DPP and SMPTE publish major updates to IMF documentation

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. The aim of these 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 than ever 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.

“We’re delighted to have worked with DPP member companies and SMPTE to bring the benefits of IMF to an even wider community,” says DPP CTO, Rowan de Pomerai. “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.

"IMF represents the key technology for improving the efficiency and reach of multi-version, multi-vendor, multi-language content mastering and distribution." says Bruce Devlin, Standards Vice President for SMPTE. "It provides a framework for companies to utilise 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."

The efforts of DPP member companies to advance the use of IMF are now having a broad reaching impact. The latest major adopter is the BBC, which now requires all post-produced UHD content to be delivered using IMF. It will move to the newest version of the DPP's IMF Delivery Requirements using RDD 59-1 this summer.

Andrew Dunne, Technical Subject Matter Expert - Television Production and Delivery at the BBC, says, “IMF is key to building a next generation content supply chain for the BBC. Work from the DPP, SMPTE, and the industry at large has been crucial to enabling an interoperable way for us to receive our highest quality content.”

The DPP will continue to work with its member companies and partner organisations to enable IMF implementation worldwide. Member companies and interested parties should contact Lead Technologist Mark Pascoe to enquire about how the DPP can support them.

About SMPTE^®
SMPTE is the global society of media professionals, technologists, and engineers working in the digital entertainment industry. The Society fosters a diverse and engaged membership from both the technology and creative communities, delivering vast educational offerings, technical conferences and exhibitions, the SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal, and access to a rich network of colleagues essential to their career success. As an internationally recognized standards organization, SMPTE also provides a vital technical framework of engineering standards and guidelines that allow the seamless creation, management, and delivery of media for art, entertainment, and education worldwide.

About DPP
The DPP is the media industry's business network. It is a not-for-profit company with an international membership that spans the whole media supply chain, covering global technology companies, production companies, digital agencies, suppliers, service providers, post production facilities, online platforms, broadcasters, distributors and not-for-profit organisations. The DPP harnesses the collective intelligence of its membership to generate insight, enable change and create market opportunities. For more information, or to enquire about membership visit thedpp.com