Preserve Your Tapes for Generations

VHS, Hi8, MiniDV, U-Matic & More

Relive your favorite memories by converting your old tapes with Scan5’s expert digitizing services.

Why Digitize Your Tapes Now?

Tapes are vulnerable to time. Over the years, formats such as VHS, Hi8, and MiniDV can degrade, leading to unwatchable footage. By digitizing them today, you can preserve these cherished memories and ensure they remain with your family for generations to come.

Formats We Digitize

Whatever type of tape you have, we’re here to help preserve it:

VHS

VHS-C

Hi8 / Video8 / Digital8

Mini DV

Betacam

U-Matic 3/4 inch

MicroMV

DigiBeta

DVCPro HD

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

At Scan5, we use advanced technology to ensure your tapes are digitized at the highest resolution, preserving every moment with crisp video and clear audio.

Repairing Damaged Tapes

If your tapes are damaged, don’t worry. We can usually repair them in-house to ensure the best possible outcome.

Tape Repair:

Fixing broken cassettes and repairing torn ribbons.

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

Trusted by Families and Institutions

We’ve worked with families and institutions to help preserve invaluable memories

Family Home Movies

Industry-leading technology, including the Lasergraphics scanner, ensures top-quality results.

Archival Projects

Digitizing is done on-site in Chicago, keeping your media safely in trusted hands.

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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 iPhones anytime we want to watch them"

Liz A

Chicago, IL

Tape Digitizing FAQ:

VHS, Mini Divi, Betacam & More

1. What types of tapes can Scan5 digitize?

We digitize a wide range of tape formats, including VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, Betacam, and U-matic. If your tape format isn’t listed, contact us, and we’ll determine if we can help.

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, eventually, 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 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 provide high-quality .mp4 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 Pickup: We can arrange a secure courier to collect your tapes.
Ship via UPS: 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 services available for select projects. Contact us to discuss.

9. Can Scan5 edit my videos after digitizing?

Yes, we offer basic editing services, such as trimming, organizing, and merging footage. Let us know how you’d like your final video, and we’ll help bring your story to life.

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 cataloged and tracked through 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 of your project, and we’ll provide a custom quote.

Your Privacy Is Our Priority

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

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let Scan5 digitize your discs with care, so you can relive your memories whenever you want.

How it Works Request a Free Quote