The Challenges and Rewards of Open Source Video

Digitization

Identification and Discussion of Proper Methods for Videotape Preservation when no Standards Exist

Society of American Archivist – August 11, 2012

Introduction

Topics Covered Challenges faced by archives Pros / Cons of Open-Source compared to

“solutions for sale” Formats to consider for preservation and access Discussion of use of formats in real-world

applications.

What Will You Have in Your Archive

Extinct formats (equipment no longer manufactured, hasn’t been made in decades) 2” Quad, ½” EIAJ, ½” CV…

Endangered formats (equipment no longer manufactured, but can still be found…no longer in common use) 1” Type C, ¾” U-Matic, Betamax, D-1, D-2, MII (M2), Laser

disks, Motion picture film Outdated formats (equipment no longer manufactured, but still

supported/commonly used) Betacam, Betacam SP, VHS, S-VHS, Hi-8mm

Current formats (equipment still manufactured)

Digital Betacam, DV tapes (DV-Cam, DVC-Pro, Mini DV), HD formats

Challenges faced by archives

Problems related to your physical assets Obsolescence of equipment Degradation Other problems Can’t “Wait and See”…or risk loss of assets

Problems with what to create No set standards exist for film or video Preservation is contrary to access Cost for digitizing Cost for storage

Decision criteria

What are my goals Preservation Access/editing

Does the chosen format capture all the potential quality of the original (audio and video)

Is it future-proof (at least as much as it can be)

Comparison of different options

Lossless Uncompressed (QuickTime, AVI)

8-bit, 72 GB per hour 10-bit, 100+ GB per hour

Compressed (FFV1, JPEG 2000, other) 8-bit, 25-30 GB per hour 10-bit, 45-50 GB per hour

Comparison of different options

Lossy MPEG 2 (could range from DVD quality to 50 Mbps high

quality) Not easily editable 3.6 GB per hour to 25 GB per hour

DV (DV25) Easily editable 12 GB per hour

MPEG 4 Easily editable Range from very low to very high quality (originally designed

for “smart” devices” 300 MB to ???GB per hour

Open Source vs. Purchased

Open Source – Benefits

Widely available Usually free or low cost Developers tend to be passionate…develop for what

market needs Should be less prone to market changes Tends to be more flexible with respect to users needs

Open Source – Disadvantages

Often requires technical background, programmers Choices can be overwhelming Support can be difficult to obtain…can get wrong advice

Open Source vs. Purchased

Purchased – Benefits

Financial incentive to deliver what mass audience wants

May be easier to use (GUI) Generally, good technical support available

Purchased – Disadvantages

Subject to Manufacturer’s whims (for example, Final Cut X)

What is good for masses may not be what you need Usually not as flexible/customizable

Real World examples

Uncompressed QT Files very large, difficult to play back on all but fastest

computers 8-bit or 10-bit option…but 10-bit requires special software to

play back Widely supported / widely used QT container offers additional capabilities

Uncompressed AVI Files very large…not as difficult to play back as QT. 8-bit or 10-bit option Widely supported / widely used AVI more limited in what “container” can do

Real World Examples…cont

FFV1 Open-source, standardized Reasonable file size Supported on all operating systems (MAC, WIN, Linux) with

various players Can be played in software Users (City of Vancouver, NCSU, MediaTek) Gaining acceptance

Real World Examples…cont

JPEG 2000 Available for about 12 years Benefits mostly same as FFV1, but can’t be played in

software Few encoder manufacturers support…but gaining Users (Library of Congress, Digital Cinema (lossy), various

archives)

Conclusion

Summary Contact:

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