Interoperable Master Format

[1] This component-based approach allows the large media files to be reused across multiple playlists, each representing a different version of the content..[2] The IMF family of standards, ST 2067, is maintained by SMPTE.

Each Track File contains a specific essence corresponding to a single aspect of the presentation.

Track Files are both organized and limited by parameters such as resolution, color space, frame rate, audio sound field, etc.

IMF is specified by professional content creators for delivery of their content, including: BBC,[9] Netflix[10] and Disney[11] In partnership with SMPTE, the DPP has published recommendations for broadcast workflows with IMF[12] IMF supports a wide range of audio-visual essence and metadata, including: The need for IMF arose from various projects in the film and television industries[15] that identified component-based working as a more efficient mechanism for handling the very large volumes of very large files created when delivering cinema and television content around the globe.

The IMF User Group (IMF UG) was created by the Hollywood Professional Association shortly after and the IMF UG fosters active discussions between content owners, technologists, logistics specialists and software providers on best current practice for delivering large volumes of localized content in a resource efficient manner.