LifeFlix review

If you shot residence movies between 1995 and 2010, there’s a very good probability you probably did so with a tape-based Mini-DV camcorder. With its easy FireWire connectivity, the DV format had a terrific run previous to the appearance of smartphones. For those that need to relive these taped digital reminiscences, LifeFlix is a Mac software that makes it easy to do.

LifeFlix: Attach your camcorder and import the video

LifeFlix streamlines the method of capturing tapes in three straightforward steps. First, mud off your Mini-DV, HDV, Hi-8, or Digital 8 camcorder and connect it to the Mac with a FireWire cable. This would be the largest stumbling block for a lot of, since Apple deserted FireWire in 2012. You can overcome this hurdle by investing in a Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter ($29 at Apple); most customers can even want a FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter bought by Elago ($10 on Amazon) that I used to attach my getting old JVC SR-VS30 Mini-DV/S-VHS combo deck, in addition to a Canon HV20 HDV camcorder.

J.R. Bookwalter/IDG

With the exhausting half out of the best way, stick a tape within the camcorder, launch LifeFlix, and click on the Import button. The software program prompts you to enter a singular tape identify and non-obligatory description; after confirming, the tape conveniently rewinds to the start and begins capturing. You’ll see a preview of the video, however LifeFlix thoughtfully mutes incoming audio throughout capture-a good characteristic, though I’d favor an choice to hear alongside, ideally with quantity management.

J.R. Bookwalter/IDG

Although video enhancing software program like iMovie imports DV footage, such purposes aren’t well-suited to the duty of rapidly capturing and assembling bits and items from a tape. LifeFlix routinely detects when the camcorder began or stopped, splitting footage into separate scenes you may then save individually or mix into new movies.

LifeFlix: Combines video file, not edit

LifeFlix doesn’t edit video within the conventional sense. Instead, you take away undesirable clips, then trim and mix the remaining into a number of new movies. You can’t add titles, transitions, or results, which is completely fine-most of the time I simply need to take away the unhealthy stuff and assemble a standalone film, and that’s precisely what LifeFlix excels at. (I hope the builders contemplate an iOS model. The App Store wants extra video apps like this.)

J.R. Bookwalter/IDG

By default, LifeFlix compresses incoming NTSC or PAL video utilizing YouTube-friendly H.264 at a set knowledge price of three.3Mbps, however you may uncheck this feature earlier than every import and transcode full uncompressed video as a substitute. (Both wrapped as QuickTime MOV information.) The distinction in picture high quality is negligible, however the storage financial savings are big. An hour of MP4 video consumes just one.3GB of disk area, versus 13GB uncompressed.

J.R. Bookwalter/IDG

There are a number of downsides: Importing with MP4 compression hits the CPU fairly exhausting, sometimes locking up the app for a minute or two after stopping. The app tends to be sluggish at occasions and fails to correctly refresh clip thumbnails. YouTube sharing is at present damaged (though it seems to be working), and sharing to Photos nonetheless refers back to the late, nice iPhoto.

Bottom line

Assuming you could have a working camcorder and the fitting adapters, LifeFlix is the quickest and best technique to get Mini-DV tapes into your Mac.