Welcome to Video Artisan

Videographer – Corporate Video Producer – Cinematographer… Whatever our clients want us to be.

Video Production by Video Artisan

Corporate Video and Promotional Video Production services

Based on the edge of Epping Forest in Loughton, Essex – Video Artisan is a creative corporate video production and team of freelance videographers with extensive experience in helping companies and organisations of all sizes take advantage of video.

Whether you are looking to harness the power of YouTube or website video to improve your search engine optimisation, or you want to develop a series of public information films – or create a one-off company film, Video Artisan has the skills, resources and creative talents to deliver an imaginative and cost-effective solution for your next company video.

We also offer a range of video facilities and services to businesses and members of the public.  This includes video conversions, editing and freelance video production services. Full members of the Guild of Television Camera Professionals.

We have also recently installed a new talking-head green screen studio. With in-built lighting, sound recording and autocue facilities we can quickly create stunning video content for your website.

Client & Production Credit List include
Air Products, Cimar, CAT Publications, NHS West Essex, NHS Newham, TATA Communications, Anibas, Robertson & Co., JVC Professional, NHS Balaam Street Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, AKM Music, Crown Media, The MOD, Galliard Homes, Stylfile, Qualcomm, Hyper Recruitment Solutions, CAT Media, Supadance International, Beverley Stone, Spamhaus, Beaver84, GoRefCo, Eiger Safety, Sony Broadcast & Professional, N2 Visual Communications, Robert Dyas, Hanover Foundation, Picco Dolly, Hills Pet Foods, Maspalomas Princes Hotel, Marley, LaRoche, Olympus HiSpeed Tests, Distillers MG, Protean, Bradley Walsh, Wingit TV, Red Admiral, Boreham Media, Larry the London Bus, Double-Barrelled TV, Fernaux Avionics, Tolmink, Waltham Forest Social Services, SelClene, Europa Logistics, Ultimate Animates

Videotape to DVD for converting VHS, VHS-C, DV, Video8 and many other videotape formats

Videotape to DVD conversions Title
Videotape to DVD conversions by Video Artisan

Videotape to DVD – and every other combination

Video Artisan has been converting videotape to DVD for many years now and specialise in providing our clients with a fast, efficient and discreet service. Primarily aimed at customers who are looking for a local company to carry out their videotape to DVD conversions who prefer not to trust their precious memories to a postal service, we take great pride in helping our clients preserve and archive them on a more convenient and up-to-date format. With day and evening time drop-off facilities in Loughton, Essex – we regularly carry out videotape to DVD conversion services to clients throughout Essex, London, Hertfordshire and beyond.

What is the benefit of videotape to DVD conversion?

The most common reason for our customers wanting to convert their videotape to DVD is that they no longer have a working machine to play them back on. However, there are a number of other benefits to having your videotape converted to DVD.
  • Whilst there are no advantages in terms of picture and sound quality (the quality of the original recording governs this), some modern DVD playback machines will up-scale the image when played back on a high definition screen giving the impression of a better quality image.
  • DVDs offer a much more sophisticated and quicker playback function – allowing you to quickly search through the content of the DVD. If you opt for our premium videotape to DVD service we can also add chapter points throughout the DVD enabling you to skip to designated parts of the recording.
  • DVDs also require much less storage or shelf space and, depending on the videotapes being converted, can hold the contents of a number of tapes on a single disk. (See sections below on tape capacities)
  • DVDs, if converted properly, can be played back on a variety of machines. These include standard DVD players, Sony PlayStation, Blu-ray players, Computers with DVD drives and portable all-in-one DVD player/screens. Whilst no format is guaranteed to last forever, DVDs are still widely manufactured and supported in new optical disk technologies.
  • Once converted to DVD it is very easy to make further copies – without losing any further quality in the recording. Video Artisan can provide these additional copies for a few pounds at the time of converting the videotape to DVD and recommend this for archiving purposes. Whilst the lifespan of a DVD, if stored correctly, will last for many years the memories they hold are very precious so it is always advisable to back them up.
  • Converting videotape to DVD involves digitising the pictures and sound and storing them in a digital format on the disk. Our standard service results in a disk which can be played back in a range of devices (see above) – but these files can also be imported into a video editing program for further copying and editing on a computer. Exploring the disk on a computer will reveal folders that contain files with a ‘.VOB’ suffice. By copying these to your computer and renaming them with a ‘.MPG’ suffice you can carry out more refinement yourself – although it might result in degradation if further compression is added. Alternatively, Video Artisan can convert the videotape into a range of edit-ready file formats for you to use directly that will help you retain as much quality as possible (available by separate quotation).

