130 likes | 283 Views
The Challenges and Rewards of Open Source Video Digitization. Identification and Discussion of Proper Methods for Videotape Preservation when no Standards Exist Society of American Archivist – August 11, 2012. Introduction. Topics Covered Challenges faced by archives
E N D
The Challenges and Rewards of Open Source Video Digitization Identification and Discussion of Proper Methods for Videotape Preservation when no Standards Exist Society of American Archivist – August 11, 2012
Introduction • Topics Covered • Challenges faced by archives • Pros / Cons of Open-Source compared to “solutions for sale” • Formats to consider for preservation and access • Discussion of use of formats in real-world applications.
What Will You Have in Your Archive • Extinct formats (equipment no longer manufactured, hasn’t been made in decades) • 2” Quad, ½” EIAJ, ½” CV… • Endangered formats (equipment no longer manufactured, but can still be found…no longer in common use) • 1” Type C, ¾” U-Matic, Betamax, D-1, D-2, MII (M2), Laser disks, Motion picture film • Outdated formats (equipment no longer manufactured, but still supported/commonly used) • Betacam, Betacam SP, VHS, S-VHS, Hi-8mm • Current formats (equipment still manufactured) • Digital Betacam, DV tapes (DV-Cam, DVC-Pro, Mini DV), HD formats
Challenges faced by archives • Problems related to your physical assets • Obsolescence of equipment • Degradation • Other problems • Can’t “Wait and See”…or risk loss of assets • Problems with what to create • No set standards exist for film or video • Preservation is contrary to access • Cost for digitizing • Cost for storage
Decision criteria • What are my goals • Preservation • Access/editing • Does the chosen format capture all the potential quality of the original (audio and video) • Is it future-proof (at least as much as it can be)
Comparison of different options • Lossless • Uncompressed (QuickTime, AVI) • 8-bit, 72 GB per hour • 10-bit, 100+ GB per hour • Compressed (FFV1, JPEG 2000, other) • 8-bit, 25-30 GB per hour • 10-bit, 45-50 GB per hour
Comparison of different options • Lossy • MPEG 2 (could range from DVD quality to 50 Mbps high quality) • Not easily editable • 3.6 GB per hour to 25 GB per hour • DV (DV25) • Easily editable • 12 GB per hour • MPEG 4 • Easily editable • Range from very low to very high quality (originally designed for “smart” devices” • 300 MB to ???GB per hour
Open Source vs. Purchased • Open Source – Benefits • Widely available • Usually free or low cost • Developers tend to be passionate…develop for what market needs • Should be less prone to market changes • Tends to be more flexible with respect to users needs • Open Source – Disadvantages • Often requires technical background, programmers • Choices can be overwhelming • Support can be difficult to obtain…can get wrong advice
Open Source vs. Purchased • Purchased – Benefits • Financial incentive to deliver what mass audience wants • May be easier to use (GUI) • Generally, good technical support available • Purchased – Disadvantages • Subject to Manufacturer’s whims (for example, Final Cut X) • What is good for masses may not be what you need • Usually not as flexible/customizable
Real World examples • Uncompressed QT • Files very large, difficult to play back on all but fastest computers • 8-bit or 10-bit option…but 10-bit requires special software to play back • Widely supported / widely used • QT container offers additional capabilities • Uncompressed AVI • Files very large…not as difficult to play back as QT. • 8-bit or 10-bit option • Widely supported / widely used • AVI more limited in what “container” can do
Real World Examples…cont • FFV1 • Open-source, standardized • Reasonable file size • Supported on all operating systems (MAC, WIN, Linux) with various players • Can be played in software • Users (City of Vancouver, NCSU, MediaTek) • Gaining acceptance
Real World Examples…cont • JPEG 2000 • Available for about 12 years • Benefits mostly same as FFV1, but can’t be played in software • Few encoder manufacturers support…but gaining • Users (Library of Congress, Digital Cinema (lossy), various archives)
Conclusion • Summary • Contact: • Scene Savers424 Scott BlvdCovington, KY 410100859-291-5100800-978-3445 • jwalko@scenesavers.com