Cylinders are mostly used with encoders, but what exactly is an encoder? With all the recent talk about standards-based cylinders and how important it is for data management, you’re probably thinking about this as well. And that’s understandable—they’re only designed to be used with data files with a specific format. But if you want to learn more about them and make the best decisions possible regarding your encoding needs on a per-project basis, then keep reading!
Cylinders in a nutshell
Essentially a cylinder is a file encoded with a specific encoding program. The program encodes one or multiple files as data that is easy to access from an encoder or computer. The cylinders are tagged (or marked) so the encoder knows what type of content should be decoded or read from them, which is why they are single-use only, making one file encode into only one format.
The cylinder acts as a stand-in for a file, meant to be played by an encoder to get the original content. At that point, the program will decode the information into usable information. This is done by inputting vitals, instructions, or metadata to read and interpret the content correctly. The output of this process is usually an encoded file format (aka a target).
The way that files are encoded is not only done for your convenience—the purpose of using this process is to ensure that you have high-quality final products. It eliminates human error during encoding and ensures data syncs between systems. The cylinders are your safety net to ensure that the files are transmitted and received properly.
Cylinders should be distinct from cartridges, as they are different things. Cartridges must be encoded by their own VRS encoders (Video Recorder System). Cylinders should only be used with encoders that work with this encoding type. An encoded cylinder will never work on a cartridge-based system.
Breaking down cylinders
Cylinders are created with encoders to reduce human error during encoding and ensure that conversions are done correctly. Cylinders are only made for the specific file format they encode, making their single use. As much as you may think you could play one file on the other, sometimes it’s not possible. This should prevent the need for a secondary device like a cartridge or rewritable disk.
Cylinders are not made to be used with cartridges. That being said, some programs work on both systems. It may be possible if you can use a cylinder with your VRS system or your encoder. It’s important to know that there is no way to guarantee this will work—there is no information on the cylinder label, and it’s not documented by the company that marketed the product.
When it comes to cylinders and the standards, some things are easier to understand when you realize how they function. Cylinders have their own set of instructions that sometimes aren’t easy to understand, so we’ll go over them here.
What makes up a cylinder?
Cylinders need to maintain a specific data set for your project to run smoothly. With this information, your conversion will be meaningful and require an additional step before creating any usable file. Here’s what every cylinder must have:
An encoder is the main part of the process and where everything gets recorded into data. The encoder is a program you run that encodes whatever information you are working on into this data cylinder. The encoder will then read the data and create an output file.
A label—the label is usually on the outside of the cylinder and is what you can see. Here, your encoder information is stored, such as which encoder was used and how long it took to encode the project. The labels also let you know what type of content is stored on them, so nothing gets confused or misunderstood at a later time.
A standard is the bottom line of your cylinder and how it gets converted. The main part of the cylinder allows for conversion to work and creates data for playback. There are different standards for each type of cylinder, so ensure you get the right one when working on a project.
Industry standards
If you want to use cylinders for your project and have mass-produced content, such as a Blu-ray disc or an HD file, then you will want to use an industry standard. The standards are usually set in place by the group that made the original data format, and they change over time based on new formats and changes to the system. This can be confusing at first, but it will make more sense once you understand the main players involved in this type of media.
Here’s what you need to know about standards:
A standard allows a particular type of cylinder to be used across different encoding programs. Think of it as the common pathway all cylinders must go through to be playable. The standards group creates the rules, and ensure you can use your content on a wide range of different encoders. These standards are usually connected with the organizations who created or worked on the original encoding software, which is why you will hear them referred to as an “industry standard.”
To use an industry standard, all you need is a program that allows for these cylinders since they are easy to find. The program will convert your data into a format that can be used by other programs such as yours. All you need is the right type of converter, and the file will run smoothly.
The best part about this system is that you can use all of your cylinders, regardless of your provider, on these industry standards. You don’t have to stay with one brand or stick with a certain type, and you don’t lose the quality that comes with your file. You convert it into a standard format and are good to go.
File-specific standards-based cylinders
This standard is usually created by the company that made your original data file to ensure that it works properly for their brand. Most of the time, file-specific standards are created during the creation of the original data and can’t be changed by anyone. Your file will always play back the way it was originally produced, no matter what encoder you use on a project.
To convert from a file-specific to an industry standard, you need to use an encoder that allows this conversion. Many companies and organizations create their encoders that work with only that brand or system, so you will need one to convert any movies or videos into your original data format. This could become an issue if you want to use your data on multiple platforms, so it’s important to understand this before going down the cylinders road.
To use file-specific cylinders, you need a program that will work with them. You convert the file into a standard format like an industry standard, and your final output is guaranteed to be the same as what you created.
The main advantage of working with cylinders is that they can be used in any format because they use industry standards. This allows for the playback of projects over many screens, including laptops and tablets, since these devices can easily read industry standards cylinders. The only real problem with the industry standard is that you sometimes have to buy the specific encoder needed to complete the conversion process. This can get expensive, depending on how often you use cylinders, but most companies will work with you to accommodate your needs, no matter how big or small.
