices in the 21st century (DVD etc.) That is the main objectives for buyers today. This write-up tells you, to a much larger and broader extent, what you need to know, instructions, buyers guide, tips, etc. for today applications. You don need to purchase a Video Transfer Device to receive videos or publications. My goal is to help the buyer make the right decision before the actual purchase. I don want my buyer to purchase a Video Transfer Device and realize AFTER the purchase that this is not what they wanted.

 

Question No. 2: How Do I Control Flickering on the Final Product?

This, by far, is the number one question asked by potential purchasers of the Video Transfer Device. Some people can live with flickering but it may be minimized.

 

The reason for flickering during movie transfer is due to the difference in frame rate between film and video. Film Projectors are normally projected at 18 or 24 frames per second (fps). Video records at approximately 60 fields per second. Fields may have part of one frame and part of another, or part of a dark period. The non-uniform transfer causes feint scrolling horizontal lines on your video screen. If the projector operates at a frame rate that is uniformly compatible with 60 (15fps) you would minimize flicker. (You may not still understand a more detailed description can be found on the internet, just go to your favorite search engine and type video transfer flickering.

The best way to reduce flicker is to use a variable-speed projector. That way, you can project your film at 20 fps and get rid of the majority of flicker, because each frame of film is recorded onto three whole fields, and over the course of three "frames" of video, you will record two frames of film. Projecting the movie at 20 fps would accelerate a movie at 18 frames per second or de-accelerate a 24 fps movie. The change is minimal for 18fps movies. Super-8 movies were Sound movies are usually at 24fps and the adjustment to 20fps would be noticeable in audio and video. A more expensive telecine projector (5-bladed instead of the standard 3-bladed) would help this problem but can be quite expensive.

 

Your video camera may have options for shutter speed. Adjusting the shutter speed can help eliminate flicker even at standard speed.

 

International (PAL) video is at 50 fields per second. You would also need a variable speed projector to help eliminate.

Question No. 3: Where can I get a variable speed projector?

 

On ebay of course, just remember that after your project is complete you can probably sell it for a similar price ($100-$200)

 

Question No. 4: Will an older video camera without a close-up lens work?

 

A Video Transfer Device with a built-in macro lens solves the problem. For a Video Transfer Device without a macro lens you can purchase a close-up lens filter and screw to your video camera.

 

Question No. 5: I want to make DVD?

 

So does everyone, you could read how this can be done Section 2 hat is a Video Transfer Device of this write-up.

 

Question No. 6: What do I need to know about the item? What do I want to ask seller if they do not specify in their ebay listing?

 

You should ask if all original items that came with the new unit are included such as table pod, AC adapter, lens cap, etc. Are the original instructions included? Reading this write-up will help you learn what may be required.

 

Question No. 7: I don have a variable speed projector so I plan on buying one on ebay. What do I need to know?

 

You should ask if the bulb works, instructions included, did they actually operate the unit as a test WITH film loaded. Just because the sprockets turn does not mean that it works.

 

Question No. 8: Why can I simply use a wall instead of a Video Transfer Device?

 

One item is that the projector and camera will be at a slight angle to each other and the projected image will be trapezoidal. You will not be able to transfer photos. The lighting in a room, the color of the wall, etc. etc.

 

Question No. 9: Do I really want batteries or an adapter?

 

For Type B units as mentioned above, the battery operates the lamp only which is used for photo transfer. It depends on how much you plan to record photos. These units usually require four (4) C or D size batteries. Type C units may need power for audio mixing and an AC adapter should be considered. Type A units require no power. The requirement for an AC adapter is usually 60hz, 6V, and 800mA.

 

Question No. 10: I want to work this Video Transfer Device from a country outside the US?

 

I have sold many Video Transfer Devices around the world. Batteries could be purchased worldwide. These units usually require four (4) C or D size batteries. The requirement for an AC adapter is usually 60Hz, 6V, and 800mA.

 

Question No. 11: What is a titling kit?

 

The adjacent shows items usually included in a titling kit. The kits include 3 markers (red, black, blue). Assorted sizes of transparent and opaque film, press-on letters and numbers, and a quadrille-ruled guide sheet. With this kit you could easily make titles for movies and slides as you convert to video. The mini-screen on the side of the Video Transfer Device will have slots for the titling slips. Please be aware that the Video Transfer Devices were produced in the late 80 and early 90. The pens may not work but similar types are available.

 

 

 

Question No. 12: I need parts, where can I get these?

 

The Video Transfer Device is no longer made, parts are hard to come by. I have several salvageable units that may have a part you desire. Just email me and I can place the part as an ebay auction where you could immediately purchase.

 

Question No. 13: I do not have instructions?

