film transfer

Film Audio Transfer - Super8, 8mm

Purpose & Overview This describes the procedure to transfer audio from Super8 sound film and from 8mm sound film.  The general process is to run the film through a projector that can read the audio track and transfer the audio to the computer.  Once on the computer the audio can then be merged with the video.

Overview Connections

Projector (currently the Elmo) connects to the Echo Layla box via a 3.5 stereo cable should be plugged into the rear of the Layla box in position "line input" 7.  Layla box plugs into Layla PCI card in Audio Capture system/computer.

8mm Equipment Required

8mm/Super8 sound projector. Eumig Mark S 710D. Now using the Elmo Projector.

  • power transformer for 120v 60Hz to 220v 50Hz conversion.

Super8 take up reel.  Sankyo reel is a good one (not with the Elmo).

Echo Layla box.

The XP PC called "Music" to record the audio onto.

3.5mm stereo male to 5 pin DIN cable to connect the PC (via the Echo Layla) to the projector.  This cable could replace the one that is plugged into the Echo Layla box.

Super8 Equipment Required

Super8 sound projector. Yashica Sound P820. Now using the ELMO.

Super8 take up reel.

Echo Layla box.

The XP PC called "Music" to record the audio onto.

3.5mm stereo male to male cable cable that should be already connected to the Echo Layla and should be plugged into the projector's "monitor out" jack.

Summary

Play the  sound film through the  sound projector and record the output audio onto the PC.  In post the audio files are merged with the video that was transferred using the Retro units.

8mm Steps

  1. Set up the Eumig projector near the Echo Layla box in the recroom.
  2. Mount the take up reel on the projector
  3. Connect "Music" to the projector using the 5 pin DIN to 3.5mm stereo cable.  There will be a 3.5mm cable already plugged into the Echo Layla box....replace this cable wit the 3.5mm to 5 pin DIN cable.  The 3.5 stereo plug should be plugged into the female 3.5mm/1/4" adaptor plugged into the Layla and the 5 pin DIN plug should be plugged into the DIN socket labeled with a "play" symbol (side of the projector with the knobs and switches, nearest the front of the lens).
  4. Open Sony Vegas on Music and create a new audio track.  There should be a 2 track sample in the RAW folder.
  5. Make sure the audio input is set to line-in..... a) Record input: "Line-in VIA High Definition Au (Default)" b) .... this is set  under options / preferences / audio device (tab) / Default audio recording device (field) c) If this is not set correctly on the track info, then you may have to change it under the preferences and you may have to delete and recreate the audio track to set it correctly. d) If you are not getting the audio...you may have to check the settings in VIA HD Audio Deck (found in icon tray) to make sure that the "line-in" is set correctly.
  6. Mount the film on the projector's long arm.
  7. Clockwise rotate the projector's run switch to the first position (load).
  8. Just below the lens is a black "push-switch"....push this and hold it.
  9. Feed the film into the front slot above the lens.  Once it catches it should start feeding through the film pathway.  Watch the film and make sure it does not jam or bunch up in the pathway.  IMMEDIATELY turn knob to OFF if jam occurs and then rewind the film.
  10. When the film reaches the take-up reel it may catch nicely or you may have to stop the film and manually make it catch.  You can also let go of the "push-switch" once the film appears at the back of the projector.
  11. Make sure the projector's volume control knob labelled with a Nike swoosh is set around 10:30 o'clock (you may want to test this setting).
  12. Test if Vegas is getting the audio by.... a) creating an audio track b) clicking the "arm for record" (in the track header info) and setting up where to record c) running the projector and watching for the audio bars in Vegas to react
  13. Once your satisfied with the audio levels in Vegas.... a) Rewind projector to start b) click the "record" button in Vegas c) start the projector
  14. Clockwise rotate the run knob to either position to run the film.
  15. When the film is done, hit the "stop" on Sony Vegas, and rotate the projector's run knob to the "off" position.
  16. Thread the film back into the original reel and rotate the run knob to reverse (first position - counter clockwise).
  17. Repeat the above for all the films.  It helps if the audio file numbering matches the film video numbering.
  18. Match up the audio to the video.

