If you are a broadcast service provider you will quickly appreciate the increased certainty that DPP provides around the areas of file delivery and playback. Peter Darlington, who works with Red Bee Media, points out there are a number of very real and tangible benefits to broadcast service providers from the adoption of DPP including MXF option constraints, common codec usage and even common audio track layout.

Consistent format for service provision  

Another major consideration is that DPP provides a consistent format for UK broadcaster service provision. Peter states that this is key since it encourages adoption within both the service provider and vendor communities. Also, this approach simplifies decision making and reduces effort for broadcasters whilst maintaining workflow quality and efficiency.

Further, Peter points out that it is important to encourage the vendor community to adopt DPP. This one action will significantly increase third party interoperability within workflows. Then, instead of broadcasters asking if all their media files are compatible with all their production tools they can focus their attention on other issues that will increase workflow efficiency.

Is it all plain sailing with MXF? 

Despite these clear benefits, there remain a number of significant challenges before service providers can easily adopt DPP. For example, there are multiple client systems and workflows to audit and upgrade whilst client broadcasters each have their own approaches, timescales and priorities. Aligned with this is the thorny issue of vendor and supply chain compliance. All this adds to the cost of introduction in terms of finance and support, making a complex picture today.

Groundswell is growing

Despite this, Peter reports that DPP adoption is already underway with some Red Bee Media clients. Edge support is already in place and end-to-end support is in development at their facility.

As Peter concludes, today we are faced with the classic chicken and egg scenario between vendors, broadcasters, producers and service providers. However, we need to move forward – there are hurdles to overcome but the prize is out there.