Film Scanning from microMEDIA
Our scanning services complement microMEDIA's overall document scanning capabilities. We have created and digitized microfilm, microfiche and aperture card images for over 35 years. We continually upgrade our imaging and digitizing equipment to offer highly competetive prices for electronic scanning and conversion of all filmed media including slides and film negatives.
Now Magazine recently converted more than 70,000 pages of back issues residing on microfilm. See the image quality.
Conversion of filmed media
We utilize 4th generation high-speed equipment that can convert more than 5 million images per month. Both 16mm and 35mm film are converted with flexible reduction ratios. We are experts at all types of microfilm and slide scanning.
Filmed media conversion is a multi-step process. We begin by selecting samples, then we scan and optimize the processing settings to produce the best possible images. The settings are saved in a template and samples are sent to our client for approval.
Upon approval, digitizing begins with inspection of the film to identify scratches, tears, reels without headers, etc. If problems are found, we notify our client so that adjustments can be made. We are able to scan microfilm at more than 12,000 images per hour into grayscale for optimal image capture. During conversion, variances in film density are automatically adjusted.
We then automatically locate the position of each individual image within the scanned output and proceed to Quality Inspection. Several inspectors simultaneously confirm the quality of the scanning since verification is much more time consuming than scanning. A wide range of validations are meticulously conducted. If corrections are needed, they are done immediately at the inspection station.
The images are indexed according to predetermined criteria. Folders can be created by name, number, date, department, etc. Individual documents can be identified with metadata such as document type, date, subject, etc. Documents and folders that consist of more than one image will be consolidated into multi-image files.
Files are then processed for desired file type (TIFF, JPEG, PDF and others). If desired, the grayscale images are converted to black and white (bi-tonal) format. We also offer full-text search using Optical Character Recognition. If the documents will be uploaded into an existing imaging system, the required output structure is generated.
Final Quality Control confirms that the steps above have been correctly implemented. We statistically inspect final output to insure that image quality, indexing/file generation and output formatting are precise. If required, rework is performed.
Delivery is completed as specified. We can transmit images through secure and encrypted FTP protocol or record the data to CDs, DVDs or External Hard Disk Drives.
Slides and Negatives
We scan all types of film; both negative and positive. Our capabilities include 35mm. and 70mm. slide collections, entire microfiche and up to 8 1/2 X 11 inch transparencies. The color or grayscale scanned images are categorized and indexed then formatted to meet any client need.
Onsite Services
All of our micrographic conversion services are available as digital conversions at client sites.
Since micrographic conversion equipment is complex and setting up a mini-network at a client's location requires considerable resources, the cost of conversions onsite are several times those of conversion at microMEDIA in New York.