Preserving your memories V - Magnetic Tape

Magnetic tape was and still is is a wonderfully versatile and fascinating medium. It wears well and will last decades if properly cared for and stored. Unfortunately all tape is not created equal and as a result some of the audio or video tape you have on your shelf might being dying a slow death and you don't even know about it.

Tape is essentially a very thin ribbon that has a magnetic oxide glued to it with what they call a binder. Over time and with mechanical wear this binding agent will dry, harden, start to deteriorate and flake off. The result is you start losing the oxide that has your sound print on it resulting in signal dropouts.  This decay can also start to contaminate playback heads, dirty and glaze rollers and guides and generally start causing more playback problems. In VHS and Beta machines it can actually start to leave visible piles of residue under the tape path.

Quality media will last longer but over the years a lot of cheap tape has been dumped on the marketplace. I have some broadcast reel to reel tapes that are over forty years old. They are still pliable and recordable. On the other hand I have customers bring in cheap VHS cassettes that were recorded ten years ago that are already exhibiting age and visible dropouts.

What is important is this. If you have memories on audio or video tape there is no time like the present to preserve them by dumping them to digital media files.

There are two really good reasons for doing this. 

First, the old stuff is analog. This means that every time you make a copy of it there is loss of quality. Making it into a digital file stops this degradation process. All things being equal (and depending on what software you use), there is no detectable loss in editing and manipulating digital files.

Second, while disc media does not deteriorate as fast as magnetic media, it will last much longer and is more robust. It is impervious to magnetic fields, is smaller and easier to store and it will outlast you if properly cared for. The thing that can damage it is strong light and of course, deep scratches. The one caveat here is quality. At my studio, I could buy media that is as much as fifty percent cheaper than what I pay. I don't. I buy the best media I can buy for mastering and duplicating because it is better quality and will last much, much longer. Saving a few pennies on any media is a false economy that you will end up paying for eventually.

So let's talk about audio tape preservation.

Reel to Reel Tape

Reel to reels generally transfer quite well but a lot depends on the recording speed. The lower consumer speeds generally are pretty muddy with very little in the way of high or low frequencies. The other problem is running time. With so many tape lengths and different speeds available it is hard to know how long your reels will run before actually running them. The time chart below shows the consumer tape speeds and will give you an idea of the variables. To make CD's from large slow playing reels necessitates breaking up the digital file to a length that will be accommodated by the maximum recordable time on a CD. (Approximately 70 minutes)

Approximate Running Time Per Track

* ips = Inches Per Second)

Length/Speed	1 7/8 ips*	3 3/4 ips	7 1/2 ips
300 feet	30 min.	15 min.	7.5 min.
600 feet	60 min.	30 min.	15 min.
900 feet	90 min.	45 min.	22 min.

Approximate Time recorded on both sides of tape
Speed/Length	150 ft.	300 ft.	600 ft.	900 ft.	1200 ft	1800 ft.	2400 ft.	3600 ft.
1 7/8 ips*	30 min.	1 hr.	2 hrs.	3 hrs.	4 hrs.	6 hrs.	8 hrs.	12 hrs.
3 3/4 ips	15 min.	30 min.	1 hr.	1.5 hrs.	2 hrs.	3 hrs.	4 hrs.	6 hrs.
7 1/2 ips	7.5 min.	15 min.	30 min.	45 min.	1 hr.	1.5 hrs.	2 hrs.	3 hrs.
Approximate Time recorded on both sides of tape
Number of CD's required
Speed/Length	150 ft.	300 ft.	600 ft.	900 ft.	1200 ft	1800 ft.	2400 ft.	3600 ft.
1 7/8 ips*	1 CD	1 CD	2 CD's	3 CD's	3 CD's	5 CD's	6 CD's	9 CD's
3 3/4 ips	1 CD	1 CD	1 CD	2 CD's	2 CD's	3 CD's	3 CD's	5 Cd's
7 1/2 ips	1 CD	1 CD	1 CD	1 CD	1 CD	2 CD's	2 CD's	3 CD's

The most economical way to do this is to capture the entire reel as one file and then subdivide it as an edit later. As in the case of preserving records you may need to process and EQ the files before burning them to CD's.

Audio Cassettes

Audio Cassettes are a little easier to process as there is a standard speed and tape lengths are generally noted on the cassette shell or label.

