Silver Trak Digital to preserve 7,000 U-matic tapes for TAB NZ

Silver Trak Digital’s DAMsmart NZ division has been awarded a significant digitisation project for TAB NZ, involving the preservation of approximately 7,000 tapes from the TAB NZ archive. This extensive project follows an assessment and tender process and marks a major milestone in safeguarding decades of racing history. 

The archive includes footage dating back to the 1980s, much of it stored on U-matic tapes. The tapes were originally acquired when TAB launched its broadcasting platform, Action TV, in 1992, later rebranded as Trackside. In preparation for launching its own channel, TAB procured race vision libraries from independent contractors, using U-matic tapes as the primary broadcast medium until 1998, when the network transitioned to DVCPRO, its first digital tape format. 

Over the years, the U-matic tape library moved locations, starting at the TAB office in Petone, later relocating to Hamilton in 2014 when Trackside’s broadcast operations shifted to Auckland. The Auckland transition also saw the migration of digital content onto Grass Valley’s Status platform, preserving race footage dating back to 1998. 

However, the older U-matic collection lacked a viable digitisation pathway until TAB engaged Silver Trak Digital NZ to undertake the project. 

David Elder, General Manager of Silver Trak Digital NZ, emphasised the project’s importance, stating, “There are approximately 7,000 tapes in the archive containing decades of vital and treasured racing footage, and the archives are a valued resource that Trackside’s Maryanne Twentyman has been a driving force in seeking to preserve for future generations.

“We are delighted to have won this important project and that we can digitise and preserve these valuable assets for future generations.” 

The digitisation effort involves a comprehensive process, including cleaning, restoration, and playback using specialised U-matic machines. Some footage dates to the 1970s, encompassing an estimated 70,000 races. 

Silver Trak Digital has deployed its full expertise in media preservation, with the project slated for completion by 2025. Meanwhile, TAB NZ is exploring options to make this content accessible to the public, ensuring the legacy of New Zealand’s racing history is preserved and shared.