StaffGuide: Research Services in Special Collections

A/V Conversions: General Workflow

A/V Conversions Requests:

  1. Print the callslip and retrieve the item to be reproduced.
  2. Review the item to ensure it falls within the category of possible conversions (DVD, audio cassette, VHS, reel-to-reel, LP).
  3. Process the request in Aeon.
    1. In Aeon, move the request to "Initiate Photoduplication" queue.
  4. Convert materials in the conversion room
    1. Before converting materials: ensure machines have been cleaned and are safe for use and conduct a preservation review of the materials to be converted (contact Preservation Department if you are unsure if it is safe to convert). 
  5. When conversion is complete, edit file to trim excess recording.
  6. Export two files: access and preservation:
    1. audio: access (.mp3), preservation (.wav)
    2. visual: access (.mp4), preservation (.mov)
  7. Rename the files using the following convention: MC/MS #_box#_item/folder# (include series # if box number starts over with every series).
  8. In Box, upload the files to av conversions in the Reproductions folder and fill out the av conversions spreadsheet.
  9. In Box, create a sub-directory with the patron's full name (direct- first then last) in the Reproductions>access copies directory, and upload the converted file to the new sub-directory.
  10. In the new patron sub-directory, add the patron as a collaborator and copy the share link.
  11. In Aeon, generate an invoice and deliver the item to the patron.
  12. Reshelve items.

How do I convert a Reel-to-Reel to Digital?

  1. Go to the Multimedia Media Lab.
  2. Locate the conversion station labeled Audio Conversion Station.
  3. To begin your project you will need to log in using your UARK credentials.
  4. Connect AV cables (red and white) to the Roxio Media Player, and then to the “Line Out” sockets on the back of the reel-to-reel player.
  5. Set up the reel on the player.
    (Helpful tip: Ensure the metal bits are fully tightened over the reels. If they are not tight, the reel can come off of the player).
  6. Turn the power on, and flip the switch to “Play” and then press the —> button to start playing the reel and test the audio on the reel.
    (Helpful tip: If you need to fast forward or rewind the reel, flip the switch to “Fast” and hit either the —> or the <— button. To pause the reel, flip the switch to the “Pause” setting. There is also a “Stop” button which does not require the switch.)
  7. Rewind the reel to the beginning.
  8. Open Audacity and hit “Record”, then begin playing the reel. It will need to play through the entire reel.
  9. Once it has finished playing, stop recording in Audacity and then pause or stop the reel.
  10. If there is any extra time at the end of the audacity recording, highlight the blank area of the file and delete it.
  11. Using the “Effect” tab, make any other needed edits to the track, such as Amplification or Noise Reduction.
  12. Export it as a .mp3 and .wav file.
  13. Name the file using the this naming convention: MC/MS #_box#_item/folder# or title (include series # if box number starts over with every series).
  14. Rewind the reel and remove it from the player.

How do I convert VHS & DVD to Digital?

  1. Go to the Multimedia Media Lab.
  2. Locate the conversion station labeled Video Conversion Station.
  3. To begin your project you will need to log in using your UARK credentials.

Creating the file

  1. Open Elgato Conversion Software.
  2. Name the file using the following naming convention: MC/MS #_box#_item/folder# or title (include series # if box number starts over with every series), and select a recording time.
    (Helpful Tip: If the run time is known, add 5 seconds to it.  If the run time is unknown, setting the time to 240 minutes is a safe bet.)
  3. Hit “Next”.
  4. Insert the VHS/DVD into the player and hit “Play."
    (Helpful Tip: You should see a blue or black screen and the words “Play” appear in the player in Elgato. If you do not, check the AV cable connection from the VCR/DVD player to Elgato and try again. Leave the settings as they are.)
  5. When you see the video playing in the player, hit “Next.
  6. If the VHS/DVD has audible levels of dialogue/music, the player will have green-to-yellow bars in the volume spectrum. Hit “Next.”
  7. You will want to start the recording from the beginning. Once the film is at the starting screen, hit “Start Recording” in Elgato, then hit “Play.
    (Helpful Tip: If you need to leave while the film is recording, please tell the Multimedia staff at the desk in Hodges Reading Room so that they can ensure that the recording is not interrupted.)
  8. When done, hit “Stop Recording”.
  9. Use the light gray slider to run through the film and see if there is any extra time or edits needed. Using the dark gray sliders, trim the film to the appropriate length.
  10. Hit “Continue” to export the film file to Libraries\Video.

Editing in Nero

  1. Open Nero 2018.
  2. Select “Nero Video” under Edit & Convert.
  3. Select “Advanced Movie” under Edit & Convert.
  4. Delete the default file which will appear under My Media and Videos.
  5. Import your file. If any further editing to length is needed, adjust the time using the “Cut” tool and snip out what is not needed.
  6. Click “Next”.
  7. Change the file format from AVC to M-PEG4. Change the location of the file to wherever is necessary. Click “Next”.   

How do I convert a CD to Digital file?

  1. Go to the Multimedia Media Lab.
  2. Locate the conversion station labeled Audio Conversion Station.
  3. To begin your project you will need to log in using your UARK credentials.
  4. Once all needed files have been created as digital files, open Nero 2018.
  5. Under Rip & Burn, select Nero Express.
  6. Under Music, select “Jukebox Audio CD”.(Helpful Tip: Ignore the title of the CD for now as you will be able to change it on the next screen.)
  7.  Add whatever files are needed.
  8. Once they have finished loading, hit “Next”.
  9. Enter the name of your CD and the number of copies needed.  (Helpful tip: Only 16 characters are allowed for a CD name, including spaces).
  10. Burn the items to your CD.

How do I convert cassette to digital?

  1. Go to the Multimedia Media Lab.
  2. Locate the conversion station labeled Audio Conversion Station.
  3. To begin your project you will need to log in using your UARK credentials.
  4. Power on the cassette player and insert the tape. Make sure headphones are plugged into the player.
  5. Play the tape to ensure audio levels are acceptable.
  6. Connect the AV cables (red and white) from the cassette player to the Roxio Media Device
    (Helpful tip: The Roxio Media Device is a black USB connected to the left side of the computer).  
  7. Open Audacity.
  8. Make sure settings are on Line (Roxie Video Capture USB) & 2 (Stereo) Recording Channel)
  9. Hit the “Record” button in Audacity.
  10. Let the program sit for a few moments, then hit the “Play” button on the cassette player.
  11. Once playing, the cassette player will automatically record both sides of the tape. When finished, the cassette player will stop automatically.
  12. Stop the recording in Audacity.
  13. If there is any extra time at the end of the audacity recording, highlight the blank area of the file and delete it.
  14. Using the “Effect” tab, make any other needed edits to the track, such as Amplification or Noise Reduction.
  15. When finished, click “File” tab
  16. Click Export (do NOT use Save). Export as an .mp3 and a .wav file.