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product in 720p HD, the Sentech camera can be set in software to have a vertical pixel count of 720, for a final product in 720p without scaling. Or the camera can record the full 768 pixel height. Progressive scan means that there is no blending between consecutive film frames, and no interlace. The film frames are copied 1:1 to the video file. The file is a normal AVI motion file and not saved as a long string of separate still pictures. Normal compression supplied is Motion JPEG which is well suited to handling the “busy” movie frame with its film grain etc. Simplified and perfected optics gives a superior picture, and prevents the quality loss and bulk of old style “film chain” optics found in other less advanced systems. No cheap projection lens, condenser lens, field lens, little grainy screen, mirror, zoom lens or “Coke bottle bottom” uncoated plastic close-up lens to introduce geometric distortion and color fringes, exaggerate scratches and emulsion flaws, collect dust, lose resolution, reflect room lights, or introduce vibration or drifting image position. The image is correctly oriented with no need for reversing it. A capture speed of 24 FPS is recommended, and up to 1080 feet will then fit in the maximum 30 minute recording time per file, with the Sentech camera. All speeds are crystal controlled for an exact timing relationship between them, which ought to help matching picture and sound up in editing later.
Interfacing With Your Computer. The camera connects to the Windows computer with a USB 2.0 cable, included. USB 2.0 is found on all modern computers. The computer controls many camera parameters including shutter speed, gain, gamma, color balance and more. Exposure control is via a knob on the telecine itself, as is the crystal speed. The camera can also do automatic exposure control and automatic white balance via the software supplied. The camera exposure and data recording are “hardware triggered” by the crystal.
Disclaimer: No 16mm film transfer will have the resolution and fine grain of an original HD video recording, which is comparable to 35mm film.
Heavy Duty Construction. LED (light emitting diode) light source should last virtually forever. Universal power of 100 to 240 volts. Digital Mechanism Hours counter for scheduling maintenance. Power and output cables, and a take-up reel and instructions, are included.
Footage Counter. No arguments with the customer about film length if you can quote a precise digital footage count. Available to read in feet or meters. Or you can calculate from the frame count in the file (40 frames per foot.)
Rewind. Motorized rewind.
Exposure: Exposure level is manually set with a knob on the telecine. You can also enable automatic exposure via camera shutter speed and gain, and auto or push-to-set white balance, by software control.
Operation. Autoload automatic threading. Film can be removed mid-reel if desired. Reel capacity is 2200 feet though the maximum footage per file is 1080 at 24 FPS. All are rebuilt to install a new crack-proof worm gear.
Audio Reproduction. The TVT-16 models include standard optical (photographic) audio playback. Output is a 1/4″ (6.35mm)phone jack for unbalanced –10 dBv from a typical sound track. The exciter lamp is run at reduced voltage for long life (perhaps years) and can be switched off for running silent film. Balanced audio output of 8 volts p-p through 1/4″ TRS jack for broadcast use is an extra-cost option that is not needed unless your equipment has an input for this type signal. The recording program is for the picture only, so the audio must be recorded another way or with a separate pass.
Footage Counter. No customer arguments if you can write an exact figure on their bill! Select feet or meters when ordering.
Heavy Duty Construction. Linear voltage to logarithmic current conversion of the Exposure correction knob for smoother and more gradual manual light control. Welded steel case and heavy gauge aluminum panels. Motorized rewind. Actual weight of the TVT-16PHD is 29 pounds and shipping weight is about 37 pounds.
(NOTE: We still have parts on hand to make one more TVT-16 based instead on the Kodak Pageant mechanism. This has the advantage that you can thread up silent film bypassing the sound head, however it may not accept badly shrunken pre-war film. Please specify if this mechanism is your preference.)
TVT-16PHD is $5055. Specify camera resolution:
1024 x 768 USB2 camera is fine for most purposes and gives a reasonable file size with 18 and 24 FPS capture. Orders currently in house will be supplied with Imaging Source cameras and software. New orders will be filled with Sentech cameras and software.
1280 x 960 and 1600 x 1200 pixel USB2 cameras are also available and have more detail but require running at half speed, 9 and 12 FPS. A dual speed range switch permits capture at 12 FPS for image capture, and 24 FPS for separately recording the audio. Half speed running will only permit recording 540 feet per file. The 1600 x 1200 pixel Sentech camera, priced by quotation, can be set to have a vertical pixel count of 1080 for a 1080p/1080i final product without scaling. Horizontal cropping and inserting pillars for pillarboxing will likely still be needed.
Balanced audio output through TRS 1/4″ phone jack is an additional $100. This is not needed for ordinary recorders.
Expendables: The TVT-16 machines use the BAK exciter lamp which is still being made, and is a popular type with Krypton gas fill for long life, used in literally millions of B&H projectors worldwide. (In a pinch, you can also use the older BRS lamp which has identical specs except for shorter rated life.) These are both 4 volt .75 amp C-6 filament SC Prefocus base. Price is $10 per lamp. Don’t confuse the BAK with the BRK which has similar specs, except the filament is pointing the wrong way and will give muffled and distorted audio.
Confused by some of the misinformation about telecine that is floating around the internet? Get the straight scoop here.
Ready to order now? Please see our ordering info page. An order worksheet is here.
Film Preparation note: Before copying film on any telecine equipment, it is recommended that the film be first inspected and defective splices and damaged sections removed. It should then be cleaned and lubricated. Directions and sources of supplies are given in the instructions.
TVT machines are not intended for transfer from negative film. ______________________________________________________________
An “early adopter” of the PHD system reports the following equipment requirements and work flows:
To use the PHD machines, you need the following: The camera control / capture software is 32 and 64 bit Windows only and not for Mac. A USB 2.0 port.
Final Product To make the final DVD or BluRay disc, you need an authoring program and of course an appropriate disc burner. The authoring program will insert additional or interpolated frames so the material will show at the correct speed on a standard player, and will have standard MPEG-2 compression that will show correctly on all brands and new and old models of equipment. You also will make a disc menu.
* If you are not comfortable with all this computer stuff, the TVT-16 telecines run the film at silent and sound 20 and 24 (16 and 25 for PAL) FPS speeds, and efficiently produce normal video from it, that can be recorded directly to a stand-alone DVD or VHS recorder, with no need at all for a computer. You can also feed the video through a Grass Valley / Canopus 55 box, or a camcorder with analog to Firewire pass-through, to record it in your computer.
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16mm Frame By Frame Progressive Scan HD Telecine |
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Rights Notice: Material on film, tape, disc or otherwise may be subject to stated or implied Copyright or Performance Right, or the right to privacy, etc. depending on the laws of your country. Unauthorized duplication may be a violation that is civil or criminal in nature. Equipment or services offered by TCS Inc. should not be construed as inviting criminal activity. The user should ascertain if duplication might violate any rights, and obtain a written release from each affected party. Consult your attorney about any specific instance. |