Here again, it is more economical to record a whole side and then use the editing software to break it down to individual tracks. This is pretty easy to do as most editing software gives you a visual representation of the recorded sounds as a waveform. You can spot the breaks by looking where the wave form drops on the timeline. You simply  highlight the track, then copy and  paste the selection to a new file.

Remember to save your work often.

8 Track Tapes

Same as above. They will be a little tricky in that you may have to search for the first track. In reality you can start anywhere and re-order the tracks later.

The big problem here is finding someone who has a working 8 track. I have one but to date nobody has ever bought one to me for transfer.

Other Formats

There are other what I call fringe formats available (such as micro cassettes). I have only talked about the most common formats that I see at my studio every day.

Here is a word to the wise. There's a substantial investment of time, money and learning for you to preserve your precious audio. What you have to decide is whether you have the time to learn and experiment in order to get the desired results.

If you have a ton of stuff and you are a real do it yourselfer, then research what equipment and software you need and buy it.  Lock yourself away with your computer and have fun.

If you only have a few reels, albums or cassettes don't bother. Find a professional and pay to have it done properly.

In future articles we will talk about video tape preservation.


Thanks for reading. Remember, if you have questions or comments please feel free to add them. Also keep in mind that KEMEdia Studios offer these transfers services should you require them.

You can receive notice of new blog instalments automatically. Please subscribe to the Blog by "Joining this site" and becoming a member.

Mike Reid can be heard approximately once a month on the Dave Fisher Show, weekends on CJAD 800 in Montreal. Mike and Dave talk about technology and new directions during these ten minute spots.

A New Product Launch for KEMEdia in 2012. Our strike against "The YouTube Syndrome"

As 2012 dawns I reflect back on 30 years in the production business. My, how business has changed!

In terms of gear and equipment alone the changes and advances in quality have been stupefying. I think back to my first production. It was a wedding shot with an RCA single tube camera that really only gave colour in daylight. I shot all kinds of footage and had to edit it on a VHS tape at the EP speed. It was ugly but it was 1983 and video technology was expensive and relatively new. Now I have HD cameras with 3 image sensors, HD Multi camera live production equipment, 3 high end editing suites, DVD/CD duplication with printing and a video lab to transfer all kinds of old formats to new ones. In contrast to that first production what we offer now is as good as it gets. But we came up the hard way.

The internet has been hard on many traditional businesses while opening hundreds of new avenues for different business models. Record stores, printing businesses, photo stores, sound studios and video production houses, amongst others, have seen their business models get trashed completely or change dramatically with the convergence of all things to the internet.

In the last 5 years I have watched as my own studio has suffered from the "YouTube Syndrome". YouTube is ubiquitous with literally millions of people uploading all kinds of crap every day. While it is all fun, amusing and easy to consume, it has also served to water down production values considerably and therefore expectations as well. Companies I used to shoot and edit for now shoot and edit for themselves at a considerable compromise in quality and professionalism in the finished product. The attitude now seems to be "it's good enough. Put it on the net!"

 This thinking has really taken a swipe at my business and that of all of the other production companies I know. Business is hard because of the YouTube Syndrome. It is compounded by smart computers with smart software and the Do It Yourself mentality.

Don't get me wrong, it's all fun and exciting and neat to play with but I would say that 99% of the media being uploaded to the web each day has no semblance of production values or good storytelling.

Any kid with a hot Mac and some software can become a sound engineer or video producer. HD cameras can be had cheap. Consumer cameras give a nice image compared to older models but they are NOT THE SAME as professional cameras or gear. And the knowledge to properly use this gear is not prevalent.

If your band gets recorded in the garage of someone's house and the person recording you is cutting their teeth on the recording of your music, then you have virtually wasted any money you paid and your time. Sound recording is a science best left to those that have been blessed with a gift. I would hazard a guess that out of every 100 backyard sound engineers or video producers out there you would be lucky to get one who is actually any good. But I suppose everyone has to start somewhere.

In 1983 I was that kid playing at video producer. I learned my production values and standards the hard way, with cranky gear, low budgets and a thirst for progress. I started with a table top VCR and a crappy camera. Now, I have learned how to tell stories properly. I pursue quality at every turn and I have a very nice facility with a sound stage, sound room, green screen and some really, really neat gear.

It comes down to this. If you want something professionally done then you should hire a professional.

Professional production houses know how to build films. They know how to tell the story of a product or service. They know how to shoot with a storyboard and with editing in mind. They use lights, tripods and professional microphones that improve a video dramatically.
Doing it yourself may save you some money in the short run but in the long term a well constructed film will be your best business card moving forward. It will also have more lasting value because it is well crafted. With media, the do it yourself mentality is truly a false economy in business.

