Reel to Reel Audio The odd thing about this form of media is that unless you had a very thoughtful relative who noted down exactly what was on the tapes and how long they ran for, it is impossible to even hazard a guess at the running time. Normally that wouldn't be a problem as most audio formats only have one or two speeds and only two sides, so you can pretty accurately 'guesstimate' the maximum playing time, and therefore the costs involved. But Reel to Reel tapes have an altogether more complex set of variables. When you realise that a fully recorded 7" reel to reel tape can run anywhere from 16 minutes to 8 hours 32 minutes you suddenly realise the the benefit of 'Uncle Normans' scribbling's on the side of the tape box! This large time differential is down to the 3 main elements that go into making a Reel to Reel recording. Firstly, the tape itself can be one of 3 densities (thickness). Standard, Extra or Double play. This dictates the physical length of the tape itself Secondly, there is the recording speed. This could be made at any one of 4 speeds or a combination of them, dependant upon the capability of the recorder itself. Thirdly, there are the number of tracks the recorder was capable of laying down. Single, dual or Four track.   The Solutions So as you can see, Reel to Reel tapes were infinitely variable & a fairly complex audio format for the day. However, you don't need to worry about that because we have come up with two thoughtful options that will allow you to manage this dilemma of time and cost (see next column) The Formats In the majority of cases we provide our customers with a normal CD which will play on any CD player or PC. However, if you wish to self-edit the audio then we can provide you with a raw MP3, WAV or WMA file as you prefer. Q. WHAT DO I DO NOW I'M READY TO ORDER?		Option #1 - The Tape Review Service  Once we receive your tape we will review it and send you a draft of it's content (see example) so you know exactly what is on there, the running time, the quality of the recording and the cost to transfer to CD. The Review Service is £15 per tape regardless of spool size. Once you receive the review via email you may then decide to order either an edited or a full content transfer of the tape, or indeed ask us to take no further action. If you decide you would like to transfer the content to CD, we will send you a further invoice for the transfer once it has been completed. In order for us to provide the review service payment must be sent along with your order. Please make Cheques payable to 'VIDEO IMPACT UK' Example of Review Service Tape 1 - Track 1. Time - 38 minutes - Varying degrees of recording quality 1. Audio letter to Bill & Debby in Australia (Good -8 mins) 2. Baby talking (fair -12 mins) 3. Short piece of music (Good - 10 mins) 4. Family talking in background (poor - 4 mins) 5. French Lessons (Good - 4 mins) Basic transfer to CD of this tape - £15 + P&P (Audio Enhancement Recommended but optional - add £5) Option #2 - Set a Price Limit If you don't need the review service but you do have a budget to work with but are unsure of the final costs, you may wish to provide us with an upper price limit prior to us starting your conversion. Just advise us of your limit and we will process your order either to completion if it's within your limit, or up to the limit stated, whichever comes first. If the order is not complete, we will advise you of the projected cost for completion. At that point have the option to continue with the rest of the recordings or not. and the final option....... Options #3 - Transfer it all and let's get it done! Price per hour of running time First Hour to CD* £15  Each subsequent Hour* £10 First Hour (Edited)** £25 Each subsequent Hour (Edited)** £15 Audio Enhancement (Optional) £5 per Reel *The prices above includes removal of all gaps (blank tape) within the recording along with identification & correction of all speed changes within the tape and the splicing of any broken reel to reel tapes or dry joints. **If you are aware of what is recorded on your tapes we are able to edit them according to your instructions. This service is mainly used in conjunction with the Review Service, but is not exclusively mutual. See separate Price List above for all other Audio production elements.
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