Video to MP4

Video to MP4 in Loughton Essex

 

Video to MP4

Video to MP4 is on the up!  Just a few years ago we were almost exclusively converting VHS, VHS-C, 8mm and DV tapes to DVD. That’s still a significant part of what we do, and DVDs are going to be with us for many years to come, but our customers are starting to appreciate the convenience and benefits of having their videotape collection converted to MP4 files and supplied on USB stick.

So what is driving the change of video to MP4?

USBs are the "now" format!
USBs are the “now” format!

Our Video to MP4 conversion has many benefits over and above conversion to DVD. Without getting too geeky, MP4 (which is a digital video file format) has the potential of displaying much higher resolution images. However, this aspect is really only important if you have high definition videotapes that need converting. As with most things in life, you get out what you put in – so your never going to get high definition video from a VHS tape original. Sorry, but that’s a fact.

Where MP4 is extremely clever is that it compresses video more intelligently than the compression format used on a standard DVD (which, for the geeks among you, is MPEG2). Without any appreciable loss of quality you’ll only get around 2-hrs of standard definition video on a single-sided DVD (which has around 4.7GB of storage capacity). In MP4 format you can compress the video much more efficiently enabling you to get many more minutes into less storage space at a similar quality.

However, as clever as this all sounds the main benefits which our clients really like about our video to MP4 conversion service are:

1 – Easy to view

Most modern TV’s have the ability to playback MP4 files directly from a USB stick. Yes it’s true.. look on the back of your TV set and you’ll see a socket/s which you’ve probably not used before. Pop the USB stick in and select it from the source on your remote and, hey presto, the MP4 video files will play back just the same as they would if played from a DVD. MP4 files will also play back on BluRay players, mobile phones, tablets, media servers and more!  Go on, dare you! See if you’ve got a USB socket on your TV set.

video to MP4 - USB socket
2 – Easy to copy

Whilst it’s easy for us geeky people to copy DVDs, not every customer wants to download ripping programs from dubious sources and fill up their computers with rarely used programs. Just pop the USB stick in your computer and it will appear like any other drive. Drag and drop the MP4 files on to your hard drive and it’s all backed up safely.

3 – Easy to share

Not only can you easily make additional copies on USB sticks (or we can do it for you), but you can also upload your MP4 files to the likes of YouTube and share them with the rest of the world (or at least family and friends). Simply open a YouTube account and start uploading! If you don’t want to share them with any Tom, Dick or Harry use YouTube’s privacy settings to restrict viewing to the audience you want.

4 – Easy to edit

MP4 files are also a doddle to edit. Most computers come with basic video editing software – and for those that don’t there are some neat and very cost effective programs that will allow you to chop out the bad bits, add titles, music and effects that will make your home movies much more enjoyable. Full resolution files can also be supplied (call 020 3602 3356 for details).

5 – Easy to store

Finally, USB sticks take up much less space in our ever-more cluttered lives. They’re certainly much more compact than the videotapes we’ve converted for you.

Costs of converting video to MP4

What our clients like most about our video to MP4 service is that it costs about the same as converting to DVD. For details on our pricing structure please visit our website section here – www.video-artisan.com/video-to-dvd/

Making your videotape to DVD conversions last forever

Videotape to DVD forever
How to make your memories last a lifetime or more!
A client asked me a great videotape to DVD question today…
“Which is the best way to ensure that my videotapes and cine films you’ve converted to DVD last as long as possible? They’re very precious family memories and I don’t just want these to last for a few years – but basically forever!”
First of all, I’m not talking here about how to create the best quality conversion from one media to another but rather advising a client on the best solution for ensuring longevity once analogue videotape to DVD (VHS, 8mm, VHS-C…) has been carried out. If they wanted to know how to squeeze every last drop of quality out of their original material and digitize it into the best possible file type for storage or playback, that would be a whole different series of blogs!

Making your videotape to DVD conversions last forever

Once digitised on to DVD you can copy the disks as many times as you like, without further loss of quality. It’s quite a simple process on a PC and once copied there you can back-up the files to DVD or USB stick. I would personally do both. Recordable DVDs are based on an organic material within a layer in the DVD being burnt with a laser; and through poor handling, storage, excessive light exposure, repeated playback and faulty playback machines, this layer can become corrupt over time. The solid state memory on a USB stick is more robust (albeit that you still have to care for it), but not currently so accommodating for playing back the media files they contain. To further secure the data you could also back these USB sticks up to an online cloud storage facility. However, each DVD will contain up to 4.7GB of data, so this might take considerable time to upload.