And so, here I am in January of 2012. I am launching a new video product that is internet based. It offers high quality, professionally acted, shot and edited pieces for anyone who has a website and who wants video or audio on their home page. (Which in truth, should be everybody!) And it does all of this at a price nobody can refuse.

In 1983 it would be me uploading stuff to YouTube if it existed. Today I am launching a really neat product, for a very cool price that offers high value to the buyer. It is my shot across the bow of mediocrity. Hopefully it will help push the pendulum back towards the professionals.

Thanks for reading my rant. If you want to see our new product you can go to:

www.30secondpitch.ca

Here is the Home Page film.

You can receive notice of new blog instalments automatically. Please subscribe to the Blog by "Joining this site" and becoming a member.

Mike Reid can be heard approximately once a month on the Dave Fisher Show, weekends on CJAD 800 in Montreal. Mike and Dave talk about technology and new directions during these ten minute spots.

Preserving Your Memories II - Preserving old Films

In the last blog I talked about preserving old photos and slides by converting them to digital formats that are easy to share. In this KEMEdia Moment I will talk about 8mm, Super 8, Super 8 Sound, 9.5 mm and 16 mm films, the various ways they can be processed and what to watch out for in a quality transfer.

You may remember Dad dragging out the projector and screen, fiddling with splices and reels and the old family home movie night. I certainly do because my Dad was all thumbs when it came to anything mechanical and so I was usually the one called to be the projectionist and splicer.

16 millimeter

The first home film format was 16mm and you pretty much had to be well off or well connected to be able to afford the camera, film stock and developing.  This format can be silent, meaning it normally has sprocket holes on both edges of the film or with an optical sound track on one side of the frame with sprocket perforations on the other. There are variations on 16mm stock but Standard 16 is by far the most common.

The earliest films KEMEdia ever transferred were from the late 1920's. They were in fantastic shape and came out extremely well. It was fascinating to see footage of my native Montreal almost a hundred years ago.

Standard 8 millimeter

Later, Standard 8mm film (also known as Regular 8 or Double 8) came around. This was a much more affordable home movie format than 16mm and soon became a great addition to family souvenirs. It was developed by Kodak in the 30's and was in reality 16mm film stock that had more sprocket perforations than normal. The film was exposed along half of its width and then the reel was flopped in the camera to expose the other half. During processing the film was split into two 8mm widths and spliced together for projection. It was an exceedingly clever idea that allowed 4 times the number of images than 16mm making it much more economical for the masses. The format exploded and soon everyone was shooting home movies. Normal shooting speed was 16 frames per second and a roll lasted approximately 3 minutes.

Super 8 millimeter

Super-8 film was released in 1965 and was quickly adopted as the new standard as it It featured a better quality image, and was much easier to use. It was now a cartridge-loading system which did not require re-loading your film stock halfway through exposure.  At one point Super-8 was available with a magnetic sound track at the edge of the film but as video cameras became more readily available it was doomed and was discontinued.

Oddly enough in this "video age", there has been a bit of a renaissance  of Super-8 film use. Because of advances in film stocks and digital technology, real film aficionados can shoot on low cost Super 8 equipment and then transfer the footage to a digital format for editing. Film is much more versatile than video and so those who want a different look and feel to their projects have found this an interesting alternative. I have seen wedding videographers advertise this as an option for their clients.

9.5 millimeter

Developed by Pathé this format uses a single, central sprocket hole between each frame. This is different than 8 mm film, where the holes are along one edge, or most other film formats, which have them on each side of the frame. This format was popular in Europe but was not used much in North America. In fact in all of my years of media production I have only seen one reel come through my doors.

Transferring Film to Video

The transfer of film to video is called telecine. There are many different ways to transfer film. Some are excellent others are poor.

At a bare minimum the projectors used have to be in some way or other, synchronized for video and the video camera that captures the image should have 3 image sensors for best results.

The important things to remember are frame rates and parallax.

Frame rates

Most film runs at 16 or 24 frames per second with 16 fps being the norm. Video works at 30 frames per second (29.97). If you do not compensate for the the frame rate difference your image will have a flicker to it. In simple terms every few frames of image will have the black bar of the frame projected in the image. In other words, each frame is not shot fully registered (full image frame). This happens very fast and your eyes interpret it as a shadow or flicker. It is most annoying to watch films with this especially when it is easily removed by having a synchronized projector. Synchronization can be achieved in three ways; a speed rheostat (good), a 5 blade gate (better) or a spot scanning system (best).

