Expert Services
Audio Transfer
Audio-cassettes, open-reel tapes and Digital Audio Tapes (DATs) can start to decay in less than 10 years.
Having your recordings on Compact Disc keeps them safe and makes it easy to make additional CD copies with no loss of quality.
CD-ROM Services offer audio cassette conversion to CD, Audio CD duplication, DAT conversion to CD,music to disc, reel to reel conversion, reel to reel transfer, and a tape baking service to recover old tapes.
Just phone first to make an appointment to bring or send tapes to CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd at Suite 7, Level 1, 108 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022. Your tapes will be transferred by Andrew Host who has over 35 years professional audio experience.
Click here for a quote or call 02 9954 9885 for a helpful discussion.
Tape Baking
When magnetic recording tapes are being stored, moisture is slowly absorbed by the binder that holds the components of the tape together. Affected tapes will squeak when played back. The squeaking can be heard directly from the tape passing over the playback head and other fixed parts of the player, but is also transmitted electronically through the playback head. Often the tape will also sound dull and distorted.
If you hear a tape that is squeaking, stop playing the tape immediately. Continuing to play a squeaking tape can cause permanent damage to the tape, and in some cases damage to the player.
This problem can happen to any tape, but is more common in tapes manufactured after the mid 1970s in the USA.
The solution to the problem of squeaking tapes is to bake the tapes at very low temperature in an oven. There are as many different opinions about optimum temperature and duration of baking as there are audio engineers. Certainly, do not attempt to bake your own tapes unless you can be certain that the temperature in your oven will not exceed 60 degrees Celsius.
CD ROM Services Pty Ltd offers a tape baking service, and although we have successfully baked well over a hundred tapes, and haven't damaged one, we will take all care in baking your tapes, but cannot take responsibility for accidental damage. If you give us your tapes to bake, it is on the basis that you agree with this. We will bake your tape only if we are also transferring the content of the tape to another format.
Suitable Audio Formats
.DAT (Digital Audio Tape):
- DATs may be sampled at 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz, but for highest quality transfer to CD, 44.1 kHz is preferred.
- Please use new tapes where possible.
- Please record silence for at least 30 seconds before the start of the first track of audio.
- Start IDs should be present to indicate where you want tracks to change on the CD.
Mini Disc:
- You should have tracks on the Mini Disc correspond to where you want the tracks on the CD.
- Standard Play is preferred, but Long Play (MDLP2 or MDLP4) is available. HI-MD is currently not available. If you have a HI-MD disc to be transferred, you will also need to supply a HI-MD player.
WAV or AIFF files on disc:
Any sample rate up to 96 kHz.
MP3 files:
On disc, USB flash memory or via email or FTP.
Quarter inch analogue reel-to-reel tape
- Without dbx or Dolby noise-reduction.
- The following open-reel tape speeds are available:
- 4.76 cm/s (1 7/8 ips)
- 9.5 cm/s (3 3/4 ips)
- 19.05 cm/s (7 1/2 ips)
- 38.1 cm/s (15 ips)
- 76.2 cm/s (30 ips)
- The following recording formats are available:
- Full track mono
- Half track mono or stereo
- Quarter track mono or stereo
PCM on Betamax or U-Matic:
Sony 501 or compatible, PAL only.
Audio Cassette:
Audio can be transferred from a standard audio-cassette, but this is not recommended (if there is any higher-quality alternative) due to the generally inferior quality of cassettes and the compatibility problems associated with phase alignment and Dolby playback level.
Video Transfer
Yes Video
CD-ROM Services Australia is associated with YesVideo Australia, with whom we share premises.YesVideo use automated technology creates high quality videos at low cost, so that you can view your home movies on a computer or DVD player. YesVideo convert your old tapes and films
to the highest quality professional MPEG-2 DVD that will play on your home DVD player or computer, and can also be supplied on USB where you may not have access to DVD player.
Your old home videos on DVD will thrill friends and family, while rest assured that your YesVideo DVD
will last a many years without degradation of image quality. Additionally they can also be supplied on M-Disc which is rated for storage for 1,000 years, so that future generations will have access to their family history.