What is the most popular videotape to DVD conversion service?

Without doubt, the most regular videotape to DVD services we carry out is good old VHS to DVD. With literally millions of feet of VHS tape still in existence, holding many thousands of hours of family memories, these represent over 70% of the conversions carried out here at Video Artisan. Whilst there are a few VHS players available to buy new, the format is obsolete and the vast majority of machines are either defunct or coming to the end of their useful lives. Whilst it is a robust format, playing back your VHS tapes, or any other videotape format come to that, has the potential of damaging the tape beyond repair – especially when the machine has been poorly maintained, stored in damp or dirty conditions or simply not regularly powered up and used.
VHS to DVD
VHS to DVD – our most popular videotape to DVD service

VHS to DVD durations

VHS tapes come in a variety of lengths, ranging from a few minutes to up 4-hours. In addition, many recorders and camcorders offered the ability to record in long-play mode, which doubled the recording length available (at the cost of a lower quality recording). Converting VHS to DVD can therefore result in one tape needing to be spread over a number of DVDs. The capacity of a DVD is also governed by the amount of compression used when carrying out the conversion – but in a similar long-play mode will hold up to 4-hours on a standard single-sided DVD. The amount on compression that is used in the videotape to DVD process will depend on the quality of the original recording and we generally recommend a standard level of compression that will allow for up to 2-hours per DVD.

VHS-C

Videotape to DVD - VHS-C
VHS-C to DVD
To help reduce the size of the camcorder many manufacturers adopted a smaller variant of VHS – called VHS-C (the ‘C’ standing for ‘Compact’). These cassettes are slightly bigger than a cigarette packet in size. The most common running time for these cassettes is just 30-minutes but there were also 45-minute variants and, as with VHS, the machines offered a Long-play mode which doubled the recording time. As VHS-C tapes recorded in exactly the same format as a normal VHS tape they can be played back in a normal VHS player with the use of an adapter which the tapes slotted into. These are the second most common tapes Video Artisan receives for videotape to DVD conversion.

S-VHS, S-VHSC and Digital S

JVC and other manufacturers further developed the VHS format to increase the picture quality and the most common of these was S-VHS (Super VHS). Identical in appearance and offering the same recording times, these cameras and VCRs were only popular for a short period in time. The Digital S format is comparatively rare and was normally only found on professional equipment.

Video8 or 8mm, Hi8 and Digital 8

Video8 or 8mm to DVD
Video8 or 8mm to DVD
Sony also developed a compact videotape format based on 8mm tape – which are roughly the size of a pack of playing cards and could contain up to 135-minutes of video in standard mode. Further developments in 8mm tape included Hi8 and Digital 8 (90-mins recording) formats – which offered higher quality recordings.

MiniDV, Standard DV, DVCAM and HDV

Further miniaturisation of camcorder cassettes saw the introduction of various DV tape formats based on a tape width of 6.5mm. The most common of these is Mini DV, which uses cassettes roughly the size of a Swan Vesta box of matches – but a little shorter. The most common recording time of these cassettes is 60-minutes.
DV to DVD
DV to DVD
Though less common, and usually only found in high-end or professional cameras and VCRs, Standard DV tapes are larger in size and almost identical to 8mm cassettes mentioned above. Further variations of 6.5mm tapes include DVCAM, DVCPRO and, in it’s high-definition variations, HDV, DVCPRO HD.

Mini DVD camcorders

In more recent years manufacturers developed cameras which recorded to a mini-DVD disk. The disks are 8cm in diameter and offered the benefit of being playable in a normal DVD player once they were ‘Finalised’. Basically, the process of finalisation was carried out once you filled the disks up or did not want to add any more video to them. Without finalisation the disks could not be played in anything other than the camcorder itself – so it is quite common for clients to have these disks in un-finalised state and unable to play them back if they no longer have the camcorder. However, Video Artisan have specialist software applications which enable us to extract the un-finalised files and convert them to DVD. Please note, this isn’t always possible and can result in part of the recordings being unrecoverable.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Camcorders

Camcorder HDD to DVD
Camcorder HDD to DVD
Further miniaturisation was achieved by the introduction of camcorders with internal HDD recorders negating the need for tapes. The main drawback of these camcorders was that once the HHD were full you had to transfer the video off to another device or media. Whilst it is rare for Video Artisan to provide a conversion service for these cameras we can do as long as your camcorder is still working.

