16mm and 35mm Microfilm Digitization Professionals
Microfilm scanning services complement our comprehensive imaging capabilities. With over 40 years of successful 16mm and 35mm microfilm conversion projects, we have continually upgraded our microfilm digital conversion equipment, allowing us to offer highly competitive prices for conversions at our facility or client locations.
Our parent company, Data Management Internationalé, operates one of the largest micrographic laboratories in the U.S. It is certified and monitored by Eastman Kodak.
We utilize 4th generation high-speed equipment that can convert more than 10 million images per month. Both 16mm and 35mm film scanning can be done using selectable reduction ratios.
Microfilm conversion is done through a multi-step process. We begin 16mm film scanning and 35mm film scanning by selecting sample reels, inspecting them and scanning a small number of images to properly calibrate the equipment to optimal processing settings that produce the best possible images. The settings are saved in a template. Samples are sent to our clients for approval before full-scale production commences.
Upon approval, the process begins with inspection of the film to identify scratches, tears, reels without headers, etc. If problems are found, we follow previously agreed corrective actions or, if necessary, notify you. Reels that fall beyond the range of pre-set processing parameters for optimal legibility will be individually calibrated. Standard setting are only used for rolls that fall within the acceptable range.
We scan at high-speed into Black and White or Grayscale for optimal image capture. Scanning speed is determined by the size of images (16mm vs 35mm) and the scanning resolution.
Microfilm Conversion Quality Control
What makes us a preeminent microfilm service bureau, in addition to the equipment we use, is that we employ a wide range of validations in our quality control. We know that clients would not expend the funds to digitize their film unless it contained valuable documents.
- We locate the position of each image within the scanned output file
- We audit the quality of separate images for upload to our network
- If scanning or image corrections are needed, they are done immediately at an inspection station
Indexing
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 can be consolidated into multi-image files, usually in Adobe PDF.
Microfilm Scanning Services offer many options
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 Optical Character Recognition that affords the capability of full-text searching. 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, DVD’s or External Hard Disk Drives.
On-Site Microfilm Conversion Services
All of our microfilm scanning services are available at at client locations onsite. We install equipment, supply technicians and assure that microfilm doesn’t leave your premises.