A scanning system allows you to scan a distinct frame of digital video for each frame of film, providing higher quality than a traditional telecine system can achieve. Without sounding too technical, best results are achieved by using software that uses a smoothing (interpolating algorithm) rather than a frame duplication algorithm to adjust for speed differences between the film and video frame rate. All you really need to know is that it works.

Wall Projection

This is where someone projects the film on a wall or screen and then sets the video camera up above or beside it to capture the image. There are a number of reasons why this results in poor quality and should be avoided at all costs. First. true good results can only be achieved by having the recording camera in a non-parallax position. That is to say at complete right angle to the projected image. Wall Projection won't allow for this because the video camera lens would have to be exactly where the projector lens is in order for it to be perfect. The end result is that it is exceedingly difficult to get corner to corner coverage and something in the image will be soft or out of focus. If the projector used can't compensate for frame rate differences then the results just frankly suck. This is the setup used by people who just want to make a quick buck.

Telecine Chain

This is the most popular setup. The projector projects the image into a box that has a mirror which refracts the image at a 90 degree angle. This allows the placement of the video camera at right angles to the projector which eliminates parallax and the aforementioned softness in the resulting image. If the operator has the right gear and pays great attention to the setup and execution, the results can be excellent. As this type of chain allows for a huge diversity of projector and camera combinations you should ask about their gear and to see some examples before going ahead.

Direct Transfer Telecine

This setup has a video camera mounted facing the projector lens. Usually the camera is built in to the projector. It is monitored by connecting the camera to an external monitor. results are good and much better if a 3 image sensor camera is used.

Scanning

As explained above, this is the current winner for high quality transfers as it compensates for all of the artifacts associated with film to video transfers. Newer HD units offer the best bang for your buck. While you can't improve on the original it is nice to be able to capture it in the best format possible. If this service is available it will be worth the extra cost.

Conclusion

Film transfers are a very time consuming and persnickety service for the provider to offer. All transfers happen in real time and have to be manipulated to the media of your choice. As a result, it can get expensive with rates ranging from 10 cents to 25 cents per foot. My advice is for you to strike up a relationship with your provider. Ask questions. Ask to see their set-up(s). Ask to see examples. How long have they been doing this? Do they do it in house or do they farm it out to a lab? Ask them to run a test reel for you. If you like what you see and the price is right then go for it. Films deteriorate with age. The sooner you have them transferred the better.

As always if we can help here at KEMEdia then contact us by email at info@keme.qc.ca and visit our website at:

www.keme.qc.ca

In coming KEMEdia Moments we will discuss preserving;

Vinyl Discs (45's. 33's, 78's) & Audio Tapes (Reel to Reel, Audio Cassettes, 8 Tracks etc.)

Tape media 
(Consumer & Prosumer formats VHS, S-VHS, Beta, Video 8, Hi8, Digital 8, Mini DV, DVCam)

Disc media CD & DVD (DVD 5, Dual Layer DVD 9, BluRay)

and Memory Cards and Drives

We will also talk about the care and storage of all media and how you can help preserve and prolong the life of older formats until they are placed in a digital form.

You can receive notice of new blog instalments automatically. Please subscribe to the Blog by "Joining this site" and becoming a member.

Mike Reid can be heard approximately once a month on the Dave Fisher Show, weekends on CJAD 800 in Montreal. Mike and Dave talk about technology and new directions during these ten minute spots.

Pros and Cons of Hard Copies (DVD's) vs. Downloads or Streaming Media or "Why DVD's will be here for awhile" (but not as long as some people think.)

Pros and Cons of Hard Copies (DVD's) vs. Downloads or Streaming Media or "Why DVD's will be here for awhile" (but not as long as some people think.)

Our generation likes to have the media in our hands but the download generation doesn't seem to mind having it as a file. But here a few reasons why DVD"s will be around for awhile.

