Thank You for visiting Cisco Studios! The following information will give you a basic idea of who we are and what we can do for you. We are sure you will have additional questions and sincerely invite you to call us between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday Arizona Time at 1-928-453-4392 or email us at mediatransfers@ciscostudios.com
Cisco Studios' main business is the transferring of Professional Videotape for Archives (museums, libraries, etc.) and for Producers and Editors seeking the highest quality digital transfers of older media. We are Professionals who fully understand the needs of other Professionals.
Our appreciation for the preservation of video and audio to both enlighten and entertain generations to come, has led us to fully understand the steps necessary to allow for proper migration into archives.
For the producer and editor, our services save these professionals both time and money. Cisco Studios provides the higher quality transfers of older video formats that contain video that will be incorporated into new professional projects. The value of our services are easy to appreciate when a client considers the cost to rent the machine necessary to play the format, if available, Professional Capturing Hardware, and Professional Transcoding Software.
Our appreciation for the preservation of video and audio to both enlighten and entertain generations to come, has led us to fully understand the steps necessary to allow for proper migration into archives.
For the producer and editor, our services save these professionals both time and money. Cisco Studios provides the higher quality transfers of older video formats that contain video that will be incorporated into new professional projects. The value of our services are easy to appreciate when a client considers the cost to rent the machine necessary to play the format, if available, Professional Capturing Hardware, and Professional Transcoding Software.
Cisco Studios - Work Station 1
What formats do we transfer?
We transfer most all "Cassette Based" Analog and Digital SD Video once professionally produced and used by Broadcasters, Corporations, Universities, and other organizations.
Cassette Based Formats
U-matic - Low Band, High Band, and SP, both Large and Small Format
Betacam - Betacam, Betacam SP, Betacam SX, Mpeg IMX, Digital Betacam,
both Large and Small Format
MII - both Large and Small Format
S-VHS - SVHS-C - Professional Hi8 - Digital S (D9)
DVCAM - DVCPro (D7) - DVCPro 50 both M and L Format
Other Video Formats
1" Type "C" Open Reel
Sony XDCAM (Optical Disc Standard Definition Only)
Note: The only open-reel format we currently transfer is 1" Type "C". We currently do not transfer PAL or SECAM in any format.
We also do Radio Audio Formats!
DAT, MiniDisc, NAB Cart (Size A & AA Mono or Stereo, 7-1/2 ips )
Open Reel Tape (NAB Hub, 1/4" Tape Up to 10-1/2" Reel Size, 3-3/4, 7-1/2, & 15 ips)
Call or email for information!
We transfer most all "Cassette Based" Analog and Digital SD Video once professionally produced and used by Broadcasters, Corporations, Universities, and other organizations.
Cassette Based Formats
U-matic - Low Band, High Band, and SP, both Large and Small Format
Betacam - Betacam, Betacam SP, Betacam SX, Mpeg IMX, Digital Betacam,
both Large and Small Format
MII - both Large and Small Format
S-VHS - SVHS-C - Professional Hi8 - Digital S (D9)
DVCAM - DVCPro (D7) - DVCPro 50 both M and L Format
Other Video Formats
1" Type "C" Open Reel
Sony XDCAM (Optical Disc Standard Definition Only)
Note: The only open-reel format we currently transfer is 1" Type "C". We currently do not transfer PAL or SECAM in any format.
We also do Radio Audio Formats!
DAT, MiniDisc, NAB Cart (Size A & AA Mono or Stereo, 7-1/2 ips )
Open Reel Tape (NAB Hub, 1/4" Tape Up to 10-1/2" Reel Size, 3-3/4, 7-1/2, & 15 ips)
Call or email for information!
What digital files can we provide?
We generally capture everything as an uncompressed 10-bit file. It is carried on SDI, using AJA and/or Blackmagic Hardware. It is then provided to you in either a .mov or .avi wrapper based on the platform your institution is using. We have both PC and Mac at our workstations to allow us to work more efficiently in both platforms. If you require we transcode to an additional container or codec, we can provide many of the popular formats used by archives and editors. For example, you may prefer we send both an uncompressed file and a transcoded file using an intermediary codec for editing like ProRes. Your transfer will be delivered to you on a hard drive that we will provide at our cost unless you provide one when you send your media. We can also provide general viewing formats that can be used with many of today's modern devices. As Professionals offering a service to other Professionals, we place a very high priority on meeting your requirements and expectations.
More about the process...
When we run your videotape it is viewed on our calibrated Broadcast Monitors,Vector Scopes, and Waveform Monitors. We have both analog and digital monitors to check the accuracy of the material being transferred. Your finished transfer is always viewed for artifacts that should not be there. We never take anything for granted, and our workflow always includes checking and rechecking our work. Should we encounter an issue, we will not take any corrective measures without first discussing options with you, the client, obtaining permission, and proceeding from that point.
You will always receive a file containing the Process History and the equipment employed in your transfer. This is important data, mostly for future archivists, should technology change, and another transfer becomes necessary to
keep the video and the integrity of its quality available for future generations.
