Converting video to digital?

In the last post we discussed optical media as an option. What about other file types? If you are going to edit from the files or upload them to a online service or just want to keep them in a format that can be archived, then DVD is not really an option. We suggest looking at files such as AVI or QuickTime for editing and archiving purposes and MP4 for uploading. AVI and QuickTime are generally a lot larger then MPEG 2 files, the reason is that they are less compressed, resulting in a better image quality. The trade off is size, a typical 1 hour clip (in the DV codec) is going to need around 12GB of hard drive capacity. The advantage of these larger files is that one is able to render a multitude of other files from these masters without loosing too much quality. In most cases converting old analogue formats to a SD 720 x 576 DV AVI file is more than enough. The rule of thumb is AVI for PC’s and QuickTime for MAC’s. Most edit systems will support both formats so the choice is your’s. We have a professional grade transfer facility, we make use of state of the art AV processing equipment which allows us to re-calibrate the video and audio signals thus ensuring the best possible transfer. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

There are pro’s and con’s to converting video to DVD. On the one hand DVD is cheap and fairly reliable, on the other it’s highly compressed and easily damaged. MPEG 2 is a compression format which is an in between format in terms of size and quality. The disadvantage is that DVD is prone to scratches and the long term storage of data is questionable. Some manufactures are claiming 25 years and more, but then what? The tapes are long gone and the DVD goes faulty, you’re stuck. We suggest that any data copied onto any optical media be backed up onto flash or hard drives, and multiple copies of this data be stored in different locations. Cloud is an option, but with a 4.7 GB disc it does not take long to use up your allocated space. If you intend editing from the MPEG2 files we suggest looking at converting to another digital file such as AVI, QuickTime or at the very least MP4. All of the above applies generally to SD formats such as analogue video and digital video in the DV codec.
In the next blog, we will discuss the advantages of converting to digital file types.

Why Digitize video tape? Video tape is not forever, it is prone to damage from age, moisture and incorrect storage. With age the tape surfaces deteriorate and result in the oxide being shed. This results in a permanent loss of material. The solution is to get the material into the digital realm ASAP, convert the video to a digital format. This brings about another set of issues. The first being, what format is best. There are pro’s and cons to all of them.
Watch this space as we offer our opinions.