Super8 Steps

  1. Set up the projector near the Echo Layla box in the recroom.
  2. Remove ELMO cover off the projector (pull straight out) so that one can see the film's path
  3. Mount the take up reel on the projector
  4. Connect "Music" to the projector using the 3.5mm male-male stereo cable.  The 3.5 stereo plug should already be plugged into the Echo Layla that in turn is connected to "Music".  The other end of the 3.5mm plug cable should be plugged into the "MONITOR-OUT" jack at the back of the projector.
  5. Open Sony Vegas on Music and create a new audio track.  There should be a 1 track TEMPLATE in the F:/RAW folder.
  6. Make sure the audio input is plugged  into the MONITOR OUT jack..... a) Record input: "Line-in VIA High Definition Au (Default)" b) .... this is set  under options / preferences / audio device (tab) / Default audio recording device (field) c) If this is not set correctly on the track info, then you may have to change it under the preferences and you may have to delete and recreate the audio track to set it correctly. d) If you are not getting the audio...you may have to check the settings in VIA HD Audio Deck (found in icon tray) to make sure that the "line-in" is set correctly.
  7. Mount the film on the projector's long arm.
  8. Make sure the projector control labelled "volume" is set around 12 o'clock.
  9. Clockwise rotate the projector's run switch to the last position to the right as this includes audio capture.
  10. Just above the lens is a green "PUSH" button on top....push and hold this (it will not stay down).
  11. Feed the film into the green front slot.  Once it catches it should start feeding through the film pathway.  Watch the film and make sure it does not jam or bunch up in the pathway.  IMMEDIATELY turn knob to OFF if jam occurs and then turn the knob left to rewind the film.
  12. When the film reaches the take-up reel it may catch nicely or you may have to stop the film and manually make it catch.
  13. Test if Vegas is getting the audio by.... a) creating an audio track b) clicking the "arm for record" (in the track header info) and setting up where to record c) running the projector and watching for the audio bars in Vegas to react
  14. Once your satisfied with the audio levels in Vegas.... a) Rewind projector to start b) click the "record" button in Vegas c) start the projector (all the way to the right (clockwise))
  15. Clockwise rotate the run knob to the furthest point (play audio).
  16. When the film is done, hit the "stop" on Sony Vegas, and rotate the projector's run knob to the "off" position.
  17. Thread the film back into the original reel and rotate the run knob to reverse (first position - counter clockwise). Or just take the reel off and use the manual winders.
  18. Repeat the above for all the films.  It helps if the audio file numbering matches the film video numbering.
  19. Match up the audio to the video.

Editing And Syncing Audio - Super8

Assume that when the audio is captured via the projector, the projector is run at the right speed for that particular film and therefore the audio should be correct and not require much if any adjusting.  The adjusting should be done to the video.  You'll find that the video and audio will never match at first.

If the audio requires adjusting then it will need to be adjusted by doing a time stretch:

  • right click the audio track and select the properties.
  • "Audio Event" tab should open.
  • Under the "Time Stretch / pitch shift" update the Method: drop down to "Classic"
  • Check the Pitch change: Lock to stretch box and fill in the ratio with:
    • 1.45 in the Super8 film is 18fps
    • 5.00 if the Super8 film is 24fps (the projector is run at 18fps)

Sometimes the ratio may need to be adjusted a little to fit perfectly.  One can also stretch the video a little to fit too (in addition to setting the ratio first).

Issue Existing With 8mm Audio

We still have a hum in the audio.  I tried moving the "disc"s around and optimized the hum but did not eliminate it.  The projector's power plug has been altered and the Euro plug replaced with a two prong America plug.  This plugs in the transformer.  The original plug had a ground and I thought this may be an issue for the hum and Peter Knight told me that a ground would NOT change the hum.

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Elmo Sound ST-800 Super8 Projector with Audio

Purpose & Overview

This describes the procedure to transfer audio from Super8 sound film and from 8mm sound film.  The general process is to run the film through a projector that can read the audio track and transfer the audio to the computer.  Once on the computer the audio can then be merged with the video via Sony Vegas.

Overview Connections

Projector connects to the Echo Layla box via a 3.5 stereo cable that should be plugged into the rear of the Layla box in position "line input" 7 (top position).  Layla box plugs into Layla PCI card in Music (audio station).

8mm Equipment Required

8mm/Super8 sound projector. Elmo Sound ST-800

Super8 take up reel.  An 800' Elmo reel is included in the Elmo kit.

Echo Layla box.

The PC called "Music" to record the audio.

