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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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In this section you will find some common questions and answers. If you have additional questions we encourage you to contact us.
Virtual Drum Scanning Questions:
Isn't a 4000dpi flatbed scan enough?
I've noticed that several other companies cut up the negatives during the scanning process, do you also do this?
Do you clean negatives/photographs before they are scanned?
What is digital noise and can I expect any?
What are the options for organization/titling of my photos?
What type of file extension are they saved as?
Slide Scanning Questions:
I'm afraid that some of my slides may be difficult to process due to condition of the holder, are they at risk if we send them to you?
I own a lot of slides, is volume discounting available?
Document Scanning Questions:
We would like to employ your document scanning services for a very large order, what would the turn around be?
How long does PFA retain digital backups of our project?
We would like our files kept in a secure location, what steps do you take to ensure that they are safeguarded?
Restoration Questions:
Do my physical pictures need to be scanned by PFA before I can have them restored?
I own some very old pictures/negatives and was wondering if PFA can still offer image restoration services for them?
Other Questions:
Where is Pro Film Archiving located?
We live in/around the Bay Area, is local pickup and delivery available?
Is insurance required?
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Isn't a 4000dpi flatbed scan enough?
The term dpi (or dots per inch) is an output ratio used to describe the amount of resolution, or magnification one achieves through scanning. It seems that more than ever people are being misled into thinking that simply having higher resolution leads to higher quality. When viewing a processed image what truly makes services different is color depth. This depth is the amount of gradation, or range of color shades, available for each main color within the image. If one were to zoom in on a flatbed, or lower quality scan, they quickly discover that there is very little gradation, as like colors swiftly merge into one common shade (a process known as posterization).
This is not true with our scans which allow for digitalization with respect to the many differing degrees of colors within each picture. Now higher resolution truly benefits the image, as massive amounts of color detail has not been dismissed. High-end software suites such as Adobe Photoshop and Corel Paint Shop Pro utilize the color depth of an image as well as resolution in order to restore them. Plainly put, those wishing to have control over changing aspects of their photos will find that a flatbed scan leaves little to work with and is definitely underserving of their important memories or works of art.
I've noticed that several other companies cut up the negatives during the scanning process, do you also do this?
Never! We will never split up negatives that are in filmstrips. We feel that this only results in an extremely inconvenient situation for the customer to store hundreds or thousands of individual negatives.
Do you clean negatives/photographs before they are scanned?
We will never alter the images sent to us in any way, and this includes dusting or cleaning of the image. Carefully and correctly cleaning any photographs, slides or negatives in need of it before sending it in is always a good idea.
What is digital noise and can I expect any?
A possible byproduct of scanning is something often referred to as digital noise. Far more apparent at magnified resolutions this "noise" can make parts of the image appear unrefined or grainy. With the quality scans you receive from Pro Film Archiving the true beauty of the image is captured and unwanted inconsistencies can now be effectively removed if desired.
What are the options for organization/titling of my photos?
We assume that most people would like to rename/organize their pictures once they receive them; however, we will be glad to assist you in organizing the images to specific folders for easy access, as well as providing personal titles for them. By default we group images logically and number them conveniently.
What type of file extension are they saved as?
Unless the base raw file is desired, the end result is a TIFF image of the highest grade generated from this initial raw file. On request, we are glad to generate additional smaller file extensions for easy viewing. These smaller duplicates are ideal for people with slower computers, who can now swiftly ensure that all their pictures are accounted for and aligned correctly.
When you request this service we will always express to you that these "duplicates" are simply generated for your convenience and not to be confused with the quality embedded within the TIFF images, from which true restoration and manipulative work can now be done. It is always reccommended that you call us if you have further questions about the files you will receive, or to give us special instructions.
I'm afraid that some of my slides may be difficult to process due to condition of the holder, are they at risk if we send them to you?
No, we will never process any materials we feel may compromise the pictures or our machines. We will always contact our customers to discuss any potential problems with their film prior to processing.
I own a lot of slides, is volume discounting available?
We definitely provide volume discounts for all of our services. In the case of slides, discounts are based on the quantity of slides submitted to us for a given order. For projects over 1000 slides we ask that you call us to discuss discounts.
We would like to employ your document scanning services for a very large order, what would the turn around be?
Orders are handled swiftly yet directly, as attention to detail remains our concern. From experience we have found average larger orders to range from 20k-40k sheets, which are often completed within a few short days. Even larger orders, 100k+ sheets, have swift turn arounds to meet your schedule and can be discussed in detail prior to commencement. Rush services are available as well for those with time constraints.
How long does PFA retain digital backups of our project?
We will always make sure our customers have received their order(s) and are satisfied before we remove their digital projects from our databases. These files are always stored in secure locations with no internet access.
We would like our files kept in a secure location, what steps do you take to ensure that they are safeguarded?
At PFA our commitment is to provide our customers with premium quality digital preservation which lasts forever. Every service we offer is catered to this goal of high quality and high satisfaction that enriches lives and makes things much easier. We offer top-of-the-line storage options for your senstive information. Files are stored in an organized fashion on secure external hardrives which are not actively connected to our network. These hardrives are then locked up to prevent theft.
Do my physical pictures need to be scanned by PFA before I can have them restored?
Yes, we need to scan in your images in high-quality in order to correctly restore them. One of the main values of our scanning service is that true image restoration is now available for every one of your important pictures.
I own some very old pictures/negatives and was wondering if PFA can still offer image restoration services for them?
Yes! We are quite capable of restoring film regardless of age. Whether it is image color, aspect reconstructing, noise reduction, or some other corrective service. Service charges are based on an hourly rate, and we give estimates on selected photos in advance.
Where is Pro Film Archiving located?
We are located in Walnut Creek of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our Address is:
1601 N. Main St. #204 Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
We live in/around the Bay Area, is local pickup and delivery available?
Local pickup, or delivery is definitely available. We love dealing personally with our local clients and have relationships with companies, organizations and individuals throughout the Bay Area for whom we provide regular services. We definitely encourage those in need of a reliable digital archiving firm to utilize us.
Is insurance required?
Yes, we require insurance and provide tracking numbers upon returning your project. We strongly encourage that when you ship them to us you purchase insurance as well. We require that tracking numbers be provided for projects sent to us, even if you do not wish to purchase insurance.
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