Local services · Family memories

ScanCafe VHS to Digital for Chicago, IL: Shipping, Costs and Family Viewing

ScanCafe's listing for Chicago, IL is useful for families comparing VHS transfer with other media they want to digitize. Its Chicago page names VHS/VHS-C, Hi8/Digital8 and MiniDV, while its VHS service page places video processing at an Indianapolis lab. That makes shipping and delivery choices central to the decision. Before building an order, separate the cost of converting each tape from the way you will receive and keep the resulting videos.

A Chicago listing with Indianapolis video processing

ScanCafe publishes a prepaid UPS shipping label arrangement for sending media. Its VHS page states a 5 - 6 weeks turnaround for videos digitized at the Indianapolis lab. Treat that as the published processing expectation and confirm how outbound and return shipping affect your own deadline, especially if a birthday or reunion is approaching.

The Chicago area attached to this listing does not itself establish a walk-in handover arrangement. Contact the business before traveling with irreplaceable tapes. For a mixed collection, the Chicago page also lists audio cassettes and 8mm, Super8, 16mm and 35mm film. Label these separately: a small camcorder cassette and a reel of film require different handling and should not be counted as the same kind of item.

Price the tape transfer and delivery separately

On ScanCafe's video order calculator, the tape quantity is multiplied by $28.00. The delivery choices show Kinoke Cloud Storage at $14.99 / Monthly and a USB Drive at $29.99. The VHS page describes its Subscription Service as the standard delivery method, providing ongoing access to digital downloads. These are distinct entries, so the transfer figure alone is not the complete order budget.

Request the final total for your tape count and chosen delivery option, including any shipping, taxes or additional charges that apply. Also ask how unusually long recordings are billed and what happens to blank or unreadable tapes. The published calculator does not establish those conditions. If you choose subscription delivery, clarify download access, billing and cancellation terms before committing.

Think about where you will watch the files. A download saved on a computer may suit editing and family sharing; a USB drive may suit keeping a physical copy. Ask for the video file type and check that your intended television or computer can play it. A storage device is only useful if its contents work with your equipment.

Make each cassette identifiable before shipping

Create a simple inventory with one number per cassette and photograph its existing label. Record any known event, likely year and whose tape it is. Keep a copy of this inventory at home. Ask how those numbers can be matched to delivered files, rather than assuming your handwritten titles will automatically become filenames.

If a casing is cracked, the tape looks moldy or a reel will not move normally, describe the problem before sending it. Ask whether assessment or repair is available and what it would cost. Avoid repeatedly testing a questionable cassette in an old player. You can also ask relatives to identify recordings from the labels, which may help prioritize a smaller first batch without playing every tape.

Check the files while keeping the originals

ScanCafe's Chicago page says every photo, tape, slide and reel sent in is returned once digitizing is complete. Its VHS page also says scanned files remain on its servers for a period after the package ships, but that statement gives no exact retention duration. Ask how long recovery remains possible and make your own copies promptly.

When the files arrive, match them against the inventory and sample the beginning, middle and end of each recording. Check picture, sound, orientation and whether a recording ends unexpectedly. Note specific filenames and timestamps if you need to raise a query. Keep the returned tapes, save an untouched copy of the delivered files and maintain another backup separately from the computer you use every day.

Turn delivered videos into a private family record

After conversion, Memrial provides a separate private family archive for digital memories. It does not convert physical tapes and is not part of ScanCafe's service. The free allowance is 2.0 GB shared across the archive, with no card needed. Choose the videos and photos you most want relatives to find, keeping your separate backups as well.

Timeline accepts exact or approximate dates, helping family members find memories by year even when a cassette only says something like summer vacation. Invite relatives to add comments and stories: a cousin may remember the destination, while another relative recognizes someone briefly appearing on screen.