3.5mm stereo male to 5 pin DIN cable to connect the PC (via the Echo Layla) to the projector.  This cable could replace the one that is plugged into the Echo Layla box.

Super8 Equipment Required

Super8 sound projector. Elmo Sound ST-800.

Super8 take up reel.  An 800' Elmo reel is included in the Elmo kit.

Echo Layla box.

The PC called "Music" to record the audio onto.

NOTE:

3.5mm stereo male to male cable cable that should be already connected to the Echo Layla and should be plugged into the projector's Monitor jack!! Note: this is completely opposite from the Yashica Sound P820 used previously. The Aux Out jack will NOT produce the sound from the film's audio track!! Also NOTE: When the cable is not plugged into either the Aux Out or the Monitor Out you will be able to hear the audio from the projector's on board speaker.

Summary

Play the  sound film through the  sound projector and record the output audio onto the PC.  In post the audio files are merged with the video that was transferred using the Retro units.

8mm Steps

  1. Set up the Eumig projector near the Echo Layla box .
  2. Mount the take up reel on the projector
  3. Connect "Music" to the projector using the 5 pin DIN to 3.5mm stereo cable.  There will be a 3.5mm cable already plugged into the Echo Layla box....replace this cable wit the 3.5mm to 5 pin DIN cable.  The 3.5 stereo plug should be plugged into the female 3.5mm/1/4" adaptor plugged into the Layla and the 5 pin DIN plug should be plugged into the DIN socket labeled with a "play" symbol (side of the projector with the knobs and switches, nearest the front of the lens).
  4. Open Sony Vegas on Music and create a new audio track.  There should be a 2 track sample in the RAW folder.
  5. Make sure the audio input is set to line-in..... a) Record input: "Line-in VIA High Definition Au (Default)" b) .... this is set  under options / preferences / audio device (tab) / Default audio recording device (field) c) If this is not set correctly on the track info, then you may have to change it under the preferences and you may have to delete and recreate the audio track to set it correctly. d) If you are not getting the audio...you may have to check the settings in VIA HD Audio Deck (found in icon tray) to make sure that the "line-in" is set correctly.
  6. Mount the film on the projector's long arm.
  7. Clockwise rotate the projector's run switch to the first position (load).
  8. Just below the lens is a black "push-switch"....push this and hold it.
  9. Feed the film into the front slot above the lens.  Once it catches it should start feeding through the film pathway.  Watch the film and make sure it does not jam or bunch up in the pathway.  IMMEDIATELY turn knob to OFF if jam occurs and then rewind the film.
  10. When the film reaches the take-up reel it may catch nicely or you may have to stop the film and manually make it catch.  You can also let go of the "push-switch" once the film appears at the back of the projector.
  11. Make sure the projector's volume control knob labelled with a Nike swoosh is set around 10:30 o'clock (you may want to test this setting).
  12. Test if Vegas is getting the audio by.... a) creating an audio track b) clicking the "arm for record" (in the track header info) and setting up where to record c) running the projector and watching for the audio bars in Vegas to react
  13. Once your satisfied with the audio levels in Vegas.... a) Rewind projector to start b) click the "record" button in Vegas c) start the projector
  14. Clockwise rotate the run knob to either position to run the film.
  15. When the film is done, hit the "stop" on Sony Vegas, and rotate the projector's run knob to the "off" position.
  16. Thread the film back into the original reel and rotate the run knob to reverse (first position - counter clockwise).
  17. Repeat the above for all the films.  It helps if the audio file numbering matches the film video numbering.
  18. Match up the audio to the video.

