LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - March 22, 2011) - Officials of Advanced Digital Services (ADS) today restated concerns about industry reliance on tape as a medium for transferring, storing and archiving digital content. Citing the loss of tapes and production capacity related to the Japan disaster, ADS officials noted that media companies recognize the challenge but need reliable, trusted information on alternatives.
All-digital media -- which eliminates the need for tape -- offers a cost-effective, reliable approach to media storage that can be deployed rapidly. ADS, which has a significant US market share in distribution, archival, and production services involving tape, remains in a strong position to maintain continuous support for existing and new customers, regardless of their plans to transition to all-digital media.
All-digital distribution, archiving and production automates processes from transcoding through production, delivery and archival of media. Because the process is "end-to-end" digital, no intervening manual processes are required, eliminating time-intensive production of media to tape and the resulting risk of errors. All-digital processes have also been shown to reduce production costs dramatically, while providing security, accuracy and accountability in media production.
ADS's digital media production is built around a hosted digital asset management system that provides strict control of media flows, ensures security, and reduces time to delivery. The system provides a comprehensive view of each media asset, through every stage of production, and allows customers to set security and usage rights that protect access to each asset -- all from a single computer console.
"Customers need to know how their valued media assets are being handled," said Thomas Engdahl, president and CEO of ADS. "For companies that lack that assurance now, the adoption of digital media production may be the best alternative."
Customers Can Go Digital Without Disruption to Existing Operations
ADS has announced a "Go Digital" program that will allow media companies to "go tapeless" by making a quick, cost-effective transition to reliable digital workflows. As incentives, ADS will waive initial set-up fees; reduce pricing to encode, store and deliver customer content; and, on request, archive all media on the company's ADSX digital asset management system until the tape shortage ends.
"Our commitment is to make the move to digital easy, while providing customers the assurance that their media will be available in their preferred format," said Engdahl. For customers who wish to store their data digitally with ADS, ADS will later burn their content to tape and will waive all labor and delivery charges.
ADS to Aid in Japan Relief
ADS also noted that the program will help in Japan relief efforts. "We are deeply concerned about the plight of the Japanese people and are committed to helping with funding relief during this crisis," said Andy McIntyre, chairman of ADS. ADS will donate three percent of digital workflow revenue to Japan disaster relief and will assume all administrative fees.
Top Priority: Business Continuity
ADS maintains a corporate commitment to helping media companies maintain business continuity. Because shortages can occur not just through a national disaster, but because of sudden, unanticipated industry demand or a material scarcity, ADS's emergency-preparedness plan has always anticipated and prepared for such unforeseeable circumstances. "We are highly confident that we can meet customer demand, even in an extended shortage," said Engdahl.
Digital media workflows can also coexist with tape-based workflows, easing any customer concerns about moving to digitally stored media, either as a trial or full adoption.
For more information on the ADS "Go Digital" program, contact ADS at (323) 468-2200 or godigital@adshollywood.com.
About Advanced Digital Services
ADS (Advanced Digital Services) is a leading global provider of value-added, best-in-class post-production services that include standard definition/high definition, digital new media, restoration, duplication, digital asset management, encoding and electronic delivery services to the media and entertainment industry. The company employs many of the industry's elite "craftsmen," and its highly skilled personnel possess significant industry experience and knowledge. ADS provides 24/7 audio and video post-production services, delivering the industry's highest quality movie trailers, electronic press kits ("EPKs"), episodic television programming, motion pictures and television spot advertisements. With a complete end-to-end digital workflow built to maximize flexibility, efficiency and quality, ADS serves the most respected and recognized motion picture and television studios, media and entertainment companies and advertising agencies in the United States and abroad.
ADS's customer-centered approach to projects results in the delivery of consistent high-quality assets, on time and on budget. For more information, contact 323.468.2200 or visit www.adshollywood.com.
ADS and Advanced Digital Services are trademarks of Advanced Digital Services, Inc.
Contact Information:
Editorial Contact:
Gary Good
Trainer Communications
ads@trainercomm.com
(707) 837-1718