Transfer:
Digitize microMV Videotape
Yes. Customers can digitize MicroMV videotapes like any other videotape. Professionals prepare, capture, edit, and encode all videotape conversions using the same processes, using much of the same equipment and software used for VHS to digital, VHS-C to digital, Hi8 to digital, and miniDV to digital.
The one critical piece of equipment unique to microMV digital conversion projects is the player. Unlike other videotape formats, professional videographers didn’t use microMV cameras. Each of the other formats had the option of playing its version of videotape through videotape decks. Each format had its own deck to replay videotape.
Formats used before microMV could optionally be played back through the camera that recorded them, but microMV videotape requires microMV cameras for viewing. There is no other option.
Before You Begin to Digitize microMV Videotape
If you are using a professional service like Reborn Audio Video to convert your microMV tapes, the first and most important step is: DO NOTHING!
Unless you have been watching your microMV regularly and recently through a camera, then the risk of tape damage is very high if you ‘check it out’ before converting. An unused old tape player might break or eat your tape.
It is also possible that the tape tension has deteriorated since its last use and will not play, giving the appearance of a blank tape. Unrestored tension risks throwing away an excellent video, mistaken for blank tape.
Prepare Videotape to Digitze microMV
Assuming that there is no unusual damage to the microMV videotape, then “packing” the tape is the most critical step before capturing it.
Packing videotape means fast-forwarding the tape to the very end and then rewinding it to the beginning. This process improves the tension for the entire tape by eliminating slack.
Tapes can lose tension in several ways. When videotaping an original clip, recording clips using only part of the tape, rewinding, and viewing before continuing increases slackness in the tape. If many clips are recorded on the same tape and the tape is stopped between clips, the slack increases. When you watch only part of a videotape before rewinding, slack can accumulate. Tapes stored for a long time will become slack, especially if stored after playing partway without rewinding.
Capturing Videotape to Digitize microMV
If there is no way to play a videotape, including microMV, there is currently no way to convert it to a digital format. The availability and quality of tape players are critical to the transfer process.
As the tape is playing in a microMV camera, the audio/video output is connected to a digital conversion device, also called a “box”. The conversion box translates the analog input from the camera into a digital output that feeds into a computer.
There are many options for converter boxes. Simple DIY options are available at very low cost, while professionals use converter boxes costing several hundred dollars. The difference lies in the quality of signal conversion and the options for resolution, color, and audio.
The computer must be equipped with software that captures the signal and converts it into a digital video. The capture computer must have at least ‘average’ CPU and GPU power, but does not have to be at a gaming level. After capture, the video is then ready for editing.
Editing Digitzed Video
Every digitized microMV video needs basic editing to clean up the borders, remove leading and trailing blank spaces, adjust volume levels, and potentially adjust color and lighting.
Some companies will skip this step in favor of total automation, which leaves rough borders and potentially blank space in the digitized product. Many DVDs from old digital conversions have large sections of dead space due to this strategy.
Content editing is a separate, optional step. Some people need only a portion of the tape. The cheapest and best approach to content editing is to capture the entire video, then edit it digitally as required. Most professionals include basic editing with their digitized microMV service, while content editing adds to the project’s cost.
The editing computer’s quality is comparable to a mid- to high-end gaming computer. The computer’s CPU and GPU must be able to process large amounts of data in a reasonable time. Professionals will use two different computers for capture and editing. For large projects, captured digital video is edited simultaneously with videotape capture.
Encoding microMV Video Into Your Format
Once all edits are complete, the video is encoded to apply the edits, producing a digitized version ready for customer use. Transferring microMV to mp4 is the most widely used format, but other formats are also available depending on the customer’s needs.
Convert MicroMV to Digital: Get Started
- Call or text Jamey: 720 204-5464
- Set an appointment (every project receives my personal attention)
- Drop off your tapes (and records, cassettes, slides, or negatives, too)
- Pick up your new digitized video in a week or less.
