concept of Output Play Lists ( OPLs ) as a distribution definition tool , IMF compliant workflow systems can manage thousands of distribution versions with a single workflow . IMF Publishing is a key aspect of a complete end-to-end workflow . Basically , the MAM system needs to be able to “ out-gest ” IMF packages . Most MAM systems can “ route ” imported IMF packages through the software workflows and deliver them in the same compliant package as they were received , yet this simple workflow is not enough for a true end-toend IMF workflow . Today ’ s successful media companies demand :
• Export both complete and supplemental IMF packages - To maximize the advantage of the IMF capabilities and cost efficiencies , masters will be delivered as a complete IMF package , and localized or editorial versions as supplemental .
• Delivery of new combinations of audio / subtitles - The media company may need to deliver a combination of audio / subtitles that was never received in the original master IMF package , e . g . French version with English subtitles . Typically to keep their costs low , a translation company only delivers a French language supplemental file that references the original master .
• New IMF package generation - For those versions generated in-house that never arrived as IMF Packages .
• New components export in the IMF Package - To allow the generation of new packages with a combination that was never received , e . g . English 2.0 + English 5.1 + French 2.0 + French 5.1 .
• Transformations - Reception site-specific requirements for generation of site unique audio routing , video format transformations , HDR XML attachments , etc ., based on the IMF OPL delivery profiles stored in the IMF compliant MAM .
the internal Media Asset Management content structure to prepare it to handle and manage the content described in the IMF packages . The real use of the standard is for content exchange , not archive storage . The IMF compliant MAM system needs to be prepared to generate any new IMF packages for distribution , even those that were never received , and at the same time archive media in the most efficient manner , embracing the IMF philosophy . A true IMF end-to-end workflow intrinsically allows broad flexibility to support unique implementations to meet any media company ’ s requirements or business rules .
IMF standards and efforts to leverage the business benefits it brings for content distribution has made data-model and workflow support for IMF a real requirement for modern MAMs . Having a genuine and complete IMF end-to-end workflow to maximize the advantages of the standard has implications for business at all levels , affects system input / output , and puts new demands on
Jay Batista , General Manager of Tedial , North American operations , has 35 + years technical and managerial experience in the broadcast industry . Jay has held executive positions managing strategic growth , sales and marketing , mergers and acquisitions , and product innovation .
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