Data Interlinks for Digital Video File Types
In a bid to ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of digital video materials, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has established a comprehensive **Digital Video Preservation Plan** as part of the broader **Digital Preservation Framework**. This strategy involves the careful selection of appropriate codecs and container formats for video files to facilitate preservation and future access.
At the heart of NARA's preservation efforts is the adoption of the AVI container format for digital video. This choice is based on AVI's compatibility with numerous open-source tools like VLC and its suitability for preservation workflows.
NARA's commitment to transparency is evident in its Linked Open Data, which includes details on hundreds of file formats associated with various electronic records categories. This data encompasses specifications, standards, documentation, proposed preservation migration actions, and recommended tools for processing and preservation actions. The dataset, published in the Resource Description Framework (RDF) Turtle (.ttl) format, reflects NARA's current holdings, risk assessments, processing capabilities, and tools in use but is not exhaustive or universally applicable.
Each digital video format consists of a wrapper format and an encoding method or codec. Notable examples of formats included in NARA's Linked Open Data are the Audio Video Interleave Format (AVI), Apple Final Cut Pro Project, Apple Video file, and the AV1 Image File Format 1.1. The Advanced Systems Format is also included, although the specific version is unspecified.
In addition to digital video, Adobe After Effects projects are categorised under Digital Design and Vector Graphics, Digital Video, and Digital Audio. These projects are available in both binary and XML variants.
The Digital Video Preservation Plan also documents significant properties of digital video records, serving as test criteria for tools and processes used in format transformations.
For those interested, the details of each format associated with the Digital Preservation Framework can be found on NARA's website. Links to individual format records are provided for easy access.
This combined approach supports the responsible stewardship and continued usability of digital video and other electronic records within NARA’s preservation programs.
Technology plays a crucial role in NARA's Digital Video Preservation Plan, as it uses a variety of tools like VLC for handling data in AVI container format, a choice made for its compatibility with preservation workflows and open-source support. Moreover, NARA's commitment to transparency in preservation extends to data-and-cloud-computing, with the publication of detailed specifications and standards for various electronic record formats, including AVI, on their website.