Super8 Steps

  1. Set up the projector near the Echo Layla box at the Audio Computer Station.
  2. Removal of the Elmo  cover from the projector (pull straight out) exposes the film's path to ensure that it does not get jammed along the way
  3. Mount the take up reel on the projector
  4. Connect the "Audio Computer" to the projector using the 3.5mm male-male stereo cable from the Layla.  The 3.5 stereo plug should already be plugged into the Echo Layla that in turn is connected to the "Audio Computer".  The other end of the 3.5mm plug cable should be plugged into the "MONITOR OUT" jack at the rear of the projector.
  5. Open Sony Vegas 10 on Audio Computer that creates the audio track.  There should be a single track sample generated in the RAW folder created for that specific client.
  6. Make sure the audio input is set to line-in..... a) Record input: "Line-in VIA High Definition Au (Default)" b) .... this is set  under options / preferences / audio device (tab) / Default audio recording device (field) c) If this is not set correctly on the track info, then you may have to change it under the preferences and you may have to delete and recreate the audio track to set it correctly. d) If you are not getting the audio...you may have to check the settings in VIA HD Audio Deck (found in icon tray) to make sure that the "line-in" is set correctly.
  7. Mount the film on the projector's long arm.
  8. Make sure the projector control labelled "volume" is set around 12 o'clock.
  9. Clockwise rotate the projector's run switch to the third position (run with audio).
  10. Just above the lens is a green "PUSH" button....press this once while threading the film, or until the film appears at the take-up reel.
  11. Feed the film into the front slot on the green thing.  Once it catches it should start feeding through the film pathway.  Watch the film and make sure it does not jam or bunch up in the pathway.  IMMEDIATELY turn knob to OFF if jam occurs and then rewind the film. If it does not come back out while attempting to rewind you may need to manually release the film from the thread path to start again.
  12. When the film reaches the take-up reel it may catch nicely or you may have to stop the film and manually make it catch (the reel should take up the film while rotating clockwise, ie. the film is taken up from the rear of the reel).
  13. Test if Vegas is getting the audio by.... a) creating an audio track b) clicking the "arm for record" (in the track header info) and setting up where the file is to record to c) running the projector and watching for the audio bars in Vegas to react
  14. Once your satisfied wit the audio levels in Vegas.... a) Rewind projector to start b) click the "record" button in Vegas c) start the projector
  15. Clockwise rotate the run knob to the furthest point (play audio).
  16. When the film is done, hit the "stop" on Sony Vegas, and rotate the projector's run knob to the "off" position.
  17. Thread the film back into the original reel and rotate the run knob to reverse (first position - counter clockwise).
  18. Repeat the above for all the films.  It helps if the audio file numbering matches the film video numbering.
  19. Match up the audio to the video in Vegas (not the City, the program).

Editing And Syncing Audio - Super8

Assume that when the audio is captured via the projector, the projector is run at the right speed for that particular film and therefore the audio should be correct and not require much if any adjusting.  The adjusting should be done to the video.  You'll find that the video and audio will never match at first.

If the audio requires adjusting then it will need to be adjusted by doing a time stretch:

  • right click the audio track and select the properties.
  • "Audio Event" tab should open.
  • Under the "Time Stretch / pitch shift" update the Method: drop down to "Classic"
  • Check the Pitch change: Lock to stretch box and fill in the ratio with:
    • 1.45 in the Super8 film is 18fps
    • 5.00 if the Super8 film is 24fps (the projector is run at 18fps)

Sometimes the ratio may need to be adjusted a little to fit perfectly.  One can also stretch the video a little to fit too (in addition to setting the ratio first).

Issue Existing With 8mm Audio

We still have a hum in the audio.  I tried moving the "disc"s around and optimized the hum but did not eliminate it.  The projector's power plug has been altered and the Euro plug replaced with a two prong America plug.  This plugs in the transformer.  The original plug had a ground and I thought this may be an issue for the hum and Peter Knight told me that a ground would NOT change the hum.

BlackMagic Motion JPEG Codec

Overview The BlackMagic (BM) Motion JPEG codec is the codec that is used to create the AVI files generated during the film capture through the BlackMagic Intensity Pro capture card from the Sniper units.  The codec is maintained in the final file that is generated by the Cinecap VelocityHD program.

Issue

When these AVI files are ingested into the various NLE programs, these programs need to be able to translate the AVI files.  Customers have reported that Adobe's Premier Pro (CS 4 or CS5) does not natively ingest these files.  One person with a new system (quad-core PC, 8GB RAM, Win7 64bit) and CS5 and our website sample download got the dialogue box that said:  "The project file appears to be damaged"....he could however play it using a player on his system.

Install Codec

However, it cannot hurt to have the BlackMagic Motion JPEG codec.  Here's the instructions on how to install it:

It appears that they've repackaged things and the codec  can now be downloaded in something called "Desktop Video".  The other person that downloaded this had no problems and even found a cool utility to analyse his drive configuration for editing HD footage.  The direct link to download it for windows (xp, vista and 7) is here:

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/support/detail/?sid=3947&pid=3989&os=win&leg=0

Otherwise here's the route:

1) http://www.blackmagic-design.com/support/

2) Then select the OS, the Product Series is "Intensity", and the Product is "Intensity Pro" ... then click the <Search> button.

