Video Ref & OMF Settings

 

Video Reference:
For video reference file, we prefer the following format:
Apple Quicktime (Avid DNxHD 36 8bit Codec / ProRes Proxy / H.264)
Dimension: 1280x720(HD) / 720x480(SD)
Sync: Burn In Time Code throughout the entire length of the video
H.264 Encoding: Multi-Pass
Sound Format: Linear PCM (Stereo LR/Mono)
Sample Rate: 48khz
Sample Size: 16/24bit

We also accept other Quicktime formats (other .mov files, .dv, MPEG-4, etc.), but will have to convert these files to enable playback on our systems. If possible, please deliver these files prior to the start of the session to allow time for such conversion.  


Audio:
Please deliver all audio as AAF/OMF*. We prefer to have an “embedded" or "encapsulated” (all related media is contained in AAF/OMF file) AAF/OMF file, to reduce the risk of losing media files during transfer. Please follow the preferred specification below:
            Format: .wav
            Bit-depth: 24bit/16bit (Depends on the deliverables for network/channel)
            Sample Rate: 48kHz
            Handles: Minimum of 8 seconds/200frames

*Embedded AAFs and OMFs have a file size limit of 2GB. If your project's audio is larger than 2GB, it is preferably to split the project into smaller pieces by splitting up the number of tracks into multiple embedded AAF/OMFs or less preferably creating a “linked” AAF/OMF (all related media is contained in a folder which you will need to deliver along with the AAF/OMF file.)

 

ISO-Tracks recording:
If your location sound recordist has “iso-tracks” recording files, please sync up these files to the clip before editing and include them in the AAF/OMF as well. Pull down the audio clips’ volume automation when necessary. Do not delete or mute any of the iso-tracks.

 

Audio Layout:

Please ensure AAF/OMF tracks are organized neatly in stems format. The layout should be as follows:
·      Dialogue Tracks (Interviews/Hosts/Characters Dialogue)
·      Narration Track (for documentaries/infotainment programmes)
·      SOT (Sound on Tape) / Location Sound/ PFX (Production effects) Tracks
·      Music Tracks
·      Music Effects Tracks (Sound effects with musical elements eg. Drum hit, xylophone etc.)
·      SFX Track (Sound effects from libraries)
·      Ambience / Location Ambience (for Drama)

Separate all mono source from stereo ones by creating a new track for the mono tracks within the stems. Untidy track layout will delay the audio mix schedule.

 

Broadcast Technical Specification Sheet:
It will be advantageous to provide us with the broadcast station’s/channel network’s technical specification sheet before the start of the project. Please ensure that the video editors follow the required specification eg. Programme start time-code, commercial break black duration etc. for a better workflow of the project.