Keeping track of media assets is simple in a digital world. But what about all those analog tapes?

The longer an organization has been operating, the greater the amount of data it’s likely collected during normal operation. This information could be vital customer data, sales records, transcripts, or catalog information, for example. Data stored in an analog format, such as film (VHS) and videotape, is less secure than many people realize. Over time, analog media degrades and can take your information with it in the process.

SAMMA Solo is a single channel semiautomated multi-standard migration system. Solo supports the simultaneous generation of a multitude of high and low resolution video/audio formats, including MXF-wrapped JPEG2000, MPEG-2, QuickTime, H.264 (MPEG-4), FLASH, MPEG-1, AVC, Windows Media, and Real Media.

In addition, libraries of analog media become a nightmare to manage as they grow. The format has a limited storage capacity, and, as a result, a large number of tapes are required to store data. Sheer volume alone complicates the steps involved to manage this data, let alone access it when needed.

Media archiving is the process of migrating analog-based media to digital format. Common digital formats include DVD, hard drives, Flash, Windows Media, QuickTime, RealPlayer, or podcasts for use on the web. In addition to the transfer of data, media archiving also includes the creation of databasedriven information management.

So when should media archiving be a consideration? If your data is currently stored in an analog format, difficult to access on an asneeded basis, or taking up too much storage space, or if you lack an information management system, media archiving can very well be the solution you need.

THE ADVANTAGES OF MEDIA ARCHIVING

1. Data security — Film and videotapes have a limited lifespan. They degrade over time, which can result in the loss of critical data. Migrating your data to a more reliable digital format safeguards your information for future use. Additionally, digital formats such as DVD or a hard drive provide greater storage capacity. It takes a smaller quantity of digital media to accommodate data currently stored on less reliable analog format.

2. Simplified media storage — Commonly used media, such as DVDs or hard drives, are more compact media than film or videotapes. With less bulk to consider, your storage needs require considerably less space. If your media is stored off-site, this can also translate into decreased storage costs.

3. Simplified access — Media archiving entails more than converting from an analog to digital format. The process also includes the creation of an archive database. The database, in turn, provides tracking information that greatly simplifies locating the desired storage device and identifying the information it contains. Both time and money are saved when the information you need can be obtained so easily.

4. Better media management — One of the biggest frustrations stemming from an inventory of old media is the difficulty involved in knowing just what is available. The database generated during the media archiving process makes resource management possible. Critical reporting can be generated from the archive database. Whether you need a summary on the volume of media on hand that covers a specific topic or a simple listing of available records from a specific time, the database system provides resource control critical for managing your media assets.

5. Online access — Migrating data stored on videotapes and film to digital format provides greater opportunities to distribute your information to a wider audience. Whether converted as Flash, Windows Media, QuickTime, RealPlayer or podcast files, a digital format enables you to share the information online. Access becomes virtually instant and incredibly convenient.

6. Storage options — Larger archiving projects may be better served by the robust storage capacity and sturdy construction of hard drives as opposed to discs. Drives currently on the market offer terabytes (TB) of storage space. One TB translates to roughly 415 hours of video. The most basic solution would be a single external drive with a USB connection. More robust storage solutions include the use of Network Attached Storage (NAS). NAS provides simultaneous access to multiple drives that appear as a single resource to end-users. In addition to tremendous storage capacity and convenient access, NAS configurations are manageable regardless of on-hand resources. NAS can accommodate both EIDE (parallel connection) or SATA (serial connection) hard drives.

Source: R. Harvey Bravman, Advanced Digital Replication, Inc.