 

This write-up has most of the basic instructions. I feel sorry for purchasers using an item for the first time without instructions. This is one of the main reasons for me to derive this write-up. I have a collection of copied owner manuals/instructions for a vast array of models. If desired, let me know what you may need. If available, I will post on ebay at a small price.

 

Question No. 14: When were these manufactured?

 

The majority of the Video Transfer Devices were produced in the mid-1980 through mid-1990. It is rare to find these new on a retail shelf.

 

 

  5. Producing Your Final Product Tips and Tricks

 

  • I have always enjoyed producing a video that combines input. Play 30 seconds of a movie, switch to a few photos or slides, even adding a postcard or map in the photo holder letting the viewer where you were on the vacation.

  • Changes in brightness and focus may become evident when transferring slides. You should pause your recording device and make necessary brightness or focus adjustments to each slide.

  • The camera white balance (brightness/contrast) should be set to a manual setting or daylight setting. You want to avoid making brightness/contrast changes on every movie. This is another reason why you should have a live hookup to your monitor so that you may observe the product as you record.

  • The camera focus should be set to a manual setting. You may need to adjust as you record. This is another reason why you should have a live hookup to your monitor so that you may observe the product as you record.

  • Always add a video introduction to your presentation. A general overview of what the audience is about to see.

  • Always clean your movie film and projector before converting. You can purchase film-cleaning solution, use a soft-fine cloth, do this patiently. You may also want to lubricate your projector.

  • Clean the projector lens, rollers, etc. per the projector operating manual.

  • Inspect your entire reel before the transfer. Run a test on the entire reel to confirm that splices are intact, etc.

  • Make sure the projector is perpendicular to the screen on the Video Transfer Device.

  • Set the projector lamp on maximum brightness

  • Room light should be at a minimum.

Closing                                                                                                                  

 

I hope that this information will assist in purchasing your Video Transfer Device. Potential buyers are excited about transferring their old movies to eliminate the hassle of pulling out that old projector. Please be sure, before making an ebay purchase that you fully understand the Video Transfer Device and how it works. You may watch this bout Me write-up for future updates. Please provide any comments you may have.

 

Much Appreciated,

 

madnatben

 

 

All information and photos presented on this bout Me page are solely for informational purposes and are copyrighted material by eBay user Madnatben It is against eBay policy to copy any photos or portions of text for use in seller's listings etc.. Permission may be requested. Violators will be reported to eBay Safe Harbour

 
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My Current Listings
Item Start End Price Title High Bidder/Status
230401897541 Nov-19-09 Nov-26-09 19:15:35 $139.99 STEAMER TRUNK - NEW - Fits American Girl Doll Samantha No Bids Yet
230402404699 Nov-21-09 Nov-24-09 06:48:41 $124.99 MOVIE TRANSFER TELECINE - Super 8 8mm Film to Video DVD No Bids Yet
230402614590 Nov-21-09 Nov-24-09 18:23:36 $149.99 TRANSFER TELECINE 8mm Slides Movies to Film Video DVD Available
330379535542 Nov-21-09 Nov-24-09 19:26:52 $89.99 TRANSFER TELECINE 8mm Movies Photos to Film Video DVD Available
330380179053 Nov-23-09 Nov-26-09 14:30:12 $114.99 VIDEO TRANSFER TELECINE 8mm 16mm Film Movies to DVD No Bids Yet

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User:eplescher( 31Feedback score is 10 to 49)  Date:Nov-12-09 16:35:53 PST
Praise: Item arrived very promptly, in good condition, exactly as described
User:sandersbob70( 11Feedback score is 10 to 49)  Date:Nov-08-09 19:44:13 PST
Praise: Everything was correct
User:dubyah4805( 37Feedback score is 10 to 49)  Date:Nov-01-09 11:49:47 PST
Praise: Outstanding! beats copying from projector screen. Also excellent info with item.
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Praise: Thanks for your Great Service......Works Great!
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Praise: As described. Fast shipping, no damage.
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Praise: very good product, very good and prompt attention,excellent seller,I am grateful
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Praise: fast shipping, good communications++++++++++++
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Praise: Perfetto, Rapido, Ottimo venditore ++++++++
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Praise: My order arrived today. Thank you for getting it to me quickly.
User:shane828( 1020Feedback score is 1000 to 4,999)  Date:Oct-09-09 07:34:04 PDT
Praise: LOOKS GREAT. MISSING MARKERS/LETTERS TILT KIT. VERY FAST AND HELPFUL, A+ SHIPPIN

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The above page is maintained by: madnatben( 1203Feedback score is 1000 to 4,999) Get fast shipping and excellent service from Top-rated sellers.About Me

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