Media Preservation & Archiving

Video Tape to Digital File

Why Transfer Your Video Footage to Digital File?

There are two compelling reasons to transfer your video tape footage to a digital file format

1)      Preservation

2)      Usability

Video tape will not last forever, regardless of how well it is cared for.   With time tape will deteriorate and the valuable footage recorded on it will be lost.  Add to this the scarcity of video playback devices, and the spare parts which are required to keep them running; it is obvious that a lot of valuable recorded video footage is at risk.  By transferring the footage to a digital file based format the footage can be safely stored and re-transferred as required, to keep forever.

Secondly, we now live in a digital age. Such things as Digital Television, Digital Video Cameras, IPod, Computers, Broadband, Email, and the Internet are all part of our daily home or work lives.  While your valuable video footage remains on video cassettes it is difficult and slow to use.

By migrating the footage to a suitable digital file type you will be able to easily access it and share it with others. This sharing may include sales to purchasers, information to work colleagues, or simply wonderful memories shared with family members - there are endless uses and ways to deliver digital files!

The Process

Step One - Evaluate and clean the video tape.

Step Two - Ingest and convert from tape based video signal to digital file.

Step Three - Output to chosen digital file type -

·        MPEG-1

·        MPEG-2

·        Windows Media Player

·        Real Video

·        Quick time

·        AVI

·        MP4 (MPEG-4)

·        MJPEG2000

·        H.264

·        Other

Step Four - Storage device or system

·        DVDR or CDR

·        Hard-Drive

·        Blu Ray Disc

·        Digital Tape - LTO / DLT

·        Other

 Things to Consider

When deciding on a digital file type careful consideration must be given to what you want to do with your files in the future. Saving video footage in a compressed file format will suit some uses, such as internet, DVD viewing etc, however this may not be suitable at all for long term preservation of some types of footage - cultural or heritage for example.

Likewise, long term storage of digital files requires a robust and reliable storage system or device. If the content is valuable and you want it preserved safely for the long term, you will need to spend time and get advice as to the most suitable storage system for your files. 

Contact Silver & Ballard to discuss digitizing your video tape.