When do I pay for the service?
On completion generally – well contact you to arrange payment.
How can I pay for the service?
There are three ways to pay for the service:

i) Over the telephone for most credit cards and debit cards including Mastercard, Visa, Switch, Solo and Paypal.
ii) By posting a cheque to us.
iii) By Paypal, a secure service of payment over the internet.

How much do you charge for Postage and Packing?
Deliveries (that aren't collected in person) are free for orders over £95 in value inc vat. Beyond this it's: UK Recorded Delivery: £5.99
UK SPECIAL DELIVERY or overnight courier guaranteed next working day £9.99

Track and Trace - For Our Customers Peace of Mind
In a poll of our customers, posting rated as one of the most important areas of concern. We understand this and offer a full Track & Trace facility for every parcel that leaves our studios. Upon despatch we'll email you with details of your delivery so you know exactly when you can expect it, along with your tracking reference number.

I'm worried about sending my material in the post. Is it safe?
We've carried out our cine film transfer mail order business for years without any problems whatsoever. However, we always recommend sending your material to us by recorded delivery or special delivery where possible.

On receipt we'll contact you to confirm safe arrival of your film. For peace of mind, we return everything by recorded delivery as standard and where requested, special delivery too.

How long does it take?
On average we turn work around in a week although at peak times it takes a fraction longer.
Note regarding Christmas - Due to the increased demands that this period places on us and the postal service, please allow for plenty of time when sending your material to us.

Could Copyright Issues affect me?
Copyright material will require permission in writing from the copyright holder. Special rates apply for obsolete or broadcast formats.

Are subsequent copies of the DVD the same price as the first one?
No! They are cheaper.. The first mastered one(s) take longer but subsequent copies take less time and we pass the benefit on to you by making them cheaper - (see 3 for 2 dvd copy offer)

2. Cine to DVD FAQs:

What will the quality be like?
We use Digital Telecine Equipment. To the layman, these are machines dedicated for the purposes of transferring cine film. This technology ensures that films are perfectly reproduced without any of the numerous problems associated with the mismatch between modern and past day frame rates. The process delivers faithful and well saturated copies of your precious material. We do not aim to be the cheapest but we do aim to be the best which is reflected in our prestigious client base.

I have a variety of cine reels of different gauges. Does this matter?
No - our studio handles all formats including Standard 8, Super 8, 9,5mm & 16mm.

Can you transfer reels in order?
Yes: If you wish to view them in the correct sequence, all reels and boxes must be clearly numbered.

What’s the quality of a DVD like?
The video quality of a DVD , is better than a Super VHS tape. A single sided, single layered DVD could have more than 2 hours of high quality video although if you're looking for absolute quality, then we recommend a maximum of 1 hour per DVD.

Do you charge for re-splicing breaks?
No! For two reasons:

i) Firstly, our machines are purpose designed for cine transfers and as such treat all guages of film delicately.
ii) Secondly, in the rare cases where there are old splices that have come unstuck, we completely absorb the cost of re-splicing them.

Are subsequent copies of the DVD the same price as the first one?
No! They are cheaper.. The first mastered one(s) take longer but subsequent copies are cheaper. (see 3 for 2 offer)

I can't exactly remember what's on my reels! Is there a way that I can edit the transferred footage myself?
Yes! Due to the huge increase in customers looking to take greater control over their cine material, we are invariably asked to provide quality Digital Mini DV copies with each order.

Given that most films have bits that need to be cut out, re-ordered or enhanced with titles etc, this has become an incredibly popular option that has been fuelled by easy to use and economical editing software. To assist you, we've also produced a free guide to editing which in plain language explains the basics. Apart from some simple editing software and an appropriate PC, you'll just need access to an everyday Mini DV camcorder from which you can output your film.

Mini DV gives you the benefit of a high quality, uncompressed version ideal for editing on your pc (much better for editing than DVDs which are better suited for general viewing purposes and storage). At just £19.99 per mini DV, it's incredibly economical. (Please also note that if you choose this option, you've no need to opt for background music or the titles option since you can easily carry out these elements yourself during the editing process)

What do I have to do in advance of sending the films?
Not much but if you have not viewed your films in recent years, we advise you to scan through the contents of your film(s) using a projector and (assuming they are numbered) check the reel numbers correctly match the numbers on the boxes, particularly numbers 6 and 9!.

