19 February 2021
LA-based Spectra Film and Video has installed a new state-of-the-art Scanity HDR film scanner, enhancing the services it provides, in processing and transferring of a variety of film formats to digital data.
Spectra wanted only the very best in film scanner solution available on the market, and as this was to be a significant investment, they took a thorough review of available technology. Tests compared how each scanner handled a variety of tasks including resolution, extremely dense negative and positive, handling of delicate and aged materials – and more, as well as ease of set up and use.
Doug Thomas, co-owner of Spectra Film and Video explains: “We found that the dynamic range, sharpness and speed of the Scanity outperformed all the other scanners tested. In addition, Scanity was by far the easiest to use. The display layout is very intuitive and easy to learn with a basic understanding of scanning. With the test results in, we knew it had to be the Scanity.
Scanity was chosen because it produces full resolution pictures without any unwanted interpolation, which many other scanners produce. In addition, it can capture noninterpolated 4K DPX at 18fps which is the fastest scan speed we could find on a scanner of this type for professional applications. As Spectra is a full motion picture lab, we needed both picture quality and speed to get edit-ready dailies out to our clients super-fast. The optional upgrades such as optical/magnetic sound pick-up, super 8 and regular 8 were also useful options for our archival applications.”
Scanity fits within Spectra’s existing workflow and, in contrast with previous experiences with other suppliers, was “a dream” to install. Doug Thomas explains: “The overall installation was very clean and professional. Prior to the install, dft ensured we were fully aware of our equipment compatibility, power, air supply and space requirements. This made everything go very smoothly after our scanner was uncrated. dft also took care of much of the network hook-up and testing to assure everything was in good working order.”
Since installation, Spectra has successfully deployed Scanity HDR on a number of key client projects, and is looking forward to many more 16mm and 35mm high end projects that require scanning at full resolution.
Simon Carter, sales director at dft commented: “It is our policy at dft to work closely with our clients at every stage, to ensure that we not only meet, but where possible, exceed expectations. We knew that Spectra wanted a scanner that excelled against a range of criteria, and so were delighted that Scanity performed so well in the comparative tests. It has been a pleasure working with Doug in this process, and I am pleased that we have delivered an ‘out of the box’ commercial film scanner that fulfils all of their needs – from 8mm to 35mm Vista Vision.
Editors notes:
dft (Digital Film Technology) has been at the forefront of film scanning technology for over 75 years, supplying the film post production market with a range of high quality, leading edge products and services. With a reputation for quality, dft is head quartered in Germany and has a network of sales, service and support centres worldwide.
dft is a subsidiary of the Prasad Corporation Ltd, India.
Further information:
Digital Film Technology GmbH Public RelationsEmail: pr@dft-film.comTel: +49 (6151) 8503 500