For a family anniversary, Live Watch Parties synchronize an uploaded home video with the host's play, pause and seek controls, plus voice and text chat for relatives near or far. Free Watch Parties allow 3 hours per month and 6 participants. Event Memories can collect photos and videos from the occasion through a secure contribution link. Contributors sign in but do not need archive membership; uploads go into the event album, and closing the link keeps the memories already collected.

From the provider's website

Published service details

Website information checked 4 October 2026. Prices and availability can change. The original wording and conditions are included below.

All services are performed at our state-of-the-lab in the USA.

All services are performed at our state-of-the-lab in the USA.

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Your videos will be digitized at our Indianapolis lab, with a 5 - 6 weeks turnaround.

Your videos will be digitized at our Indianapolis lab, with a 5 - 6 weeks turnaround.

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USB Drive

USB Drive

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Hard Drive

Hard Drive

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Digital Download

Digital Download

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Kinoke Cloud Storage

Kinoke Cloud Storage

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Our standard delivery method is through our Subscription Service , which provides ongoing access to your digit...

Our standard delivery method is through our Subscription Service , which provides ongoing access to your digital downloads.

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VHS/VHS-C

VHS/VHS-C

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Hi8/Digital8

Hi8/Digital8

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MiniDV

MiniDV

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Audio Cassette Tapes

Audio Cassette Tapes

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You will be provided with a prepaid UPS shipping label to send your media.

You will be provided with a prepaid UPS shipping label to send your media.

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Absolutely. Every photo, tape, slide, and reel you send is returned to you once digitizing is complete.

Absolutely. Every photo, tape, slide, and reel you send is returned to you once digitizing is complete.

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Your scanned files are retained on our servers for a period of time after your package has shipped

Your scanned files are retained on our servers for a period of time after your package has shipped

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Media Accepted 8mm, Super8, 16mm, & 35mm

Media Accepted 8mm, Super8, 16mm, & 35mm

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We also convert Reel to Reel Tapes!

We also convert Reel to Reel Tapes!

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8MM 16MM 35MM Super8

8MM 16MM 35MM Super8

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VHS-C tapes, on the other hand, were a more compact version of the VHS.

VHS-C tapes, on the other hand, were a more compact version of the VHS.

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Hi-8/8mm Both Hi-8 and 8mm tapes have the same dimensions and come in a similar cassette casing.

Hi-8/8mm Both Hi-8 and 8mm tapes have the same dimensions and come in a similar cassette casing.

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Delivery Options USB Drive Hard Drive Digital Download

Delivery Options USB Drive Hard Drive Digital Download

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Video tapes, including VHS, VHS-C and Hi-8, are composed of three layers - the binder, substrate and backing -...

Video tapes, including VHS, VHS-C and Hi-8, are composed of three layers - the binder, substrate and backing - that are engineered together

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The end result is memories safely transferred from audio cassette tapes to a .WAV file and your choice of digi...

The end result is memories safely transferred from audio cassette tapes to a .WAV file and your choice of digital download for cloud storage or USB drive.

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we use a state-of-the-art deck to capture the sound of both sides of the tape from beginning to end to a .wav...

we use a state-of-the-art deck to capture the sound of both sides of the tape from beginning to end to a .wav file, so we never miss a beat.

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File Formats Available MP4 standard or MP4 professional (higher bitrate), (compressed file formats and include...

File Formats Available MP4 standard or MP4 professional (higher bitrate), (compressed file formats and include our edits like crop, blank space removal, speed adjustments, etc).

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The video resolution is 720x480 , film resolution for USB drives is 1280x720.

The video resolution is 720x480 , film resolution for USB drives is 1280x720.

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Your videos will be digitized at our Indianapolis lab, with a 5 - 6 weeks turnaround.

Your videos will be digitized at our Indianapolis lab, with a 5 - 6 weeks turnaround.

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Price $0.34 per foot

Price $0.34 per foot

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How long does digitizing take? Our typical turnaround time is 5 - 6 weeks from the day we receive your box. If...

