Report of the SC-03-04 Working Group on the Storage and Handling of Media of the SC-03 Subcommittee on the Preservation and Restoration of Audio Recording meeting, held in conjunction with the AES 114th Convention in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2003-03-23
Chair T. Sheldon convened the meeting.
The agenda was approved as distributed with no amendments. The report from the previous meeting held in Los Angeles in 2002-10 was reviewed and approved.
Open projects
AES22-R Review of AES22-1997 AES recommended practice for audio preservation and restoration - Storage of polyester-based magnetic tape
This recommended practice was reaffirmed in early 2003. Current goal: review; Goal date: continuing.
AES28-R Review of AES28-1997 AES standard for audio preservation and restoration - Method for estimating life expectancy of compact discs (CD-ROM), based on effects of temperature and relative humidity
This standard was reaffirmed in early 2003. Current goal: review; Goal date: continuing.
AES35-R Review of AES35-2000 AES standard for audio preservation and restoration - Method for estimating life expectancy of magneto-optical (M-O) disks, based on effects of temperature and relative humidity
This standard is due for reaffirmation in 2005. No comments have been received by the Working Group regarding its content. Current goal: review; Goal date: 2005.
AES38-R Review of AES38-2000 AES standard for audio preservation and restoration - Life expectancy of information stored in recordable compact disc systems - Method for estimating, based on effects of temperature and relative humidity
This standard is due for reaffirmation in 2005. No comments have been received by the Working Group regarding its content. Current goal: Review; Goal date: 2005.
AES-X51 Procedures for the Storage of Optical Discs, Including Read Only, Write-once, and Re-writable
This project has been continued in the Joint Technical Commission under liaison AES-X80. The product of this project is now more than three years old. The Working Group recommends retiring this project.
AES-X54 Magnetic Tape Care and Handling
The latest draft from the Joint Technical Commission has been posted on the Working Group reflector as a PWD. The membership of the Working Group will be asked to comment by 2003-6. The revised text then will go to the Secretariat for formatting as a Proposed Call for Comment (PCFC).
AES-X55 Projection of the Life Expectancy of Magnetic Tape
It was noted that, under the auspices of the Memory of the World project, magnetic tape manufacturers have been asked to share knowledge and responsibility for preserving the heritage on magnetic tape. They have all responded positively, and a memorandum of understanding is planned to explore the life expectancy of magnetic tape. Also, several lines of inquiry are being explored within the Joint Technical Commission. The Working Group recommends that the Goal date be changed to 2004-05.
AES-X80 Liaison with ANSI/ PIMA IT9-5. (I3A) JTC
This liaison is very active with numerous AES members participating in the development of standards for audio preservation and restoration. In view of organizational changes, the Working Group recommends that the name of the liaison be changed to "AES/I3A WG5 TG5 Joint Technical Commission." The affiliation is now with the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), a trade organization with liaison links to ISO. The AES/I3A Joint Technical Commission (JTC) operates as I3A Working Group 5, Task Group 5.
Liaisons
No new liaison relationships were discussed.
New projects
It was reported that work has commenced within the Joint Technical Commission on a new standard covering the care and handling of optical discs. A new project form needs to be completed and submitted within AESSC. As drafts become available they will be posted to the Working Group reflector to keep members informed.
It was reported that work has commenced within the Joint Technical Commission on a new project to rationalize the temperature and humidity recommendations contained in numerous standards and recommended practices for the archival storage of media. A new project form needs to be completed and submitted. As drafts become available they will be posted to the Working Group reflector. Working Group members are encouraged to join the JTC and participate as AES members. Discussion noted that what is needed is a maximum stating that decay is accelerating or decelerating, for example, "higher than 40 degC."
Finally, the Joint Technical Commission has commenced investigations to determine the effectiveness of high density hard disks for preservation purposes in archives. Initial indication look promising to some though current use for this purpose is not advised.
New business
There was no new business.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the AES 115th Convention in New York, NY, US, 2003-10.
