Transferring VHS, S-VHS, 8mm, Hi-8 and Digital 8 video to DVD, why it's so much more complicated than it seems.

I used to offer analog video to DVD services. I stopped offering the videotape to DVD service when I realized that for 99% of the population, the cost was all that mattered. 

If you are the curious type and wonder what goes into actually optimizing the quality of an amateur home video, you will be blown away by the amount of adjustments that can be made during the process of transferring a home video to either digital videotape or a hard drive, or straight to DVD.

Irrespective of what can be done digitally after a video is uploaded to a hard drive for further processing, the actual step of playing back the video is downplayed, even though the quality of the transfer into the digital realm is just as important as what can be done once in the digital realm.

Panasonic MX-50 one on one Classes.

The Panasonic MX-50 delivered effective video processing capabilities. Learn when using an Panasonic MX-50 may enhance your analog video signal as you upload it to either digital video or your hard-drive.

Re Archiving your Analog Videotape Corporate Library.

There are literally thousands of corporations that have an analog videotape archive library. Many have probably already transferred their library to digital video or hard drive.  


If you are not happy with the quality you received, I can pretty much guarantee that I can show you how to redo your transfer and get a superior result.

If I can't get demonstrate a better result, you can select another class of equal length for free.


Because I like to be helpful, look at the very impressive method that RAI in Italy is using to re-archive their betacam sp video tapes.

The secrets of S-VHS revealed in one on one classes.

S-VHS may be one of the most misunderstood analog formats ever created. JVC led the way with amazing BRS S-VHS machines that literally have close to a dozen adjustment parameters designed to optimize the quality of both S-VHS, VHS and even min-cassette vhs and s-vhs videotapes.

If you are curious just how good your S-VHS or VHS videotapes actually look when played back on a JVC-BRS machine that originally cost over $6,000 dollars when new, then you should take this class. 


If you are planning on laying back VHS or S-VHS videotape to digital videotape or hard drive, you MUST see these machines in action being operated by someone who actually won a regional EMMY mastering an opera to this format.

Please, no copyrighted material will be adjusted unless you actually worked on the production and desire an excerpt for your demo reel.

Betacam SP one on one classes.

My experience with Betacam SP is extenisve. I've edited several hundred videos using both the Sony PVW and the UVW series of Betacam SP video editing decks. If you are looking for a true video tape based archival system or about to layback Betacam SP to either digital video or a hard drive, this betacam sp one on one class is a must. 

If you are planning on uploading your betacam sp library to digital video or onto a hard drive, you MUST take this class otherwise you run the risk of making a mistake over the entire time you are transferring your betacam sp video to hard drive or digital video. Even expert video editors working at well known film and video editing houses in the 90's don't have the knowledge I have because they simply focused on what the betacam sp deck was needed to do. There were also techs there to maintain the equipment.


In my situation, I was responsible for both maintenance and understanding how to maximize the useful of my betacam sp machines. The betacam sp machines were some of the most robust videotape editing machines ever made, and the features they offer can actually make you more aware when it comes to your non-linear editing strategies.

Actual hands on learning will be part of this betacam sp course, along with what not to do that could damage your betacam sp deck.

Digital 8 camcorder one on one classes.

Digital-8 camcorders represented one of the best standard def values in terms of price versus quality. In this class you'll learn which menu selections can improve the quality of your digital-8 image. Plus, you'll learn effective strategies to help ensure your camcorder does not get damaged from normal day to day use.

Have your Youtube Video Technically and Creatively reviewed by MyAlexLOGIC

Have your youtube video critiqued by regional emmy winning Alessandro Machi, either in person or over the internet.


Receive constructive criticism from industry professional Alessandro Machi, who has shot or edited over 500 productions while having to do many productions with extremely small crews.


Alessandro's critique of your youtube video can instantly help you achieve better results for your next youtube video production. You can schedule your one on one video critique with Alex at your convenience.

For those too far away to visit Alex in Southern California, Alex can also critique your youtube videos online, email for pricing.

Credit Card Purchase Strategies.

When and how much to spend on a credit card are explored in this one on one class. Class strongly suggested for parents who are being asked to help out with some video production purchases for their sons and daughters.

What are the hidden costs that can appear out of nowhere once one goes down the path of film, video, and still camera editing and camera production.

How to set up a Blog and begin blogging.

I've created over 20 blogs using google blogspot and can get you started on creating or enhancing your blog as well. This one on one google blogging class first explores your exact reasons for blogging then assists you in getting your blog online. This is a 3 hour class priced at the 2 hour class price. For best results, please bring your own lap top or desktop computer. 

Amazingly, the google blogspot software is free from google, so when you complete the class and feel confident you can add content to your own blog, there are no more charges.

Film Festival Secrets and Evaluation.

Maximize your film and video project's film festival opportunities. Alessandro's film projects have appeared in over 30 film festivals. You can have your project evaluated in a one on one class room setting. 

Whether you are still planning your production, are in production, or have finished, Alessandro can share valuable tips with you to improve your chances of getting accepted into film festivals.

Run and Gun Low Budget Lighting Strategies.

See various run and gun lighting options in operation. Learn which lighting system works best for your needs when your production costs limit the size and scope of your crew.

Understanding Contrast.

Possibly one of the most misunderstood aspects of digital video production, editing, and compression is contrast. This one on one class actually uses real time analog video processing tools (yes, knobs and dials!) to help you understand aspects of contrast that are easily misunderstood in the world of digital video.

Tripod Strategies.

How do the professionals make such perfect pans and tilts? Are all tripods basically the same?  Why is there such a huge difference in cost between similar looking tripods? This class offers hands on tripod experience complete with onboard camera.

Learn why some tripods cost 10 times as much as other tripods that look almost the same.

Basic Sound Mixing class.

Broken down to it's most simplest elements, basic sound mixing helps you avoid making sound mixing mistakes that even some television shows make!

Super-8mm film camera class.

Do you have a super-8 camera and want to learn what it can and cannot do? Bring it in. This one hour class will be devoted to maximizing your use of your own super-8 camera and learning every meaningful function.

Digital Still Pocket Camera Strategies and Techniques.

Digital Still pocket cameras come with many menu options. Learn what overall settings are best for night time versus daytime, indoor versus outdoor, shady versus sunny. This class also covers framing strategies.

Unlocking Analog Video Secrets.

In the 90's analog video editing equipment came with fully functional video and sound capabilities that nowadays are usually hidden within  your non-linear editing software. 

Discover classic analog video editing methods that will put you ahead of those who have never seen professional analog video equipment in action.

What Actors should look for when acting on low budget productions.

Up and coming actors have to constantly strategize if the production they are thinking of working on and/or being considered for will benefit them. 

This two hour course explains what an actor should look for while also  increasing the likelihood that they have picked or been picked for a production that is worthy of their time.

Getting the most out of your video camera.

Many video cameras actually have menu settings that can enhance the quality of your video image. Learn when to make menu adjustments and what overall setting is best for the most situations.

Learn basic video strategies so you don't find yourself overwhelmed on a future video project.

Calibrating your editing room.

Editors who have no analog editing experience are more likely to not understand the concept of video and sound calibration as it relates to non-linear editing. 

This two hour course can enhance your future video non-linear editing projects as you learn the importance of video and sound calibration and how to get into the habit of always checking to make sure your editing studio is calibrated.