Scan5 offers 3 quality options for video output.

Dave Rosen
Published On
January 6, 2026

At Scan5, we offer three output options for video tape transfers.

Standard Transfer

DVD-Equivalent Quality - Standard Quality MP4

Our most popular option. Optimized for easy viewing and sharing on any device.

  • Plays on virtually all smart TVs and media devices, phones, tablets, etc
  • Smaller file sizes for convenient storage
  • Comparable to DVD quality
  • Minor compression artifacts may be visible in complex scenes

Best for: Everyday viewing, sharing with family, and general use

High Quality Transfer

Visually Transparent - High Quality MP4

Preserves everything visible from the tape playback with no noticeable compression.

  • No visible loss of detail compared to the original transfer
  • Smooth motion and clean edges
  • Larger files than Standard, with improved fidelity
  • Ideal when image quality matters but extreme file sizes aren’t needed
  • May require a computer, media player app, or newer smart TV for playback

Best for: Home archiving, high-quality viewing, and customers who want the best image without compromise

Archival / Editing Master

Mezzanine Quality .MOV

A professional-grade master designed for editing, color correction, and long-term preservation.

  • Minimal compression to preserve all captured detail
  • Designed to withstand future re-encoding without quality loss
  • Very large file sizes
  • Suitable for professional and archival workflows

Best for: Editors, filmmakers, archivists, and anyone planning future restoration or post-production work


Ready to get started? Visit www.Scan5.com