Check also that all spools are wound the correct way round start to finish. White leader tape should be found at the start of the spool and not in the centre. If your films require editing we recommend transferring the entire contents onto tape or disc then creating a simple edit list using the time clock on the front of your video or disc player. A note explaining how to do this will be found inside the cassette case that accompanies the tape or disc. Should we detect a soundtrack already on the film it will be recorded at no extra charge.

If you intend to add some additional material at a later date it is important that you request a 3 hour tape. Be warned however that this is not possible with DVD as the discs have to be finalised. Do appreciate that there will always be some loss in picture quality in the transfer process whichever format you choose.

Do you alter the originals?
No, your original material will be returned to you unmodified.

Can you extract photos from my movie?
Yes. Should there be a particular image that you'd like extracted from whatever your movie material is, be it video, camcorder tape of cine film, just drop us a line here explaining what you want to do and we'll contact you to run through the process. We'll work with you to extract and save those images and it doesn't cost a fortune!

3. Camcorder & VHS To DVD FAQs:

What are DVDs?
DVD has the same physical format of a CD with a data density approx 8 times ( 4.7 GB ) of a CD. DVD video ( we usually just call it DVD ) has become the standard format for videos on a DVD. Videos are digitized and compressed into MPEG-2 data stream ( MPG file ), at a variable bit rate ( 9.8Mbit/s max. for video + audio, sampling at 48kHz ). The MPG file is then output to a special format on a DVD along with other control files so that it is compatible with most set top DVD players

How many camcorder tapes can you fit onto one dvd?
To maintain quality, we tend to transfer one camcorder tape onto its own dvd. This also results in a simpler transfer where the tape can always be matched to the dvd at a later date. Its also advisable since many camcorder tapes are long play and last longer

Does it matter if my tapes are recorded in long play?
No. we don't charge more and simply absorb any additional costs into our business overall. Our machines can handle all formats.

Do you alter the originals?
No, your original material will be returned to you unmodified.

What’s the quality of a DVD like?
The video quality of a DVD , is better than a Super VHS tape. A single sided, single layered DVD could have more than 2 hours of high quality video although if you're looking for absolute quality, then we recommend a maximum of 1 hour per DVD.

What possible DVD compatibility issues are?
If you already have a DVD player, then in the vast majority of cases, the DVD which we'll create for you will be compatible. However, It's always worth checking beforehand with your manufacturer. We are not responsible for problems due to incompatibility of your DVD player with our media.

4. Slide Scanning & Photo Restoration FAQs:

i) Photo Restoration:

Can I order larger prints or more than one print?
Yes, of course you can! Since we mainly charge for our time and expertise, the costs of any larger or extra prints are kept down. We pass this benefit on to you the customer.

Do you alter the originals?
No, we only take a digital copy from your original. Your original will be returned to you unmodified.

What do the finished prints look like?
At Supaphoto, we use some of the best materials and equipment to ensure that the finished image looks as best as possible. We use high quality fine art photographic paper with a average lightfastness factor of approximately twenty five years. A high percentage of our customers are returning customers and we aim to keep it that way!

Do you accept every job?
No. On extremely rare occasions, we are regrettably forced to reject certain types of restoration work on account of the difficulty involved to make a good job of it. For this reason, we ask that all restoration work be sent with an additional stamped addressed envelope. In the rare instance that we have to reject the job, we will use your stamped addressed envelope to send your image(s) back to you. Please note however, that this is very unusual.

ii) Slide and Negative Scanning:

Why Scan?
Generally, scanning film gives better results than scanning prints. Film contains much greater detail than it is possible to extract from prints. Film gives a substantially greater contrast range than can be extracted from prints. This is even more the case in respect of slide film which is why many photo stock agencies prefer that media.

With film, it's likely that you will get images that are up to nearly 60 MB in size, maybe even more which is a reflection of the 'information' held within film or slides. To get things as right as possible, before choosing an image to be scanned, there are several aspects that have to be taken into account: An image should be sharp with high definition. This is an important factor in determining the quality of your scanned images. Less than this and you will suffer from blurred images. Images are best with a good colour balance that reproduces correctly. Images need proper contrast. Good contrast helps distinguish between the light and dark areas of your photo.

