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Re: [ARSCLIST] Cassette obsolescence - digitizing standards
Hi, Steve,
I _think_ ( _hope_?) that everyone doing 96/24 is doing it as WAV
files and storing it in an IT environment. Kevin is looking at an IT
environment. I think once we make the move from physical-format-based
storage to file-based storage, it is less of an issue about bit rate
and sample rate. After all, PhotoShop doesn't care the pixel
dimensions or bit depth of a photograph (though some plugins don't
work at 16 bits/pixel). I don't think future audio software will care
much about bit rate and sample depth. Much of the stuff I have doesn't care.
But, with that said, I agree that if there isn't a compelling reason
to do more than 44.1/16 then we shouldn't blindly follow a "96/24"
dictum that was done for some reason.
As Tom said, the only semi-permanent medium we have is gold CD-R.
That sort-of says do it at 44.1/16 unless you burn WAV files, but as
Tom pointed out, not a very long WAV file fits as data on a CD.
I really only think we should look at >44.1/16 if we are committed to
an IT infrastructure -- and maintaining it. The NAVCC document is
instructive...and out of reach, Steve, as you point out, to
Some/Many/Most archives.
I have built my storage system so the PITA factor Tom discusses is
minimized, but, at some point, it will "break" and I'll need more.
For the one person who hasn't read it, see http://www.richardhess.NET
It's currently the only file on the site that is indexed on the main page.
Cheers,
Richard
At 01:26 PM 2/20/2006, Steven Smolian wrote:
These suggestions are all good and fine. However, whoever is not
financed on the scale of a national library, and departs from 44.1
16 bit, expecting to store on a CD must consider the long-term
consequences of a non-standard or only temporarily standard storage
medium with its required investment in harware of dubious future
repairability, processing (changes in the cataloging system) and the
gamble that whatever technological substitute choice is made will be
decodable say, twenty five years hence.
How many video formats for audio, digital or analog, are still
accessible by institutions with holdings in those formats? Aren't
we encouraging archivists to create media that can only serve to
guarantee future generations of sound restorers a career? Oh, when
will we ever learn.
Tape Restoration Seminar: MAY 9-12, 2006; details at Web site.
Richard L. Hess email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Aurora, Ontario, Canada (905) 713 6733 1-877-TAPE-FIX
Detailed contact information: http://www.richardhess.com/tape/contact.htm