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Best Wrapper/Format For Editing & Long-Term Storage/Archive?
Hi all,
I am working towards a workflow shift and am looking for some advice and feedback on this proposed system. First here is some basic information about our PC-based edit system, our cameras/HD media types:
Adobe CS5 (soon to be CS6, just need to get it installed)
Windows 7 Ultimate
HP z400 Workstation upgraded with two SSD drives
Processors Intel Xeon W3450
16 GB of Installed RAM
SAS Connected Avid Raid SR
BlackMagic Multibridge Eclipse
Media Types:
Panasonic P2 MXF Format (Shot on a PDX-170)
XDCAM EX Format (Shot on a JVC but same format as Sony XDCAM)
Ikegami MXF Format (Shot on an Ikegami HDS-V10)
As Adobe is designed to do, I am currently editing in each of these formats natively, with no issues. My concern arises in terms of long term storage/accessibility of most specifically the MXF format, especially the Ikegami MXF.
We are utilizing a Pro-Cache, Cache-A data tape system for our long terms storage and archive needs. Initially I had hoped to utilize CatDV to catalog and then archive based on categorically sorted catalogs to the Cache-A, but alas at this time there is no support to read Ikegami MXF files as metaclips within CatDV on a PC based system to allow for proper archive through CacheA. This makes the entire catalog to archive goal difficult to achieve excluding greater than 1/3 of our media library.
With the inclusion of Prelude in CS6, I am coming to terms with the idea of transcoding all of our media prior to editing, despite the ease of native editing, as I am afraid the MXF format is likely to become antiquated and is not the best format to use, especially for long term storage on data tape. I am leaning towards starting tests with some version of the H264 codec for the initial transcode. Ideally I would like to transcode into a ‘final’ format for editing and archive.
Can folks suggest their favorite wrapper/formats that allow for smooth editing, limited quality loss with maximum space efficiency, as well some sense of ‘security’ of future ability to read that particular format? I understand the DVCProHD QT format is on its way out and will be sure to avoid that, but have some concerns with H264 in terms of editing given the high compression of H264.
Any advice, tips, resources or references you might point me to further my education on such matters will be greatly appreciated! Please respond with any questions or concerns or should any of this require clarification
Now it’s time to do a bit of digging and start reading!
Thanks!
Lindsay -
1 Reply
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Archiving is a conundrum because who knows what formats will be available in the coming years? According to reports I’m reading, the European Broadcasters are moving towards JPEG2000 as the Mastering / Archival format of choice. From talking to some American Broadcasters, I hear they’re looking to do the same.
So that’s how they’re hedging their bets for archival long term storage. As for myself, we currently edit everything native, we store everything native camera original, and we make a full resolution ProRes or DNxHD QT file of the final product. For the time being we archive on cloned SATA drives and are looking to add an LTO unit shortly.
Best of luck on your search!
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“This American Land” – our new PBS Series.
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