Toward a Universal Data Format for the Preservation of Media

Dave MacCarn

There is a significant need for a Universal Preservation Format (UPF), designed specifically for digital technologies, that can store compound content (not only media itself but also information about it) so that the content can be accessed easily both today and into the indefinite future. The UPF could break the bond between the recording format and the machine through which the format is accessed. — This paper points out some existing technology that could be used, and is intended to provide a basis for industry discussion toward producing a universal preservation format.

Published
1996-10
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/M00117
ISBN
978-1-61482-925-6