A telecine machine has components that fall into two main sections: a video camera, and a film projector. The film projector may be designed for 8mm, 16mm, 35mm or other film formats. The video camera resembles a professional video camera and may use either digital or analog recording technology. A telecine machine also uses an external recording deck to produce the final video as a digital file, digital tape or analog VHS tape.
A telecine machine works by synchronizing the shutter speed of the film projector with the video camera's recording mechanism. In some cases two separate images are recorded by the camera, then combined electronically to produce an image without flicker or other distortion. Some telecine machines use mirrors to project the film image directly into the camera lens for an especially crisp, clear image.
One of the biggest differences between telecine machines, besides the format of film they accept, is the recording method. The best telecine machines project the film directly into the camera for the best possible image. Others use an internal screen to project the film onto and record the video image from. Using this intermediary element produces a lower-quality video but is much simpler and therefore less expensive.
Telecine machines are used by a variety of people and groups within the film industry. Independent or student filmmakers may shoot entirely on film, but then wish to edit their project using a computer-based nonlinear editing program, such as Avid or Final Cut Pro. In these cases a telecine is only useful for getting the film image into the computer in a digital form so it can be edited and then used as a guide for cutting the original film, which will be printed and exhibited as a film.
In other cases, exhibitors may wish to exhibit a work using a digital projector or monitor rather than a traditional film projector and screen. In these cases a higher quality telecine provides a viable alternative by replacing the original film with a new digital version. Finally, the highest quality telecines are used for archiving films when the process of scanning each individual frame (as is done when a DVD is made) is too costly or time consuming.
Scanning each frame of a film using a high-quality optical scanner is the best way to archive or digitize a project that originated on film. At the other end of the spectrum, film hobbyists or people who once shot home movies using 8mm film, can transfer their footage to video using a makeshift telecine rig. This can consist of simply pointing a tripod-mounted camera at a screen or light-colored wall while the film is projected. While it is likely to produce a flickering image with poor color accuracy, this method may be favored by individuals who care less about image quality than having their footage in a convenient format.