Solid State or Memory Card Cameras

The most common current camcorder recording system uses solid state technology which records to a memory card. These are usually SD cards but can include CF Cards (Compact Flash), MicroSD, MiniSD, SDHC, XD, MS Duo, MMCmicro and MMCPlus. These can all be easily converted to DVD for easy playback.

Other video formats

Whilst Video Artisan can provide all of the above videotape to DVD services in-house, we can also arrange conversion of pretty much any one of the more specialist or rare video tape and digital formats – including Micro MV, Betamax, Betamax ED, Video 2000, U-Matic, 1”, 2”, Digi-Beta, M2 and more. These conversions are carried out by separate quotation and usually take longer to complete.

Not just videotape to DVD

Audio Cassette to Audio CD
Audio Cassette to Audio CD
Whilst DVD is by far the most common format we convert to, we are also able to deliver the conversion on a number of different storage media. This includes Blu-ray, Memory Cards, USB sticks, portable HDD and data DVDs. We can also convert Cine Film to DVD too – in various gauges (8mm, Super8, 16mm and 35mm). We can also convert audio cassettes to Audio CD. Please ask for details.

Cost of converting to DVD

The vast majority of our videotape to DVD conversions come under our standard rates as detailed here.  However, we also offer discounts on orders involving 10 or more tapes (of varying formats) – and can provide various bespoke packages including editing, captioning, duplication and specialist disk packaging. Please call for more details or visit our studio in Loughton, Essex to discuss the options. Call: 020 3602 3356 Mobile: 0777 153 5692

Video to DVD

For videotapes and cine films to USB or DVD visit our sister website Tapes2USB
Click on the image above to visit our sister website, Tapes2USB, for information on our videotape to USB or DVD Services

PLEASE VISIT WWW.TAPES2USB.CO.UK

Are you looking for a great local Video to DVD or MP4 Conversion service? 

Pricing – Video to DVD

Our video to DVD service is simple, fast and so cost effective.  We make a direct copy of your videotapes to a single-layer recordable DVD – which can be played back in either your DVD player or on your computer. Each tape will be recorded to its own DVD and compressed according to the duration on the tape. (for further information please read our blog article here)

Cost for each tape converted 
Up to 2-hours = £20.00
(additional copies = £4.00 ea)
Over 2-hours = £25.00
(additional copies = £6.00 ea)
BIG DISCOUNTS FOR BULK ORDERS – SO CALL FOR DETAILS

Pricing – Video to MP4 on USB stick

Our videotape to MP4 on USB stick service is a really neat way to preserve your memories. We will digitise your videotapes and convert them to MP4 at the most effective compression ratio to maintain the original quality, and then supply them on our branded 32GB USB stick/s.  Each USB stick can contain up to 24-hrs of video* – enabling you to store many tapes in a very compact medium.   (For more information on video to MP4 please read our blog article here)  *Duration of video depends on the original quality. The example given is typical of VHS, Betamax, 8mm, VHS-C and other standard definition videotape formats.  As a result High definition digital video formats will require more USB space.

Cost for each tape converted 
Up to 2-hours = £20.00
(additional copies = £10.00 ea)
Over 2-hours = £25.00
(additional copies = £10.00 ea)
BIG DISCOUNTS FOR BULK ORDERS – SO CALL FOR DETAILS

Contact us now!

Kevin Cook F.Inst.V. (Hon.)
Tel: +44 (0) 203 602 3356 Mobile: +44 (0) 777 153 5692
Email: kevin@video-artisan.com

Studio – Off Clays Lane, Loughton, Essex IG10 2SA – United Kingdom
Office – 174 Roding Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3BS – United Kingdom
Connect…  Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn

Drop off & collection

During normal office hours you can drop off your Video to DVD orders to our Loughton Studios in Clays Lane (see map here).  You can also drop off evenings and weekends to 174 Roding Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3BS.  Please call first to ensure we are not out filming – 020 3602 3356.

We are ideally situated to serve the Loughton, Debden, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Epping, Woodford, Chingford and Theydon Bois communities.  We are also served by the Central Line and very close to junction 26 of the M25 – therefore allowing us to serve the Essex and East London and Central London customer.

Mail Order

If you would rather, we are also happy to carry work out by mail order.  Please contact us for more details – 020 3602 3356.