This fully automated process includes 54
automatically generated chapter points and a menu that makes it easy to navigate your YesVideo video,
and can add background audio to silent films.
- Up to 2 hours of video for a low price
- Automatically placed scene-based chapters as an interactive menu on the DVD and printed with visual 'thumbnails' on the DVD cover.
- Additional copies, for only $19.95 each*, all at the highest quality, variable bit-rate MPEG-2 encoding.
- Play as many times as you like without any degradation in quality.
- Optional YesVideo Digital Scrapbook software that allows you to edit, add titles, add music, and extract images from your video, compatible with Windows XP only.
- Conversion from a wide variety of videotape formats including:
- VHS
- VHS-C
- S-VHS
- Video 8
- Hi 8
- Digital 8
- Mini DV
- DVCAM
- Betamax
- Other formats are also available. We can even create YesVideo DVDs from your old Super 8, Standard 8 and 16 mm movie films and 35 mm slides.
- With the release of Super 8 the film, now is a good time to remind parents, grandparents and even great grandparents to look for those old Super 8 (Super8), 8mm and 16mm films and have them converted to DVD to preserve your family memories.
Conversion from PAL videotapes to NTSC (for North American televisions) is available at no extra charge.
Call us on 02 9959 3472 and ask for Michael or go directly to the YesVideo website
Blank Discs
Discs are not created equal
CD-ROM Services sells and uses only quality licensed discs, almost exclusively from Taiyo Yuden, the inventor of recordable CDs and the brand professionals prefer worldwide.
Click Here for an obligation free quote, or call us on 02 9954 9885 for advice.
Taiyo Yuden (now owned by the Victor Company) is the only Japanese company still making blank discs, who together with Philips and Sony invented the recordable discs. Taiyo Yuden do not market to the general public, supplying most of their high grade production to select duplicators such as ourselves.
A good comparison would be like comparing Michelin tyres to others. With Michelin you pay more, but you getting a safer known higher standard material.
Verbatim discs are also available. These are the only 2 brands that we trust completely.
We supply blank Taiyo Yuden and Verbatim discs in bulk for orders over 100 units, plus packing and shipping by TNT couriers.
Smaller quantities (less than 100) can be collected after phoning first Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from our offices at Suite 7, 108 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
Printable Discs
DVDs / CDs and CDRs are available with a variety of printing surfaces such as inkjet silver, inkjet white, thermal, and screen printable. If disc printing is required, we can usually have them for you within a day or two of approving a sample.
What makes a good disc?
In a nutshell...low BLER (Block Error Rates) in recordings.
A low BLER means the disc is:
- more likely to play on more players especially older players
- more likely to be useable over a longer period - improved longevity
- less likely to fail when burning
Taiyo Yuden's BLER is usually about 1, Verbatim 1.5 and cheap media, even from so called good brands 40 to 60. This is because many well known brands do not manufacture their own media. They buy from the cheapest source, then re brand it. House brands or unbranded media usually have higher BLER rates again.
Archival Discs
CD-ROM Services now offer the service of transferring large amounts of data to the M-DISC.
You can send your storage media to CD-ROM Services who can take the contents of your hard drive or thumb drive and transfer the data to one or several M-DISCs for you to store safely and permanently.
Please contact us for costs and further information
CD-ROM Services can also supply a USB external M-DISC burner for clients to use themselves, with or without blank M-DISCs.
Click on the link below to read the article in PC World describing the M-DISC and how it is the most secure method to store impportant data. Click http://www.pcworld.com/article/2933478/m-disc-optical-media-reviewed-your-data-good-for-a-thousand-years.html
"A stress test of the media was performed by the United States Department of Defense, proving that M-DISC DVDs are far more durable than conventional DVDs.Conventional DVD-R and BD-R LTH (Low To High) use recording layers of organic dye and separate reflective layers. M-DISC uses a single inorganic recording layer, which is substantially inert to oxygen, but requires a higher-powered laser. Thus, both the M-DISC and inorganic BD-R physically alter the recording layer, burning a permanent hole in the material. Besides physical damage, failure of the reflective layer, followed closely by degradation of the data layer, are the primary failure modes of all optically recordable disks." from Wikipedia.