3) Under the downloads title, select the <Download> button for "Desktop Video 9.0 for Windows"

Film Transfers - Cleaning and Preparing

Overview: Just some notes on preparing and cleaning film before transferring.

How Should the Film Appear On the Rewinders

When one is standing in front of the rewinders, the film should:

  • Be mounted on the right rewind post.
  • The take-up reel (the empty one) should be on the left rewind post (the drive post with the handle)
  • The sprockets should be on the far side of the film.
  • The film should be coming off the top of the reel to the top of the take-up reel
  • The emulsion side (the duller side) of the film should be facing up (we are talking about the black film and not the leader....may need to unwind the film a little to see the actual film)

Basic Rewinder Process

  1. Rewind the film from the “dead” post ot the “active” (on your left).
  2. Clean the film with a lint free cloth with a spot soaked in Solvon.
    1. Pinch the cloth around the film as you move the film
    2. I pinch the film near the “dead” post for two reasons:
      1. i.      The film has a longer period to dry before winding onto the take-up reel
      2. ii.      I can brake the “dead” reel easier if I’m near it (needed if you suddenly have to stop)
  3. When the film has been moved and cleaned....
  4. Move the reels from one post to the other keeping the reels in the same orientation
  5. Now thread the film from the bottom of the right reel to the bottom of the take-up reel (the original reel)
    1. The film between the reels should be the glossy side up
    2. The film on the reels should be the emulsion side up

Situations or Problems:

When cleaning and preparing the film for transferring you can come across a few situations.  Here’s a list of them and the solutions:

  • Upside down and backwards:
    • How can you tell.  The film will come of the reel with the shiny side (non-emulsion side) facing up.
    • Solution:
      • We have the original reel, call it reel A, and the spare take-up reel, call it reel B
      • Mount reel B (spare take-up reel) on the left post
      • Rewind film from the top of the reel A (original reel) to the bottom of the reel B
      • Reel B will now have the dull side (expulsion side) up
      • Remove reel B from the post
        • With the reel oriented such that the sprockets are near you, the film will now be rolling off the right hand side
        • Mount reel B on projector and scan
        • Replace reel B with reel A (the original reel) and rewind the film back onto reel A
  • Splices Only On One Side
    • How can you tell:
      • Examining the film at the splices.
    • Problems this can cause:
      • When scanning 8mm film, the film will tend to get stuck in the track and jam causing the film to bunch up and wrinkle!!!
      • For 16mm film this can cause the film to jerk sharply at the top of the film path and this is turn may cause the projector to stop or the film to break or just to jerk during the scan.
    • Solution:
      • When winding the film through the rewinder keep and eye out for changes in film where a splice has occurred.
      • Generally the splices are at the end of 50 foot films that have been spliced together
      • You can usually feel the splice when cleaning it
  • Film On Reel Backwards
    • How can you tell:
      • Look at a film frame closely. The top of the frame should be toward the head of the film (or the top of the frame should be toward the leader).
    • Problems this can cause:
      • When scanning the film (8mm or 16mm), the film will be scanned upside down and backwards.
    • Solution:
      • Rather than winding the film onto the cleaning reel and back onto the original reel before scanning we need to wind the film (while cleaning it) onto a temporary reel.
      • Then mount the temporary reel on the Sniper unit.
      • Scan the film as you normally would.
      • When the film is on the take-up reel, replace the temporary reel wit the original reel and then rewind the film onto the original reel.
      • The film should now be scanned and the original reel should have the film with the head facing out.

Film File Sizes - why is one bigger than the other?

Pupose: Sometimes customers ask why one file size is bigger than the other with regards to film transfer file sizes and different fps.  Here's an answer/explanation that may help.

Answer:

As for the file size, that all has to do with the fps and the corresponding pull-down that is applied to the file based on the fps selected.  Basically, standard video is at 30fps (29.97) and this is the file that we are seeing.  Now depending on the fps selected, the video will have multiples of the film frame in the final file.  For example, if the file is processed at 10fps there will be 3 copies of each frame, if at 15fps there will be 2 copies of each frame, and at 30fps there will only be one copy of each frame.  16fps, 18fps, and 24fps do not evenly go into 30fps so they will be further complicated by adding pull-down frames to pad them to 30fps.  Therefore, in summary, a 16fps speed file will be larger than a 24P file just due to the number of frames.

