More and more cool stuff going on. In May of 2008, I returned to the Academy to install the latest ScanStream Sniper-Pro upgrades, which includes a newer, brighter LED source for extended range as well as new higher resolution machine vision lenses.  I also installed a 3CCD version of our new EZ-Scan16. The Academy is using these units to transfer archival old 16mm prints and 16mm,8mm and Super 8mm home movies belonging to illuminaries of the past such as Alfred Hitchcock and others. Snowden Becker, Public Access Coordinator for the Academy Film Archive, used the Snipers to create a reference library of DVDs for researchers to access instead of handling fragile originals.

Here is what she had to say about the units:

Dear Roger,

We're so glad to have the Sniper units in place and running here at the Academy Film Archive! We start out in the morning with a delicate reversal original that we can't risk running through a projector or flatbed, and before the end of the day we have a faithful digital video access copy that visiting researchers can watch whenever they need to. Our catalogers can review video copies while drawing up shot lists or summary descriptions; we can grab key frames for identification purposes; and we can even color- and exposure-correct the digital versions to bring out details that might otherwise have been overlooked.

As an archive, preservation is our foremost goal; in fact, preservation concerns have often prevented us in the past from providing access to the home movies and amateur films that enrich our collection. By transferring these materials in-house with the Snipers, we can eliminate the possibility of off-site mishaps during transport, drastically reduce our outside telecine costs, and keep the film originals safely in the vaults--all while providing an unprecedented level of access to the content of the films themselves. It's well-nigh miraculous, I tell you. Image quality is everything we'd hoped for, and the Sniper units themselves are mercifully easy to use, even for those who aren't terribly familiar with small-gauge film projectors and equipment. We'll certainly be recommending the setup to anyone who asks.

Regards,

Snowden Becker
Public Access Coordinator
Academy Film Archive
1313 N. Vine Street
sbecker@oscars.org

Due to popular demand, we are upgrading several pieces of new equipment. The SlideStream is back and better than before. Hi-res captures that are perfect for print or the HD market are now fast and efficient. We now offer a limited line of 9.5mm Sniper units and the Sniper-Pro units are now faster than before, with transfer speeds of 15-20fps using the new Velocity software and an improved focusing stage. We have the new QuickSilver and mi-Skan units for real-time transfers on a budget. We also now have RGB versions of the WorkPrinter-XP and the WorkPrinter-16 as well as the Sniper-Pro. And, finally, we have the long awaited Sniper-HD and Sniper-16 HD  that transfer frame by frame in full 1080p. Pluse we have a full line of HD equipment for both real time and frame by frame scanning. For more information, the main equipment directory can be found HERE.