Thank you for choosing Scan5 for your digitizing project!

Scan5 is the solution for all of your digitizing needs. Please keep us in mind for any future projects.
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We can produce high quality digital files from your Video Tapes, Photo Prints, Slides, Negatives, 8mm and 16mm Film Reels, DVDs, Audio Tapes, and more.

To chat about your next project, please call or text (773) 934-0982 or send us a message.

Help spread the word about Scan5’s services and earn store credit.
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When you refer family and friends to Scan5, you can earn a credit of up to $100 for each project we receive. Use your credits for your next digitizing project, additional USB drives, or extended cloud storage.
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Simply email us the name of your referral or ask them to mention your name when they start an order.

• 10% Discount Codes - Save up to $100
• Veterans or Active Military Mention Code: VETERAN
• Teachers Mention Code: TEACHER
• Police Mention Code: POLICE
• First Responders Mention Code: FIRSTRESPONDER
• Healthcare, Veterinary, or Elder Care Mention Code: HEALTHCARE

Additional Offers:

• 2 Free USB Flash Drives with 10+ Video Tape Transfers! Mention Code: 2USBFREE
• 1 Year Free Cloud Storage For Any Project Over $500! Mention Code: 365CLOUD
• 10% OFF 1000+ Standard Photo Print Scans! Mention Code: 10OFF1K
• 20% OFF 5000+ Standard Photo Print Scans! Mention Code: 20OFF5K
• 10% OFF 1000+ Feet of 8mm or 16mm Film! Mention Code: SAVE10FILM
• 10% OFF 1000+ 35mm Slide Scans! Mention Code: 10OFFSLIDES
• $250 OFF Any Project Over $2500! Mention Code: 250DEAL

Always properly eject your USB flash drive when removing it from any USB port. Failure to do so may corrupt your drive and render it useless.
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Your USB flash drive is compatible with all modern desktop and laptop computers. A USB-C adapter is included with our flash drives, should your device require it.
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USB Compatibility for Smart TVs
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When using a USB drive with a smart TV to play videos, view photos, or listen to music, the file system format of the drive plays a critical role in compatibility. Your USB drive from Scan5 is formatted in either FAT32 or exFAT, depending on the storage capacity of your drive and the individual file sizes. Look for the sticker on the bag containing your USB that indicates if your drive is formatted for FAT32 or exFAT.
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FAT32 is the oldest and most universally supported file system across a wide range of devices — including virtually all smart TVs, regardless of brand or model. Its widespread compatibility makes it a reliable choice for users who want plug-and-play functionality without worrying about software or firmware differences.

Because of its 4 GB file size limit, FAT32 is not ideal for storing high-definition or 4K video files, which can easily exceed that size.

exFAT is a newer file system developed to overcome FAT32's limitations. It supports files larger than 4 GB and is optimized for flash storage, making it a good option for high-resolution media. However, not all smart TVs support exFAT, especially older or budget models.

If your smart TV is relatively new (released in the last 5–7 years), there's a good chance it supports exFAT.

If your TV is having compatibility issues with the USB drive - consider purchasing a Digital Media Player. This little device usually works great and can be returned for any reason.

Additional USB drives can be purchased from Scan5 and shipped directly to your location. Contact us to order additional USB drives.

• If files are slow to load, we recommend downloading the files directly to your computer to view.
• If you’re having trouble downloading files, you can create a free Sync.com account and install the Sync Desktop app for Mac and Windows. Select “Sign Up For Free,” then on the following page, in the lower left corner select, “I don’t want to try pro.” Alternatively, use this link. Once you verify your account, download the Sync Desktop app here. Once installed, send an email to info@scan5.com requesting a share folder from the email address used to create your Sync account. We will share the folder with you ASAP, but no later than the end of the next business day. When we send you the share, you will receive an email to accept the share folder. Once accepted, you will see the shared folder on your computer in your Sync folder. Drag the folder to a location on your computer and the files will begin downloading.

• If files are struggling to play from your flash drive, we recommend copying the files to your computer and then playing the files directly from your computer. Some computers cannot access the flash drives fast enough to play video files, especially HD film transfers.
• If you’re having trouble playing the video files, even directly from your computer, we recommend downloading VLC Media Player.
  
  If you received ProRes files from us, you will need a fast computer to be able to play these and/or professional editing software. ProRes files are primarily intended for editing and archiving - not for direct playback.
• Although all items have been reviewed and carefully transferred to ensure the highest quality possible, we can’t watch your videos in their entirety, so sometimes there are errors that may have slipped through our quality control process. That said, due to the physical nature and age of your media, some common quality issues may still appear, such as: intermittent tracking lines, image instability, crackling audio, ghosting, static, drop out, etc. To ensure timely completion of your order, we are only able to provide detailed notes and additional troubleshooting upon request - billed at our standard labor rate. If you think there is an error we missed that may be the result of the transfer, please contact us as soon as possible, and we will make it right - info@scan5.com.
• If your videos appear too dark, ensure your monitor’s brightness is turned up as high as it will go. If your videos still appear too dark, then that’s likely the way they were shot. Old film and video cameras did not operate particularly well in low light and would require additional lighting and a knowledgeable camera operator to get a good exposure.
• For editing your video files, we recommend the following programs:
  - Da Vinci Resolve - Free, Professional Grade
  - Adobe Premiere - Paid, Professional Grade
  - iMove - Free, User Friendly, Mac Only
  - ClipChamp - Free, User Friends, Windows Only
• There are many more editing programs available, but we have direct experience with the ones above. Some other options we’ve heard people like are CapCut, Wondershare - Filmora, Cyber Link Power Director - however, these programs all have confusing free/paid plans. Although the software may be more intuitive than some of our recommendations, you may need to pay to unlock the features you need.

• Most devices should be able to play your audio files natively without issue, such as Apple Music (formerly iTunes), Windows Media Player, WinAmp, and Quicktime. If you’re still having trouble playing your files, make sure you’ve copied them to your computer and download VLC Media Player.
• To edit your audio files, we recommend using Audacity - a free program that is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
• If you’re having trouble listening to your files, make sure your volume is turned up. Most home audio recordings were not done with professional equipment so the quality may be particularly poor. To get the best listening experience, we recommend using external speakers (rather than the ones built into your phone, laptop, or TV/Monitor) or headphones.
• If the microphone wasn’t properly placed at the time of recording or the recording level wasn’t set correctly, the audio may be particularly quiet and noisy. If you would like to attempt noise reduction, we recommend reaching out to a specialist on Fiverr.com. Please note, noise reduction is a highly subjective and destructive process. It is very difficult to remove noise without altering the original vocal quality of the recording. If the noise seems louder than the desired audio, this means the microphone was too far away from the source, and noise reduction may not be possible.

For storing and organizing your digital photos, we recommend using Google Photos.

You can read more about how to use Google Photos in our Blog Post.
Videos can also be found on Youtube.

For storing your original photo prints long term, we recommend using acid-free archival storage boxes.

Coming Soon