PORTHOS MEDIA / SUMMERLAND, BC
Less paper. More peace of mind.
Turn personal papers, historical documents and business records into digital files you can find, organize and share.
Simple pricing. No surprises.
| Service | Price | Bulk / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Documents & records | Quoted by collection | Free estimate, usually same day |
| Loose photos mixed in (per photo) | $0.50 | Albums $0.75 per photo |
| Slides (per slide) | $0.50–$0.70 | Depends on the collection |
Prices in CAD. Every transfer includes careful handling of your originals and digital files you can watch, copy and share. Estates and mixed collections: free quote, no obligation.
From a few pages to an archive
We work with documents and collections of different sizes. Tell us about the condition, volume and organization of your material so we can recommend the right approach.
Files that work for you
Discuss searchable documents, file naming and organization with us before the project begins. We handle original documents carefully and confirm delivery and return arrangements with you.
Rated 5.0 on Google
★★★★★ 5.0 from local families and businesses
★★★★★
“John is quick to respond and has a quick turn around time. He helped us get some very precious files converted to digital for my father in law’s funeral. He got this done in time. As well as converted old video camera tapes that had memories we will cherish forever. Thank you so much John at Porthos Media!”
GOOGLE REVIEW · TAPE & FILE CONVERSION
★★★★★
Read our reviews on Google ↗“I had a need for a professional looking slideshow presentation and a program. Courtney did a fantastic job and communicated with us throughout. I would highly recommend her if you want quality solutions and professional results.”
GOOGLE REVIEW · SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION
TELL US WHAT YOU HAVE IN MIND
Let’s talk about your project.
Frequently asked questions
Document Scanning
Do you scan old letters and documents?
Yes. We scan letters, cards and handwritten documents into digital copies that are easier to view, share and back up. Searchable text depends on the original: handwriting and faded print may need transcription rather than automatic text recognition. Send a sample and describe how you want to use the files.
Can you scan certificates and official records?
Yes. We can scan certificates, diplomas and other records, aiming to preserve legible details such as signatures and seals. A scan is a digital copy, not a replacement for an original or a certified document. Tell us your required file format and purpose when requesting a quote.
Do you scan newspaper clippings?
Yes. We can assess and scan clippings, obituaries and articles. Leave brittle paper in its existing support and avoid flattening or repairing it yourself. Send us a photo of its condition so we can discuss careful handling before you bring it in.
Can you scan ledgers and family record books?
We can assess ledgers, journals and bound record books for page-by-page digitization. Send the book's dimensions, approximate page count and photos of the binding. We will confirm the capture approach and any limitations before work begins.
How are my scanned documents delivered?
We can arrange USB, digital download, external-drive delivery or a custom package. Tell us whether you need individual page images, PDFs, searchable text or a particular folder structure so the output is agreed in advance.
Can you organize my documents after scanning?
Yes. We can use clear file names and folders based on your existing records and instructions. Send a sample of your preferred structure, such as family, date or document type, so the organization work is included in the estimate.
Do you serve Penticton and the South Okanagan?
Yes. We are based in Summerland and serve Penticton, Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Oliver, Osoyoos and surrounding communities, as well as mail-in customers across Canada. Contact us with your collection details to arrange a handover or discuss shipping.
Pricing & Turnaround
Can I get an estimate before you start?
Yes. Tell us what you have, roughly how much there is and how you want to use the files. We will provide an estimate and expected timeline before starting. If your materials are already with us and you decide not to proceed, we can arrange return by COD mail when you provide a complete return address.
Do you offer bulk pricing?
Bulk pricing may be available for larger collections. Send an approximate count of each media type and tell us whether you need folder organization, file naming, restoration or extra copies. We can then quote the collection together and discuss a manageable project plan.
How long does digitization take?
Timing depends on the collection size, formats, condition and current workload. Video and audio transfers, fragile items and detailed archive projects can take longer than straightforward scanning. Share any deadline when you enquire; we will give you an estimated turnaround before work begins.
Do you offer rush digitization?
Rush service may be available, subject to the project and our schedule. Tell us the event date, the amount of material and what you need delivered. We will confirm whether we can meet the deadline and whether a rush charge applies before you book.
Are there extra costs for damaged or difficult media?
Damaged, fragile, mouldy or difficult-to-play media can need additional assessment or restoration. Some items cannot be recovered. Describe known issues and send photos before shipping; we will explain likely extra work and costs before proceeding whenever possible.
