Character position definition and scope:

A one-character alphabetic code indicates the playback characteristics for sound recordings.  Special playback characteristics include special equipment or equalization necessary for proper playback.  This code is not used to indicate special processes used during recording unless those processes must be applied during playback.  Codes should be used only if the item in hand includes a clear indication that special playback characteristics are required.  A fill character ( | ) is used when no attempt has been made to code this position.

Record requirements for National-level and Minimal-level records:  Optional.

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Code:

Description:

a

NAB standard

b

CCIR standard

c

Dolby-B encoded

d

dbx encoded

e

Digital recording

f

Dolby-A encoded

g

Dolby-C encoded

h

CX encoded

n

Not applicable  Item does not have special playback characteristics.

u

Unknown  Special playback characteristics of the item are not known.

z

Other  Special playback characteristics for which none of the other defined codes is applicable.

|

No attempt to code

Content designator history:

Character position 10 (Recording and reproduction characteristics) was moved to position 12 when field 007 was restructured in 1981.

To return, select:

007:  Sound recording

007  Physical Description Fixed Field