BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Hi all,

Just noticed this appearing in my inbox. It might be of interest to some.

https://www2.ppauctions.com/auction/...chives-phase-1

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Hmm, lots of mouthwatering stuff in that list.

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

I guess the archive has been fully digitised now, so there's no need for all the analogue kit.

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

There's some pretty special digital hardware in there too - anybody fancy a Sony multitrack digital tape recorder?

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Hammer price plus nearly 39% when you account for Premium & VAT...

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Yup - that is the way that auctioneers make money alas.

There are some nice things there, like two pairs of LS3/5A speakers.

Craig

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Some of the items will find keen buyers, but I suspect a lot of it will sell for little money. Obsolete pro kit doesn't have many uses.

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

"Tektronix TSG-170A NSTC television generator. Tascam"

Guy

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Is that an original DASH (Digital Audio Stationary Head) ?

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Yes, the PCM-3348 is a 48 track DASH recorder introduced in the late '80s. The earlier 24 track 3324 was introduced in '82.

John

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

I have used this auction house in the past to buy some old quantel equipment, and you're right, a lot of this technology doesn't hold its value, especially the early digital gear.

I can recommend the auction house, but I was as much interested in a mini tour of TVC in white city and the studio the equipment was stacked in, as I was in the equipment itself!

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

I like the Alice audo products, use one myself to boost microphone signals but their terms and conditions put me off even if I was able to get there.

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

No where near! there is probably more content than there are tape machines for many formats but the beeb doesn't deal with everything :p

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Absolutely - as you say, for most tape formats, there isn't enough head hours for the amount of material left to digitise. That's quite scary. We usually send our redundant machines to them for that reason - I don't know if other parts of the organisation check with Archives before releasing their old machines to auction, but I'd like to hope so...

I last visited them about a decade ago. It's an impressive operation.

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Does that mean the tape machines in the auction are likely to have high hours Mark?

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Yes, that would be the safest assumption ;)

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

I'm mildly elevated to see that the BBC have stepped away from the throw away ethos to some degree. Slightly surprised too.
Dave

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

All the broadcasters started putting serious resources into archives about 40 years ago, as they realised that this material had a significant and ongoing commercial value. Recordings do still get lost, but it's because of cockups or technical problems rather than any deliberate policy.

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

...or were you referring to the equipment?

Re: BBC archives phase 1 auction
 

Phase 2 is up. https://www.ppauctions.com/assets/au..._530956727.pdf