Archival Strategies for Immersive Media Preservation

This technical report discusses the Immersive Archive initiative, which focuses on preserving and restoring significant works from the history of Extended Reality (XR). Originating at the University of Southern California, the archive aims to develop simulations of influential XR devices, particularly Morton Heilig's Sensorama and Ivan Sutherland's Head-Mounted Display (HMD). The report outlines the challenges faced in archiving these seminal technologies and details the collaborative efforts with institutions such as the HMH Moving Image Archive and the Computer History Museum. It emphasizes the importance of documentation practices, restoration of artifacts, and the creation of simulations for contemporary virtual reality platforms. The interdisciplinary approach adopted by the Immersive Archive seeks to capture the multisensory and interactive qualities of these pioneering devices, establishing a framework for future preservation initiatives. By safeguarding the essence of early immersive experiences, the initiative aims to ensure that future generations can explore the origins of immersive media and understand its evolution.