8mm -> DVD conversion with film scanner

[Mike]

I have about 6 hours of family videos on 8 mm and Super 8 film that I want to transfer to DVD for sharing with my family.

I understand that the normal process is to convert the 8 mm film to VHS tape and then convert the VHS tape to DVD. However, I don't like the loss of quality, so I adapted a 35 mm film scanner for automatic processing of 8 mm film.

However, one of the movies has sound. After I scan the film, I need to combine the frames and the sound, which is captured separately and must by synchronized to the video. Can anyone recommend good software for this?

I would also appreciate any "lessons learned" from others who have done similar projects.

Thanks,

michael.pender@nanochron.com

[Guest]

I would be interested in knowing exactly what modifications were necessary to the film scanner to allow it to both be automated and to read 8mm film without having to chop it up into little segments. I've been interested in this same technique, despite the fact that the work is staggering.

[MovieStuff]

6 hours = 360 minutes

360 minutes = 21,600 seconds

21,600 seconds x 18 frames per second = 388,800 frames

How many frames does your scanner convert per minute?

Beyond that, a good sound projector with a contact switch will allow for an accompanying pulse to be recorded on a wave file. Another member of this forum, Cranium, has written some software that will then create a new wave file that runs in synch with your transfer.

Good luck!

Roger

[reg8mm]

Hi,
Do not use VHS.
If you are scanning, there is no need for ANY tape. It will all go onto the hard drive and then to DVD.
Michael

[olle12345]

I would also like to know how you were able to use the 35mm scanner for the film? And how long did it take you?

[ollie12345]

I would also like to know how you were able to use the 35mm scanner for the film? And how long did it take you?

[Francesco]

Mike,

I developed a software (http://8mm2avi.netfirms.com/)
to scan 8mm films

I would be very interested on your solution to adapt the adapter
(and also on the general procedure you're using)

Francesco