GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Media Conversion Project provides a forum for the exchange of information and
experience on the hardware and software used for the conversion of various types of media to DVD or
CD formats. There are four subgroups: slides, 8mm movie flim, VHS tapes and audio which includes
several tape and record formats.
This project will develop procedures for members to use to convert media. It will
also recommend conversion equipment for purchase by the Club and supervise or instruct conversion
sessions.
For information contact Doug Willoughby,
dougnjoan@suddenlink.net
, 819-0133
THE PROJECT
The Media Conversion Project will focus on providing the hardware, software
and training needed for Club members to convert their old analog media to a digital format.
Included are both audio (LPs, cassette tape, reel to reel tape) and visual (photo prints, slides, 8
mm movie film, video tape) media. The objective is for members to do the conversion work themselves
using equipment that has been provided by the Club.
Our Training Program
The training for media conversion equipment is provided by hands-on workshops for
small groups of members (up to 3). The instructor will demonstrate the procedures and then allow
participants to practice on the equipment. Handouts are provided as well.
To sign up for most workshops, access the schedules for workshops on the class/workshop
scheduling computer in the lab and sign up for a workshop that fits your schedule. All workshops
are free for club members. For VHS Editing workshop, sign up on the list on the counter in the lab
and the instructor will call to schedule a one-on-one workshop at a mutually agreed time.
Detailed Information
Detailed information about the digital conversion process for the various media will
be found on the following pages:
Visit this page for information on how to convert your analog audio media (records
& tapes) to digital format using equipment and guidelines provided by the Club.
This page provides information on how to convert regular 8mm or Super 8 movie film
to digital format where they may be saved on DVDs.
This page will contain information on how to convert analog video tapes to digital
format (DVDs) both with and without editing the material.
Click on the above link to see the procedure for scanning 35 mm slides on the
Minolta Dimage slide scanners.
Web sites with Tutorial Information on Media Conversion
Here are some Web sites that provide good background information on media
conversion. As with most things, a little time spent learning about the technologies involved will
pay off in avoiding mistakes that may be difficult, expensive, or even impossible to correct if you
start down the wrong path.
Since some of these sites also sell equipment and/or services, their listing here
should not be considered as a recommendation to buy from these firms. They are just some sites that
came up during Goggle searches that include useful in-depth information about the processes
involved.
Scanning and Digital Imaging
http://www.scantips.com/
Wayne Fulton presents a lot of information here on scanning and digital imaging all
in easy to understand terms. Anyone who is serious about digital photography, scanning and photo
editing needs to understand the concepts presented here. He also has a book available that contains
the same information
8mm Film to Digital Video Conversion
http://www.moviestuff.tv/
A site with a lot of information on the process and equipment needed for
do-it-your-self movie transferring and also how they will do it for you.
Digital Video Editing
http://www.videoguys.com/
A site that has a wealth of tutuorial "how to" information on digital video editing
and production methods. Visit their
Non Linear Editing Primer
page. Also their
DTV Handbook
and their
DVD Cookbook.
Product reviews are here too and they sell both hardware and software.
Archiving Digital Video
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/dv_archiving_2002_11_26.htm
A tutorial that makes the point that your digital recording and archiving method
should be chosen with your end objective in mind. One method may be fine for making copies of your
video material for viewing but if you plan to do editing, another method may be more
desirable.
Audio Conversion
http://www.dak.com/reviews/Tutorial_LP.cfm
A tutorial on converting records and tapes to digital format using the hardware and
software that you probably already have on your computer. Additional, inexpensive add on hardware
and software is also available here.