UK TV companies define 1080i25 format and metadata standards for file-based programme submission

For those of us that have edited digitally for years, the fact the UK TV industry still requires shows to be submitted on tape seems very much behind the times.

Now

...seven major broadcasters (BBC, ITV, C4, Sky, Channel Five, S4C and UKTV), have all agreed the UK’s first common file format, structure and wrapper to enable TV programme delivery by digital file. These new guidelines will complement the common standards already published by the DPP for tape delivery of HD and SD TV programmes.

1. They've specified 1080i25 100Mbit/s AVC Intra MXF files.

2. Although programme content can be progressive, all moving graphics must be interlaced.

3. A metadata application will be made available to generate the required XML file for each programme

The attached document ( linked to at The Digital Production Partnership ) also specifies rules for video levels, gamut, blanking, caption safe areas in pixels, audio levels, audio track allocations, ident clock information and required metadata. It also contains the specifications for tape-based delivery.

Although this applies only to UK broadcasters, some of this standard may become popular elsewhere in the world.

Thanks for the link. It's about time they got around to this - or rather way past time! All the same it's hard to feel they've settled on the optimum standards ...