What Video Artisan offer as a solution

In these situations we first suggest an additional DVD copy of each videotape transferred (see pricing here) and suggest these are stored away in a sealed box, in a dry and reasonably stable temperature environment (not the loft). Whilst the longevity of recordable DVDs is not actually known, stored in these conditions they should definitely last a lifetime. Once converted to DVD (see prices here) we can then show clients how to copy the files to a USB stick, or offer to provide the whole service (supply of an 8GB USB stick and copying the video files to them) at an additional cost of £10 per converted tape.
USB and DVD
USB and DVD – belt and braces
Making these digital files last forever is then just a matter of the client (and everyone who comes after them) keeping on backing up or copying the digital files to whatever technology happens to evolve. That’s the hard part!

Video to DVD Service – Formats

VHS and Video to DVD conversion service

Video to DVD Service – Saving memories at Video Artisan

Our video to DVD service continues to broaden here at Video Artisan. Whilst the bulk of this is converting VHS videotapes to DVD, we’ve also been converting all manner of family memories.  This includes those stored in photographs, slides, cine film and every other common videotape, camcorder hard drive or memory card format. Many were predicting the demise of DVD which was tipped to be overtaken by BluRay or Cloud storage.  But good old DVD has managed to keep a firm hold on its position as the playback medium of choice.  Regardless of whether that’s via a DVD player, Games Console or a computer. Nearly all older videotape formats and home movies are recorded in standard definition, so there is little advantage in converting to a high definition format (such as BluRay).
VHS to DVD video to DVD service
VHS – the most common video to DVD service

Video to DVD service – it’s all about archiving futures

Whilst DVD is still the most appropriate and convenient format to have your family archives copied over to, we also keep our eye on where things are moving to in the future. Online or Cloud storage is expanding fast and it can be a very smart way to share your memories with family and friends through social media platforms or through privately shared online storage solutions.  To meet this demand Video Artisan offer a conversion service to MP4 on a USB stick.  These sticks can be played using most modern Smart TV sets – and the MP4 file can be easily shared using platforms such as YouTube (for more information on Video to MP4 see our more detailed article here). Whilst DVD and USB sticks are a great playback format, some customers want to edit their films further once converted so we offer delivery in a wide range of editable digital formats which are ideal for either PC or Mac editing programs.

Growing demand for video to DVD

Video to DVD - formats Common formats (from top to bottom) VHS-C, DV (or DVCAM), 8mm (or Video 8), Camcorder Cards (or Hard Drives) and Cine Film (Standard or Super
Common formats (from top to bottom) VHS-C, DV (or DVCAM), 8mm (or Video 8), Camcorder Cards (or Hard Drives) and Cine Film (Standard or Super8)
VHS tapes were first released in the late 70s and remained as the main consumer videotape format for over 20-years until DVD was introduced in the late 90s. At their peak there were more than 200 million VHS players being sold each year and many, many millions more VHS tapes were manufactured and used for off-air recording as well as for recording home movies. And despite many variations of the format being introduced (Super-VHS / SVHS-ET / VHS-C / W-VHS / Digital-S / D9), the last standalone VHS player was sold by JVC in 2008. Whilst videotape is now considered to be obsolete, there have been many more tape formats, both analogue and digital, that have been used to record family films and home recordings. The more popular of these include Video 8, Hi8, DVC, MiniDV, MicroMV, Digital 8 and HDV. The result is billions of hours of home movies and family films that are gradually becoming harder for people to see as the players become faulty or discarded. Having a videotape to DVD conversion is therefore a really great way to bring those memories back to life.

Tips on how to store your old videotapes

Here are a few tips on how to keep your old videotapes in the best possible condition. Videotapes do deteriorate over time, so getting them converted is the best possible way to keep your memories safe and make them much easier watch and share.
  • Keep them in their box – as this will help prevent dust and moisture getting to the tape.
  • Store in dry conditions. Moisture can cause the oxide particles to separate from the tape.
  • Keep away from magnets. The recording process is based on the magnetisation of metal particles on the tape – so avoid storing near speakers or other appliances with strong magnets.
  • Avoid storage in places with varying temperatures.
  • Store the tapes upright to avoid the tape slipping on the reels.
  • Rewind tapes fully before storing.
  • Do not handle the tape it’s self.

