Telecine Projector

Do you have an old grandpa (or Dad!) who has all sorts of old film he’s always insisting that you just “need to see” of when times were easier, people were nicer, and the world was a better place? Old film that he just doesn’t have the capacity to show anymore because his projector broke down years ago and all this new fangled digital just doesn’t make any sense?

Well there is some relief. A telecine projector can transfer 8mm film to straight video by using a modified projector coupled with a capture program to pull up each frame individually, subsequently putting them together to create the moving picture.

If you have a DVD burner, can make pictures into screen savers, or transfer video from your cell phone onto YouTube, you shouldn’t really be too-too afraid of the telecine projector.

While they seem easy to use, they can be rather expensive. But memories are priceless and you’ll make your old man really happy if you transfer his old videos into something watch able in the 21st century (my Dad did it for his Dad in probably the same manner; every time we visited Grandpa after that he’d break out these videos like they were Borat or some other new release; endearing but crazy nonetheless)

Telecine projector reviews which I have read have been mostly muddled. While there is no definite speaking out against the practice, it seems that today’s younger reviewers are somewhat apathetic towards history; understandable, in a way, still sad. The reviews I’ve read seem to treat these telecine projectors like an excavated history project; interesting content but nothing they’re interested in.

There are several different approaches in how to implement the different telecine projectors and a number of alternate ways to use the same machine. Check with the product description before purchasing the machine so you’re sure you’re comfortable with the method of splicing and that your source material will work.

When comparing telecine projectors the Elmo brand was a name that came up as one of the best. While a bit more expensive than the other brands I’d read about, Elmo telecine projectors seem to offer a lot more in terms of ease of use and overall results.

You can order telecine projectors by mail or they’re often found online on any of the auction sites. Check back often when you’re ready to buy because one may appear under a narrow time window so you’ll want to be sure you’re able to purchase it if this telecine projector is the one you’re looking for.