Recorded discs are readable in conventional drives. Available recording capacities are similar to other optical media from 4.7GB DVD-R to 25GB, 50GB BD-R and 100GB BD-XL.
Important information
Verbatim consumer audio CDRs
Verbatim has ceased production of their Consumer Audio CD-Rs (Original Verbatim Product Code 43048, recent code 95015) with no immediate plans to produce any more. Therefore, we regret that we are unable to supply this product.
8CM & card shaped discs
8cm & card-shaped CD-Rs are suitable only for standard tray-loading mechanisms and top-loading portable players. They cannot be used in front-loading mechanisms such as car players and the new Macintosh drives, and cannot be used in CD caddies or multi-disc cartridges.
4X - 16X DVD-R media
4x -16x DVD-R are not suitable for use with DVD-R/RW drives unless they comply with DVD-R for General ver 2.0/ 4x-Speed DVD-R Revision 1.0. Please check your DVD-R/RW drive before using 4x - 16x DVD-R discs. If you use a 4x - 16x DVD-R disc in a 1x or 2x drive which does not comply, you may damage both the disc and/or the drive. If your 1x or 2x drive is incompatible with 4x - 16x media, there may be a firmware update available for your drive that will fix the problem.
1,000 year Archival M-DISCS
Archival Discs
CD-ROM Services now offer the service of transferring large amounts of data to the M-DISC.
You can send your storage media to CD-ROM Services who can take the contents of your hard drive or thumb drive and transfer the data to one or several M-DISCs for you to store safely and permanently.
Please contact us for costs and further information
CD-ROM Services can also supply a USB external M-DISC burner for clients to use themselves, with or without blank M-DISCs.
Click on the link below to read the article in PC World describing the M-DISC and how it is the most secure method to store impportant data. Click http://www.pcworld.com/article/2933478/m-disc-optical-media-reviewed-your-data-good-for-a-thousand-years.html
"A stress test of the media was performed by the United States Department of Defense, proving that M-DISC DVDs are far more durable than conventional DVDs. Conventional DVD-R and BD-R LTH (Low To High) use recording layers of organic dye and separate reflective layers. M-DISC uses a single inorganic recording layer, which is substantially inert to oxygen, but requires a higher-powered laser. Thus, both the M-DISC and inorganic BD-R physically alter the recording layer, burning a permanent hole in the material. Besides physical damage, failure of the reflective layer, followed closely by degradation of the data layer, are the primary failure modes of all optically recordable disks." from Wikipedia.
Recorded discs are readable in conventional Blu-ray players that can play BDXL discs, which most modern players should d . Available recording capacities are similar to other optical media from 4.7GB DVD-R to 25GB, 50GB BD-R and 100GB BD-XL.
DVDs will usually last over 20 years if stored safely:But should you wish to ensure that your videos last centuries, have them transferred to M-DISC that will play on most current Blu-ray players rated XL
CD-ROM Services offer the new service of saving videos, pictures and data on the new 4.5GB to 100GB M-DISCS that will hold up to 50 hours of quality Video that have been rated for very very long safe storage.
Losing data can be very painful, but with M-DISC your videos are safe for generations. Click here for Link to M-DISC YouTube Videos
Link to another M-DISC YouTube Video
BaQapp
What is BaQapp?
BaQapp protects your home, business or organization from data loss. BaQapp connects to your local network and protects your Windows endpoints, for one fixed cost. BaQapp protects from disk failure, accidental user data loss, malicious data loss, malware and ransomware and most importantly, missed backups
BaQapp is available as a ready to run, low cost network backup device, or as a Virtual Machine backup appliance, both allowing for the optional BaQapp monitoring system. A fully functioning BaQapp Virtual system for unlimited endpoints can be downloaded for a 30 day trial at no cost.
