At the forthcoming NAB, the AAF Association is sponsoring the first public demonstration of the MXF Mastering Format Project, its a long-term initiative that is being led by Turner Broadcasting System. The aim of the project is to bring a fresh approach to MXF and to provide proposed, real-world solutions for key workflows, focusing on creating a single MXF master file from which multiple versions of a programme may be created, writes Fergal Ringrose.
This rationalisation project currently includes two key strands: MXF Mastering Format and the MXF Processor API. The work – which started two years ago – will be demonstrated at the show and will be open to comment and scrutiny. The AAF Association and Turner welcome comment on this technical proposal.
This sponsorship is the first fruit of The AAF Association’s (AAFA) decision to reorganise and expand its remit. Known for its development of the Advanced Authoring Format – for the interchange of video, audio and metadata in the post production field – the AAFA has now broadened is reach to focus on file-based workflows in both the post production and broadcast environments. MXF is, of course, AAF’s broadcast cousin and the two formats share a long history. The AAFA will be focusing on user-driven application requirements in mastering, HD, commercial and programme delivery, programme distribution and archiving.
The manufacturers taking a leading role in this MXF rationalization work are: Marquis Broadcast; Metaglue; Omneon; Open Cube Technologies; Pro-Bel; Quantum; Snell & Wilcox; Softel; and TMD.
