DiCA-CSC
Digitization and Active Preservation of the Audiovisual Archive of the Centro di Sonologia Computazionale
Funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU
Audio Innova Srl, a spin-off of the University of Padua and of the Centro di Sonologia Computazionale (CSC), is carrying out the project DiCA-CSC (Digitization and Active Preservation of the audiovisual archive of the Centro di Sonologia Computazionale) under the PNRR M1C3 – Investment 3.3 – TOCC Digitale program, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Culture and managed by Invitalia.
The initiative aims to safeguard, digitize and enhance one of the most important Italian audiovisual collections devoted to electronic and electroacoustic music and to computer music, preserving documents of exceptional historical, artistic and scientific value.
Project goals
The project includes:
- Physical restoration and safekeeping of historical audiovisual media
- High-quality digitization of magnetic tapes, DAT, VHS and other obsolete formats
- Advanced digital preservation according to international standards
- Preservation copies with complete metadata
- A digital platform to consult and manage the content
- Remote access to the archival heritage for scholars, researchers and specialist audiences
Technological innovation
DiCA-CSC is a pioneering project in the digital humanities, applying innovative technologies based on:
- IEEE and MPAI standards for the advanced preservation of audio recordings
- Artificial intelligence systems that automatically identify critical issues in magnetic media
- New methods for the active preservation of sound heritage
- Digital solutions for inclusive access and cultural outreach
Cultural and scientific impact
With DiCA-CSC, materials so far available only on site can be consulted in digital form, supporting:
- Musicological research
- The preservation of cultural heritage
- Collaboration between archives
- Scientific output
- New educational and outreach opportunities
- Environmental sustainability, thanks to reduced physical preservation needs
A platform for the future of sound memory
The digital platform developed within the project is available at:
https://panel.archives.media/login
An investment in innovation, culture and accessibility
DiCA-CSC is an advanced model of digital transition applied to cultural heritage, helping to protect Italian and international creative heritage, in line with the innovation, sustainability and inclusion goals of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Audio Innova thus continues its commitment to the research, development and enhancement of technologies for digital cultural preservation.