Video Digital Output Formats

MPEG-4

We supply your films back to you in the very versatile MPEG-4 format. Works on any computer, phone, tablet or TV. We give you one file for each reel, named or numbered as you like. So, if you send 10 x video tapes, you will get back 10 x files on your stick. We deliver the files on a USB Stick. You can provide your own, or buy one of ours, from just £12.

Backup Hard Drive

It’s a good idea to have a backup of your project. Our backup service includes a copy of the above MPEG-4 files and also the ProRes 422 Master files. There’s also an option to add in the non-AI version (RAW Scan) in ProRes format. ProRes is a high-quality file that works with all the major editing programs. You will get one .mov file for each tape. We deliver the files on a USB hard drive. You can provide your own, or buy one of ours from just £70.

Order Form

Output Comparison Chart


MPEG-4

ProRes

Image Size 1920x1080 full HD

YesYes

Image Size 3840 × 2160 in 4K ULTRA HD

YesYes
What is the bitrate in HD?

15Mbps

147Mbps

What is the bitrate in 4K?

25Mbps

354Mbps

What size are the files in HD?

6.9GB per 1hr

57GB per 1hr

What size are the files in 4K?

11.4GB per 1hr

223GB per 1hr

Can I edit this format on my computer?YesYes
Will this work on my Mac?YesYes
Will this work on Windows?YesYes

Will this format play directly on my iPhone/iPad?

Yes

Yes

Will this format play on a compatible TV?

Yes

No

FAQs​

How do you capture tapes ?

We use Teranex, the world’s most advanced converter with extremely high-quality de-interlacing. Teranex features proprietary and patented PixelMotion de-interlacing algorithms, so you get improved image quality by maintaining vertical resolution. Teranex includes award-winning temporal recursive noise reduction.

How do you transfer VHS

Your VHS Tapes are played through a Professional SVHS Deck with an advanced IQ mechanism and 4-channel audio, which Adds up to an outstanding performance. The brushless DD motors provide stable tape transport and tape-to-head contact using Tapered Twin Projection Cylinder. The mechanism features an auto video head cleaning function to maintain high picture quality over long tapes. Smooth, stable tape transport is a significant factor in determining final picture quality. The Player is equipped with an 11-bit digital servo that controls tape transport precisely to maintain optimum image quality by minimising jitter.

How do you transfer Betamax

Your Betamax Tapes are played through a Professional Sony HiFi Super Beta deck. We are very privileged to have 2 of the final Super Beta decks ever made by Sony, and they give the best picture possible from your Betamax tapes.

How do you transfer Video8 and Hi8

We use Video8-XR and Hi8-XR deck witch offers a modest 10% improvement in luminance detail over standard Video8 and Hi8. We have also introduced better noise reduction, giving you the best possible transfer from your tapes.

How do you transfer Digital Tapes like MiniDV and Digital8

All our Digital tapes are done with our Teranex unit giving you an indistinguishable transfer from the original master.

How do you transfer U-Matic tapes

Your Tapes are played through a Professional U-Matic SP deck. Our deck can transfer SP, Low-band and High-band tapes in PAL or NTSC.

How do you transfer Betacam tapes

Your Tapes are played through a Professional Sony Digital Betacam The unit can transfer Large and small tapes from DigiBeta, Betacam SP, Betacam SX, MPEG IMX in PAL or NTSC.

How do you transfer DVCAM

Your Tapes are played through a Professional DV deck The unit can transfer Large and small tapes from DVCAM and DVCAM HD in PAL or NTSC.

How do you transfer DVCPRO

Your Tapes are played through a Professional Panasonic deck The unit can transfer DVCPRO and DVCPRO 50 tapes in PAL or NTSC.

How do you transfer HDCAM

Your Tapes are played through a Professional Sony HDCAM deck The unit can transfer Large and small tapes 1080i tapes are converted to 1080p

How do you up-scale SD to HD/4K ?

We use Teranex hardware and AI software to achieve this. Our upscaling service has sophisticated image sampling, edge detection techniques and multi-direction diagonal filters. Our AI gathered detail from multiple frames to Upscale the video resolution. We also Remove visible image noise while preserving details to clean up your video. You will get stunning improvements in video quality.

Do you clean the tapes before transfer?

Yes we have a tape cleaning machine and all tapes are cleaned before transfer. The system inspects your videotapes edge to edge to find physical damage such as wrinkles and creases. It simultaneously cleans the tape surface using specially formulated tissues ….. uses no chemicals.

  1. Evaluates
    unique opto-electronic inspection module finds tape damage at high speed
  2. Cleans
    specially formulated cleaning tissues gently wipe away dirt, dust, loose oxide and other contaminants that can cause poor picture and sound
  3. Conditions
    Ultra-precision sapphire polishing system conditions the tape for better performance
  4. Safe
    proven method used worldwide. Uses no chemicals. Microprocessor electronics control speed and tension for gentle, safe tape handling

Do you do any video restoration ?

Yes, our studios are equipped with restoration hardware and AI software which allows us to perform colour correction, image enhancement, reconstruction and noise removal, sharpening highlights and softening shadows. Alive Studios can bring dull footage to life. Restoration and colour correction is, of course, dependent on the state of the original videos.

How do I order?

It’s easiest for you to place your order online as the form prompts you with all the information we will need from you. However, don’t be afraid to phone us to let us help you build your order too.  If you have odd lengths or you’re not sure what you have, we can pickup the films and do a full assessment for you.

How do I get the tapes to you?

You can send the order yourself using the Post Office, but most people prefer to let us collect the box using our courier service, which is free on ALL orders, no matter how large or small. Return delivery is also free.

How long does it take?

