Step-by-Step Guide to LifeFlix

LifeFlix is a powerful yet user-friendly software designed for Mac users to simplify the process of digitizing and enhancing cherished video recordings. Whether you're looking to convert old VHS, MiniDV, HDV, Video8, Hi8 and Digital8 into digital files, LifeFlix offers the tools and features you need to bring your memories into the digital age. Here’s a guide for you to set up and start your LifeFlix journey.

Prerequisite

• Please note, you will need the following devices and requirements in order for LifeFlix to work.
• Mac Device with Lightning USB=C or Thunderbolt 2 port

• LifeFlix v3.6: Operating System later than Lion, prior to Ventura

• LifeFlix v4: Operating System later than Monterey
• Media Player of Camera with a DV port
• Firewire 800 Cable (9 Pin Male to 4 Pin Male)
• Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adaptor
• Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adaptor - This cable is required for Mac devices that only have USB-C ports available.

1. Download and install LifeFlix into your computer.

First, you must go to our website and purchase the latest version of the app. Once you have made the payment, a confirmation link with the download link to the software will be sent to your email. Click on the link, download the software and follow the installation instructions to set up LifeFlix on your Mac.

• If using Lifeflix v1,2,3 you are not able to update to version 4 directly from the application (LifeFlix v3.6 has an update button, but will only update to 3.6 if they are on an earlier version of 3). Therefore, we recommend you to test the latest version for free to confirm it works on your Mac device before you commit to purchasing.
• But what if LifeFlix v4 is not for your good old Mac? Worry no more! You gain access to a complimentary license to LifeFlix v3.6 with any purchase of LifeFlix v4. We do this since some users are on older Macs that would only support an older version of our software.

2. Cable and Camcorder Setup

Now that you have set up the software on your computer and collected all the required hardware, it’s time to start this for real! Let’s see how you can connect your camera to your Mac.

• First, you need a 9-pin to 4-pin Firewire cable, which is plugged directly into your DV camcorder. You'll plug this into the first adaptor, a Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire adaptor.
• You then plug this into the second adaptor, a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor.

If you need to learn how to set up the cables, where to what, go check out our video tutorial.

3. Import your videos

Finally, we’ve come to the actual game! Now you are about to import your gold memories recorded in old tapes. Here’s how you do it.

When you select “Import from tape,” a dialogue box informs you to ensure you have a connected device before proceeding.

The import window for tape devices launches. Here in this window you can:

• Automatically create a new scene when a segment is detected
• Compress footage to save space
• Rewind tape to beginning
• Automatically play footage from the device when capture starts
• Capture will end automatically if the end of tape is detected. The capture can also end if the “Stop Capture” is clicked.

Once the footage is captured, you may preview it with playback controls in the monitor to audit for any issues. Then, you can select “Keep” to close and store their capture in the Library (this will close the import window). You may also select “Discard” to delete the captured footage.

Keep in mind, as of LifeFlix v4.2.5, when footage is discarded, it will close the import window, this forces you to re-enter any tape info again if they want to attempt another capture with the same footage.

You can also watch and follow our video demonstration of how we captured footage from a Hi8 Camera.

4. Organize your videos

Once all the videos have been successfully imported, it's time to organize them. Click on the "Organize" tab in LifeFlix to access the organization features. Create new albums or tapes by clicking on the "Add Album" or "Add Tape" button. Give each album or tape a descriptive name that reflects its contents or the theme of the videos it contains. Drag and drop the imported videos into the appropriate albums or tapes. You can rearrange the order of the videos within each album or tape by simply dragging them into position.Take your time to arrange your videos in a way that makes sense. Organizing them by date, event, or family member can make it easier to find and revisit specific memories in the future.

5. Edit and Enhance Your Videos (Optional)

With your videos organized, you may want to enhance them further or make some edits to improve their quality or visual appeal. Here’s how you can do it.

• Click on the "Edit" tab in LifeFlix to access the editing tools. Here, you'll find - options to trim your videos, adjust colors and exposure, and apply other enhancements.
• To trim a video, select it from the list of imported videos and click on the "Trim" button. Use the sliders to adjust the start and end points of the video until you're satisfied with the selection.
• If you want to enhance the colors or exposure of a video, click on the "Adjust" button. Here, you can adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and other parameters to achieve the desired look.

Take your time to experiment with the editing tools and adjust as needed. Once you're happy with the edits and enhancements, click the "Save" or "Export" button to apply the changes to the video.

6. Export or Share Your Videos

Now that your videos are imported, organized, and optionally edited, it's time to export or share them with others. Click on the "Export" tab in LifeFlix to access the exporting options. Here, you can choose the format and quality settings for your exported videos. LifeFlix offers an exporter tool that allows you to convert your videos to MOV format. Select the desired format from the dropdown menu and adjust any other settings as needed. If you want to share your videos directly from LifeFlix, click on the "Share" button. You can share via Apple AirDrop, Mail, Notes, Photos, and Freeform. Also, ensure your videos are safely backed up by storing them on an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This provides an extra layer of protection against loss or damage.

7. Enjoy Your Memories

Now, everything is done, and all that's left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your digitized memories come to life with LifeFlix! Invite friends and family to join you in reliving cherished moments, or simply take some time for yourself to reminisce. Whether you're watching old home movies, milestone events, or everyday moments captured on tape, LifeFlix makes it easy to immerse yourself in the timeless stories that make your family unique.