Version control for video editing work

Question

I am studying the backup process that the animation team uses. Currently, they back up their work to external hard drives or DVDs manually, completely copying everything. The data consists of thousands of high-resolution images, project files of various programs for editing video and sound files. Basically, all this is binary data, and nothing should merge during validation.

Should I research version control systems that I will use as a software developer (Subversion, GIT, etc.), or is there a class of version control systems designed for non-SW data that are better suited to these needs?

Answer 1

If your scope is just “backup,” I would say stick with backup solutions.

But if you think about the entire life cycle of the animator, then the type of use usually refers to "Digital Asset Management" for the reasons you are talking about: huge amounts of data; binary formats.

Since version control (SCM) software is usually designed for text files that can be diff'd and combined, they usually do not do so well with large binary formats. Although your average web graphics will not be a problem for (software) version control tools, you mentioned a video that puts you in a different league.

The bad news (maybe it depends on your business) is that DAM is dominated by the big end of the city. @Atmospherian mentioned AlienBrain , who is a good representative of a niche offer for artists. At the other end of the spectrum, you have general-purpose offers such as Oracle UCM (formerly Stellent). However, make sure you check the price tags.

Alternatives are available with open source or lower cost, but I do not know them, sorry.

What, apparently, is very common is individual internal decisions. Unlike code management, when changes to the files themselves matter, digital asset management tends to focus on metadata (image / video is just the blob associated with it). And since, as many stores have their own production process, this makes the territory mature for programming some skunkworks (if this is your bent - go for it!).

Therefore, while I do not recommend any specific products, I suggest that if you think that “digital asset management” rather than “version control” in intelligence for solutions, you will probably find answers that are more suitable for your needs.

Answer 2

You can also check out AlienBrain . His project asset management system designed for artists.

Answer 3

Your question is a bit unclear - you seem to have version control and backup.

If you want to manage versions, look at the Wikipedia list: Comparison of version control software . This shows most of the well-known version control systems and their main functions. You are looking for something where you can customize it to get the user to check before editing. Keep in mind that commercial solutions range in price from moderately expensive to "Do you want HOW much?"

If you want to use backup software, I would start with a list of backup software on wikipedia. There are many more options on the backup market, and there are many price points.

In any case, the figure is in creating the admin position (either as part of someone else’s work, or as a new person as a whole, if you're big enough). I worked with backup and version control systems that did not have an administrator, and this is a problem. Either no one cares about the problems, or everyone gets their fingers there and really twists things. In any case, turning him into someone else's job (officially) is the best way to limit the damage.

Answer 4

I think Clearcase will work for you. The reason is that it is all VOB (VersionedObject), no matter what it is! Check once

Answer 5

From your description, it looks like you are doing well with basic backup software such as Retrospect . Using daily backups of workstations, only data backups will be backed up and it will be easy to revert to an earlier version of the file if necessary.

What you do not get from such an installation is the ability to check / verify files and receive conflict warnings.

Answer 6

Vidyatel has editing software that can compile video content and find the difference between video versions based only on video. The result is in EDL / TC.

This can help.

Answer 7

You should take a look at boar . This is exactly what you want, "version control and backup of photos, videos and other binary files." This is version control designed for large binary files.