This is a tricky question. We receive orders from a single tape (takes a few days) to a room-full (could be months), so we’d need to know what you’re sending to give a lead-time. We find we are in high demand and always have lots of work already scheduled in, so if your order is needed in a hurry, you can go for the 7 days express service, or just phone and tell us what you need 🙂

PHOENIX 5K

New for 2023, our Phoenix 5K full frame scanner gives us our most significant camera system update ever, offering next-level image quality in a 16-megapixels frame scan. Our scanner takes individual photographs of each cell of your film from 8mm all the way up to 35mm film. You can have your film scanned in 2K, High Definition, or 4K Ultra High Definition. AI technology is then used to remove dust, remove harsh noise while recovering real detail, restore colours and create an artefact-free perfect 24fps movie.

Alive Cloud
ALIVE CLOUD

Alive Studios AI Movie hosting is free for 14 days.
 Log in via your computer, or download the free APP to your phone or tablet so you can take your memories with you wherever you go. Automatic AI indexing of your videos, Search for words, car, dog, person and more.

Log in online to make changes to the titles of your movies, create multiple user logins for all your friends and family so they can share the experience too. from £24/year

Terms and conditions.

General
Alive Studios is a trading name of The Good Life Studios Ltd.

Leader tape
We edit out as much unused film as possible including the leadertape at the start of each reel. Whilst we cannot remove everything without charging for a full edit, we do endeavour to remove as much unused film as possible.

How long does it take?
This is a tricky question. We receive orders from a single video/reel to a room-full, so we’d need to know what you’re sending to give a lead-time. We find we are in high demand and always have seveal weeks of work already scheduled in, so if your order is needed in a hurry, just phone and tell us what you need :)

Damage, Loss, Post & Insurance
Orders are accepted on the basis that the liability of Alive Studios for any lost or damaged material shall be limited to the replacement with an equivalent amount of new blank stock. This is due to the unavailability of General Insurance cover for work of undefined value. When returning material to you we will use the post office services or a courier for larger items. We respectfully remind customers to retain a safety copy or take out Specialist Insurance Cover where appropriate.

Film Format
Our DVDs are region-free and play in PAL. DVD’s are normally DVD-R, but we may use DVD+R or Dual-layer discs where required.

Framing and TV Cropping
In standard definition, some film types do not fit modern TV formats, so we may re-size to fit for the best viewing pleasure. You should also note that some TV set apply their own cropping to a picture as well. By agreeing to these terms, you accept this information.

Damaged Film
Whilst we don’t generally charge extra for poor/damaged/dirty film, we reserve the right to do so if we feel it is required, but will always agree it with you before starting work.
Where splices break, we repair them without charge. If a film is temperamental and doesn’t want to go through we will always try it in several machines to make sure it’s had it’s best shot at a transfer. Where sprocket holes are punctured or torn, we will still transfer the film, often with no visible problems. However, some sprocket damage prevents a steady image from being obtained, in which case we transfer the whole film, then edit out any sections which ‘jump’ or drag because of the damage. This way we keep as much film as possible, and with careful editing you don’t even notice any is missing.
information.

Dust and Hairs
We employ a very good dry-cleaning system which catches most of the dust and hairs commonly found on cine film. It is inevitable however that there will still be dust and hairs present, as it’s impossible to remove them completely with a dry-clean system. It is also common for the dust/hairs to be imbedded into the emulsion making them impossible to ‘blow’ away, so you should expect a small amount to be visible in any transfer. The demos on our website give you a very realistic example of what you can expect.

Content of film
By signing our terms you are stating that you own or have permission to copy the material provided, and indemnify Alive Studios against any action including copyright infringement. If we feel the material to be of an indecent or illegal nature we reserve the right to refuse to continue and no refund will be offered.

Mistakes/Backups
We aim to keep your film footage on our editing suite for 30 days after completion to allow us to correct mistakes, after which time all footage is deleted. You must report any problem with your order within 14 days of receipt. We will retain a backup file of your DVD/Blu-ray for 60 days after completion to allow you to order extra copies. After 60 days, you would need to return your original disc if you wanted us to duplicate it for you. Due to the instability of data storage devices, this backup service is not guaranteed, and whilst every effort is made to retain your files for these periods, we cannot be held responsible for hard-drive failure resulting in us not being able to access your job. For very important projects, we suggest you order a digital copy on a hard-drive for your own security.

Delivery/Collections
We return orders via signed delivery with royal mail, or courier. This courier demands that items delivered damaged are reported within 24 hours of receipt, so it’s essential that you contact us immediately if your parcel is damaged.

Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your order by email any time up until we begin physical work on your job.
If no work has been started, we will refund you in full (less any costs we have incurred in taking your order shown below).

Cancellation fees
If we arranged a free courier collection, you will need to pay for this at £8.50.
If we processed a card payment, we will have incurred a handling fee which will be deducted from your refund. If we have to return your material to you, we will deduct £8.50 for the courier fee.
We will deduct £2.50 admin fee in handling the paperwork involved with a cancellation.

Refunds
Orders paid for by card will be refunded to the card.
Orders paid by cheque or bank transfer will be refunded by bank transfer.

Faults/Returns
You must notify us of any damage to your parcel or missing items within 24 hours of receipt.
You must notify us of any errors or faults with your transfer within 14 days of receipt.

Order Cancellation
In the unlikely event that you cancel your order, we reserve the right to charge a fee to cover admin/postage/bank fees we may incur.
Credit card payments are refunded subject to 1.197% charge.

Misc
We reserve the right to demonstrate our abilities by showing examples of work undertaken for our clients on our website, brochure, DVD and other advertising or promotional activities.