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DEAR TECHMAN: I have 8 mm movie films that I would like to safely convert to CDs. Do you know of anyone in Pittsburgh or the surrounding area who can convert movie film to videocassettes and then to CDs? I understand that is the only way to convert them. When I was researching this several years ago, there was someone in another state, but I did not like the idea of sending them without references. I don't want to lose these films of my wedding, which was quite a long time ago.

-- GERRY WADLOW, Cranberry

TECHMAN: Much like the conversion of photographs and analog recordings to digital media, and moving computer files to newer and more durable storage mediums (which we've discussed before), the maintenance and transferring of home movies are good habits to get into.

The film will degrade, the media will become obsolete, and getting into the pattern of copying them about every seven years -- and backing them up with copies -- is always a good idea.

You're wise to look for a reputable (and local) organization where you can speak to a lab technician. You can't be too careful with your memories.

Happily, you have a number of options. The easiest thing to do is to drop the mm reels off at a pro photo shop. Both national chains such as Ritz Camera (at larger-volume stores, such as their Waterworks and South Hills locations) and local firms such as Bernie's Photo Center, 525 E. Ohio St., North Side, offer 16 mm transferring to either VHS or DVD formats.

Both shops send the films out to be transferred and charge per foot of film. The minimum charge is usually about $50, which covers your first 250 feet of film with every 50 additional feet costing around $7. A 3-inch reel is about 50 feet. Splicing fees may apply if you're compiling multiple small reels.

You could also send the footage to an online firm such as www.homemoviedepot.com or visit a facility with the equipment on the premises. Pittsburgh Filmmakers requires a membership but has a double mirror box set up for transferring home movies by projecting them into a digital video camera. The movies then can be transferred to DVD.