Mac software for rescuing old video tapes

I love finding software gems that get me out of a bind. I tried to get MiniDV video off my old Sony DCR-TRV27 to my early-2019 iMac through a series of 4-pin Firewire to Thunderbolt 3 cables and adapters. Adobe Premiere Pro CC couldn’t communicate with the camcorder, so I tried LifeFlix Free. It worked perfectly from the get-go, so I bought the paid version to crank out the rest of my tapes. Definitely recommend and would buy again.

I turned to using this software when iMovie was not able to capture video from some old mini-dv tapes. It worked very well. The only thing iMovie does better is to use the time-date stamp data from the tape to create the file name of the clip.

In all other respects I was very pleased to have discovered this software.

I used the free version to test the compatibility with my newer MacBook Pro. Once all cables and adapters were attached, Lifeflix did the rest. Shared and celebrated old videos that would have been stuck on DV tape. Worth the purchase price!

I had trouble with IMovie chopping up the Mini DV tapes on import. LifeFlix takes the movies in very nicely. However, I use the HD Import. The SD import comes in 640 X 480 not 720 X 480. The HD import converts the SD to 1920 X 1080 making the movies easier to edit.

I have not had the time yet to evaluate. My 2018 Mac mini is not seeing my Sony HC35 mini dv camcorder. I will change connection wires to eliminate that. But I’m going to need some help.

After trying the free version with one tape; I immediately bought the full version!

I was hesitant about buying this software due to the price - but I have absolutely no regrets. It worked flawlessly with my Panasonic NV-GS500, which used to be supported by iMovie, but has not been for a LONG time.

Finally Able to rescue my old mini dv tapes.
tried free version & went on to buy full version. Very Happy

LifeFlix Free

Easy to use, very intuitive. Not a lot of buttons, vey simple program but it gets the job done.

This is the only program of this type that immediately performed its promised function.

No problems at all when transferring files from sony dcr-trv27 to Imac.

I tried struggling with getting a few tapes in to my Mac with iMovie at first buy it was just so many problems, with LifeFlix it was sooooo much easier! Money well spent since i have quite a few tapes to back up. I really recommend it.

I found the software easy to use and and once I figured out the little trick with the canon HDV it worked great.

Works well … just as advertised.