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Guidelines: MXF Sample Files

On behalf of the FADGI AV Working Group, the Library of Congress contracted with AVP and their subcontractor EVS, first Product Development Manager Valérie Popie and later Engineering Manager Nicolas Bernard, to create a set of graded sample files in 2016 and 2017 based on the MXF Archive and Preservation Format Registered Disclosure Document, known as SMPTE RDD 48. These sample files were reviewed by Oliver Morgan of Metaglue and Cube-Tec. Sample files starting in 2018 were created by Oliver Morgan of Metaglue.

All sample files are in the public domain as the product of US federal government research. If a license is required, an appropriate license is CC0 1.0 Universal license for worldwide use and reuse as this parallels the license used for FADGI guidelines and documents.

  • Golden files include most - but not all* - of the technical components detailed in RDD 48. The components follow the defined rules and the files are well-formed and valid.
  • Silver files are similar to Golden Files in their composition except they deviate from the defined rules in RDD 48 in minor ways.
  • Copper files include more significant deviations from RDD 48.
  • Lead files contain fatal errors that that compromise the integrity of the conformance to RDD 48

The sets of sample files are to facilitate ongoing implementation of RDD 48 and they are not intended serve as reference (conformance) files. It is important to note that the silver, copper and lead files contain known errors and are not conformant to RDD 48. They are included here for those interested in issues related to format validation and testing. FADGI is sharing them with the wider community to solicit feedback on the structure and validity of the files as well as the feasibility of complying with RDD 48. Interested parties are encouraged to communicate their findings and comments via the FADGI comment form or with the leader of the FADGI AV team (Kate Murray, [email protected]).

  *Constraints of time and other resources limited the degree to which this set of samples represents the entirety of RDD 48. Users should be aware that this set of samples were "hand made" and do not represent the output of a factory-production system. 

RDD 48 Sample Files: FFV1 in MXF

These sample files are not graded (such as Gold or Silver) but instead, represent a variety of components including a variety of constructions including standard definition interlaced, high definition interlaced and high definition progressive in 25, 30 and 59.97 frames per second and with timecode, captions and CRC fixity data. The files have valid UL and descriptor content based on RDD 48 Amd 1.

2023

2022

RDD 48 Sample Files (2018-2019)

Golden files

NTSC

Silver files

These files are near Golden file level of completeness but have not yet been verified by a second reviewer. A technical description of the Silver files (PDF) is available.

NTSC

PAL

Previous Sample Files

AS-07 Application Specification (2017)

Description of the sample files:

Golden files

For those interested in format validation and testing, the following non-conforming files are provided for experimental purposes only

Silver files

Copper files

Lead files

AS-07 Application Specification (2016)

Description of the sample files:

Golden files

Silver files

Copper files

Lead files

 

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Working Groups

Still Image Working Group
This group is involved in a cooperative effort to develop common digitization guidelines for still image materials.

Audio-Visual Working Group
This group works collaboratively on common and sustainable technical guidelines, methods, and practices for digitized and born digital sound recordings and moving images.

Last Updated: 11/01/2023