From: "Glenn Meadows" 

That's what I'm talking about, the original source recordings.

The metal parts, typically refer to old phonograph records, and were both
the nickel "negative" (ridges sticking out), and the nickel
"mother", same as the cut lacquer disk.  Those are only good for
so long, unless stored coated in a wax sealing to keep them from oxidizing.
Then, there's the issue of storing them for ever, which most record plants
would recycle the nickel.

On the CD's, there are Glass masters, which are like the nickel masters
mentioned above.  Except for CD's, DVD's, the substrate material is glass,
something far smoother to work with.

For re-use, you can actually use any commercial CD to get the data/music
from.  DVD's are a bit more difficult if you want to extract part of the
content.  You can get the video/audio via various means, but the menus
typically can't be extracted again, including the navigation menu tree.
(links to content on the disk).  At least none of the high power authoring
facilities are able to recreate content that way.  As long as the disk is
not content scrambled, nor a dual layer disk, most plants can replicate the
DVD for additional release.

The original source masters though, are a whole different ball game.  The
formats are all over the place, typically based on the choice of either the
studio, or producer, in what equipment they use.  Many people are now using
ProTools, a fully HD based system.  BUT, the storage mediums used do vary
as well.  some people turn the HD themselves, others supply DLT or AIT
tape. Then there's the need to know what version of the software was used,
so when you restore it, you've got a better chance of getting the info to
play.

Then if it's on a digital multi-track format, (open reel), there are 3 or 4
of those, all mutually incompatible.  There are semi-pro machines, and tons
of proprietary format small format digital machines, all used to record
masters.  It's a real nightmare to be able to pull the multi-tracks out 5,
10, 20 years later to re-use them.

Many times, re-use will be for a film, and they want the original tracks,
just so they can do special re-mixes of the music, that's different than
the original record.  If you can't get access to, or be able to play those
tapes, it could be a big loss of licensing fees.

Glenn

--

Glenn M.
"Mike N."  wrote in message
news:846rp2htr43dna7r4vd67idfq28t163e06{at}4ax.com...
> On Thu, 4 Jan 2007 16:48:53 -0600, "Glenn Meadows"

> wrote:
>
>> as well as being able to read the old
>>formats chosen years ago to record with.
>
>   I'm not familiar with any of this, but I was under the impression that
> at some point, a metal master disc was created.   Does anyone archive
> original studio tapes / disc?

--- BBBS/NT v4.01 Flag-5