1-For downloads you absolutely need hi speed Internet. Dial-up users need not apply. As fibre optic networks develop this will be less of an issue. One point each. 
Score DVD 1 - Download 1

2-With downloads you only get the movie. No director's cuts, special features, commentaries, sub titles or languages. So if you are a real student of film you will miss out on some neat stuff. Liner notes and printed content will only be with the DVD hard copy. One point for DVD's.
Score DVD 2 - Download 1

3-While both downloads and DVD's are compressed downloaded or streamed movies are more compressed. This means the quality is not as good as DVD, particularly BluRay. 
Another point for DVD's.
Score DVD 3 - Download 1

4-Download rentals are only for 24 hours. But you don't have to get into your car to return them and there are no late fees. One point for each. 
Score DVD 4 - Download 2

5-Availability - In most cases, Downloads are only available on average 30 days after the DVD release. So if you really want to be the first in your neighbourhood to see the latest Blockbuster you will have to rent or buy the DVD. One point DVD.
Score DVD 5 - Download 2

6-Can you imagine movie night with the family sitting around your computer? I can't, but the next generation of screens will be Smart TV's and stream ready. So services like Netflix will prosper. (God help us all if the internet goes down.) Another point for DVD's.
Score DVD 5 - Download 3

7-Selection - currently you will only find about 20 to 30% of what's available ready for download or streaming. This number will only go up but for now selection is limited. 
Point DVD.

Final Score DVD 6 - Download 3

So, aside from the download convenience factor, DVD's still have a considerable edge..

Thanks for reading! Don't hesitate to send me feedback and comments.

You can receive notice of new blog instalments automatically. Please subscribe to the Blog by "Joining this site" and becoming a member.

Mike Reid can be heard approximately once a month on the Dave Fisher Show, weekends on CJAD 800 in Montreal. Mike and Dave talk about technology and new directions during these ten minute spots.

Tips for Performing with Teleprompters

I am fond of saying that the Teleprompter I bought for my studio years ago was one of the best investments I ever made. A prompter can take your average Joe who has never been in front of a camera and make him look like a news anchor. It cuts down production time and editing, delivers a more professional look and depending on the production, can save more money than it costs.

So your boss wants you to be on camera for a corporate video. Here are some tips on how you can deliver an amazing performance.

Although you will have a teleprompter to help you, it is REALLY important that you know the rhythm and cadence of your script extremely well before the camera rolls. A good delivery on camera has a natural rhythm and feel to it. It will take some practice to ensure that things will look and sound great. 

Rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal....

Prompters negate the need to memorize, but you have to be comfortable with the content.

When you get your final script, read it through. In your head it has to sound like a conversation rather than like the reading of a text book. Some subtle changes to sentence structure or maybe the odd word change may help your  "verbal" delivery a lot. I suggest you read the script out loud a dozen times or so.This will give you a good feel for the content. Reading aloud may also help remove any stiffness in your delivery. Then, when you are more relaxed, it will allow for some subtle reactions in your face and eyes that will help sell the spontaneity of the content. With practice you will feel much more confident. If the piece is a dialogue between or amongst other on camera people then make sure you rehearse out loud with your fellow actors.

A little animation will go a long way. You have to believe your part. Any changes in verbiage that make you more comfortable are fine as long as the meaning of your point is not changed. Remember, any script changes need to be given to the Prompter Operator the day before the shoot so they can be formatted in the prompter computer. Don't fret if there are last minute changes. If the need arises, changes can be made on the fly while shooting. 

As you rehearse, engage your body language and your hands. Well timed movement, smiles, or nods to the camera can pay huge dividends on impact and professionalism. If you are uncomfortable with this then just concentrate on the rhythm and elocution of your read. After all, the message is the important thing.

On the day of the shoot I generally coach teleprompter readers with these next tips. Try to use them when you rehearse. They may be useful to you if the director doesn't have the time to help.

1 - BREATHE..... People tend to get a little nervous when they get in front of a camera and try to squeeze as much out as they can with a single breath. You need to be cognizant of your breathing and breathing points that should occur in your script 

2 - Relax! I run a very relaxed set. We laugh a lot. Nerves need not be an issue. You have to realize that you are not professional actors, mistakes will be made and really, this is NOT a problem. The way the shoot is normally done allows for editing and in most cases, you need only worry about one paragraph at a time. Believe me, professional actors need many takes. Don't worry about it and don't take everything too seriously. A teleprompter will make you look and sound fantastic. You'll see.

3 - PAUSE - Use the natural sentence structure; phrases, commas and periods as an opportunity to pause for effect. These also make great breathing points. While formatting for the Prompter we can insert spaces or special notes to signal a pause for you. These can be a great aid to your delivery.

4 - SLOW DOWN - Our everyday speaking tends to be very fast and words get slurred together so that a sentence sounds like one word. Slowing down will seem foreign to you at first, especially as you read aloud, but believe me it will look and sound GREAT on camera. Diction, enunciation, breathing at the right time, pausing for effect and modest hand movement and body language will have you selling your part extremely well. With some rehearsal time and everybody's friend, the teleprompter, you will breeze through the shoot.

