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General

Why choose Smooth Photo Scanning Services?

Pioneers of the digital imaging industry, Smooth Photo Scanning has been providing high quality, high volume scanning and conversion services to individuals, commercial and government clients for over 25 years. Our vast experience, high-end equipment, proven processes, strict security and commitment to excellence offers value that will last a lifetime and beyond. We offer a multitude of services that will suit all of your digital conversion needs.

Our process is simple: get your collection to us and well take care of the rest! You can drop off or ship to our scanning facility in Lodi, NJ where all work is performed. Or if you’re local, we’ll come to your home or office for a free pick up (within minimum).

I am worried about shipping my photos, is the process safe?

Absolutely! We have a fully integrated process to ensure your media will be safe from start to finish of your project. If you decide that shipping is the best option for you, we will generate a UPS shipping label for you to use. This will allow us to track your package throughout its travels. Once we have finished digitizing your media, we will provide you with the return tracking number. We have never had any negative issues with packages shipped via UPS, however we cannot be held responsible for lost or missing packages sent via third party carriers. See our terms and conditions for more details.

What types of media can you digitize?

We provide digital conversion of loose photos of any size, photo albums, scrapbooks, any format slides and negatives, VHS/camcorder tapes of any format, broadcast tapes, 8mm/16mm film, audio cassettes, reel-to-reel audio, letters, posters and much more! On the commercial side we can scan documents, records, newspapers, magazines, engineering drawings, blueprints, microfiche, and aperture cards to name a few. Check out our service page for more information.

Why convert my photos and videos to digital format?

Your memories are precious and so is the media that houses them. There are many benefits to converting your media to digital. Scanning to digital format and having your images backed up online, on a DVD, CD or hard drive ensures that your memories are preserved forever. Not only does the quality of physical photos, slides and tapes fade over time, but in most cases, there is only one copy. What would happen if they were lost, stolen, or damaged in a flood or fire? Those one of a kind, priceless family heirlooms would be gone forever.

You Can also do more with your digital images than ever thought possible with printed photographs. Once scanned, you will easily be able to organize them, print them at various sizes, and send them to loves ones anywhere the world. Digital files are immune to the damaging effects of time and mother nature so you can rest assured that your family history will be safely passed down to loved ones for generation to come. Don’t let your irreplaceable memories disappear.

 

Do I get my originals back?

Absolutely! We use only the best equipment to digitize your content to ensure all of your original material is preserved and that it is returned to you in the same condition we received it. If you don’t want your originals back, we can dispose of them for you, you have received and verified the digital files.

Where do you perform the work for your orders?

All orders are processed at our secure facility in Lodi, NJ. Unlike some of our competitors, we will never send your irreplaceable keepsakes to Asia for processing. All scanning and conversion of your one of a kind materials is performed at our secured facility in the USA to ensure your media doesn’t travel too far from home and is always safe and secure. As added precaution, our production facility has 24 hour video surveillance, requires a traceable key-card for entry and has motion detectors running at all times.

 

Orders and Shipping

Do you have a minimum order amount?

Yes, we require a $50 minimum for all orders.

How long does it take to process my order?

The short answer is, it depends. The turnaround time of your digital conversion project depends on the quantities you have and media types. Small orders can be processed and returned in as little as a day or two. Very large orders can take up to 6 weeks or longer. Transferring 8mm, Super8 and 16mm film typically takes a minimum of 3-4 weeks to process. Feel free to contact us for a more accurate time estimate. If you need your order processed in a hurry, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

What if I need my order processed quickly?

If you have a rush order that needs to be processed quickly, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just tell us the date you need your order by and we will do our best to accommodate your time constraints.

Do you keep a backup of my files?

We keep digital backups of all customer files for a minimum of 90 days.

Do you charge for shipping?

All orders over $250 qualify for free two-way ground shipping (within the continental US).

How should I package my media for shipping?

Make sure all items in your collection are secure and won’t move around during shipment. If the box isn’t full make sure to fill empty voids with paper to help secure each item. We also recommend wrapping loose photos in plastic to protect them against moisture during the shipment process. Make sure to avoid using packing materials like foam peanuts as they generate debris which delays the scanning process.

Can I drop off my materials instead of shipping them?

Absolutely! Feel free to stop by our facility to place your order and drop off your items during our business hours of Monday-Friday, 9:00 to 5:00. If dropping off you do not need to place your order online first. No appointment needed. Our address is:

Smooth Photo Scanning Services
300-2 State Rt 17 South, Suite 4
Lodi, NJ 07644

Can you pick up my order?

We offer free pickup and delivery service in the NYC tri-state area for orders that meet a minimum requirement of $500.

