Imaging of Laterally and Vertically Grooved Analog Audio Recordings
Background: Analog audio recordings of cylinders and phonograph disks are at risk for loss as they deteriorate, exfoliate, or break. In addition, standard playback techniques using stylus or other tactile systems can in themselves cause change. The Library of Congress, in collaboration with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, has pursued the develop imaging systems to use 2 and 3 dimensional scanning techniques to capture sound from laterally and vertically grooved analog sound recordings.
Contributing Study:
IRENE project for two-dimensional scanning of laterally grooved analog
sound recordings (http://irene.lbl.gov/)
Project Description: A prototype machine has been developed to scan laterally grooved sound recordings. The prototype is being tested by the Preservation Research and Testing Division prior to deployment to the National Audiovisual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia. The device (called the IRENE machine) has been used not only to successfully capture laterally grooved disks, but also phonautograms.
Outcomes/Findings:
- Scanning can be accomplished in real time
- Scanned images are stored as digital wave files
- A program is underway to develop a three-dimensional scanning device for vertically-grooved sound recordings, such as cylinders (http://www.imls.gov/news/2007/092007.shtm)
Support:
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories
- Library of Congress Library Services
- National Endowment for the Humanities
Acknowledgements: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories
Update and Images:
September 2007: IMLS funds the development of the #-D scanner