Report of the meeting of SC-03-04 Working Group on Storage and Handling of Media of the SC-03 Subcommittee on the Preservation and Restoration of Audio Recording, held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2008-05-18
In the absence of WG chair T. Sheldon, the meeting was chaired by SC-03 vice-chair D. Schueller.
The agenda, and the report of the previous meeting held in Vienna, Austria, 2007-05-06, were approved as written.
Open projects
AES-11id-R: Review of AES-11id-2006, AES Information document for Preservation of audio recordings - Extended term storage environment for multiple media archives Project scope: This information document provides suggested guidelines for four extended-term storage environments for archives that contain a variety of recording media, based on the corresponding ISO storage standards for those media. Whenever possible, the storage environments in the ISO storage standards should be followed. This technical report does not replace these ISO storage standards. In addition to environment recommendations, those standards also include other vital information pertinent for the long-term keeping of recording materials such as inspection, housing, and handling guidelines.
Intent: Review, Initiated: 2006, Target: 2011
Current goal: Status report, Goal date: Continuing
There was no comment made to this document
AES22-R: Review of AES22-1997 (r2003): AES recommended practice for audio preservation and restoration - Storage of polyester-based magnetic tape
Intent: Review, Initiated: 2003, Target: 2008
Current goal: Status report, Goal date: Continuing
After short debate, the document was proposed for reaffirmation.
AES28-R: Review of AES28-1997 (r2003): 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
Intent: Review, Initiated: 2003, Target: 2008
Current goal: Status report, Goal date: Continuing
Some skeptical remarks were made on the usefulness of this document, testing only two of several parameters relevant for the life expectancy of CD-ROMs (cf. minutes of the Vienna meeting 2007). It was, however, proposed to reaffirm the document.
AES35-R: Review of AES35-2000 (r2005): AES standard for audio preservation and restoration - Method for estimating life expectancy of magneto-optical (M-O) discs, based on effects of temperature and relative humidity. Project scope: This standard specifies test methods for estimating the storage life expectancy (LE) of information stored on re-writable and write once magneto-optical media. Only the effects of temperature and relative humidity (RH) are considered.
Intent: Review, Initiated: 2005, Target: 2010
Current goal: Status report, Goal date: Continuing
The arguments on the usefulness of this document, already raised at the Vienna meeting 2007, were reiterated. It was proposed, however, to retain the document until 2010 and discuss its further fate in the light of the future use of MO discs.
AES38-R: Review of AES38-2000 (r2005): 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.
Intent: Withdraw, Initiated: 2005, Target: 2010
Current goal: Status report, Goal date: 2007-07
As ready discussed in Vienna in 2007, the usefulness of this standard was debated in more depth. The test refers to two stability parameters of the medium only, leaving other parameters like light sensitivity aside, as well as the eminent role that recording quality plays for life expectancy. A positive test result could lead to misinterpretation of the archival quality of a tested sample. Therefore, the Vienna meeting had recommended the withdrawal of this standard (cf. minutes of the Vienna meeting 2007)
On the other hand it was argued that this standard, although tests are time consuming, is well established in the optical disc industry. Its withdrawal, as suggested in 2007, would cause considerable surprise. Even if AES would withdraw the standard, ISO would probably keep its equivalent. It was also reported that the optical disc industry is attempting to make recordable optical discs more archival and to develop new test procedures relating more comprehensively to longevity issues.
In the light of this debate it was proposed to take no action until project target 2010.
AES49-R: Review of AES49-2005 Magnetic Tape - Care and handling practices for extended usage Project scope: This standard concerns the care and handling of magnetic recording tape during use. It addresses the issues of physical integrity of the medium necessary to preserve access to the audio or other data (information) recorded on the tape. This standard recommends handling procedures to maximize the effective life of magnetic tape.
Intent: Review, Initiated: 2005, Target: 2010
Current goal: Status report, Goal date: Continuing
No comment was made.
Development Projects
AES-X080: Liaison with AES/ i3a-WG5 Joint Technical Committee (JTC) Project scope: to formalize the working relationship between AESSC SC-03 and International Imaging Industry Association (i3a) WG5.
Intent: Liaison, Initiated: 1998, Target: Continuing
Current goal: Status report, Goal date: Continuing
No comment was made.
AES-X145: Care and Handling of Optical Discs Project scope: This standard concerns the care and handling of digital optical discs during use. It addresses the issues of physical integrity of the medium necessary to preserve access to the recorded data (information). Included are recommendations for handling procedures to maximize the effective life of optical discs. This standard addresses the following subjects: a) use and handling environments, including pollutants, temperature and humidity, light exposure and magnetic fields; b) contamination concerns; c) inspection; d) cleaning and maintenance, including cleaning methods and frequency; e) transportation; f) disasters, including water, fire, construction and post-disaster procedures; g) staff training.
The document was confirmed as AES standard. ISO has already published this standard.
AES-X153: Care and handling of magnetic hard disc drives Project scope: To establish care, handling, and storage standards for high capacity magnetic hard drives. The document will include life expectancy assessment, effects of temperature cycling, proper use of the mechanical drives holding the media.