How and when do I pay for my order?

When you place your order, we require a deposit of 50% of the estimated total cost. Once your project is complete, we will email you an invoice for the remaining balance based on the exact amount of work done at the appropriate unit prices. You will only be charged for the exact number of photos, slides, tapes, etc. digitized. Once paid, we will return your originals and digital files according to the method you chose.

 

Photo and Photo Album Scanning Services

What types of photos do you scan?

We can scan any type, color, format or size photo you may have! Please visit our Photo and Album Scanning page for more details.

What resolution do you scan photos at?

We offer photo scanning at 3 different resolution options; 300, 600, and 1200 DPI. What you plan to do with the images once they are scanned will determine which resolution is best for you. The higher the resolution, the more capabilities you will have as far as editing and printing.

My photos are in albums, will Smooth Photo Scanning accept these albums?

Of course! We scan sleeved photo albums, magnetic albums, albums with permanently placed photos, as well as scrapbooks. For sleeved photos, we will remove the photos from the album one by one, scan them, and put them back in their original place. Photo albums that are scrapbooked or that contain permanently placed photos will be scanned page by page to ensure the original album stays completely intact. In order to minimize the risk of damage, photos in albums that require adhesive or corner holders to put back in place will not be returned to the albums. Instead, they will be placed in envelopes labeled by the name of the album and in original order.

Can you scan photos in albums that are glued to the pages and won't come off without damaging them?

Yes! We have specialized flatbed scanners as well as overhead planetary scanners that allow us to capture a high quality image while eliminating the need to remove the photos from their albums.

Once the photos are scanned do you do any additional work with the photos?

Included in the price of every order, we will manually rotate your photos to the proper orientation, crop to the edge of each image, and deskew to make sure the images are straight. We also apply color and exposure corrections to every photo we process to make them look their best.

Can I email my digital photos to friends and family?

Absolutely! Your digital photos can easily be viewed on your computer and sent to everyone you want to share them with!

Why not scan my pictures myself?

If you just have a handful of photos then sure go ahead! Scanning a few photos can be done relatively easily at home; however, converting large quantities of photographs can prove to be quite difficult and extremely monotonous without the proper equipment and experience. It can take several minutes to scan a single photo on a typical all in one printer/scanner/fax-machine and the image quality usually isn’t very good. Several scans at different settings may be required as well as knowledge of software such as Photoshop in order to get your images to look the way you want.

Our highly trained staff utilizes the best commercial scanning equipment and software to provide the highest quality digital images. We believe converting your photos to digital is something that should only be done once. Don’t spend countless, frustrating hours scanning your collection yourself. Leave it to us so you can spend your time making more memories!

 

Will you maintain the organization of my photos and create custom folder names?

Absolutely! As part of our standard service, we will create a digital folder for each bundle or album you send in for scanning. The folders will be named by the label or description you provide. If there is no label we will name the folders as Bundle_01, Bundle_02, etc.

I have negatives and photo prints. Which is best for scanning?

If you have both the original negative of a photo and the printed photo we recommend sending in the negative. The negative of a photo generally produces a higher quality digitized image than the paper photo does. However, if there is any damage to the negatives, a paper photo will be fine!

How big can I enlarge/reprint my scanned photos?

Photos scanned at 300 DPI can be printed at the same size as the original without any loss of quality. Photos scanned at 600 DPI can be printed at twice the size of the original, and 1200 DPI at least 4 times that of the original.

 

Slide Scanning Services

What types of slides do you scan?

We can scan 35mm, 110, 120/220, 126, 127 and 3D-stereo slide formats.Please visit our Slide Scanning page for more details.

What resolution do you scan slides at?

We scan slides at three different resolutions; 2000, 3000, and 4000 DPI

What is Digital ICE?

Digital ICE is a technology that allows scanners to identify and remove dust and minor scratches. Digital ICE pre-scans each frame with Infra-red (IR) light to detect surface defects in the film before the image is captured. Once scans are completed, the software uses an IR defect map to edit the defective areas. The results can drastically improve upon the original exposure. All film slides are scanned on high end scanners that utilize this technology.

Will you create a separate folder for each of my carousels or bundles?

Absolutely, we will maintain the existing organization of your slides and create an individual folder for each bundle, carousel, or envelope you provide. The folders will be custom named by your label or description, if any.

Will you clean my slides if they are dirty?

All slides are sprayed with compressed air to remove dust, and lightly cleaned with a microfiber cloth. If your slides are very dirty, we recommend cleaning them thoroughly before sending them to us. We can provide heavier cleaning at an additional cost if needed.

My slides are housed in carousels, magazines and protective slide pages, what should I send?