We generally capture everything as an uncompressed 10-bit file. It is carried on SDI, using AJA and/or Blackmagic Hardware. It is then provided to you in either a .mov or .avi wrapper based on the platform your institution is using. We have both PC and Mac at our workstations to allow us to work more efficiently in both platforms. If you require we transcode to an additional container or codec, we can provide many of the popular formats used by archives and editors. For example, you may prefer we send both an uncompressed file and a transcoded file using an intermediary codec for editing like ProRes. Your transfer will be delivered to you on a hard drive that we will provide at our cost unless you provide one when you send your media. We can also provide general viewing formats that can be used with many of today's modern devices. As Professionals offering a service to other Professionals, we place a very high priority on meeting your requirements and expectations.
More about the process...
When we run your videotape it is viewed on our calibrated Broadcast Monitors,Vector Scopes, and Waveform Monitors. We have both analog and digital monitors to check the accuracy of the material being transferred. Your finished transfer is always viewed for artifacts that should not be there. We never take anything for granted, and our workflow always includes checking and rechecking our work. Should we encounter an issue, we will not take any corrective measures without first discussing options with you, the client, obtaining permission, and proceeding from that point.
You will always receive a file containing the Process History and the equipment employed in your transfer. This is important data, mostly for future archivists, should technology change, and another transfer becomes necessary to
keep the video and the integrity of its quality available for future generations.
Other special services and client requests...
We welcome clients that have specific requirements. For example, In cases where you may want only portions of the tape, we can work with an EDL or an accurate description of what portion to transfer from the video. Another example would be transferring and then transcoding your video to a format that will work with various software based editors, displays, and devices. Please don't hesitate to call or email us should you have a special requirement regarding your transfer.
We welcome clients that have specific requirements. For example, In cases where you may want only portions of the tape, we can work with an EDL or an accurate description of what portion to transfer from the video. Another example would be transferring and then transcoding your video to a format that will work with various software based editors, displays, and devices. Please don't hesitate to call or email us should you have a special requirement regarding your transfer.
Important! Let's talk the unthinkable...
We sincerely try to deliver to you the perfect transfer(s) that will meet or exceed your expectations, but please understand that while we constantly maintain our media players, Professionals in this industry know
that the media itself and the machines they are played on can and do on occasion perform erratically .
It is for this reason, we cannot be held liable for damaged tapes.
We sincerely try to deliver to you the perfect transfer(s) that will meet or exceed your expectations, but please understand that while we constantly maintain our media players, Professionals in this industry know
that the media itself and the machines they are played on can and do on occasion perform erratically .
It is for this reason, we cannot be held liable for damaged tapes.
Job Order Sheet
How to get your video to us...
We always suggest using the USPS Priority Mail. It's fast, it's reliable, and it's relatively inexpensive. Most importantly, ship your tapes in their original protective cases whenever possible. Be sure to place protective wrapping around your tapes. This will not only protect them from an impact, but will also help to protect them from the changes in climate during shipping. It is also very advisable to write "Fragile - Do Not X-Ray - Contains Magnetic Media" on the box. When the media arrives, we always allow it time to become acclimated before entering our machines. Protecting your media is something we take quite seriously.
Ship to: Cisco Studios - Media Transfer
2643 Cisco Drive South
Lake Havasu City, AZ. 86403
Note: Please call before shipping any job (1-928-453-4392) so that we can finalize a receiving ticket and prepare to receive your media. Then download the PDF to your right and fill out the job order sheet and enclose it with your media.
We always suggest using the USPS Priority Mail. It's fast, it's reliable, and it's relatively inexpensive. Most importantly, ship your tapes in their original protective cases whenever possible. Be sure to place protective wrapping around your tapes. This will not only protect them from an impact, but will also help to protect them from the changes in climate during shipping. It is also very advisable to write "Fragile - Do Not X-Ray - Contains Magnetic Media" on the box. When the media arrives, we always allow it time to become acclimated before entering our machines. Protecting your media is something we take quite seriously.
Ship to: Cisco Studios - Media Transfer
2643 Cisco Drive South
Lake Havasu City, AZ. 86403
Note: Please call before shipping any job (1-928-453-4392) so that we can finalize a receiving ticket and prepare to receive your media. Then download the PDF to your right and fill out the job order sheet and enclose it with your media.
Cost Example...
Our goal is to deliver to you precisely what you need. It is honestly impossible to determine the exact cost of your job without discussing your requirements with you in advance. However, to assist as a gauge for considering our services any further, we offer this general cost: A straight uncompressed transfer from a tape (any format we offer) up to 30 minutes is $65.00, 30 minutes up to one hour is $95.00, over one hour is $125.00
We will charge you only our cost for the storage device needed for your transfer unless you provided one when you sent your media. You will pay shipping back to you and your invoice will be included in the box. Payment may be made using
PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Company Check.
