Interchange Formats: AAF and MXF
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AAF
The Advanced Authoring Format (AAF) is a professional file interchange format designed for the post production and authoring environment. AAF solves the problem of multi-vendor, cross-platform interoperability for computer-based digital production. AAF does a number of things. It:
- Allows complex relationships to be described in terms of an object model.
- Facilitates the interchange of metadata and/or program content.
- Provides a way to track the history of a piece of program content from its source elements through final production.
- Makes it possible to render downstream (with appropriate equipment).
- Provides a convenient way to "wrap" all elements of a project together for archiving.
By preserving comprehensive source referencing, and abstracting the creative decisions that are made, AAF improves workflow and simplifies project management. The AAF Association supports the development of an AAF specification and SDK implementation. For more information, see the AAF Association Web site.
MXF
The Material Exchange Format (MXF) can be described as a subset of the broader AAF with a vertical definition around the exchange of material rather than exchange of authoring information. It prioritizes simplicity for the exchange of essence (both video and audio) as well as metadata belonging to the essence. MXF is often described as the digital equivalent of tape. For more information, see the Pro-MPEG Forum.
Microsoft, AAF, and MXF
Microsoft, in conjunction with a number of third-party vendors, has worked to extend the Windows Platform and Windows Media codec in these environments. Microsoft and Automatic Duck will have completed work on an update to the codec plugin model at the AAF Association to support Windows Media Video 9 Series and Windows Media Audio 9 Series.
In addition, BBC Technology will release a plugin for the Windows Media Player that enables AAF files that contain references to Windows Media (among other codecs) to be rendered on any desktop running the Windows operating system. This work is being incorporated into the Colledia project and adds the functionality required for Windows Media support in AAF.
MOG Solutions, in conjunction with Microsoft, is releasing an update to their platform for MXF to include not only Windows Media Player support, but also support for Windows Media codecs as essence in MXF files. This effort extends the reach of the Windows Media codecs to the professional community for production, broadcast, and the interchange of information.
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