VHS vs. Hi8 vs. MiniDV: What's Actually on Your Old Tapes
A field guide to the tape formats hiding in your closet, and why the plastic shell doesn't tell the whole story.
Read the guidePreservation Notes
Field notes from a decade of scanning other people's memories.
Format guides, storage tips, and the occasional hard truth about how long that box in your closet actually has left.
Should I digitize old photos and tapes myself?
DIY can work well for a small batch of loose prints or readable discs. Tapes, slides, and movie film require more equipment and checking. Here’s how to choose.
How do I safely ship old photos and tapes for digitizing?
Protect irreplaceable photos, slides, film, tapes, and discs with format-specific packing steps, plus mail-in and Chandler drop-off options.
How can I watch digitized home movies on my TV?
Watch transferred VHS, camcorder tapes, and family films on your television using USB, HDMI, or streaming—with fewer playback surprises.
Should I digitize photo prints or negatives if I have both?
Negatives often hold more detail, but prints can preserve cropping, color choices, and handwritten history. Here’s how to choose without scanning every picture twice.
How much does it cost to digitize old photos and tapes?
The cost depends on what you have, how much there is, and what you want delivered. Here’s how to get a useful estimate without counting every item first.
Photo & Video Digitizing in Chandler, Arizona
Phoenix Scanning digitizes photos, slides, VHS, and film reels in Chandler, Arizona. In-house service, never outsourced. Preserve your memories today.