We happily accept carousels, magazines, protective slide pages or loose slides. Slides are scanned and kept in the order with which they are received. If specified, we can put the slides back in their original carousels or magazines, otherwise we will put them in labelled envelopes to be returned to you. Most people don’t want back the old, bulky carousels.

How will I receive my digital files after my slides are scanned?

You can receive your files on any medium you prefer. The main options are to a data disc, flash drive, or online download. The quality of the files will be exactly the same regardless of the method you choose.

 

Negative Scanning Services

What types of negatives do you scan?

We can scan 35mm, 110, 126, APS Film, medium and large format negatives. Please visit our Negative Scanning page for more details.

What resolution do you scan negatives at?

We scan slides at three different resolutions; 2000, 3000, and 4000 DPI

What is Digital ICE?

Digital ICE is a technology that allows scanners to identify and remove dust and minor scratches. Digital ICE pre-scans each frame with Infra-red (IR) light to detect surface defects in the film before the image is captured. Once scans are completed, the software uses an IR defect map to edit the defective areas. The results can drastically improve upon the original exposure. All film negatives are scanned on high end scanners that utilize this technology.

Will you create a separate folder for each of my bundles?

Absolutely, we will maintain the existing organization of your negatives and create an individual folder for each bundle or envelope you provide. The folders will be custom named by your label or description, if any.

Will you clean my negatives if they are dirty?

All negatives are sprayed with compressed air to remove dust, and lightly cleaned with a microfiber cloth. If your negatives are very dirty, we recommend cleaning them thoroughly before sending them to us. We can provide heavier cleaning at an additional cost if needed and requested.

How will I receive my digital files after my negatives are scanned?

You can receive your files on any medium you prefer. The main options are to a data disc, flash drive, or online download. The quality of the files will be exactly the same regardless of the method you choose.

 

Video Tape Transfer Services

What types of video tapes do you transfer?

We can transfer VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital8, 8mm, Video8, MiniDV, and Betamax consumer formats. We can also transfer professional broadcast formats including Betacam SP, Betacam SX, Digital Betacam, DVC-PRO, DVCAM, and U-Matic. Please visit our Video Tape Transfer page for more details.

What file format do you transfer video tapes to?

Standard output is to H.264 MP4 files, which is the most universal file type for viewing videos. Upon request we can also provide MOV, AVI or any other format you prefer.

How many hours of video can fit onto one DVD?

Standard DVDs hold up to 2 hours of video. We use dual layer DVDs, which hold twice the amount of data and can fit up to 4 hours of video on a single DVD.

Can you combine multiple video tapes onto one DVD?

Yes, since we capture straight to digital files, we can author the DVDs with multiple files (tapes) on one disc. Our techs will create a custom menu and custom named chapters for each video, making your viewing experience more convenient and enjoyable.

Can the videos on my DVD be edited?

Video DVDs are formatted to be played on a DVD player. Once a DVD is authored and finalized the videos on it cannot be edited. There is software available that allows you to “rip” the contents and save the video files to your computer for editing. We always recommend getting the digital files along with your DVDs because that offers you the most flexibility.

Can you transfer PAL video tapes?

Yes, we have the equipment to transfer PAL tapes in VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, and MiniDV formats.

How will I receive my digital files after my video tapes are transferred?

You will receive your files on a flash drive or external hard drive. Feel free to provide your own or get one from us. We can also create DVDs for you.

Can you repair damaged tapes?

If a tape is torn, we can cut and splice it to repair the tape. We can also transfer a tape to a new housing if the existing case is broken. However, certain damages cannot be repaired; such as if the tape has become adhered to itself.

 

Broadcast Tape Transfer Services

What types of broadcast tapes do you transfer?

We transfer Betacam SP, Betacam SX, Digibeta, DVCPRO, DVCPRO HD, DVCAM, and 3/4″ U-Matic tapes. Please visit our Broadcast Tape Transfer page for more details.

What file format do you transfer broadcast tapes to?

Broadcast tapes are captured as raw, uncompressed AVI files. We then convert the files to H.264 MP4 files as a standard. Upon request, we can also provide AVI, MOV, Apple Prores or any other file format you prefer.

Can you transfer PAL broadcast tapes?

Yes, we can transfer the following tapes in PAL format: Betacam SP, Betacam SX, Digibeta, and DVCPRO.

How will I receive my digital files after my broadcast tapes are transferred?

You will receive your files on a flash drive or external hard drive. Feel free to provide your own or get one from us. We can also create DVDs for you.

Can you repair damaged broadcast tapes?

If a tape is torn, we can cut and splice it to repair the tape. We can also transfer a tape to a new housing if the existing case is broken. However, certain damages cannot be repaired; such as if the tape has become adhered to itself.

