FEATURES

THE  APRS RECORDING INFORMATION COLLECTION INITIATIVE

RICi proposes that full and accurate reporting is feasible and is more likely, if the required data - metadata to the actual content - is gathered at source.

APRS can see how a single entry `correct-at-source' principle, applied at the point of origination, will be the best way to gather the metadata required for proper archiving and the identification of the rights in play in any particular recorded work. This facilitates good asset management, allowing ready access to material for re-formatting, for instance, as well as properly informing audit trails. It must be a priority to standardize the gathering of information which will allow usage to create revenue.

To agree the value of this concept and reach consensus on the design of the solution is a positive response to the government's declared objective of making UK a centre of excellence in e-commerce.

Launched by the APRS at their Recording Technology exhibition in June '99, The Recording Information Collection Initiative (RICi) is a project designed to address the problem of collecting accurate 'metadata' � data about data, in the recording process.

In the context of an audio recording, metadata means the technical and contributor information needed for asset management and rights administration. The handling of rights issues may differ, for instance between Applied Music and product selected by end-users for listening entertainment, but asset identification, protection and the logging of usage remain key issues in a global market increasingly based on digital diffusion.

Historically, the approach to collecting recordings metadata in the phonographic world has been patchy, often relying upon various disparate sources of information several stages removed from the recording process.

The RICi project aims to provide verified recordings data automatically from the source of the recording activity � the studio or facility
where origination occurs. This would include providing recording performers with ID numbers, which may be carried on 'smart cards' for regular session players. Card readers and database management software may be set up to interact with recording console data systems and audio suites. A web accessed database, managed to protect the security, veracity and commercial sensitivity of its information will provide a single source of 'authority data' from which the representatives of each interested party can select the data fields it requires.

The RICi team are planning to liase with the trade associations serving the various clients groups � including PCAM, IPA etc. - to agree specific data sets. These data sets will be collected, collated and made available to address their particular requirements, be they performers, record companies, publishers, archivists, broadcasters or service providers.

The APRS, which is directing the project, is in consultation with the EU metadata group <Indecs>, as well as the various music industry sectors, to ensure that the RICi protocols fit-in with a broader 'National Digital Archive' structure.