# Overview

**Pex Search** is an Automated Content Recognition (ACR) solution that enables you to identify music (via an audio or melody search) using Pex’s industry-leading digital rights technology. More information about the Pex Search product can be found on the main [Pex website](https://pex.com/products/pex-search/).

You can leverage Pex Search to identify matches in two types of registries:

* **Pex Registry**: This registry is made up of commercially distributed assets from music labels, including the catalogs from both major and independent rightsholders. You can search this registry to:
  * Identify any copyrighted music that may be present in your content
  * Identify any commercial distributed music that contains your own copyrighted assets
* **Custom Database:** This is a private registry only accessible to you. You maintain the Custom Database with your own provided assets which you can then search against for any matches.

The general process for performing a search is as follows:

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The following pages will guide you through the process of installing the SDK and language bindings as well as how to get started with performing a search.
