Enabling access to sound archives through integration, enrichment and retrieval

Many digital sound archives still suffer from tremendous problems concerning access. Materials are often in different formats, with related media in separate collections, and with non-standard, specialist, incomplete or even erroneous metadata. Thus, the end user is unable to discover the full value of the archived material. EASAIER addresses these issues with the development of an innovative remote access system which extends beyond standard content management and retrieval systems. The EASAIER system has been designed with sound archives, libraries, museums, broadcast archives, and music schools in mind. However, the tools may be used by anyone interested in accessing archived material; amateur or professional, regardless of the material involved. Furthermore, it enriches the access experience enabling the user to experiment with the materials in exciting new ways. The system features; enhanced cross media retrieval functionality, multi-media synchronisation, audio and video processing, analysis and visualisation tools, all combined within in a single user configurable interface.