Near Field 2.0 Stereo Delivery Specifications and Guidelines for Titles Mixed Natively in 2.0

This article provides specifications and guidelines for edge cases when productions deliver a Near Field 2.0 Stereo only IMF and thus 2.0 Stereo M&E to Netflix. Core Netflix deliverables are outlined in the Post Production Branded Delivery Specifications.

2.0 STEREO ONLY IMF DELIVERIES
NEAR FIELD 2.0 STEREO M&E MIX

2.0 STEREO ONLY IMF DELIVERIES

Some edge cases may require delivery of 2.0 only IMFs. Packaging for these IMFs remains largely the same as outlined in the Post Production Branded Delivery Specifications:

All deliveries to Netflix must be compliant to either SMPTE ST 2067-21:2016 or SMPTE ST

2067-21:2020 Interoperable Master Format (IMF) Application #2E. Packages containing immersive sound must additionally comply with SMPTE ST 2067-201:2019 Immersive Audio Bitstream (IAB) Level 0 Plug-in.

Netflix IMF Packages should be created directly from the color timeline out of a capable color grading tool OR from an intermediate mezzanine asset. IMF Packages must be delivered in the highest quality and resolution, including High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD). Netflix may explicitly request other resolutions.

The final IMF package must contain the following:

1 Asset Map XML file.
1 Packing List XML file.
1 or more Composition Playlist (CPL) XML file(s), representing a single audio language each, containing.
- For titles mixed in Dolby Atmos®
  - 1 image virtual track.
  - 1 IAB virtual track.
  - 0 or 1 surround audio virtual track (6 channels).
  - 0 or 1 stereo audio virtual track (2 channels).
- For titles mixed in 5.1 surround
  - 1 image virtual track.
  - 1 surround audio virtual track (6 channels).
  - 0 or 1 stereo audio virtual track (2 channels).

- For titles mixed in 2.0 stereo
  - 1 image virtual track
  - 1 stereo audio virtual track (2 channels)

All MXF Track Files referenced from the ingested CPL, that have not previously been delivered.
Volume Index and Output Profile List XML files may be present, but are not required

If delivering a 2.0 only IMF, please reach out to your Netflix contact to ensure an acceptable deliverable.

NEAR FIELD 2.0 STEREO M&E MIX

Provide a separate fully filled 2.0 stereo submix containing only Music & Effects (no dialog).
Ambiences and foley fill should be included to correctly match the original mix. Any non-dialog sound present in the main mix must also be represented in M&E mix.
Maintain +18db (-2 dBFS) maximum level (true-peak) over reference of -20 dbfs, achieved by peak limiting and not lowering the M&E volume.
When creating Lo/Ro or LT/RT 2.0 mix, follow Near Field 2.0 Stereo Mix spec in section 3.2.3.
All levels should mirror what was used for final Mastering and Archive so that any newly added dubbed dialog can be mixed in easily later
For mixers creating the M&E, Netflix has an M&E Creation Guidelines document available here.
For mixers creating the M&E for Nonfiction content, Netflix has a Nonfiction M&E Creation Guidelines document available here.