Why use BaQapp?
Although there are many backup systems, before BaQapp there were few simple, affordable systems for individuals and small to medium businesses. With BaQapp, not only do you have the basic backup features, also advanced features such as powerful data security and backup certainty.
The BaQapp Software is the updated, improved and supported backup solution based on open source German backup software UrBackup. Since its release in 2011, UrBackup has been translated into multiple languages and used in over 5,000 networks worldwide, including a guide prepared by the U.S.Government's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
These special features include:
- powerful vaulted storage security
- encryption
- error correction
- monitoring / Back-to-Base reporting
- multiple endpoints
- compression
- deduplication
- image backups
- RAID
- global controls and reports
- preconfigured installation
- reasonable cost
BaQapp Network Backup Solutions
The Ready to Run network backup device, complete with BaQapp software protection.
Features
- complete hardware and software solution
- preconfigured operating system
- available with 1, 2, 4 or 8TB hard drive options or use your own USB connected hard drive
- includes 90 days free monitoring, thereafter optional monitoring at $11.00 per month
- system based on open source German backup software UrBackup
A fully integrated and Ready to Run virtual O/S with BaQapp software protection.
Features
- simple integrated software solution
- preconfigured operating system
- supports Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware, Oracle VM VirtualBox and selected QNAP servers
- includes 90 days free monitoring, thereafter optional monitoring at $11.00 per month
- system based on open source German backup software UrBackup
About CD ROM Services Pty Ltd
CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd is a full service quick turnaround Compact Disc and DVD duplicating and archiving services, offering disc printing, premastering and packing services, from one or two copies to mass duplication and replication.
With over 30 years experience, dedicated staff, continual quality control, state-of-the-art facilities, and a huge capacity, we offer affordable prices using the finest quality media.
At CD-ROM Services we believe that all jobs must be done right first time, on time, all the time.
We offer colour ink jet printing onto white surface discs and Rimage Thermal Black disc printing onto shiny silver discs.
Our expert and friendly staff are always available to give help and advice in Australia: (02) 9954-9885.
CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd now also offers memory card duplication and distribution services including memory stick duplication, flash memory duplication, smart media duplication, most mobile memory media, and USB card duplication, including custom printing on the card. Our software for memory card or flash card duplication has been sold worldwide, and we are now able to supply complete card duplicators.
In 2001 CD-ROM Services started YesVideo conversion of tape and film video to DVD in Australia, and this service now includes transferring video to USB sticks, hard drives and 1,000 year life M-DISCS
CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd is an extension of a tape backup service offered by ComputerWave Pty Ltd since 1987. ComputerWave Pty Ltd, started in 1981 by Bernhard Kirschner, was major marketer of Apple, Atari, Commodore and Texas Instruments products. The Company was also a major software importer and reseller. Many of Sydney's original computer owners would have seen their first personal computer at and purchased their first computer from ComputerWave in George Street, Sydney in the early 1980s.
ComputerWave still supplies disc duplicating systems, archiving and backup systems through BaQapp Pty Ltd together with CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd.
About Us
Bernhard Kirschner
Role: Director
Bernhard has a long and successful history of founding successful businesses using the application of new technologies.
Bernhard trained as an accountant, with his first and only job as a computer programmer in 1962. He then designed, built and patented an envelope inserting machine, using new techniques such as transistor controls and sensors, Teflon bearings and plastic gears. in 1964 Bernhard started Copystat Pty Ltd in Johannesburg, probably the first Instant Print or Quick Print Service in the world, using Xerox copiers, which is still operating successfully in South Africa. Immigrating to Australia in 1977 he started Printers Devil and the Sprinting print shops 1977, both of which still operate, although under Kwik Kopy and Snap banners.
In 1981 he started ComputerWave Pty Ltd, the first personal computer store aimed at the home and small business market in the Myer store Sydney. In 1986 he established Dashing North Sydney which still operating successfully with almost 100 staff and a turnover of about $30 million per year. He was responsible for introducing Desktop Publishing to both the Dashing group and many printers and graphic designers.