Usually there will be a minimum of people on set for the shoot. A cameraman, prompter person, maybe a script assistant and yourselves. There will be some lighting and production equipment and personnel. You may be asked to wear a wireless microphone or sound may be captured with a boom microphone. Your wardrobe will probably be discussed in advance and should consist of neutral colours. Although red ties or scarves can be allowed stay away from red jackets if possible. Also avoid busy patterns and fine lines as they can drive a camera crazy. In the HD world these are less of an issue than they were but you should still keep them in mind. I usually recommend you bring a second outfit, just in case. Of course if the shoot is taking place in front of a green screen then you cannot wear any shades of green at all.

So that is it. These tips are simple, easy to practice and worth following. While they don't guarantee an Oscar performance they will certainly help you look and feel great on camera.

Relax and have some fun.

See you in the movies.

Mike

You can receive notice of new blog instalments automatically. Please subscribe to the Blog by "Joining this site" and becoming a member.

Mike Reid can be heard approximately once a month on the Dave Fisher Show, weekends on CJAD 800 in Montreal. Mike and Dave talk about technology and new directions during these ten minute spots.

Dealing with electronics salesmen

Hi folks. Welcome to another KEMEdia Moment. 

I’ve been at video and audio production for a long time and I’ve purchased a lot of electronics and computers over the years. I learned a few lessons along the way in dealing with sales staff. I have to admit though, I was one of them in another lifetime. So I have some inside information on what makes them tick and how big box stores operate, so stick around.

Buying electronics or computers can be a daunting task. There are dozens of brand names with even more models, a great variety of pricing and options.

Plus, everybody says they have the best price and that they will match or better a price on any competitors price.

It can be a crock! Dealer A has a set you like for $499.00.

Dealer B has one that is equipped with the same specs but there are slight cosmetic differences. He’s selling it for $ 50  less. You kind of like the colour of the frame on Dealer A’s set so you go to a salesman there and say “Dealer B has the same model for 50 bucks less will you match the price?”

He asks you the model number. Let’s say it’s a Widget 5000 LCD3. Imagine your surprise when he tells you it is not the same model. His model number is 5000LCD3X. It’s a game the manufactures play with their retailers so that they don’t have to cut profits and match prices.

Here is another scenario. The retailer advertises a blow out sale on a DVD player. There are limited quantities so you rush right over. There is only one left and it is practically bolted to the display shelf. He’s not able to sell you the demo model because chances are they will get more stock but while you are here I have an even better model with more features and it only costs 50 bucks more. It's the famous “Bait and Switch” routine. Almost all retailers do it and you don’t have to fall for it. In the final analysis, if you really want the demo model they have to sell it to you.

Finding a good salesman who you can trust can be frustrating. Generally, I find the big box stores staffed with young students who have had a smattering of training and are keen but are not the best at finding what is really best for you. It’s not their fault really. They probably have bosses that are giving them quotas on product and pressuring them all of the time to sell the extended warranties. Why? Because these companies make a lot of money on warranties and salesmen and managers often have bonuses tied to warranty sale performance. Whether or not you buy an extended warranty is really up to you. We’ll cover them in an upcoming blog.

Most towns have a boutique type audio/video/computer store. I find that the staff in these stores are generally older, more experienced and have many years in electronic  sales. Don’t get me wrong. They still are out to make money. Profit is not a 4 letter word. But by virtue of their experience they are better advisors. They generally listen to your needs more and try to fit you with the correct purchase. The big drawback is less selection. I find large selections add to the mud in your brain anyways.

These purchases are generally hefty price tickets. You should take your time. Find a store and a salesman you like and support them. Your continued support will be appreciated and it will pay dividends if you ever need after sales service or something extra in the way of accessories.

We’ll deal with buying specific items in future webisodes. So stay tuned for more KEMEdia Moments.

Thanks for reading. 

Don’t forget, if you have something to say or a question to ask you can e-mail me at info@keme.qc.ca and check out our website at www.keme.qc.ca

You can receive notice of new blog instalments automatically. Please subscribe to the Blog by "Joining this site" and becoming a member.

Mike Reid can be heard approximately once a month on the Dave Fisher Show, weekends on CJAD 800 in Montreal. Mike and Dave talk about technology and new directions during these ten minute spots.