Content Delivery
Since its inception, the DPP has worked to make the exchange of content and metadata in the supply chain more seamless.
We've worked on important standards and specifications like AS-11 and IMF. We've defined metadata sets to help interoperability in specific use cases. And we've worked on recommendations for the exchange of live content.
We've also delivered outputs that help with ensuring that the process of content exchange is as smooth as possible:
- Guidance for Content Supplier Onboarding. Read more here.
- Setting Delivery Requirements for broadcasters in the UK. Read more here.
- Delivery Requirements for commercials and promos. Read more here.
Supplying the VOD Revolution
In 2020, the DPP published an in-depth analysis of the workflows and formats involved in delivering content to VOD platforms.
With a lack of commonality between organisations, it unearthed a picture of chaos, complexity, and inefficiency. However, a clear path to a more efficient future also emerged, leading to publications like Guidance DPP007 Content Supplier Onboarding and Recommendation DPP008 Business to Business Metadata Exchange.
Onboarding
When a content distributor delivers content to a platform, the two organisations must first complete a process of onboarding to set up and test the workflows and technology.
Onboarding is a multi-step process requiring the distributor to build multiple profiles, create & validate test files, and configure automated systems. These steps are not always clearly defined, leading to mis-communication and delays.
Based on the input of major VOD platforms, content producers, and distributors, we published Guidance DPP007: Best Practices for Content Supplier Onboarding.
Delivery to UK Broadcasters
Since 1st October 2014, UK broadcasters have accepted files using the AMWA AS-11 DPP file format. Each broadcaster's delivery requirements are based on a common DPP template document, with a live delivery template also available. Finally, a series of supplements provides additional information, including additional advice on Metadata, HDR, Surround Sound, 3D and Super16.
UHD Delivery
The current DPP delivery templates specify AS-11 X1 for UHD programme delivery, however some broadcasters have chosen to move to IMF as a preferred alternative. With this in mind, we are in the process of authoring a new template for UHD delivery, based on IMF Application DPP (ProRes), as specified in SMPTE RDD 59-1. We are currently working with the broadcasters to specify the scope of such a document, and will release it for use later in 2022.
Broadcaster delivery requirements
The delivery requirements for each UK broadcaster are available here:
DPP template delivery requirements
Each broadcaster's delivery requirements are based on the common DPP template. The latest versions of these are as follows:
Supplements
A series of supplements give additional advice on PSE, HDR, Surround Sound, 3D, and Super16:
Commercials and Promotions
Just as with programme delivery, it’s important to have common specifications for delivery of short-form content, such as Commercials, Sponsorship and Promotional material.
UK HD Commercials, Sponsorship, Promotions, and Presentation Events
Historically in the UK, each broadcaster used their own specifications for the delivery of Commercials and Sponsorship. A unified DPP delivery specification is now available, alongside an equivalent for Promotions and Presentation Events.
AMWA AS-11 X5 and X6
AS-11 X6 has now been published by the AMWA and is in production use by broadcasters. The specification was defined by DPP members to facilitate delivery of air-ready video for short form content such as advertisements, promos, and music videos.
It is based on AVC-i 100 at 1080i50 and provides:
- embedded subtitles (IMSC1.1 or OP-47)
- advert-specific metadata
- metadata for music videos
A corresponding draft specification exists for UHD resolutions: AS-11 X5. It is ready to be finalised whenever one of our members decides to receive deliveries in UHD.
Live IP Feeds
When contributing or distributing live content via IP, a huge array of different media coding options exist, along with many stream transport technologies. This variety of options makes the process of sharing content complex and costly.
Recommendation DPP001 Live IP Profiles for contribution and distribution of live content aims to maximise interoperability between parties and simplify their operations, by limiting the number of different profiles in use.
The DPP project group included broadcasters, systems vendors, and streaming technology providers. They defined a range of use-cases based on their business needs, covering audio, SD and HD video, plus some 4K cases. They then developed recommended media coding and streaming profiles, covering transport stream technology across various network types. The scenarios considered included contribution of live video to broadcast centres, and distribution of live video to DTT, DSAT, and OTT delivery platforms.
Download the Documents
As business requirements change and technology evolves, new Media and Stream Profiles may be required. We'll continue to develop the profiles, and future releases of the DPP Recommendation will consider 4K UHD, lossless compression, streams for social media platforms, content with varied aspect ratios and digital program insertion into live IP streams. Get in touch if you'd like to be involved.
Get involved
To find out more or to get involved with this work, please get in touch.