From 1985 until 1991 ComputerWave offered an onsite tape backup service and virus removal service where ComputerWave staff would go to client´s premises and copy the contents of their hard drives to high speed magnetic tape.
Bernhard established CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd in 1993 due to the superior features of Compact Discs as a backup storage medium. CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd would supply external hard disc drives to clients to backup their data, and then copy the data to CD for archiving or distribution.
CD-ROM Services was the first CD backup service outside the USA, and one of the first in the world. CD-ROM Services with James Brough developed software that duplicates USB sticks which was sold to duplicators worldwide. In 2002 Bernhard opened the Australian franchise of YesVideo, which transfers film and tape to DVD and USB.
In 2001 Bernhard Kirschner started and is president of the International Disc Duplication Association, IDDA) which is the organisation representing disc duplicators worldwide. The IDDA with about 250 members, has organised trade shows and conferences in LA, Las Vegas, San Jose, Miami, Amsterdam, Madrid and Hong Kong.
James Brough
Role: Director
James joined CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd in 1994 as a technician and sales representative specialising in training and installing Internet Applications in client´s computers.
One of the first easy to install Internet installers for BigPond was written by a CD-ROM Services employee. James designed and built customised CD duplicating towers for CD-ROM Services, which enabled CD-ROM Services to duplicate discs at lower cost than its competitors. Over the years James developed specialised hardware and software for new technologies for CD-ROM services.
Amongst these was technology that could backup a collection of CD music to hard drive, either in native WAV format or as MP3. The Copyright Amendment Act was expected to make this service legal, but although it permitted transferring copyright material from one format to another, it specifically forbade charging for the service, making the concept unprofitable.
James Brough also developed the Xcard Duplicator, with software and simple instructions on how to build hardware that automatically loaded data to multiple USB drives simultaneously. This software was sold to duplicators worldwide.
James Brough developed the software for the Discs on Demand service, where all TV programs could be recorded on hard drives. Together with specialized software, customers could order a DVD of any TV program which would be duplicated and posted within 24 hours at a cost of less than $10.00, with half the sales price going to the TV station. The TV stations loved the concept, but the problem was that at the time copyright prevented most programs being distributed on DVD. The idea was not pursued due to other distractions.
James Brough has been investigating and developing backup solutions for CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd and YesVideo Pty Ltd computers for at least 10 years, trying to find the perfect system that ticked all the boxes described at https://www.baqapp.com.au
In the last year suitable and stable software with changes has become available, which with the falling price of large capacity hard drives and processor has made the BaqApp backup solution possible.
Martin Raiber
Role: Director
Martin Raiber is a programmer who lives in Munich, Germany working for Bei Mgm technology partners GmbH.
In 2006, Martin won an annual award under the category of "Best Experimental software" from the German Science Foundation for "Insight Chemistry", a virtual molecular building program, where the improvised models can be divided into three dimensional view to rotate, drag and zoom.
His father is a Professor of Physic and Radiation Measurement and his mother is a pharmacist, lecturer and viola virtuoso.
Martin has been developing the UrBackup program, written in C++ since 2010 as a Linux and Windows Open Source program, used in about 23,000 servers and 500,000 computers using the software.
UrBackup is a NAS (Network Attached Service) application that can back up a theoretically unlimited number of computers to hard drive(s), giving both incremental and full file backups as well as incremental and full image backups.
Andrew Host
Role: Software Developer
Andrew Host joined CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd in 1998 as an audio engineer, sales representative and store manager.
Andrew is a very effective database programmer,as well as being a competent website builder, and has built CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd Production Control, CRM, staff time sheets and Accounting Software.
This software enables even a junior operator to prepare quotes automatically, control production, prepare invoices, orders, etc. Without this software CD-ROM services Pty Ltd would be barely viable.
Andrew Host has interfaced the YesVideo production system which controls the conversion of video to DVD, and then automatically burns the DVD, prints the disc label, and produces the case cover.