What’s your usual turnaround time?
All scanning work is normally carried out within 7 working days of receiving your order and payment being cleared. The smaller the order, the faster the turnaround. Larger orders (i.e more than 500) may take longer in which case we would email you an estimated completion date.

How can I help myself?
Any negatives must be 2-6 frame strips and clearly labelled as to which ones should be scanned. We would recommend that you indicate the ones that need scanning by marking the negative holding sheet either with stickers or permanent pen, and write a list of which negatives you want scanned on paper. If you're sending any negatives which run from 1-36 then we advise you to attach a list of which frame numbers need scanning. Be aware that this may include frames spanning two numbers.

What is a Pixel?
A pixel is a small square of digital "information". Millions of pixels combine to make up a digital image. A digital file with not enough pixels produces a low quality print. A digital file with enough pixels produces a good quality print

JPEGS OR TIFFS?
It's an abbreviation for a Tagged Image File (TIFF).

The biggest advantage of saving files in the tiff format is that no information is lost at all. The downside of tiff files is that the file size is larger. .

The JPEG or 'Joint Photographics Expert Group' format uses a compression technique that discards data not key to the display of the image. It is therefore categorized as a "lossy" file format. Although millions of colour variations are retained, jpeg compression discards information on pixel frequency values since certain pixel values may be averaged to the values of those pixels in its immediately surroundings.

The actual level of jpeg compression will affect just how much information is lost.

5. DVD Duplication FAQs:

When should I replicate and when should I duplicate?
For larger quantities over 1000 replication is the most economical choice, while duplication for quantities up to 1000 is faster.

What is the difference?
Replication is a process that involves stamping out the CD and silkscreening the artwork onto the CD. Duplication actually burns the information onto a CDR and then uses a thermal or an inkjet printer to print the artwork.

What is your turn around time?
The generic duplication turn is 7-9 business days, while replication is a 10 – 12 day turnaround. We can accommodate rush orders within 24 hours and consistently work with our customers to ensure that even the most stringent deadline requirements are met.

What programs should I use to create artwork for my CD/DVD?
When creating CD artwork, Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw and Quark Xpress offer the best applications for art; We support both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

What programs should I use to create artwork for inserts and traycards?
Inserts and traycard artwork should be created using the same programs as above.

What are my packaging options?
Offerings include standard packaging – a jewel case, sleeve or a C-Shell. We can also accommodate any of your custom packaging needs. Just speak with one of our Project Coordinators regarding the many options available. We will work with you to create a satisfying solution to all of your packaging needs.

Do you provide film service?
Yes, we can provide you with custom printed, high quality films so that artwork may be proofed for accuracy, ensuring a 100% optimal finished product

Will you create my artwork for me?
Yes, we have graphics designers on staff that will work with you to help your company achieve the custom image that you desire.

Do your business card CD’s come in different sizes?
Yes, depending on the amount of information, we will recommend the most appropriate size for you or you can choose from many custom shapes.

Can a bar code be provided?
There are two ways to include a bar code on your CD packaging. You can include them on your artwork, or simply provide us with the code numbers and we add them into your artwork. To ensure accuracy, generation of the visual number must be done through UPC.

Is it less expensive to use black printing CD’s?
Yes, when duplicating, black ink is the most economical choice. Color printing is an additional charge. When replicating, 2-color silkscreen is the standard.

Is it recommended to mail jewel cases or window sleeves?
Window sleeves or C-Shells are the best option for mailing. Jewel cases may also be mailed if packaged properly. Your Project Coordinator can assist you with any packaging questions that you may have.

What is the most economical CD Replication Package?
A two color CD in a window sleeve is the basic, most economical CD Replication package. However, we offer savings with other packaging options as quantity increases.

Can you just get printing on the CDR?
Yes, if you prefer, we can silkscreen onto blank CDR’s without duplication for your future duplication use.

If my master is a multi-session format can you put it in single-session format for me?
Yes, our skilled technical staff is able to work with a multitude of customer requests, including muti-session CDR’s. Fees are based on the type of service provided.