How long does digitizing take? Our typical turnaround time is 5 - 6 weeks from the day we receive your box. If you need your memories back sooner, rush orders are completed within 8–10 days. Will I get my originals back? Absolutely. Every photo, tape, slide, and reel you send is returned to you once digitizing is complete. We treat your memories with care and ship them back safely. We will only safely discard your items if you explicitly request it

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Save Precious Memories By Converting Your Video Tapes To Digital. Get Started Today! Estimate the video tapes...

Save Precious Memories By Converting Your Video Tapes To Digital. Get Started Today! Estimate the video tapes you're sending x $28.00 = $0.00 Choose what you get back? Kinoke Cloud Storage x $14.99 / Monthly

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/ Monthly USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 VHS enjoyed surprising longevity for nearly 40 years, befor...

/ Monthly USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 VHS enjoyed surprising longevity for nearly 40 years, before the last remaining VCR/VHS factory was shuttered in 2016. For anyone who grew up in the 1980s–1990s and their parents, VHS afforded a love of film and television shows. Just looking at the colorful cases of Disney classics and other favorites can evoke powerful feelings of nostalgia. It’s reassuring to know that all those beloved VHS tapes don’t need to collect dust in a dark corner of your basement – you can relive wonderful memories by digitizing them yourself or using a VHS conversion service. Keep in mind that VHS tapes can get damaged from both lack of use or overuse. With that said, in order to preserve precious memories, your best bet is to convert VHS to digital sooner rather than later. What Sets Our VHS to Digital Transfer Service Apart?

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USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 VHS enjoyed surprising longevity for nearly 40 years, before the last...

USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 VHS enjoyed surprising longevity for nearly 40 years, before the last remaining VCR/VHS factory was shuttered in 2016. For anyone who grew up in the 1980s–1990s and their parents, VHS afforded a love of film and television shows. Just looking at the colorful cases of Disney classics and other favorites can evoke powerful feelings of nostalgia. It’s reassuring to know that all those beloved VHS tapes don’t need to collect dust in a dark corner of your basement – you can relive wonderful memories by digitizing them yourself or using a VHS conversion service. Keep in mind that VHS tapes can get damaged from both lack of use or overuse. With that said, in order to preserve precious memories, your best bet is to convert VHS to digital sooner rather than later. What Sets Our VHS to Digital Transfer Service Apart?

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When your order arrives, we record the package being opened and retain this video We weigh your items to the g...

When your order arrives, we record the package being opened and retain this video We weigh your items to the gram During the entire scanning process, surveillance video is captured and retained Prior to your order leaving the building, your items are weighed to the gram and compared to the arrival weight We capture packing up your items on video and retain it Your scanned files are retained on our servers for a period of time after your package has shipped

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Prior to your order leaving the building, your items are weighed to the gram and compared to the arrival weigh...

Prior to your order leaving the building, your items are weighed to the gram and compared to the arrival weight We capture packing up your items on video and retain it Your scanned files are retained on our servers for a period of time after your package has shipped How Converting VHS to Digital Works Pain-Free VHS to Digital Conversion Process

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Price Per Image 34¢ - 46¢ $0.48 per scan Upgrade Option: Varies Based on Media Types Turnaround Time 6 weeks 4...

Price Per Image 34¢ - 46¢ $0.48 per scan Upgrade Option: Varies Based on Media Types Turnaround Time 6 weeks 4 weeks Upgrade Option: 2 Weeks with Express Option - $0.13 per additional image

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600 DPI for Photos 3000 DPI for Slides & Negatives 600 DPI for Photos, 3000 DPI for Slides and Negatives Upgra...

600 DPI for Photos 3000 DPI for Slides & Negatives 600 DPI for Photos, 3000 DPI for Slides and Negatives Upgrade Option: 1200 DPI for Photos, 4000 DPI for Slides and Negatives with Pro Resolution Options - $0.20 per additional image Safe Handling $1000 Guarantee $1000 Guarantee Processing Location

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Upgrade Option: 1200 DPI for Photos, 4000 DPI for Slides and Negatives with Pro Resolution Options - $0.20 per...

