Frequently Asked Questions
General Overview
What is SAMMA?
SAMMA (System for Automated Migration of Media Assets) is
GrayMeta’s scalable, efficient solution for digitizing videotape content.
It facilitates high-quality conversion of analog or digital videotapes into any desired digital archive format while preserving critical technical metadata along with any existing content metadata.
Why is SAMMA important for archives?
SAMMA ensures that cultural, historical or community content isn’t just digitized, it’s preserved in its original form, with all available data, making it viable for additional metadata extraction for reuse, future reference, monetization opportunities and especially scholarly and educational access.
What types of organizations use SAMMA?
Libraries, broadcasters, national archives, universities, and research institutions have all benefited and continue to benefit from the scalable, high-quality system process.
How does SAMMA contribute to provenance and authenticity?
All assets can be digitized in their native aspect and condition while embedding the original timecode (usually LTC). SAMMA maintains this frame-accurate integrity and links each frame back to any source shot list or archive reference.
How does SAMMA work with metadata?
You can import external MAM, inventory Database or choose basic manual entry via SAMMA Prep software. All technical metadata, along with quality control data, is created and then stored as XML along with the digital video outputs.
Functionality and Features
What type of media formats does SAMMA digitize?
Cassette formats supported: 3/4”, DVCPro, D2, Beta (SP, SX, IMX, Digi, HDCAM, SR) and support for open reel 1” and 2” Quad as well.
What file formats are created during migration?
Highly customizable, beginning with standard archive outputs like JPEG2000, MXF, MOV, MKV/FFV1, output formats include proxy creation, conversions or other digital video formats as needed.
How are the output formats created?
The use of the InSync AE2020 Analysis Engine and GrayMeta encoders (TeleStream supported as well) ensures that the final digital files are of the highest possible quality in their native resolution or upconverted to a higher resolution or format.
Can SAMMA integrate with On-premises or cloud storage?
Yes. Video outputs from SAMMA can be stored in a variety of modern storage and file systems.
Is SAMMA a licensed software or hardware package?
It is both. SAMMA systems are sold in both 4-channel and 8-channel configurations that include a server along with all processing, analysis and conversion hardware. Several applications comprise the complete software package:
• SAMMA Prep (Tape prep and associate metadata)
• SAMMA Solo server (Operations, controls)
• SAMMA Eye (Utilizes Analysis Engine for Technical metadata and QC)
• SAMMA Stats (Metrics reporting from SAMMA db-Dashboard)
Are customization options available?
Yes. Once a system size is determined, GrayMeta works directly with our clients to tailor SAMMA configurations for videotape types, tape volume, output format needs, and metadata delivery workflows to finalize all operational setups for maximum efficiency.
What cost benefits does SAMMA provide?
Avoids potential and actual costs associated with loss and re-acquisition of media content, physical storage space and real estate costs including climate control expenses.
The true benefit is to avoid the loss of valuable (irreplaceable) historical or cultural moments and events stored on those videotapes.
Does a SAMMA system require a lot of technical knowledge?
NO. Once GrayMeta configures your system, operators can be easily trained. Usually, current staff, interns, or temporary hires can easily manage the day-to-day workload. GrayMeta provides training for all operational tasks. Ongoing technical support from GrayMeta is included with your system.
Is SAMMA scalable?
Yes. Whether you’re dealing with a few hundred tapes or tens of thousands, GrayMeta will advise you each step-of-the-way so that your system can be scaled to meet different project sizes and timelines. This scalability makes SAMMA an ideal option for organizations of all sizes, providing them with the flexibility to tackle their migration projects with a reasonable and accurate prediction of both costs and time required.
Can SAMMA be automated?
Yes. There are several installations around the world that use SAMMA robots for 24/7 operations where the volume of tapes and timeline are challenging.