The National Archives Catalog

Sound Type

Mandatory	Repeatable	Data Type	Authority	Level Available	A/V Only	Public Element
No	No	Variable Character Length (30)	Sound Type Authority List	Series File Unit Item	Yes	Yes

Definition:

The identification of the sound characteristics (absence or presence of sound) of audiovisual materials.

Purpose:

Informs users of the sound characteristics of the motion picture or video recording being described.

Relationship:

This element is independent.

Guidance:

Choose the correct term for the audiovisual materials from the Sound Type Authority List.

Use "Silent" for audiovisual materials recorded without sound.

Use "Sound" for audiovisual materials recorded with sound.

Use "Silent and Sound" for audiovisual materials partially recorded with sound and partially recorded without sound. The bulk of the materials should be silent.

Use "Sound and Silent" for audiovisual materials partially recorded with sound and partially recorded without sound. The bulk of the materials should be sound.

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