Due to the relatively short lifespan of magnetic media and an increasing scarcity of playback devices, parts, and repair engineers, there is a unique urgency to digitize audiovisual formats for preservation and access. In the Digital Production Center, we employ methods such as dehumidifying (tape baking) and extensive cleaning of both the tape and playback device to prepare materials for successful digital reformatting. Our goal is to maintain the fidelity and specifications of the original source material by avoiding lossy compression, up-converting or post-capture processes. Once the materials are digitized, the Library strives to caption all English language A/V content that is intended for public access.
Audio Equipment
Otari MX-5050 Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck
Plays 1/4-inch analog reel (half track, full track, 3.75 ips, 7.5 ips, 15 ips)
TASCAM 122 MKIII Cassette Tape Deck
Three Tascam audiocassette decks can run simultaneously to increase digital capture throughput. The DPC can also digitize microcassettes.
JVC XD-Z507 Digital Audio Tape Deck
Plays DAT tapes, a format first introduced in 1987
Technics SL-1200 MK2 Direct Drive Turntable
Plays 33 rpm and 45 rpm vinyl records
MOTU 896 MK3 Audio Interface // Matchbox HD Amplifiers // Coleman Audio MS6 Audio Selector
Audio generated from the previously listed sources is routed through a series of interfaces: Matchbox amplifiers convert audio signals from unbalanced to balanced, and manage impedance. Sources are selected using the Coleman MS6, and then the MOTU 896 converts the analog signals to digital, which is routed to a Dell Precision 5820 Windows tower for capture. Audio levels are monitored during capture.
Audio Software
- Adobe Audition
- Steinberg Wavelab Pro
Audio Output Files
- Preservation: 24-bit/96 kHz WAV (.wav)
- Access: 128 Kbps MPEG-3 (.mp3)
Video Equipment
Sony SVO-5800 VHS Deck
Plays NTSC-encoded VHS and SVHS videotapes
Panasonic AG-1 VHS Deck
Plays internationally-encoded VHS tapes such as PAL and SECAM
Sony UVW-1800 and Sony J30SDI Betacam Decks
Plays Betacam, Betacam SP, Beta SX, MPEG/IMX and Digital Betacam
Sony BVU-950 U-Matic SP Deck
Plays NTSC-encoded 3/4-inch U-matic videotape, the first cassette-based format, introduced in 1971
Sony VO-9800P U-Matic SP Deck
Plays PAL-encoded 3/4-inch U-matic videotape
Sony HVR-M25U DV Deck
Plays DV and MiniDV videotapes
Blackmagic Design Smart VideoHub // Blackmagic Design SmartScope Duo // Blackmagic Design Analog to SDI Converters // Blackmagic Design UltraStudio HD Mini, Behringer Ultralink Pro MX882
Video generated from the previously listed sources (except for DV) is routed through a chain of devices, mostly manufactured by Blackmagic Design. First, the analog signal is monitored via waveform, vectorscope and decibel level displays, and then adjusted accordingly. The content is then converted from analog to digital, and routed via SDI > Thunderbolt to one of two Apple iMacs for FFV1 capture.
Video Software
- Adobe Premiere
- HandBrake
- Vrecord (FFV1)
Video Output Files
- Preservation: 10-bit FFV1 (.mkv)
- Access: 8-bit MPEG-4 (.mp4)
Disclaimer: The equipment and software listed above is a reflection of tools currently used in the Digital Production Center based on Duke University Libraries’ collection types and digitization needs. This list should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any manufacturer’s product.
Audiovisual Collection Highlights
Information updated February 2025