I hope that I’ve explained it clearly enough….I know it took me a while to understand it at first.

Reference:

Further info can be found in a document:  User Data\TMM\Research\16mm transfer units\Film Transfer process.docx

Super8 and 8mm Sound Transfer

Purpose This describes the procedure to transfer audio from Super8 sound film and from 8mm sound film.

Space Connection

A 3.5 stereo cable should be plugged into the rear "line-in" jack (blue)(bottom row of jacks, corner nearest Jason's room) and the female 3.5mm end should be found between Space and Mac.

8mm Equipment Required

8mm/Super8 sound projector. Eumig Mark S 710D.

  • power transformer for 120v 60Hz to 220v 50Hz conversion.

Super8 take up reel.  Sankyo reel is a good one.

The PC called "Space" to record the audio onto.

3.5mm stereo male to 5 pin DIN cable to connect the PC's line-out  (rear) to the projector.

Super8 Equipment Required

Super8 sound projector. Yashica Sound P820.

Super8 take up reel.  Sankyo reel is a good one.

The PC called "Space" to record the audio onto.

3.5mm stereo male to male cable to connect the PC's line-out  (rear) to the projector.

Summary

Play the  sound film through the  sound projector and record the output audio onto the PC.  In post the audio files are merged with the video that was transferred using the Sniper units.

8mm Steps

  1. Set up the Eumig projector.
  2. Mount the take up reel on the projector
  3. Connect "Space" to the projector using the 5 pin DIN to 3.5mm stereo cable.  The 3.5 stereo plug should be plugged into the female 3.5mm plug and the 5 pin DIN plug should be plugged into the DIN socket labeled with a "play" symbol (side of the projector with the knobs and switches, nearest the front of the lens).
  4. Open Sony Vegas on Space and create a new audio track.
  5. Make sure the audio input is set to line-in..... a) Record input: "Line-in VIA High Definition Au (Default)" b) .... this is set  under options / preferences / audio device (tab) / Default audio recording device (field) c) If this is not set correctly on the track info, then you may have to change it under the preferences and you may have to delete and recreate the audio track to set it correctly. d) If you are not getting the audio...you may have to check the settings in VIA HD Audio Deck (found in icon tray) to make sure that the "line-in" is set correctly.
  6. Mount the film on the projector's long arm.
  7. Clockwise rotate the projector's run switch to the first position (load).
  8. Just below the lens is a black "push-switch"....push this and hold it.
  9. Feed the film into the front slot above the lens.  Once it catches it should start feeding through the film pathway.  Watch the film and make sure it does not jam or bunch up in the pathway.  IMMEDIATELY turn knob to OFF if jam occurs and then rewind the film.
  10. When the film reaches the take-up reel it may catch nicely or you may have to stop the film and manually make it catch.  You can also let go of the "push-switch" once the film appears at the back of the projector.
  11. Make sure the projector's volume control knob labelled with a Nike swoosh is set around 10:30 o'clock (you may want to test this setting).
  12. Test if Vegas is getting the audio by.... a) creating an audio track b) clicking the "arm for record" (in the track header info) and setting up where to record c) running the projector and watching for the audio bars in Vegas to react
  13. Once your satisfied with the audio levels in Vegas.... a) Rewind projector to start b) click the "record" button in Vegas c) start the projector
  14. Clockwise rotate the run knob to either position to run the film.
  15. When the film is done, hit the "stop" on Sony Vegas, and rotate the projector's run knob to the "off" position.
  16. Thread the film back into the original reel and rotate the run knob to reverse (first position - counter clockwise).
  17. Repeat the above for all the films.  It helps if the audio file numbering matches the film video numbering.
  18. Match up the audio to the video.