Videotape to DVD Turnaround

We normally turnaround videotape to DVD conversions within a week – but often much quicker. This does depend on the volume of work as all videotape to DVD conversions have to be carried out in real time.  Our studios are based in Loughton, Essex – but we service all parts of London, Essex and Hertfordshire. Please contact us for details on pricing and discounts for bulk videotape to DVD conversions – call 020 3602 3356 or 07771 535692 or email kevin@video-artisan.com.

Showreel

Essex and East London Corporate Video and Business Film Showreel

Video Production Showreel & Samples

This is a showreel of recent works by Video Artisan. Films will be added to as and when they are signed off by clients.  Please contact us for additional showreel samples which are not in the public domain.  All works are copyright of Video Artisan unless otherwise stated.

Gellyball!

Gellyball is fun, action-packed party activity for kids and adults. Using mess-free water-based gellyballs as ammunition, this indoor/outdoor activity is perfect for ages 8 to adult. The low-impact, gellyballs work with interactive scoreboards via protective vest sensors to create a really competitive and fun activity. For more information, visit www.gellyball-kids.co.uk now.

Beat the Media

Beat the Media is a Media Training presentation combined with a highly focussed team-building activity – with each team acting as a TV news gathering unit. Your delegates will be the people in-front and behind the camera; tasked to produce an entertaining 2-minute News Package.

Infinity Gazebos – Introducing their Premium Range

This short SEO Video was produced to highlight the features of Infinity Gazebos’ Premium Range of products. With plenty of still images of installations, Infinity wanted a video that would demonstrate the mechanical features and moving parts of their luxury gazebo range.

M&IT Agency Challenge 2022

The M&IT Challenge events are all about audience engagement – the modern way to use fun and competition to get sales messages remembered. It’s all about high energy, inspiration and creativity. Suppliers present their messages to the entire audience of agency professionals while our hi-tec knowledge tests ensure maximum engagement between audience and presenter.

M&IT Awards 2021

The M&IT Awards is the leading awards event for suppliers and buyers in the corporate travel, events and incentive travel industries. Held at Battersea Evolution in London, hundreds of event professionals gather each year to celebrate the very best in the industry. This short documentary gives an incite into the event and is used to attract sponsors, participants and attendees.

M&IT Agency Challenge

This short documentary gives an insight into the 2021 M&IT Agency Challenge event held at Wyboston Lakes Resort. This is a unique networking event for event and corporate travel agencies which fosters greater understanding between them and their providers. Video Artisan not only shoot this documentary over the two days but also provide one of the most popular team challenges. Each team has to create a 2-minute film on a given subject – which are then judged and screened as part of the final gala night dinner.

Trinity Catholic High School – 2020 Enrollment Film

Faced with the challenges of running their normal enrolment open-day amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, this film was produced to give potential students and their parents an insight into the values, principles and benefits of attending this very well respected Church school.

Haynes Group – The core of your connected future.

This is an example of what can be achieved using just stock images only – coupled with some scripting, a professional voice (by Andy Ivy) and an appropriate music score. It was created in just three days and will be used by the Haynes Group as part of their sales presentations and also for online distribution.

Smith’s of Loughton – At your service!

Here’s a short video we’ve just completed for this local high-end kitchenware, tableware and giftware retailer. Pretty much everyone in the local area will be familiar with Smith’s – but if not, this short film will give you a good idea what they’re all about.

M&IT Agency Challenge 2019

This short event documentary explores the benefits to MICE agencies and sponsors of participating in CAT Media’s M&IT Agency Challenge.

Kainos Evolve – Paperless Healthcare – Customer Reference Film

This short customer reference film tells the story of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals innovative drive towards delivering a paperless healthcare system to their local community.

M&IT Awards 2019

Video Artisan were, once again, commissioned to produce a short film on this amazing awards ceremony.  This event celebrates the very best in the UK’s business meetings and events industry.

Siemens – The Culture Difference

This short investigative documentary was produced for Siemens Financial Services (Region North) to demonstrate the positive effects of cultural change within the business.  Used as a recruitment tool, this film prepares delegates on the company’s expectations of everyone working within the business.  (see full story here)

Handheld Vs Shoulder-Mount Video Cameras

This is a short documentary about the benefits of using a shoulder-mount camcorder over one of handheld design.  Sponsored by JVC Professional, this film concentrates on the features and benefits of their GY-HM850 camera.  (see full story here)

M&IT Agency Challenge – Landmark Hotel London

This short documentary tells the story of the M&IT Agency Challenge – an event which brings together buyers and suppliers within the corporate travel industry who participate in a range of activities and presentations to create an atmosphere of learning whilst having fun. (see full story here)

25-years of the Supadance National League

This short event documentary tells the story behind the success of this amazing ballroom dance league and it’s finals that took place this year at the Norbreck Castle, Blackpool. (See full story here)

Nipper Clipper at the Baby Show 2013

This short video diary covers the first exhibition showing of the revolutionary Stylfile baby and toddler nail clippers – The Nipper Clipper and its accompanying Timmy Tickle Baby distraction app.