Our goal is to deliver to you precisely what you need. It is honestly impossible to determine the exact cost of your job without discussing your requirements with you in advance. However, to assist as a gauge for considering our services any further, we offer this general cost: A straight uncompressed transfer from a tape (any format we offer) up to 30 minutes is $65.00, 30 minutes up to one hour is $95.00, over one hour is $125.00
We will charge you only our cost for the storage device needed for your transfer unless you provided one when you sent your media. You will pay shipping back to you and your invoice will be included in the box. Payment may be made using
PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Company Check.
A few more Questions & Answers...
Do you work with HD?
We love HD, but we only work with older analog conventional definition and digital standard definition formats. That's our specialty as we want to provide a rapidly disappearing and much needed service to industry professionals and archives.
Do you have minimum order requirements?
There is never a minimum order. We will accept one tape or however many you want to send. Much of our
work is based on repeat business from our clients. We are always happy to be there whenever you need us!
Do you restore damaged media?
Yes and No. Simple repairs we can do, for example, if you send a S-VHS tape that became dislodged from the spindle upon rewind, we will gladly fix it before transferring. If a tape has severe moisture damage, we will not. Restoring tape with moisture damage and other serious issues, is a highly specialized skill and requires specialized tools and training. While we are Professional Audio/Video Technicians, we will never take a job that we are not professionally trained to execute correctly. It is always in your best interest to seek out a reputable company that specializes in media restoration before attempting any transfer.
There are some formats you do not offer...
Let's be honest, anyone in the business of transferring obsolete or practically obsolete video formats, is doing so
through the acquisition of the various machines that have existed over the years. In most cases, support for these
machines by the original manufacturers has long ceased and replacement parts and qualified repair technicians become more difficult to find as time goes on. We would rather not offer a particular format then utilize a machine that clearly is reaching the end of its life. We will not place into service a machine that has not been fully tested and/or serviced by one of our repair vendors. We are always seeking to acquire additional VTRs and/or players, both for formats that we currently offer and ones that we currently do not. If a machine meets our strict criteria, we will acquire it. For this reason, we invite you to check back with us as additional formats may become available.
Do you capture embedded "Closed Captions" with the transfer?
Yes, if requested and indicated on your work-order. They will be saved to your digital files as a .scc file. We
are always happy to provide our clients with exactly what they need. We only ask that you complete a work-order
so that we can deliver transfers that fully meet your expectations.
What about rush jobs?
We work very hard at getting all jobs delivered in a very timely fashion. Generally it is first-in first-out ; however, if your job is time sensitive, please let us know and we make every effort to meet your deadline.
We will know when our transfers ship?
Yes. We will call you on the phone with a tracking number or email you the information if you prefer.
Do you work with HD?
We love HD, but we only work with older analog conventional definition and digital standard definition formats. That's our specialty as we want to provide a rapidly disappearing and much needed service to industry professionals and archives.
Do you have minimum order requirements?
There is never a minimum order. We will accept one tape or however many you want to send. Much of our
work is based on repeat business from our clients. We are always happy to be there whenever you need us!
Do you restore damaged media?
Yes and No. Simple repairs we can do, for example, if you send a S-VHS tape that became dislodged from the spindle upon rewind, we will gladly fix it before transferring. If a tape has severe moisture damage, we will not. Restoring tape with moisture damage and other serious issues, is a highly specialized skill and requires specialized tools and training. While we are Professional Audio/Video Technicians, we will never take a job that we are not professionally trained to execute correctly. It is always in your best interest to seek out a reputable company that specializes in media restoration before attempting any transfer.
There are some formats you do not offer...
Let's be honest, anyone in the business of transferring obsolete or practically obsolete video formats, is doing so
through the acquisition of the various machines that have existed over the years. In most cases, support for these
machines by the original manufacturers has long ceased and replacement parts and qualified repair technicians become more difficult to find as time goes on. We would rather not offer a particular format then utilize a machine that clearly is reaching the end of its life. We will not place into service a machine that has not been fully tested and/or serviced by one of our repair vendors. We are always seeking to acquire additional VTRs and/or players, both for formats that we currently offer and ones that we currently do not. If a machine meets our strict criteria, we will acquire it. For this reason, we invite you to check back with us as additional formats may become available.
Do you capture embedded "Closed Captions" with the transfer?
Yes, if requested and indicated on your work-order. They will be saved to your digital files as a .scc file. We
are always happy to provide our clients with exactly what they need. We only ask that you complete a work-order
so that we can deliver transfers that fully meet your expectations.
What about rush jobs?
We work very hard at getting all jobs delivered in a very timely fashion. Generally it is first-in first-out ; however, if your job is time sensitive, please let us know and we make every effort to meet your deadline.
We will know when our transfers ship?
Yes. We will call you on the phone with a tracking number or email you the information if you prefer.
Thank You for visiting ciscostudios.com! Please call or email us with any further questions.
1-928-453-4392 mediatransfers@ciscostudios.com
1-928-453-4392 mediatransfers@ciscostudios.com