Who is a Registrant?

The Registrant for an A/V work is normally its producing entity. ISAN acquisition forms part of a strategy to manage effectively the A/V asset, including the administration of rights, permissions and payments, and, identification and tracking of use of the A/V work (both authorized and unauthorized).

There are many others in the value chain though – not all will be registrants – who will be interested in ISAN. Actual users and supporters around the world already include:

• Broadcasters such as HBO, NHK, and Discovery
• Broadcast standard setters such as SMPTE and ATSC
• Software companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and Harris
• Optical media standards such as AACS for Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD
• Content platforms such as Xbox, iTunes, and Zune
• Production studios such as Sony Picture Entertainment, Fox, Paramount, Universal, and Disney
• National Film Agencies such as the CNC, UK Film Council, and Film Finances Australia
• Societies such as AGICOA and CISAC
• In Canada, producers such as the National Film Board and Epitome Pictures

I want an ISAN for my A/V work. What do I do next?

Step one: Complete the application to become a Registrant.
Go to Create an Account

Step two: Get approved.
ISAN Canada will process your application and set you up with an account.

Step three: Use the system.
Log in and register your A/V work to receive an ISAN online.
As a Registrant, you also have the same privileges as a Reader so you can do look-ups in the database.

It’s that easy.

I have an ISAN for my A/V work. What do I do with it?

You’ve received an ISAN because you have the capacity to permanently attach or link that ISAN to the specific A/V work that it identifies.

In its basic human readable 24-digit form, it can be used in contracts and other documents, on credits and titles, in program guides and catalogues, on labels, posters, packaging, or anywhere else that information about the work is presented.

The use of a numeric system eliminates language barriers, and simplifies database searches and data exchange.

Example: ISAN 153C-7365-B36F-844C-7-8734-9420-T

ISAN can also be affixed to packaging and labeling as a two-dimensional bar code or a high capacity colour barcode. This facilitates tracking of merchandise, and can offer enhanced piracy protection through the use of special inks.

ISAN can be encoded in digital audio or video fingerprints or watermarks, as well as in broadcast or Internet video streams, facilitating rights management and tracking of electronic uses.

For more on this see:
ISAN FAQs
ISAN Implementation in Windows Media Technologies

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