Re: [ARSCLIST] Long-term/preservation audio

[James L Wolf <jwol@xxxxxxx>]

  There are others at the Library who can answer this better than I can,
but here's a quick reply. The Library currently still uses reel to reel
tape for preservation work, though it also makes simultaneous copies on
DAT for playback purposes. Of course the originals are kept and stored
at the best conditions we can provide.
  However there are several individuals at the Library who are doing a
great deal of work to set up a long-term digital repository. They are
taking into account all of the issues that have been brought up in the
excellent discussion on the list, especially the points raised by Chris
Lacinak. I have been involved a little with this group, but my input has
been more towards obtaining the highest quality analog signal  for
digitization, rather than what happens with the files. But clearly both
sides  are important.
  The reality is that analog presevation will soon not be possible, and
everyone concerned at the Library realizes this. The issue is to make
the transition to digital in the best possible way. This requires not
only research but a careful assessment of the available scientific
studies. As far as I know, this is what is being done here.

James

>>> lwatsky@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 06/25/03 04:41PM >>>
The question actually posted specifically asked about long term
preservation. The problem is not whether or not CD's and DVD's will last
for posterity, but if the players will still be around in the future.
Although digital and optical media is wonderful for providing access, I
believe that the Library of Congress still promotes utilizing
reel-to-reels to serve as their preservation copies. Can someone please
correct me, if I am wrong.

Thank you,
Lance Watsky
Media Specialist
The Georgia Archives
5600 Jonesboro Road
Morrow, GA 30260
678-364-3764 (phone)
678-364-3860 (fax)
lwatsky@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.GeorgiaArchives.org




-----Original Message-----
From: Jerome Hartke [mailto:jhartke@xxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 6:53 PM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Long-term/preservation audio


prabhupada.com wrote:
>
> Dear list,
>
> I'm sure this topic has been talked (flogged) about before...however
> I'm relatively new to the list so go ahead and hit the delete
button!
> My question is...Which audio formats are being used for Long
> term/preservation/archival. And which is the most
> desirable/recommended?
>
> I have seen from reel to reel 1/4 tape to CDR, DVD, vinyl, MP3, DAT,
> etc
>
> I would like to know your expert thoughts and why?
>
> I thank you all for your time in this regard
>
> Paul Tombleson
> Director of Preservation
> Bhaktivedanta Archives

I am not familiar with all formats, but CD-R, DVD, and DAT haved the
advantage of strong error correction algorithms built into the formats
provided that information is recorded as files. CD-R and DVD are also
desirable because the drive head is not in contact with the media
during
operation.

J. Hartke
Media Sciences, Inc.