Broadcast File Delivery

File Based Programme Delivery

The media industry in the UK was transformed on 1st October 2014, when every UK broadcaster made the switch to the AS-11 UK DPP file format for programme delivery.

Since then, our work has expanded to new territories and new formats, but with the same basic aim: delivering a simpler, more effective global content supply chain; by enabling interoperability in order to simplify workflows and reduce cost.

Learn more about the AS-11 specifications, the UK delivery requirements, and the Commercials & Promos delivery requirements.

AMWA AS-11 Specifications

The AMWA AS-11 specifications provide common formats for delivery of air-ready programme master files.

AS-11 UK DPP

Developed in conjunction with UK broadcasters, the AS-11 UK DPP file delivery specification provides a format for completed programme deliveries ('air-ready masters'). It is based on the MXF OP1A format with AVC Intra Class 100 compression for HD, and IMX at 50 Mb/s for SD. It includes a minimum set of requirements for Programme Editorial and Technical Metadata, based on EBU Core. The UK broadcasters' programme delivery requirements are all based on AMWA AS-11 UK DPP.

AMWA AS-11 X9

Developed in collaboration with NABA, AMWA AS-11 X9 provides a specification for the delivery of air-ready masters in HD, based on the requirements of North American broadcasters. A member of the AMWA AS-11 X family of specifications, the AS-11 X1 specification is based on the MXF OP1A format, with AVC High Profile GOP encoding. AS-11 X9 was published in 2018.

AMWA AS-11 X1

AMWA AS-11 X1 is designed for broadcasters commissioning UHD content. It offers a high quality yet easily playable file, suitable for broadcast and OTT workflows. It was published in 2018, and has been adopted for deliveries to BBC iPlayer. AS-11 X1 uses Long GOP AVC essence wrapped in MXF OP1A, with BT.2100 HDR, supporting HLG and PQ (HDR10), at 25/50 fps and 4:2:2 colour sampling.

AMWA AS-11 X5 and X6

Two forthcoming AMWA specifications have been drafted to build on the existing DPP specification, harmonising the short-form specifications with the rest of the AS-11 X family. The new specifications support embedded metadata and add a new location within the file header for the carriage of subtitle data.

These specifications are in active development, and are expected to be deployed by broadcasters in 2020, so please contact us if you'd like to get involved.

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, and a series of supplements is also available, giving additional advice on Metadata, HDR, Surround Sound, 3D and Super16.

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:

DPP Metadata Application

In the early days of AS-11 UK DPP, we stimulated adoption of the specification by offering a free desktop application for adding DPP metadata to files. This enabled production companies to create file based TV programmes containing the correct metadata for delivery to UK broadcasters.

The application was created as an interim measure until such time as vendors were able to offer this functionality within their products. There are now many tools on the market for creating AS-11 DPP files, so the DPP Metadata Application is no longer supported.

If you require a copy of the DPP Metadata Application, you can download it without support or warranty from this link. It relies on old versions of Java which have known security vulnerabilities, and you use it at your own risk. It is also 32-bit, which means it is not compatible with the latest releases of macOS. We strongly recommend using a commercially available tool instead.

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

Two forthcoming AMWA specifications have been drafted to build on the existing DPP specification, harmonising the short-form specifications with the rest of the AS-11 X family. The new specifications support embedded metadata and add a new location within the file header for the carriage of subtitle data.

These specifications are in active development, and are expected to be deployed by broadcasters in 2020, so please contact us if you'd like to get involved.