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Preserve Your Tapes for Generations

VHS, Hi8, Mini DV, Pro Formats & More

Relive your cherished memories by converting your old tapes with Scan5’s expert video transfer services in Chicago. Whether it's a VHS to digital service or converting rare formats, we ensure high-quality digital preservation. Scan5 will converts your tapes to modern digital media that are easy to view on your computer, phone, tablet, and TV.

A laptop screen shows a group of people watching a video, overlaid by a graphic of a VHS tape labeled ‘TAPE Digitizing.’ Below are icons representing various tape formats—VHS, Hi8, MiniDV, and U-matic—indicating different options for digitization.

Formats We Digitize

We specialize in converting VHS to digital, along with a wide variety of other video tape formats.

VHS

VHS-C

Hi8 / Video8 / Digital8

Mini DV

Betacam

U-Matic 3/4 inch

MicroMV

DigiBeta

DVCPro HD

And More

Get a Free Estimate
Hands holding a stack of various videotape formats, including a full-size VHS tape alongside smaller cassette tapes like VHS-C or 8mm.
A gloved individual handles a collection of VHS tapes on a table in a dimly lit archival storage room. Overlaid text reads ‘Tape Conversion.’

Handled by Experts with State-of-the-Art Technology

At Scan5, we use industry-leading equipment and software to digitize VHS and other formats with crisp video and clear audio, ensuring your memories are preserved in the highest possible quality.

Repairing Damaged Tapes

If your tape's case or ribbon is damaged, don’t worry. We can usually repair them in-house to ensure the best possible outcome.

A simple, stylized icon depicting an audio or video tape with a wrench or band-aid, representing tape repair or restoration.

Tape Repair:

Fixing broken cassettes and repairing torn ribbons.

A minimalist pencil icon, symbolizing editing or content modification.

Custom Editing:

Need your footage organized or trimmed? We’ll help tell your story.

Choose the Best Way to Preserve Your Memories

Once your physical items are digitized, you have a few options for how to store them. While all methods are secure, cloud hosting offers the ultimate flexibility and peace of mind.

Cloud Hosting

(30 DAYS FREE!)

Access your memories anytime, anywhere
automatically backed up
protected from loss
easy to share with family
no physical devices required

USB or HDD

If you prefer to keep your files on a physical device, we also offer USB thumb drive or portable hard drive options
store your memories in the palm of your hand
A local option for storing your files and sharing across devices
Get A Free Estimate

Trusted by Families and Institutions

We’ve worked with families and institutions to help preserve decades of important history.

A stylized icon of a film strip or clapperboard, symbolizing movies or cinematic content.

Family Home Movies

We transfer home movies all day, every day. Bring us your collection and rest easy knowing your home movies are safe in the cloud.

A stylized icon of an archival storage box or file drawer, representing the concept of archived materials.

Archival Projects

Have 100s or 1000s of tapes? We can handle a large volume of tapes and offer competitive turnaround and pricing.

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What Our Customers Say

"Scan5 digitized our old VHS tapes, and now our family can watch home movies we thought were lost forever. The process was quick and easy!"
Moshe L.
Highland Park, IL
"Our Hi8 tapes held so many memories but we had no way to watch them. Scan5 made it easy for us to view our movies on our phones anytime we want to watch them."
Liz A
Chicago, IL

Tape Digitizing FAQ:

VHS, Mini DV, Hi8, Betacam & More

1. What types of tapes can Scan5 digitize?

We transfer VHS to digital and support a wide range of tape formats, including

  • VHS
  • VHS-C
  • Hi8
  • Digital8
  • Video8
  • Mini DV
  • U-Matic 3/4 inch
  • Betacam
  • Micro MV
  • DVC Pro HD
  • DigiBeta

If your tape format isn’t listed please contact us.

2. Why should I digitize my tapes now?

Tapes degrade over time due to exposure to heat, humidity, and wear from playback. This degradation leads to a loss of picture quality, sound distortion, and unwatchable footage. Digitizing now ensures your memories are preserved before they’re lost forever.

3. Can Scan5 repair damaged tapes before digitizing?

Yes, we can usually repair broken cassette cases and torn ribbons. Our goal is to ensure the best possible outcome during the conversion process.

4. What happens if my tapes have mold or water damage?

We recommend sending your tapes to Pacific Video Repair for this type of specialty restoration.

5. What are my options for receiving digitized tapes?

You can choose from:

  • Cloud Hosting: Access your videos anytime, anywhere. Cloud storage ensures automatic backups and easy sharing with family and friends.
  • USB or External Hard Drive: Store your files locally for easy access and compatibility with your devices.
6. What file format will my digitized tapes be in?

We offer high-quality .mp4 files and optional ProRes .mov files.

7. How do I get my tapes to Scan5?

You have several convenient options to get your tapes to us:

  • Drop Off: Visit our local office for a personal handoff.
  • Courier Pick Up: We can arrange a secure courier to collect your tapes.
  • UPS Shipping: Use our prepaid UPS shipping service, and we’ll notify you when your tapes arrive.
8. How long does the tape digitizing process take?

Most projects take 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the order. Rush service may be available for select projects. Contact us to discuss.

9. Can Scan5 edit my videos after digitizing?

Yes, we offer basic custom editing services, such as trimming, organizing, and merging footage. Contact us to discuss.

10. How secure is the cloud storage provided by Scan5?

Our cloud storage is highly secure, utilizing industry-standard encryption to protect your files. Sharing is entirely optional, and you have control over who can access your content.

11. What precautions are taken to ensure my tapes are handled safely?

Our technicians use professional-grade equipment to handle all media with care. Each item is labeled and tracked throughout the entire process to ensure it’s returned to you in the same condition.

12. Do you offer bulk pricing for large tape collections?

Yes, we provide bulk discounts for larger collections. Contact us with the size and details of your project, and we’ll provide a custom quote.

Several wooden boxes filled with documents are secured by chains and padlocks, symbolizing privacy and confidentiality.

Your Privacy Is Our Priority

Your memories are personal, and we treat them with care. We guarantee your items will be handled securely and privately, and never shared with third parties.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let Scan5 digitize your collection now.

How it WorksRequest a Free Quote
A tablet displaying a family photo gallery is surrounded by icons labeled ‘Photos Digitized,’ ‘Discs Digitized,’ ‘Tapes Digitized,’ ‘Film Reels Digitized,’ and ‘Audio Digitized.’ The ‘Scan5’ logo appears in the center, along with text promoting ‘Hollywood-Grade Technology,’ ‘High Resolution Scanning,’ and ‘Safe for Fragile Films.’