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Re: film to dvd or other useful media



Title: Message
DVD is a "data reduced" format and as such should not be considered a "preservation format" for either film or video materials (unless they are "born digital" at a very reduced data rate to start off with - a format like DV for instance starts off with a very reduced amount of data). To give a sense of perspective the peak data rate of DVD's are about 8 - 10 MB/second. Full bandwidth video is around 250 MB/second. A huge difference. So while DVD is a very viable format for all sorts of things - preservation for video that starts off as analog or full bandwidth video is not necessarily one of them. As an aside - there have been NO - repeat NO - independent laboratory that has verified the claims of lifetimes of DVD media - despite manufacturers claims - and some very real questions about longevity. Recent presentations at several conferences and at several standard setting organizational meetings raise very serious questions about DVD media lifetime forecasts. DVD-R's in particular have not been designed as an archival media type.
 
The current consensus is that for preservation of film - the appropriate technology is to make another film copy. Video (even uncompressed full bandwidth) is NOT considered an appropriate preservation format for film - - and never has been. There are several reasons for this including the vast differences in resolution, differences in color spaces, differences in frame rates, and very real questions about video longevity. The type of film to tape transfer you do is also very important. There are transfers.... and then there are transfers - and there is a great deal of difference in the quality of the result depending on both the type of equipment and the person who does the color correction (colorist).
 
What Gerrianne Schaad has made (the Betacam copy) is NOT a preservation master of the film - but what is referred to as a "duplication master" or a master on video from which it is easy and cost effective to make more video copies. This is a wise thing to do if you will require more access copies over time - you don't want to incur the expense of retransfer when you need more copies - but this duplication master is most definitely not a preservation master.

James Lindner
Managing Member

Media Matters, LLC
Email:jim@media-matters.net
Address: 15 Washington Place, Suite 2M
New York, N.Y. 10003
Tel + Fax (212)982-4413


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-----Original Message-----
From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU] On Behalf Of Gerrianne Schaad
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 5:21 PM
To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: Re: film to dvd or other useful media

Sami,
 
I recently ran into this situation, but I must admit to having only 5 reels of film.  I had the first reel professionally cleaned and repaired, a film copy made, had them transfer it to Beta Cam, and then to VHS.  The result is I have the original film preserved, plus a film that I can show.  Additionally I have a version on tape, and use copies on VHS.
I worked with FilmTechnologies, Inc. in California.
Someone with more knowledge may chime in, but my understanding is that DVD samples and compresses so much information, that you lose a great deal of the original information on the film.
Best of luck!
 
Gerrianne Schaad, CA
University of Texas at San Antonio
 
-----Original Message-----
From: sami pierson [mailto:samip_81612@YAHOO.COM]
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 10:51 AM
To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: film to dvd or other useful media

I am starting to investigate the possibility of converting the museum's 16mm film to a more user friendly form.  I am thinking a master on dvd and then some VHS for use in the schools etc since they don't have dvd capability right now.  First question, is there any other format anyone would suggest?  Second question, are there any companies you have worked with and would recommend? I have a few names but would like to hear from someone who has personally worked with a company.  Thank you again for all the help the list provides.

Sami



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