Digital Mix

DVD was first introduced in 1996 as an optical storage medium for data and video content. Various manufacturers have claimed life expectancy of anywhere between 30 and 100 years. Sadly, this has not been the case in many instances mainly attributable to incorrect storage.

Ideally, optical media should be stored at around 18 degrees C and at a relative humidity level of around 40%, which, in most cases is simply not possible. In the last few years, we’ve noticed a steady increase in the premature failure of optical media due to incorrect storage or surface damage. While DVD is still a popular choice for some, many manufacturers of optical media have signalled end of life. DVD and other optical media will soon be relegated to the pages of history.

Video content on DVD is generally recorded as a data stream and has a limited individual file size of 1gb. Long duration video content is broken into a series of 1gb files. A 2-hour video could be split into 4 or 5 individual files depending on compression settings. To recover video content from DVD, these clips need to be joined together again to form a single file.

We have software that can recover the individual files, join them together and create a single video file compatible with most editing and online platforms. Our software also supports video content that has not been finalized.

If you have data or video content on optical media here are a few things to check.

• Ensure the DVDs are in a case, ideally a black DVD box to minimise exposure to light, long term exposure to direct light can damage the DVD.
• Store in a cool, dark and dry place.
• Make back-up copies of all data on optical storage – especially recordable media such as DVD-R, +R and CD-R.

Digital Mix specialise in the recovery and conversion of video and data from the following optical media:

XDCAM – DVD RAM - Mini DVD – Mini Disc - DVD-R – DVD+R – CD-R

Regular maintenance of our video equipment is crucial in our business. One of the advantages we have is that we conduct our own inhouse service and maintenance.

On the bench today is our Panasonic DV10000 DV VTR and our Sony VO9800P Umatic SP VTR. Both with some fairly minor issues that were easily rectified. Both machines are back in service and fully functional.

If you have video content on tape, now is the time to get it into the digital world.

www.digitalmix.co.nz

On today's to do list. Upscale betacam sp tape for use in a tv doco.