 

Audio Transfer Services

What types of audio media do you transfer?

We digitize Cassettes, Micro-Cassettes and Reel-to-Reel audio tapes. Please visit our Audio Transfer page for more details.

What file format do you transfer audio tapes to?

We deliver audio files in MP3 format as a standard. We can also provide WAV, FLAC or Apple Lossless as requested.

Do you separate individual tracks for audio cassettes?

Our standard practice is to capture a full side of a cassette as one file so you would receive a folder for each tape with two files inside of it (side A and B). We can split out individual tracks if they are clearly defined at an additional cost.

How much audio can fit onto a CD?

Audio CDs can hold up to 80 minutes of content.

How will I receive my digital files after my audio tapes are transferred?

You can receive your files on a flash drive, through an online download, or we could make CDs for you.

Can you repair damaged tapes?

If a tape is torn we can cut and splice it to repair the tape, we can also transfer a tape to a new housing if the existing case is broken and we have an extra. However, certain damages cannot be repaired; such as if the tape has become adhered to itself.

 

Movie Film Transfer Services

What types of film can you transfer to digital?

We transfer 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm film to digital. Please visit our Move Film Transfer page for more details.

What file format do you transfer film to?

Standard output is to H.264 MP4 files, which is the most universal file type for viewing videos. Upon request we can also provide MOV, AVI or any other format you prefer.

Do you capture the sound on film?

Yes, we can capture the audio recorded on sound strips when we transfer super 8, 16mm and 8mm film to digital. Sound strips can be on one or both edges of the film stock – copper or tan colored for magnetic audio, and translucent copper-colored for optical audio. The audio will be added and synced to your final finished digital copy, whether on DVD, Blu-ray Disc, or to a Data File. The cost to capture sound is $25 per 1,000 film feet for Super 8mm film with magnetic sound strips, or 16mm film with either magnetic or optical sound strips. $50 per 1,000 film feet for regular 8mm film with sound, and Super 8mm with an optical sound strip.

Can you transfer film that has mold on it or smells like vinegar?

In most cases we can capture at least some of the footage, although the quality will depend on the amount of degradation the film has suffered. Once mold or vinegar syndrome has set it, degradation continues at a much faster pace, so it’s best to get your film transferred as soon as possible.

How will I receive my digital files after my movie film is transferred?

You can receive your files through an online download or on a flash drive or hard drive. We can also create DVDs or Blu-Ray Discs for you.

 

Photo Restoration Services

What types of photo restoration and photo retouching service to you provide?

We provide digital photo restoration services to bring old, damaged or faded photos back to life. We can repair cracks, tears, stains, blemishes and faded images. We can also colorize black and white images and recreated missing or distorted portions. Please visit our Photo Restoration page for more details.

Do you repair physical photographs?

We offer digital restoration services only. The photo needs to be scanned and we will restore the digital file, which can be used for reprinting. We cannot repair your original, printed picture.

How do I get the photo to you for restoration?

You can either email the photo to us at info@www.smoothphotoscanning.com or upload it on our Photo Restoration page. Please be sure to scan your photo at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi, ideally 600 dpi for the highest quality. If you don’t have a scanner, you can have it scanned at Officemax, Staples, Office Depot, or FedEx Office. Of course, you can also ship or bring your photo to us and we’ll scan it for you as a courtesy.

How do you determine the cost for photo restoration?

The cost is based on the amount of work and time required for our photoshop technicians to restore or touchup the photo.

How long will it take to restore or retouch my photo?

Restoration are typically completed within 3-5 business days.

Can you restore blurry images?

Unfortunately, blurry images cannot be made into sharper images.

Will I be charged if you can't restore my photo?

No, you care only charged for the work that we do. If we cannot restore your photo, you will not be charged. If you paid a deposit it will be refunded.

 

Document Scanning Services

What types of documents do you scan?

We scan paper files, engineering drawings, microfilm, microfiche and many other archival materials you may have. We will digitize and index your files so that they can easily be accessed and retrieved digitally. Visit our Document Scanning page for more details.

Who do you provide document scanning services for?

We scan documents for organizations, government agencies and individuals who want to go paperless, or at least partially paperless. We digitize medical records, human resources files, financial records, legal files, insurance documents, historical documents and more.

Why should I scan documents?

There are many benefits to using a document scanning service. Digital documents can be found and accessed in a matter of seconds, rather than spending precious time manually searching for physical files. This greatly improves productivity and customer service. Scanning documents also ensures that they are backed up and protected from getting misfiled, misplaced or completely lost in the event of a disaster.

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