Super8 Steps

  1. Set up the projector.
  2. Remove Yashica cover off the projector (pull straight out) so that one can see the film's path
  3. Mount the take up reel on the projector
  4. Connect "Space" to the projector using the 3.5mm male-male stereo cable.  The 3.5 stereo plug should be plugged into the female 3.5mm plug coming from "Space" and the other 3.5mm plug should be plugged into the "MONO AUX-OUT" jack at the back of the projector.
  5. Open Sony Vegas on Space and create a new audio track.
  6. Make sure the audio input is set to line-in..... a) Record input: "Line-in VIA High Definition Au (Default)" b) .... this is set  under options / preferences / audio device (tab) / Default audio recording device (field) c) If this is not set correctly on the track info, then you may have to change it under the preferences and you may have to delete and recreate the audio track to set it correctly. d) If you are not getting the audio...you may have to check the settings in VIA HD Audio Deck (found in icon tray) to make sure that the "line-in" is set correctly.
  7. Mount the film on the projector's long arm.
  8. Make sure the projector control labelled "volume" is set around 12 o'clock.
  9. Clockwise rotate the projector's run switch to the first position (load).
  10. Just above the lense is a "PUSH" button on a white thing....push this once (this should stay down).
  11. Feed the film into the front slot on the white thing.  Once it catches it should start feeding through the film pathway.  Watch the film and make sure it does not jam or bunch up in the pathway.  IMMEDIATELY turn knob to OFF if jam occurs and then rewind the film.
  12. When the film reaches the take-up reel it may catch nicely or you may have to stop the film and manually make it catch.
  13. Test if Vegas is getting the audio by.... a) creating an audio track b) clicking the "arm for record" (in the track header info) and setting up where to record c) running the projector and watching for the audio bars in Vegas to react
  14. Once your satisfied wit the audio levels in Vegas.... a) Rewind projector to start b) click the "record" button in Vegas c) start the projector
  15. Clockwise rotate the run knob to the furthest point (play audio).
  16. When the film is done, hit the "stop" on Sony Vegas, and rotate the projector's run knob to the "off" position.
  17. Thread the film back into the original reel and rotate the run knob to reverse (first position - counter clockwise).
  18. Repeat the above for all the films.  It helps if the audio file numbering matches the film video numbering.
  19. Match up the audio to the video.

Editing And Syncing Audio - Super8

Found that the video and audio are never captured at the same speed and therefore the video and audio tracks will never match in edit.  The audio needs to be adjusted by doing a time stretch:

  • right click the audio track and select the properties.
  • "Audio Event" tab should open.
  • Under the "Time Stretch / pitch shift" update the Method: drop down to "Classic"
  • Check the Pitch change: Lock to stretch box and fill in the ratio with 1.45

Sometimes the ratio may need to be adjusted a little to fit perfectly.  One can also stretch the video a little to fit too (in addition to setting the ratio first).

Issue Existing With 8mm Audio

We still have a hum in the audio.  I tried moving the "disc"s around and optimized the hum but did not eliminate it.  The projector's power plug has been altered and the Euro plug replaced with a two prong America plug.  This plugs in the transformer.  The original plug had a ground and I thought this may be an issue for the hum and Peter Knight told me that a ground would NOT change the hum.

What to do when a film was pulldown at the wrong speed

If you are doing editing on a film and you notice that things are moving too fast or too slow, you will need to figure out the correct frame-rate and fix it. For the most part, film is recorded at standard speeds, but there are always odd-balls because older film cameras can do whacky things.

Step One: Do The Math

Look at how many frames per second (fps) your film is currently being played at, and then speed up or slow down your film to figure out the true speed.  The best case scenario is if you have access to the computer that did the pulldown, you can use it's program to preview the film at different fps speeds!  Once you know the new speed, use this simple equation:

New FPS / Old FPS = Playback Rate

And you take this rate, and simply right click on the event in Vegas and change the Playback Rate setting to this number.

Step Two: Stretch the Event

Once you've set the playback rate different, you'll need to stretch the event on the timeline longer so that you aren't clipping the end of it.

Step Three: Open MyFilms

Go to www.film2hd.com/myfilm/ and login with the admin password.  Go to the tab "Manage Films".

Step Four: Find the Film

Sort by Client ID, and your film is likely near the top.  You can scroll down and find the film by it's relative ID, which matches the filename's ID from the timeline.  Else sort by whatever is more relevant and find it.

Step Five: Change Values

There are two parts that need to be updated in the MyFilms database: Duration & FPS.  You should already know the fps, but if you only guestimated by stretching the clip, reverse your math to figure it out:

Playback Rate x Old FPS = Approximate New FPS

Of course, it's very doubtful that you got it perfect, so round it off to a real FPS count (12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 24, 30). For the duration, enter the exact number of seconds that the new clip is at.