Same-Sex Dance Festival Documentary

So you think you know all there is to know about same-sex ballroom and Latin dance?  This short documentary will certainly give you the bigger picture and supports the view of same-sex dance being incorporated into mainstream dance.

Robertson Sumner – IT Sales Recruitment Specialists

This is a good example of how simple and effective a website promotional film can be.  Running for just 1-minute 44-seconds, Robertson Sumner’s managing director, Marc Sumner, gives an introduction to their specialist IT sales recruitment business based in Gerrards Cross.

BT Workstyle Managed Service – Short Version

A short film produced for BT on the adoption of their Workstyle Managed Service by South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT). Called WorkSmart internally by SEPT, BT provided a comprehensive planning, integration, support and hardware solution which enables the Trust to adopt mobile working practices.

CAT Publications – iScream Norway Challenge

This short film was produced for CAT Publications to promote their Corporate Away Day event services.  Video Artisan also supported the event with filming kits for delegates to create their own film as part of the activities.  A more detailed blog on this job can be found by clicking here.

Stylfile Nipper Clipper Promo

2-minute (or so) website promo film introducing the innovative Nipper Clipper nail clippers and the Timmy Tickle distraction Ap.  Shot in a day – edited in another.

Eiger Safety – Musical Short

This short video was commissioned by Eiger Safety to act as a introduction to their sales PowerPoint presentations to give the audience a quick overview of the range of height safety systems and services they provide. A longer form documentary is also in production that gives a much more in-depth view of the company and their work.

Supadance – Shoes for Dance

(winner of Best Open Category at the 2012 IOV Awards)
Website short which had a simple objective of showcasing Supadance as a UK/London based dance shoe manufacturer.  The video is used as part of the video SEO activities and screened on their stand at various ballroom/latin dance competitions and events throughout the year.

Bees & Wasps

(2nd place in Best Documentary Category at the 2012 IOV Awards)
Short website documentary about the relationship and differences between the honeybee and the wasp.  Used as part of SEO activity for www.beemovies.net

Supadance Same Sex Open

(short-listed in the IOV’s Video of the Month for January 2013)
Another one of five videos produced for Supadance in 2012 as part of their video SEO activities.  This short film gives an insight into this pioneering event and explains why Supadance were one of the main sponsors.


Supadance National League

An insight into this major Ballroom and Latin Dance competition finals held each year in Blackpool.  The purpose of the video was to give a brief explanation of the competition and how to enter.  It is used by the organisers to attract dance schools to the competition and also by Supadance as part of their video SEO activities.

Freelance Video Production Services

Freelance Video Production Services

We provide a wide range of freelance video production services to video production companies, agencies, videographers and client producers. We have extensive experience in various video production roles. This includes videographer, freelance camera operator, freelance video editor, lighting, sound recording, script writing and directing. We are happy to work in either a hands-on or a consultative capacity.

Furthermore, we can also work on a project-price basis and are happy to work as part of a creative team. Please click the link below for details on our rates and kit.

CLICK HERE – Rate Card

Freelance Services Freelance Video Production Services Video Artisan
Shooter for hire at Video Artisan

Collaborative Productions

Furthermore we are willing to consider collaborative projects and help produce video content with sell-through value and royalty-based returns. We are happy to discuss any potential projects under standard non-disclosure agreements.

Freelance Video Production Service… UK-wide, Europe-wide and World-wide Coverage

We are located right on the edge of Epping Forest, Essex and the East End of London. We are therefore only a few minutes from the M25 and the UK’s motorway network.  As a result Central London is within 30-minutes via Loughton’s Central Line Underground station. This is only a couple of miles from our edit suite and office.  We are also within easy reach of either Stansted, Heathrow, City of London and Luton Airports.   In addition we provide freelance video production services on short and long-term overseas projects.

Other Freelance Services

Please visit our dedicated section for details on our script and copy writing services, and the consultancy services we offer either manufacturers or dealers within the video production sector… Copy WritingConsultancy