Quality should not be just a marketing term
The article focuses on the term ‘Quality‘ and how easily it is to use this word without truly understanding the meaning of it. In the context of digitizing and preserving audiovisual material, quality extends beyond just the digital reproduction. If you plan to entrust your historical records to a digitization vendor, understanding all aspects of ‘quality’ is crucial. It’s not enough for a vendor to simply use the term – quality must be clearly defined, demonstrated, and guaranteed.
Collection owners should ask key questions such as;
- How does the vendor define “quality” in the context of digitization and preservation?
- What specific methods do they use to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the transfer process?
- What methodology is applied to guarantee the quality of the final digital product?
What does “Quality” really mean?
Let’s take a closer look at what quality means in the context of audiovisual archiving, moving away from abstract promises to specific, measurable outcomes. Although this article is already quite lengthy, it does not pretend to cover all aspects of the term quality in audiovisual archiving. Instead, it should be considered as a first introduction to better understanding quality and the key elements that contribute to it.
Quality in digital archiving is about more than a qualitative conversion from tape to file, the digital copy should be a complete mirror of the analog original, preserving not only the visual and audio content but also the characteristics of the recording technology itself, and more…
Preserving the original format:
As an example, when migrating Standard Definition (SD = 720×576 pixels) 4:3 interlaced PAL videotape, we recommend encoding to an uncompressed or mathematically lossless, interlaced master file. This approach safeguards the original information and allows for future enhancements with evolving technology. Whenever a HD resolution version of the videotapes is preferred or needed for distribution, we recommend to implement a secondary phase in the workflow. In the post processing phase a new version of the SD master file will be created: a deinterlaced and upscaled 16:9 HD resolution 1920×1080 with black pillar bars (1440×1080 active image). Although today it’s technically possible to convert SD materials – directly and in realtime – to HD file format, it’s questionable whether that is the correct strategy.
Think of it this way: today’s (AI) deinterlacing and upscaling might look great, but in five years, the technology will undoubtedly be even better. Archiving the original SD master file ensures the best possible quality for future generations.
Professional equipment and trained staff
Clearly, well-maintained and calibrated equipment, high-quality analog-to-digital converters, and skilled staff play a crucial role in ensuring quality in audiovisual archiving. Since these factors are fundamental, we will not go into further detail on them in this article.
Quality: the process and the details
In digitizing audiovisual content, quality is also about how the work is done. The digital copy must be accurate, and the metadata collected throughout the process is equally important.
For instance, process metadata includes details such as:
- Whether the magnetic tape was baked (a common preservation technique for magnetic tapes),
- The number of attempts made to transfer the tape,
- The original timecode (TC) captured,
- Handwritten labels on the media (captured from all sides),
- Playback equipment, such as the VTR model (video tape recorder), its serial number and brand.
These details are not merely for tracking; they are crucial for future reference. They help preserve a comprehensive historical record of the media’s journey through the archiving process, enabling future generations to understand exactly how and why a tape was processed. Ensuring the integrity of the original content is essential for preserving its truth and value.
In today’s world, where “fake news” and misinformation are prevalent, the authenticity of the master file is more important than ever.
What can clients expect? What warranty can be provided?
When a vendor claims to offer “quality,” clients must expect more than just a promise. Quality assurance in digital archiving involves clear documentation of every step in the process, from initial reception to final storage. This includes maintaining quality control reports for every tape processed, keeping records of the operators involved, and documenting the equipment used.
In terms of warranties, clients should expect assurances that all efforts will be made to preserve every detail of the original content. The vendor should guarantee the accuracy of the transfer and provide clear documentation for future reference. If issues arise, the client should expect solutions and recommendations for improving the archival process, including potential future enhancements as technology evolves.
When it comes to digitizing audiovisual media, the main objectives are clear:
- Preserving the original content in a way that ensures no information is lost in the transfer from analog to digital, and no artefacts are introduced in the process.
- Maintaining the authenticity of the original format and recording technology, including any imperfections that were part of the original content.
- Ensuring the long-term accessibility and usability of the media by using state-of-the-art technology for both the archival and future-proofing processes.
- Documenting the entire process to ensure traceability, accountability, and support for future reprocessing or enhancements.