Upgrade Option: 1200 DPI for Photos, 4000 DPI for Slides and Negatives with Pro Resolution Options - $0.20 per additional image Safe Handling $1000 Guarantee $1000 Guarantee Processing Location Indianapolis Indianapolis

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Options - $0.20 per additional image Safe Handling $1000 Guarantee $1000 Guarantee Processing Location Indiana...

Options - $0.20 per additional image Safe Handling $1000 Guarantee $1000 Guarantee Processing Location Indianapolis Indianapolis 24/7 Security

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File Formats Available Edited JPEGs Edited JPEG Upgrade Option: Edited TIFF - $0.30 per additional scan or Edi...

File Formats Available Edited JPEGs Edited JPEG Upgrade Option: Edited TIFF - $0.30 per additional scan or Edited JPEG + Unedited TIFF for $0.48 per additional scan Ship Kit Sent to You Yes No

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File Formats Available Edited JPEGs Edited JPEG Upgrade Option: Edited TIFF - $0.30 per additional scan or Edi...

File Formats Available Edited JPEGs Edited JPEG Upgrade Option: Edited TIFF - $0.30 per additional scan or Edited JPEG + Unedited TIFF for $0.48 per additional scan Ship Kit Sent to You Yes No Digital Download

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**Value Kits are prepaid up to a set quantity - 500, 1000, 2500, 5000 or 10,000 images. If you send more than...

**Value Kits are prepaid up to a set quantity - 500, 1000, 2500, 5000 or 10,000 images. If you send more than the prepaid quantity the same pricing per image will apply to the overages. Videos $28.00 Movies 34¢ / foot Negatives

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48¢ / photo Restoration From $1.48 Subscribe to Our Emails Don’t miss out on promos, how to properly save your...

48¢ / photo Restoration From $1.48 Subscribe to Our Emails Don’t miss out on promos, how to properly save your memories, and more... Send

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34¢ - 46¢ $0.48 per scan Upgrade Option: Varies Based on Media Types Turnaround Time 6 weeks 4 weeks Upgrade O...

34¢ - 46¢ $0.48 per scan Upgrade Option: Varies Based on Media Types Turnaround Time 6 weeks 4 weeks Upgrade Option: 2 Weeks with Express Option - $0.13 per additional image Media Accepted Paper Photos, 35mm Slides, 35mm Negatives

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Digital Download Videos $28.00 Movies 34¢ / foot Negatives

Digital Download Videos $28.00 Movies 34¢ / foot Negatives

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Trust Our Award-Winning Quality To Save Your Precious Memories. Get Started Today! Estimate the number of audi...

Trust Our Award-Winning Quality To Save Your Precious Memories. Get Started Today! Estimate the number of audio cassette tapes you want to digitize x $28.00 = $0.00 Choose what you get back? Kinoke Cloud Storage x $14.99 / Monthly

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/ Monthly USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 Do you remember how cool it was when you received your firs...

/ Monthly USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 Do you remember how cool it was when you received your first Sony Walkman to play audio cassette tapes? Or how about later when you received a giant boom box that played audio cassettes that also featured an AM/FM radio? When this compact media from yesteryear was introduced in the U.S. in November 1963, it was considered groundbreaking due to its size, convenience, portability, ease of use, and affordability – especially compared to reel-to-reel tapes. Today, cassettes may seem like a groovy artifact from yesteryear, but they rode a wave of popularity through the 1980s. When compact discs (CDs) were introduced, cassette tapes were relegated to bargain bins and mostly disappeared. If you still have cassette tapes and discarded the players decades ago, no worries. ScanCafe can transform your groovy memories into digital files you can listen to and enjoy for years to come.

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USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 Do you remember how cool it was when you received your first Sony Wal...

