DPP and SMPTE publish major updates to IMF documentation
Details
Faye Sutton
| 05 August 2021
Business network the DPP has collaborated with SMPTE on the publication of a new pair of SMPTE Recommended Disclosure Documents for the Interoperable Master Format (IMF), resulting in adoption by the BBC this summer.

DPP logo 5 Aug 2021
The aim of the publications is to provide increased efficiency to broadcasters and online content providers when mastering and exchanging content.

SMPTE RDD 59-1 IMF Application DPP (ProRes) represents a significant update to the document it supersedes, SMPTE TSP 2121-1. It introduces a number of updates based on user feedback, and simplifications to ensure it’s easier to implement. In parallel, SMPTE RDD 59-2 IMF Application DPP (JPEG2000) will replace SMPTE TSP 2121-4, first launched by the DPP and the North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) in 2019.

In addition, the DPP has published updates to a range of Recommendation and Guidance documents for users of IMF, including significant updates to Recommendation DPP003 Carriage of AMWA AS-11 Metadata in IMF. Also updated is the DPP’s guide for media organisations exploring the impact of adopting IMF, DPP005 IMF Operational Guidance.

DPP CTO, Rowan de Pomerai, commented: “We’re delighted to have worked with DPP member companies and SMPTE to bring the benefits of IMF to an even wider community. We regularly hear that media organisations are keen to realise the benefits of component based media, but it can seem a daunting change process. The publication of SMPTE RDD 59, DPP003, and related DPP Guidance will provide the tools and support for more companies to adopt IMF in their workflows.”

SMPTE RDD 59 IMF Application DPP enables increased automation of the content supply chain, as well as removing duplication when creating, storing, and processing multiple versions of content. As a result, media companies can deliver significant workflow and cost efficiencies.

Bruce Devlin, standards vice president for SMPTE, said: “IMF represents the key technology for improving the efficiency and reach of multi-version, multi-vendor, multi-language content mastering and distribution. It provides a framework for companies to use content at rest in the cloud whilst simultaneously allowing versions to be created and shared without duplicating the original assets. The DPP has expertly identified the needs for its members across the globe and crafted an IMF solution for ProRes and JPEG2000 to meet those needs.”