ORF detected a defective collection of MXF files. Those files came from an earlier mass migration project of SD video tapes. In total, about eight thousand hours of video material were affected to a degree that no further usage was possible.

Re-ingestion of the original video tapes was not an option because of cost and time constraints. ORF was looking for a software solution that is capable to repair the damaged files. After an exhaustive search, ORF discovered the product range of Cube-Tec International.

ORF sent a representative subset of damaged files to Cube-Tec for pre-investigation. Cube- Tecs engineers were able to analyse the origin and symptomatic of the occurring errors. As a result, an adapted version of MXF Legalizer with the customized repair functionality has been developed. This version can now fully automatically detect the occurring errors in different combinations, in the MXF container as well as in the MPEG data stream. With this new procedure, errors are fixed selectively, and at the same time the files are wrapped into fully standard-compliant MXF format. Neither re-encoding nor re-wrapping would have solved these problems. Transcoding was no option, because of the quality reasons, re-ingest would have been the only alternative.

For a final check, every single MXF file has to pass a check with IRT MXF Analyser, which automatically analyses the file for standard conformity. Results are evaluated automatically, and only if they are satisfactory, files are released for long-term preservation.

Additionally, an MD5-checksum is created to allow easy independent checks of the file integrity at any time. The progress of the repair process as well as results of the file checks are automatically monitored and reported monthly in consolidated form directly to the ORF. Because of the massive volume of the data, the repair process takes place at a service provider commissioned by ORF. The progress of the repair and migration process is continuously monitored by the Cube-Tec team via remote supervision.

With regards to the positive experience gained throughout this process and the ever increasing problems with MXF interoperability, the ORF decided to purchase Cube-Tecs MXF Legalizer as an addition to the QC products already installed. This step should further secure internal quality standards. Highly qualified technical personnel should no longer be blocked by increasing investigations with MXF issues and tedious checks of MXF interoperability problems.

The multitude of file formats, codecs and wrappers leads to great uncertainty when evaluating video files and their usability in the future. Creation of a file archive of the “national memory” needs a thorough look at long term compatibility. With Cube-Tec we found a highly specialized technology provider that is able to supply highly interesting solutions regarding file-based quality management. An example: Previously failed migrations with defects in the essence data stream can be saved with the solution of Cube-Tec. Costly re-ingestion is made obsolete.
- Roman Meßmer, Production Systems, Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF)

Embedding IRT MXF Analyser in the Cube-Tec MXF Legalizer opens the possibility for an instant and automatic repair of errors that are detected by IRT MXF Analyser. This synthesis of products promises a high practical value for the user.
- Dr. Rainer Schäfer, Business Manager Television, Institut für Rundfunktechnik (IRT)

As a specialized solution provider for quality management in file-based media workflows, we want to support our clients to solve complex problems with new techniques, in a cost-effective way. Our MXF Legalizer is the first product in the market that is able to fully automatically eliminate complex interoperability issues in MXF files as well as ensure standards conformity. Through adaptive rules, MXF Legalizer is even able to automatically fix new types of errors. An automatic repair of MXF files is by far the most cost-effective way to gain control of your exploding MXF file libraries. MXF Legalizer is the result of multiple years of research and contribution in different standardisation committees.
- Jörg Houpert, Head of Technology, Cube-Tec International GmbH