Detailed technical requirements document specifying exact video, audio, and file format parameters for final deliverables – provided by distributors, broadcasters, or streaming platforms to ensure content meets their system requirements.
What are Delivery Specs?
Delivery Specs (Delivery Specifications) are detailed technical documents that define all parameters for the final delivery of media content. Every distributor, broadcaster, or streaming service has its own specs that must be adhered to precisely.
Typical Video Specs
| Parameter | Example Values |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840×2160, 1920×1080 |
| Framerate | 23.976, 25, 29.97 fps |
| Codec | ProRes 4444, DNxHR |
| Bit Depth | 10-bit, 12-bit |
| Color Space | Rec.709, Rec.2020 |
Audio Specs
| Parameter | Example Values |
|---|---|
| Sample Rate | 48kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Channel Layout | 5.1, 7.1, Atmos |
| Loudness | -24 LUFS (EBU) |
| True Peak | -1 dBTP |
Platform-Specific Specs
| Platform | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Netflix | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision |
| Amazon | IMF-based |
| ARD/ZDF | EBU R128, HD |
| RTL | Broadcaster-specific |
| Cinema (DCP) | SMPTE, JPEG2000 |
HDR Specs
| Parameter | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Luminance | 1000–4000 nits |
| EOTF | PQ, HLG |
| Metadata | Static or Dynamic |
Broadcast Specs (Germany)
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Luminance | 16–235 (8-bit) |
| Chroma | Legal Range |
| Loudness | -23 LUFS (±1) |
| True Peak | -1 dBTP |
File Specs
| Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Container | MXF, MOV |
| Wrapper | OP1a, OP-Atom |
| Timecode | Drop-Frame, Non-Drop |
| Metadata | Embedded |
Streaming-Specific Requirements
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Mezzanine | Highest Quality |
| IMF | Interoperable Master |
| Adaptive Streaming | Multiple Bitrates |
| ABR | Adaptive Bitrate |
Loudness Standards
| Region | Standard |
|---|---|
| Europe (EBU) | R128, -23 LUFS |
| USA (ATSC) | A/85, -24 LKFS |
| Streaming | Varies |
| Cinema | 85 dB (Leq) |
Subtitle Specs
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | SRT, TTML, EBU-TT |
| Timing | Frame-accurate |
| Positioning | Safe Area |
| Font | Specified |
QC Checkpoints
| Check | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Video Level | 0–3% Exceedance |
| Audio Peaks | None over limit |
| Sync | <1 Frame |
| Black/Silence | 2s at start/end |
IMF Requirements
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPL | Composition Playlist |
| OPL | Output Playlist |
| Assets | MXF-wrapped |
| Versioning | Supplemental Packages |
DCP Requirements
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Video | JPEG2000, 24/48fps |
| Audio | PCM, 48/96kHz |
| Encryption | AES-128 |
| KDM | Key Delivery Message |
Errors in Spec Violation
| Error | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Luminance > Legal | QC Fail |
| Audio Clipping | Rejection |
| Incorrect Framerate | Re-encoding |
| Missing Metadata | Resubmission required |
Specs Documentation
| Type | Source |
|---|---|
| Official Specs | Platform Website |
| Tech Specs PDF | From the buyer |
| Content Hub | Online Portal |
| Delivery Guide | Detailed Instructions |
Preparation
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Read Specs | Before Post-Start |
| Clarification | When unclear |
| Setup | Adjust post-pipeline |
| Test Delivery | Before final |
Challenges
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Different Specs | Multiple Masters |
| Spec Updates | Check regularly |
| Interpretation | Ask directly |
| Edge Cases | Remain conservative |
Today
Delivery specs are becoming increasingly complex with HDR, Atmos, and IMF. Professional post-production houses have dedicated teams solely focused on spec compliance – because a QC fail costs time, money, and can jeopardize release dates.
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