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CONTEXT

The intent of this article is to provide partners delivering Interoperable Master Packages (IMPs) with best practice guidelines to ensure a smooth delivery and Quality Control evaluation process. 

Technical checks should be completed to prevent any automated inspection or manual QC rejections based on the creation of an IMP.

TECHNICAL CHECKS FOR COMPLETE IMPS

  • The IMP Package must adhere to the Post Production Branded Delivery Specifications for audio and video
    • Failure to meet Netflix Specifications will result in the rejection of the IMP and a redelivery will be required
  • The content of the IMP should match the image sequence and audio mixes that were delivered from the DI and Sound teams.
    • Verify the source for: 
      • Content version accuracy
      • Duration 
      • Frame rate 
      • Color space
  • A Quality Control check should be performed on the source image sequence, source audio mixes and the IMP
    • Verify one second of black and silence present at top and tail of the source
    • Perform, at minimum, a thorough technical spot check, and if possible, a full watch down for a Complete IMP
    • Verify technical details against both the Branded Delivery Specification and internal instructions:
      • Color Range
      • IMP Level
      • Frame Rate 
      • Resolution 
      • Language ISO code selection
    • Verify the technical layout of the 5.1, 2.0 or Immersive Audio Bitstream (IAB)
      • Ensure the audio tracks are properly conformed and synced to picture
      • Spot check 5 points to ensure sync and content match
      • Check channel arrangement and layout is compliant with the Branded Delivery Specification
      • Confirm the channel layout and arrangement matches the source content provided to you as the IMP delivery partner
      • Failure to deliver the correct audio channel content or arrangement will require a redelivery of the package.
  • The IMP itself should be opened in a playback software after packaging is completed to ensure that the CPL and package itself can be correctly opened.
  • For Dolby Vision content, the IMP Delivery Partner should ensure that the metadata received is correctly embedded in the IMP. 
    • Spot check 5 shot changes throughout the program to confirm Dolby Vision metadata sync while viewing the SDR output.
    • Failure to correctly embed Dolby Vision metadata within the video .mxf track file will require a redelivery of the IMP. 
  • Delivery Partner will ensure that delivery of Complete IMP uploads to the proper Source Request for the episode or feature.

TECHNICAL CHECKS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL IMPS

An IMP you deliver may be rejected or replaced for issues that are inherent to the source materials and not related to the packaging. This means you will be supplied with patches or replacement mixes to create a Supplemental IMP to deliver to Netflix.  

  • Supplemental IMPs must adhere to the Netflix Branded Delivery Specifications for audio and video
    • Supplemental IMPs must be built off the CPL of  the last successfully delivered IMP to Netflix
  • Please ensure your internal Folder naming and organization convention is consistent
    • Utilize some form of tracker, provided either by your Operations Specialist or internal teams to ensure you are working off the last successful IMP. 
  • At minimum, a thorough technical check, and if possible, a full watch down of the inserts being supplied to ensure the content should matches the image sequence and audio mixes that were delivered from the DI and Sound teams.
    • Verify the source for: 
      • Content version accuracy
      • Resolution
      • Duration 
      • Frame rate 
      • Color space
  • For video, a watchdown of each cut point for a new essence is recommended, but a thorough technical check should be performed at minimum. Every point where a new video clip is being inserted, an operator should review the previous 10 seconds before the new clip and 10 seconds after the clip insertion to ensure no new issues were inadvertently induced.
    • Verify technical details against both the Branded Delivery Specification and internal instructions: 
      • Color Range
      • IMP Level
      • Frame Rate 
      • Resolution 
      • Language ISO selection
  • For audio, a new complete mix will be supplied. For these deliveries, a 5 point spot check of the audio and video should be completed. Verify the technical layout of the 5.1, 2.0 or Immersive Audio Bitstream (IAB)
    • Ensure the audio tracks are properly conformed and synced to picture
    • Spot check 5 points to ensure sync and content match
    • Check channel arrangement and layout is compliant with the Branded Delivery Specification
    • Confirm the channel layout and arrangement matches the source content provided to you as the IMP delivery partner
    • Failure to deliver the correct audio channel content or arrangement will require a redelivery of the package.
  • For Dolby Vision content, IMP Delivery Partner should ensure that the metadata received is correctly embedded in the Supplemental IMP. 
    • Spot check 5 shot changes throughout the program to confirm Dolby Vision metadata sync while viewing the SDR output.
  • Failure to correctly embed Dolby Vision metadata within the video .mxf track file resources will require a redelivery of the Supplemental IMP
    • Validation pass for every insert/update using Dolby Professional Tools Metafier
  • Delivery Partner will ensure that delivery of IMP occurs to the proper source request(s) for the episode or feature.

CHANGE LOG

5-20-2022 - Published Article

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