Re: [ARSCLIST] electronic reading of physical media, was: Preservation policy question

[Karl Miller <lyaa071@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 9 Dec 2005, Lambertus (Bert) Van Zelst wrote:

> Those fantasies, at least, are becoming reality as we speak! Researchers at
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in a project in collaboration with the
Preservation Directorate of the Library of Congress, have developed an 3D
optical imaging technology whereby the computer can create an actual playback
from the optical image of a gramophone disk. This work is still under further
development, but the technology has been demonstrated. It also should work
for similar recordings; research and development plans include work on
cylinder recordings.
> With regard to magnetic tape, research at the National Institute for
Standards and Technology in Denver have developed magneto resistance imaging
sensors that image the magnetization on the tape and thus allow non-contact
reading of the recording. Again, this work is still under further
development, but the practical feasibility has been demonstrated.

Thanks so much for sharing that information.

Another thought I had, and one which I had hoped to explore a bit on my
own...before our new boss had other ideas...We have a large CT scanner on
campus. I wondered if it would be worthwhile to do a scan of a disc and,
take the digital image and clean it up. We also have a way of creating a
duplicate from the information. While it is a long and costly process, it
would be possible, assuming enough of the disc was not worn, to create a
"virgin" copy.

Similarly, considering how the characteristics of each of the various
acoustic players, could not one image the horn
of a player and couple that with information on the density of
the material, and determine a likely sense of what it would be like to
create a virtual duplication of an Edison Disc being played on an Edison
machine. I should add, the first time I heard an edison disc played on a
vintage edison machine (in excellent condition) was a revelation.

Of course, the weak link, from my perspective, still being speakers, which
do not vibrate in the same way as instruments...I am reminded of a
fascinating visit I had about two weeks ago with a research scientist on
our faculty. He has worked for 40 years with microbial cellulose. One
application we discussed was the use of the material for audio playback.
He has already been working with Sony. They have developed a pair of
headphones...cost, about $2,500. I thought of a cellulose wall of sound,
not unlike the idea of a large electrostatic speaker system, with the
difference being that the cellulose would not break up like mylar when it
came to handling the bass frequencies...and continuing the day
dreaming...having recordings where each instrument would have its own
microphone and the reproduction characteristics of the various part of the
cellulose being adjusted to replicate the manner of the original vibrating
medium...eg, string and sound board of a violin. But then, why go to the
trouble when most people are happy with an MP3.

And speaking of fantasies...for me, there is the question of
the "final solution." What can we hope for in terms a universally
supported information storage format that would be as long lasting as
stone.

I also wonder about file formats. Do we all truly believe that the WAV
file format will be with us 50 years from now?

Karl