Re: [ARSCLIST] Infinite digital storage

[Mwcpc6@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 10/13/2007 12:59:37 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:  
However,  as we digitize movies (including their soundtracks...!) it is easy 
to  see
that we have needs for more storage and/or larger archives...anyone out  
there
want to hazard a guess of the size of "The complete archive of  motion 
pictures,
189?-1960"...?

Steven C.  Barr



*************
 
I recently attended a local SMPTE session at Kodak demonstrating their  
Digital Cinema system. The original "digital negative" (uncompressed TIFF files  of 
each frame) of a feature film takes only 7 or 8 terrabytes, usually  archived 
on data tape. The JPEG2000 lossless compression files used for  distribution 
are much less than a terrabyte and easily distributed on hard  drives to 
theaters at far less cost than a 35 mm print. 
 
The quality in the laboratory setting was far better than I've seen in a  
theater recently; no dust, scratches or visible grain, or any digital artifacts  
that I could see.  This, of course, includes color, multi-track sound, and  
even 3D!
 
A server somewhat larger than a desktop computer can handle the all of  the 
runs of a ten screen cineplex with each film occupying a hard disc  slot. 
 
JPEG2000 lossless is being considered adaquate for archival purposes for  
film, so it is possible to calculate the size and cost of a digital archive of  
feature films now, and of course the cost will keep decreasing. 
 
And if you are willing to accept compression losses, the files can be made  
about as small as you want.
 
Mike Csontos
 
 



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