The purpose of this product is to mitigate risk for loss of information. This file is at an appropriate information capture level to substitute for the original record if the original record copy is no longer viable.

All ONT, DNT and MPT soundtrack elements

• in an advanced stage of deterioration as demonstrated by a determination of “High” or above on the At Risk Assessment Guide and
• where a preservation film element cannot be created by photochemical means and
• all possible significant auditory information is carried forward.

Image Data

• DPX (Digital Picture Exchange) as defined by SMPTE 268M-1994
• Uncompressed
• Version 1

Image Data

• Bit Depth: 10 Bit
• Resolution: 2K (2048X1556)
• Color space: 4:4:4
• Color model: RGB
• Byte order: Big endian

Typical file size:~ 17 GB/minute or 1 TB/hour

This product is used to make DPX preservation masters.

Due to its very large file size, it is not accessed directly by researchers and only sent to vendors under certain circumstances.

The image data in this product is is integrated with WAV audio data for reproduction masters and distribution copies.

Using automated batch-processing software tools, test plans are developed for each format and/or each appropriate project. The test plan allows for some characteristics to be evaluated on an actionable basis (warning, fail or pass depending on the defined parameters). Others are logged for internal use but are not actionable as a warning, pass or fail. Aim points for these benchmarks are evaluated against NARA's product specifications as well as NARA defined aim points which may change depending on specific project goals. The following represents a typlical quality test plan for selected technical characteristics for DPX products. Test plans are limited by software capabilities. NARA is continuing to improve and refine its QC processes.

Terms used in the QC protocols are defined in the Glossary of Terms.

For digital products created from film-based source material, the specifications are dictated by the source material’s original characteristics including format and condition. Materials in advanced stages of deterioration as measured on the At Risk Assessment Guide are scanned to include all the available visual information within a DPX sequence for future software that can visually decode soundtracks.