Videos and Betamax transfer to DVD

What is the best format to archive my footage?
Alive Studios strongly recommend customers to order an archive copy of their transfer on dv tape.
This highly versatile, high quality, long-lasting format allows you to easily edit your films at a later date, and the nature of the tape is very durable and far harder to damage than a DVD. Whilst many customers order AVI files for editing, you will find a miniDV tape a better permanent storage format.
If you want to safely store this important film for generations to come, then this is a great option.
(for commercial use, we also offer DV Cam and ProRes)

Media format times
1h 20mins for DVD - 2h for Blu-ray - 1h for miniDV or HDV - 18mins for AVI & QuickTime Discs - 184mins for DVCam

Do you keep a backup?
Yes. we retain a backup of the DVD's we produce for 30 days You can request extra copies on DVD within 30 days for just £15. (This allows upto 6 hours of film. If you have more than 6 hours, then you will be charged £15 for every 6 hours). (we do not make backups of Blu-ray discs, mini DV tapes or uncompressed formats).

What are DVD Menus?
Imagine the Index page of a book - A list of chapters allowing you to quickly jump to any part of the story with ease.
DVD/Blu-ray chapters are just the same. You have a main Index screen which lists all the chapters. Using your DVD/Blu-ray remote you can select the chapter you want to view and hey presto you're there! No more fast-forwarding to your favourite part, it's all at the touch of a button. DVD/Blu-ray Menus are also great for recording important information about each piece of film for your future generations - Who, When and Where...

How long will my order take?
Our normal turn-around for Video tapes is 2-3 weeks, but please allow longer for busy periods such as Christmas.
If your order is needed for a particular date please call the Studio and ask for a current lead-time, then clearly indicate your desired date when ordering. We can often turn-around orders on the day on special request so if you've left it a little late for that important anniversary do give us a call - it's worth asking!

Can I post my order to you?
Yes. We operate a world-wide service so accept orders from anywhere in the UK and abroad.

When posting your videos please carefully wrap them in bubble-wrap or other appropriate protective packaging,
then send using Special Delivery or a courier such as TNT.

Limited time only - Orders OVER £300 can request this collection service COMPLETELY FREE!!!
Call 01623 827643 to arrange your collection now.

Please note that films cannot be insured due to their age and indeterminate value, so any insurance you take out when posting will not be valid in the event of a lost parcel. The most important thing is to make sure you label the package as 'Fragile' and use a service that is traceable such as recorded or special delivery.

Will my DVD Play in the USA?
Our DVDs are region-free. So long as the TV can play PAL then that's all you need to know.
If you require a version in NTSC (USA Version) instead please specify this with your order.

Can I edit my DVD myself?
For full information about editing on your computer, please visit our support page.