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.
Chances are, your media collection would get used much more often if you had more details
on the contents and if there was an easier way to access the information. At MTS, we are
strong proponents of 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 assessment. Assessing the basic media types, condition of your media, size of your
collection, contents and importance of the collection, along with knowing how the current
physical storage environment will effect the collection's lifespan, are all keys to managing the
collection and properly preserving it for future use.

Why should I consider converting my library?
Videotape, audiotape, photos, transparencies, motion picture film, and analog disc recordings
are all prone to deterioration, wear, fading, information 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 and backup, digital restoration,
fast access to 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 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: mtsinfo@rochester.rr.com