Do I have to pay before or after the work is done?
Payment terms are confirmed with your estimate. A deposit may be needed for some projects, and final payment is typically due before files and originals are released. You will know the payment schedule before deciding to go ahead.
What payment methods do you accept?
Use the payment options shown on your invoice. These can include card, PayPal and Interac e-Transfer. If you need a particular payment method, ask us when requesting your estimate.
Drop-Off Pickup & Shipping
Where are you located?
We are based in Summerland, BC, serving the Okanagan and mail-in customers across Canada. Local handovers are arranged in advance. Contact us for an appointment and drop-off details; our published PO Box is a mailing address, not a walk-in shop.
Do you offer local pickup and drop-off?
Free local pickup and drop-off may be available for Southern Okanagan digitization orders, depending on your location, project size and scheduling. Send us your community and an outline of the collection so we can confirm arrangements before you book.
Do you serve customers outside the Okanagan?
Yes. Customers across Canada can mail media to us. Contact us first if you have an unfamiliar format or fragile items, then follow our mail-in instructions. Include your contact details, complete return address and a description of the work. We will confirm the project details after the collection arrives.
Where do I mail my digitization order?
Mail your securely packed order to:
Porthos Media
PO Box 1056
Summerland PO
BC, Canada
V0H 1Z4
Include your name, phone number, email, complete return address and project instructions. Use our mail-in instructions to prepare your package. Transit loss, delays and damage are outside Porthos Media's responsibility.
How should I package my photos, tapes, or other media for mailing?
Use a sturdy box and enough padding to stop items shifting. Keep photos and other media in their existing labelled groups, and protect records, reels and fragile items individually. Include your details and an inventory inside the box. If anything is brittle, mouldy or unusually valuable, ask us about handling before packing.
What happens if I decide not to proceed after the estimate?
You can decline the estimate. If we already have your originals, we can return them by COD mail when you provide a complete return address. Ask us to confirm the return arrangements and costs before sending your collection. Transit loss, delays and damage are outside our responsibility.
File Delivery & Storage
How will I receive my digitized files?
We can arrange USB drives, digital downloads or an external-drive archive to suit your collection. Tell us which devices you use and whether you need copies for relatives. We will confirm file formats, organization, delivery method and any drive or additional-copy costs in your estimate.
Can you put my files on a USB drive?
Yes. A USB drive provides a physical copy of your photos, videos, audio or documents. Tell us what you want to play the files on so we can discuss compatibility. We can also quote extra drives for family members; keep another independent backup of important files.
Can I get my files by digital download?
Yes, when online delivery suits the collection size and your internet connection. For files delivered through your client area, the included download period is six months. Download and back up your files during that time. Large video collections may be more practical on a USB or external drive.
What file formats do you provide?
We choose formats around how you want to view, share, print or archive the material. Audio can be supplied as MP3 or WAV; image, document and video options depend on the project. Tell us about your devices or any archive specifications before we quote so we can confirm the right output.
Do you keep a backup of my files?
We may keep working copies during production and delivery. Files delivered through the client area are available for six months, but you should download and make independent backups promptly. Do not rely on our working storage as your only copy. Ask us about any longer-term storage arrangements before the download period ends.
Safety Care & Privacy
How do you handle original photos, slides, negatives, tapes, and other media?
We handle each collection with care, whether it is a few family photos or a larger archive. Labels and project instructions help us maintain order and identify fragile items. Tell us about any damage, unusual materials or special handling needs before the collection arrives.
Are my family photos and videos kept private?
Yes. We treat your personal media and files as private and do not publish them or use them in marketing without your permission. Let us know about any particular confidentiality or access requirements before starting so we can confirm the arrangements for your project.
What happens if my media is damaged or fragile?
We assess the condition and explain what may be possible. Fragile, mouldy, tangled or damaged items can need additional work, and some cannot be recovered. Send photos and a description before shipping so we can discuss handling, likely costs and the next step.
Preparing Your Order
How should I label my order?
Include your name, phone number, email and complete return address if mailing. Number boxes or bundles and keep descriptions simple, such as 'Wedding photos' or 'Slides, Box 1'. Add your requested folder names and any priority items to the project instructions.
Can I include special instructions?
Yes. Tell us about priorities, the order of items, names, dates and anything that must stay together. If you need particular file names, folders, copies or edits, include those details before we quote so the finished collection works the way you need it to.
Have a collection or project in mind? Start a mail-in order or ask us for a project quote.