Friday, April 16, 2021

Vetting a transfer/digitizing company

Luckily there is an organization called The Association of Moving Image Archivists and they have a list of members that are a few steps above the standard run-of-the-mill companies offering digitizing services. Their website is here:

AMIA Website

They have a directory of members here:

AMIA Directory 

If you are trying to vet a company on your own, I suggest starting here. While there are non-member companies that could perform digitization work, unless you have solid references from people you trust I would be very skeptical. 

Another option is to have an independent consultant review your needs and then make recommendations. Of course, I prefer this method because it is something I do. As an independent consultant my only goal is to find the best solution. It is highly likely that any cost incurred paying a consultant is going to be offset by the savings associated with hiring the right company to do the work. The format, age and condition of an archive makes a big difference with regards to the company that will do the best job. Each tape format has its own set of quirks. 


Having a wall of machines with scopes, monitors, and patchbays looks impressive but it isn't the only criteria that should be used when selecting the right company for the job.


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