Enabling Network Interoperability between Video File Servers: The SMPTE 360M General eXchange Format (GXF)

The availability of high speed network transports worldwide make it practical and economical to exchange files over data networks making delivery of material faster and more convenient than ever before. With a network transfer, not only can a single user initiate a dub, but all of the metadata associated with the clip can also be transferred avoiding the re-entry of basic information. Distribution of commercials using IP over satellite, as well as exchange of news stories via wide area networks, is now commonplace and is replacing both tape and analog satellite transponders as a distribution medium. File transfer allows the user to control cost by selecting a transport medium appropriate to the urgency of delivery. Options range from transfers that may be slow but are free-of-charge via the web, to extremely fast transfers over a highspeed ATM connection. With the release of SMPTE 360M manufacturers and users alike are provided with a simple file format that can be applied to the movement of audio, video and metadata between professional television equipment. SMPTE 360M provides all the capabilities needed for publication of content from the production world ready for distribution. Using this standard, network interoperability of compressed files can quickly be achieved with thousands of server products already deployed around the world. This paper reviews the basic structure of SMPTE 360M, and it's capabilities and limitations.

Published

2001-11

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/M00969

ISBN

978-1-61482-935-5