Media Library Conversion and Archiving

First consider this...
Most every organization has important audiovisual records. Even if you have a smaller media
library, quite often these records are not properly stored, are unorganized and may be located
in multiple physical locations. In most cases, little consideration is given to the special
storage requirements of audiovisual media. More often than not, there is no backup in place.
Since much of the media is in older discontinued formats, the media would get used much
more if there was an easy way to play it. At MTS, we are strong proponents of media library
organization for these reasons and media conversion for the considerations given below. Keep
in mind that First consideration must be given to the master or original media. We hold to the
basic philosophy, "if you can't measure it, you can't manage it". The first and most important
step in preserving your audiovisual media library is measurement through analysis. Analyzing
the basic media types, condition of your media, size of your collection, importance of the
collection and the current physical media storage environment is key. This helps to determine
which portions of your library need to be addressed first. It is also the start to insuring that
your original media will last as long as practically possible prior to and after conversion.

Why should I consider converting my library?
Videotape, audiotape, photos, transparencies, motion picture film, and analog disc recordings
are prone to deterioration, wear, fading, data loss, damage, erasure and contamination. Even
under proper storage conditions, in most cases, your media library is slowly erasing itself over
time. If deterioration could be stopped, technology advances, media formats are phased out
and reliable original playback machines become harder to find and more expensive to
maintain. On the positive side, the benefits in conversion to digital format allow for easier use
and access, quick and inexpensive copies, digital restoration, fast access to specific
materials for presentation, sharing of media across a networked platform and quick/easy
migration to other current formats and new technology as it becomes available.

Why use Media Transfer Service?
Choosing the right company to convert your media library is an important decision. The right
company should have the resources of professional conversion equipment which is properly
maintained and calibrated. They should both know and follow industry standards and
practices. They should be able to offer media inspection services and have a working
knowledge of media deterioration/contamination, media repair/recovery and suggestions for
proper original media storage before and after it has been converted. They should have the
ability to add metadata information to the conversion process or at least guide you on what
type of resource information should be provided as an attachment to the conversion process.
Finally, your conversion company should have the knowledgebase and foresight to provide a
high quality end-product, in the proper formats that will be useful both now and into the future.
Combine these key requirements with a partner that will treat both you and your media library
with respect, professionalism, care, understanding and you have Media Transfer Service. We
work with a wide range of clients: a smaller sized yet very diverse media library at a private
college, a videotape library at a local cable access station, 70 year old motion picture film
from a townships department of local history, to an archive of several thousand video and
audio tapes at one of the most respected cancer institutes in the country, we provide satisfied
clients with consistent, professional results.

Is converting my media library expensive?
Most people assume that converting their media library is very expensive but are surprised to
find out how cost effective the process is. Combined with the advantages of digital media, the
halt of further information loss and excellent customer service, our clients see a true value.

"No experience necessary"
Our clients don't need to be experts in media conversion, that's our specialty. We work with
you, in easy to understand terms and methods. The final product is easy to use and access.

The first step: Assessing your needs
A detailed client-needs assessment is the first critical step to converting your media library.
First we analyze your media library and assess your current and future needs. Working to
your budget and timelines, we then present a comprehensive conversion plan, detailing any
media conversion priorities, conversion timelines and methods, final media formats and data
access/storage options. Our goal is to meet your current needs while allowing for future
growth, all within your budget.

Tying it all together.
Most businesses or organizations that have a media library, continue to add to it on an
ongoing basis. Part of our service can include consultation and coordination with other
departments within your organization. This insures that you don't have to go through the
additional expense of converting media that is currently being produced, when adding it to
your new library format.

Media Transfer Service, LLC. Rochester, NY . Phone: 585-248-4908 . Email: info@mediatransferservice.com