Format shifting
Encyclopedia
Format shifting is the conversion of media files into different formats. This may be required to play the media on different devices, for example when converting or ripping
audio files on CDs into digital formats such as MP3
. Other media shifting processes include time shifting
, a process whereby a radio or television broadcast is recorded and played back at a different time, and space shifting
where media is stored on one device and can be accessed from another place through another device.
in a work ends the original work may have disintegrated or deteriorated to such an extent that the cost of preservation increases.
Ripping
Ripping is the process of copying audio or video content to a hard disk, typically from removable media. The word is used to refer to all forms of media. Despite the name, neither the media nor the data is damaged after extraction....
audio files on CDs into digital formats such as MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
. Other media shifting processes include time shifting
Time shifting
Time shifting is the recording of programming to a storage medium to be viewed or listened to at a time more convenient to the consumer. Typically, this refers to TV programming but can also refer to radio shows via podcasts....
, a process whereby a radio or television broadcast is recorded and played back at a different time, and space shifting
Space shifting
Space shifting , also known as place shifting , allows media, such as music or films, which is stored on one device to be accessed from another place through another device. Space shifting is frequently done through computer networks, for example by viewing a television broadcast from a WiFi...
where media is stored on one device and can be accessed from another place through another device.
Archiving and preservation
Format shifting is central to preservation and archiving, particularly for sound recordings and films. In addition to efforts to preserve works created in deteriorating formats format shifting is also necessary to keep works accessible. As technology develops the technical formats get outdated and the technology necessary for accessing original formats is no longer available. Copyright law may not allow libraries and archives to format shift for preservation and archiving purposes. By the time copyright termCopyright term
Copyright term is the length of time copyright subsists in a work before it passes into the public domain.- Length of copyright:Copyright subsists for a variety of lengths in different jurisdictions. The length of the term can depend on several factors, including the type of work Copyright term is...
in a work ends the original work may have disintegrated or deteriorated to such an extent that the cost of preservation increases.