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In 1962 when Philips introduced the audio tape was introduced as a device for audio storage, no one could ever imagine that one day people would use the right to copy their own audio tape as the reason for file sharing companies such as Napster to exist.
Audio cassettes for the most part were used to record analog sound from either another analog source, (record player, 8 track or reel to reel) or ambient sound (like an an AC/DC concert you attended in the 70s) or your voice (as lawyers may do for dictation).
Cassette tape came in a number of custom and standard lengths. Most common are 60 min and 90 min tape. Of couse, it was the invention of the Sony Walkman in the 1980's that truly propelled this format into the most dominent recording medium ever. By allowing you to carry your music with you, one could actually listen to music while you walked, jogged or drove.
However, there were several major limitations to the audio cassette. Prolonged use would slowly affect the quality of sound. The recording/playback heads were very susceptible to dirt and other acoustical interference. Use your cleaning tape too often would also ruin expensive equipment.
Of couse, the audio cassette was a tape. Tapes break!! Yes - we do repair audio Cassettes as well as MiniDV tape, VHS, Hi8 and most other audio/video tape formats.
We will run your audio tape through our cleaning process which is designed to loosen up particles and physically remove any dirt from the tape itself. It is a NON abrasive procedure that in NO WAY will effect the quality or damage your tapes. In effect we are exercising the physical tape to ensure a solid transfer. Utilizing only professional grade equipment. Here are a few options:
In many cases our customers understand that CDs although convenient offer a fairly unsafe way to store your precious memories. They are easily scratched or damaged. Yes you can watch on your computer, however the footage you are listening to is a compressed version of the original footage. By having TorontoHomeMovies.com convert your audio footage directly into an uncompressed .WAV file will obtain a high quality audio transfers. To listen to your footage we can export to one of several options.
This is the most basic format. We do a straight analog to digital conversion and ensure that footage fits exactly onto a CD. Understand that stand length is 70 mins to retain acceptable audio quality. You will be able to play your CDs in any CD player and your computer, however you will not be able to drag the files onto your hard drive. The CD formated disk transfer creates the same CD format your would get if you purchased a music CD from a store. If you wish to share this CD you will have to use a software program to do something called ripping.
Unfortuately when you "rip" a CD the process involved effects a noticeable loss of quality on a good stereo. In simple terms. Ripping a CD is very much like taking a photocopy of a photograph. It is not a true representation of the original.
Hard Drive (WAV or MP3 Files)If the quality of your audio conversion is important to you then we suggest converting to .wav or a high bitrate Mp3. Not only do you benefit from higher quality you get the ability to share your music, create custom playlists and even copy your old audio cassette music to your iPod!
We will run your Audio tapes through our cleaning process, which is intended to loosen up particles and actually eradicate any dirt from the tape itself. It is a NON-abrasive procedure that in NO WAY will affect the audio quality or harm your tapes. In effect, we are preparing the tape to ensure a high quality transfer, utilizing only professional grade equipment.
You can choose to transfer a whole album or a cassette or an LP to a CD, MP3, .WAV and about 50 other audio types. Which ever method you choose you can be assured that the quality will be the highest available. The main difference between CD and the other digital formats, such as MP3 or .WAV is that a CD can be played in your car, home stereo or portable cd player. That is not to say you cannot upload the CD to your Apple iPod or MP3 player, but you would still have the versatility to play your audio CD.
While microcassettes are no longer frequently used in general, at Toronto Home Movies, we have the equipment and expertise to do a number of things with your microcassette. Microcassettes are most often used for audio recordings such as interviews and legal proceedings. Most of our customers request either microcassette to CD, 
Reel to reel tape otherwise known as open reel tape came in many shapes & sizes. The most common to the average consumer was 1/4" tape. Reel-to-reel tape also came in other sizes but was used mostly for the professional recording market. To determine what you have, simply measure the tape. It should measure 1 quarter of an inch in width. Here at Toronto Home Movies we transfer all 1/4" reel-to-reel tape to CD.
From a marketing point of view, thanks largely to its promotion by the auto industry, the 8-track cartridge was by far the most successful new audio format of the mid-1960s and early 1970s. From a technical point of view, however, the 8-track was inherently an unreliable design, subject to frequent mechanical problems, and missing the basic advantages of conventional tape machines: namely, fast forward and reverse, easy erasure, editing, and indexing.
Since the demise of the minidisc so many people wonder how and where to get them transfered onto CD, quite honestly Toronto Home Movies the first and best place you should check to get this done professionally and easily. We have all the highest level of equipment to do this right, just for you! Give us a Call now and set up an appointment to bring your mini discs to Toronto Home Movies by calling us at 866 559 1163
We can transfer Digital Voice Recorder to CD or any other analogue or digital audio format. ©2012 Canada Home Movies Ltd.
416 479 0537 or 1 866 559 1163
