Activate Your Time Capsule

Collect the pieces of media you wish to digitize. Organize each media type in your desired viewing order. The purchase price of your TimeCapsule includes digital transfer of included items and the selected output(s). You may transfer additional items for an added charge as indicated on the barcode stickers

Important:

• Videotapes do not need to be rewound
• Small film reels will be combined onto a larger 400' reel for processing; empty original reels will be returned to you with your order
• Photo albums and slide carousels are not accepted

Included Items   What is an Item?  

Place one Included Item barcode sticker on each item.

Additional Items

You can send additional items for a discounted price. Simply label each extra item with an Additional Item barcode sticker.

Important:

• Apply item barcodes to the individual videotape
• Apply item barcodes to the film reel in desired viewing order
• Separate prints, slides, and negatives by type in desired viewing order, place them in an envelope or small bag, and affix one item barcode to the outside

In addition to your selected output(s), you can upgrade your Time Capsule by adding a USB, DVD, or Enhanced Content. Simply place the appropriate Upgrade label on the designated area of your box.

Want to see what upgrades cost? View Time Capsule Upgrade Pricing ›

When you are ready to send in your media, use your Activation Code from your Media Tracking Barcode sheet to Activate your Time Capsule. Activating your Time Capsule will let us know that your order is on its way.

Follow these steps to prepare your Time Capsule for shipping:

  Insert your barcoded items into the padded media bag and securely seal the bag.

  Insert the padded media bag into your Time Capsule.

  Seal the box with the provided tape strip.

  Affix the provided Fedex shipping label to your Time Capsule where indicated.

You are now ready to drop off your Time Capsule at your local Fedex Drop Off location. Hand your package to a Fedex representative, and make sure to ask for and retain your receipt.

Find a Fedex Drop Off location >

Misplaced your shipping kit or have an eGift Capsule and not sure what to do next? Don’t worry, you can still send in your memories. Here’s how:

1. Media Labels
   Use our printable labels to organize and label your media items. Simply cut them out and tape them directly to your tapes, films, or photos. We’ve also included Additional Media and Upgrade labels in case you’re adding items or selected extras.
   
   👉 You’ll find the printable labels after you activate your Time Capsule.
2. Shipping Label
   If you lost your prepaid label or never received one (eGift Capsule customers!), you can access it after activation.
   
   👉 You can reprint your prepaid label after you activate your Time Capsule.
3. Use Your Own Box and Padding
   For physical kits: If you’ve misplaced the original Time Capsule box, just use any sturdy cardboard box.
   For eGift Capsules: You’ll use your own box by default.
   Either way, be sure to:
   • A sturdy cardboard box (remove or cover any old shipping labels)
   • Plenty of padding (like bubble wrap, foam, or newspaper) to protect your media.
   • Avoid using Hazmat-labeled boxes, as they may be delayed or rejected by the shipper.

Not sure how to pack everything up?
Follow the steps above for help gathering, labeling, upgrading, and safely shipping your media.