Videotape conversions carried out with care

Since VHS and other videotape players are disappearing fast, now is the perfect time to preserve your precious memories with our Video to DVD or MP4 conversion service. We can convert your videotapes to either DVD or MP4 quickly and at the highest quality to ensure your home videos and other important memories are digitally preserved for you and your family – and for generations to come. Common video transfer formats include VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, DV, Betamax, MiniDV, DVCAM – and we can therefore pretty much any other format to another format of your choice.

Video to DVD Conversion service
Read on for details on our quality Video to DVD conversion services
Videotape to MP4 on USB sticks
Videotape to MP4 on USB sticks

Our video to MP4 conversions are supplied on USB stick. These can be played back directly on either modern TV sets, on computers and tablets, via media servers or in games consoles. USB sticks can also be easily copied and backed up without any specialist software.  Furthermore our MP4 files are also ready to be uploaded to YouTube so you can share your memories with family and friends around the world.  For more details on the benefits of videotape to MP4 see our blog entry here – www.video-artisan.com/videotape-to-mp4/


Further information

If you’re not quite ready to get your tapes converted, please watch this public information film on how best to store your tapes until you are ready to get them digitized.


Other formats and cine film conversions

We can also convert many other video, film, photo and slide formats – so it’s probably always worth giving us a call for a quotation!

Terms & Conditions of VHS to DVD or MP4 Conversion Service

1. We assume that you have full copyright clearance to instruct us to copy any materials on your behalf. We do however reserve the right to decline offering you this service if we believe copyright clearance probably has not been obtained or the material is in violation of any laws or could expose us to any private or public litigation.

2. Unless otherwise agreed, payment for any of these video transfer services is upon delivery of the completed works.

3. Any liability for the damage or loss of materials which occurs during the video transfer process will be limited to the replacement of the blank media, howsoever caused. We do not accept any liability for the contents within the recording.

4. Once we have supplied your DVD we will immediately delete this from our system. In conclusion any additional copies will therefore be charged at the full conversion rates listed above.

5. These special terms are in addition to our general terms and conditions of business are outlined here.

Video Production Services on East London and Essex border

Are you looking forward to creating engaging video content for your business? So are we!

Video production services

Corporate Video and Promotional Company Video Production services

Based on the edge of Epping Forest in Loughton, Essex – Video Artisan is a creative corporate video production company with extensive experience in helping companies and organisations of all sizes take advantage of video.

Whether you are looking to harness the power of YouTube or website video to improve your search engine optimisation, or you want to develop a series of public information films – or create a one-off company film, Video Artisan has the skills, resources and creative talents to deliver an imaginative and cost-effective solution for your next company video.

Our location is perfect for servicing London, Essex, Harlow and South Eastern England with London Underground connections, the M25 and Stansted Airport very close to our studio edit facilities on the edge of Epping Forest.

Services, Facilities, Freelance Cameraman and Editing Assignments

We also offer a range of video conversion services.  This includes video to DVD, videotape to MP4 file, VHS to DVD, VHS-C to DVD, 8m to DVD, camcorder to DVD, Cine to DVD, standards conversions and DVD duplication.

So, Click here to see our section on how we can help convert your precious video tapes for you now.

In addition, we offer freelance camera operator and video editing services to client producers, agencies and other video production companies. With various cameras, lenses, camera mount systems, rails, sliders, dollies, lighting and sound kit we can cater for most video assignments.

Corporate video production services for all business applications

Video Artisan – the video production company of choice for your next business film or video media project. Plus edit studio facilities and videotape to DVD and USB conversions.

For more information, please call today on +44 (0) 20 3602 3356. Here are just some of the services we can offer…

Promotional Video – Corporate Video Production – Web & YouTube video – Training Films – Product launch Promos – Event filming – Multi & Single-camera Conference Coverage – Video Blogging – Video Search Engine Optimisation – Format Conversions and Duplication – Freelance Videography – Freelance Cameraman – Freelance Editor.

How much does a corporate video production cost?
See our useful article here!

Providing worldwide coverage from our studios in Loughton, Essex.
Only 30-minutes from Central London and Stansted Airport – 5-minutes from Britain’s Motorway Network – 1-minute from the beauty of Epping Forest.

Fully insured and compliant to H&S regulations – Full Member of the Guild of Television Cameramen

Full Member of the Guild of Television Cameramen

A bit about Kevin Cook

Video Artisan is the creation of Kevin Cook – an award-winning videographer, blogger, author and journalist. Kevin has been at the forefront of videography and marketing video production in the UK since 1985.

Furthermore, Kevin is also an avid beekeeper!

Please see the links above for details on how Video Artisan can help you to develop your company video strategy.

Click here to see our latest showreel and list of clients.