USB Drive x $29.99 = $0.00 Total = $0.00 Do you remember how cool it was when you received your first Sony Walkman to play audio cassette tapes? Or how about later when you received a giant boom box that played audio cassettes that also featured an AM/FM radio? When this compact media from yesteryear was introduced in the U.S. in November 1963, it was considered groundbreaking due to its size, convenience, portability, ease of use, and affordability – especially compared to reel-to-reel tapes. Today, cassettes may seem like a groovy artifact from yesteryear, but they rode a wave of popularity through the 1980s. When compact discs (CDs) were introduced, cassette tapes were relegated to bargain bins and mostly disappeared. If you still have cassette tapes and discarded the players decades ago, no worries. ScanCafe can transform your groovy memories into digital files you can listen to and enjoy for years to come.

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Send All you need to do is ship your audio cassette tapes to us and we'll take care of the rest for you. ScanC...

Send All you need to do is ship your audio cassette tapes to us and we'll take care of the rest for you. ScanCafe Technicians Your audio cassette tapes will be digitized at our Indianapolis lab, with a 5 - 6 weeks turnaround time. Enjoy & Share The end result is memories safely transferred from audio cassette tapes to a .WAV file and your choice of digital download for cloud storage or USB drive. Delivery Options ScanCafe customers love our flexible delivery options. We make it easy to download sound files to your computer or any device connected to the internet. You can choose from digital download or USB. Our standard delivery method is through our Subscription Service, which provides ongoing access to your digital downloads and can be cancelled at any time. For any questions, contact our customer service team at [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] or call (866) 234-3909.

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The next chapter for your home videos

Make them part of family life again

A digital copy saves the footage. Your own private Memrial archive gives the family somewhere to enjoy it, talk about it and add what they remember.

Ways your family can use Memrial after digitising home videos
Your family spaceHow it worksA moment to try
TimelinePut the years back in orderAdd dates to your photos and home videos, then explore them together by year. If you only know roughly when something happened, use an approximate date and let relatives help fill in the story.Find the summer you all went away together. Add the names, place and little details that the camera never recorded.
Live Watch PartiesSame video. Same moment.Choose a home video from your archive and invite relatives to watch online. Playback stays in sync, with the host controlling play, pause and seeking. Talk through voice or text chat while you watch, whether you are nearby or miles apart.Put on an old birthday tape and pause when someone spots a familiar face. Hear the stories from the people who were actually there.
Event MemoriesEveryone's view, togetherOpen an event for a birthday, reunion, wedding or other occasion and share its secure contribution link. People sign in to add photos and videos to the event album without needing to be members of your archive. Close the link when you are finished; the contributed memories stay.Collect this year's reunion photos in one place, then revisit an older reunion video together. The occasion gets its own album rather than another scattered message thread.
Your private archiveStart with 2.0 GB freeKeep photos, home videos and their stories in an invite-only family space. Your free storage is shared across the archive. Add a few favourite memories first, then invite relatives to contribute.Give a short home-video clip a title your family will recognise. Ask who remembers the day, and keep their replies with the memory.
Before you start

Questions about ScanCafe and your family videos

Does ScanCafe list VHS conversion for Chicago?

Yes. Its Chicago page lists VHS/VHS-C alongside Hi8/Digital8 and MiniDV. The VHS service page identifies Indianapolis as the video processing location, so confirm the shipping or handover arrangement before placing an order.

What turnaround does ScanCafe publish for videos?

The VHS page states 5 - 6 weeks at its Indianapolis lab. Check the current estimate and allow for shipping when planning around a particular family occasion.

Will ScanCafe return my original tapes?

Its Chicago page says all tapes and other original media are returned after digitizing. Keep them after checking your files, along with an inventory and independent digital backups.

About this guide

This independent directory guide brings together published service information and practical family-archive advice. A listing does not imply a partnership or a tested endorsement. Memrial's archive is a separate service.

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