Common Questions

What is SMPTE and what standards does it create?

SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) creates technical standards for film, broadcast, and post-production. Its most widely-used standard is SMPTE timecode, and it also maintains standards for video file formats, colour Science, and display calibration used globally in studios and broadcasters.

Is SMPTE working on AI standards for broadcast?

SMPTE has an AI Task Force working on technical standards for AI-generated content metadata, workflow interoperability, and content labelling in broadcast and film production. These standards would govern how AI-assisted content is documented and archived in professional production environments.Source: event

Background

SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) is the standards body responsible for the technical specifications underpinning professional broadcast, post-production, and cinema workflows globally. It is relevant to the AI media pivot as the organisation through which new AI-related production standards would be formalised for the US broadcast and film industries, paralleling DVB's role in Europe. DAZN's Delta Protocol submission to the IBC Accelerator is a precursor to potential SMPTE consideration for broadcast adoption.

Founded in 1916 and headquartered in White Plains, New York, SMPTE develops and maintains standards covering timecode, file formats, colour Science, display calibration, and transmission specifications. Its most widely-known standard is SMPTE timecode, the Universal reference system used in film and broadcast production. SMPTE standards are voluntary in the US but are widely adopted globally by equipment manufacturers and post-production facilities.

As AI integrates into professional workflows — from automated rough-cut editing (Premiere Pro, Media Composer) to AI-generated content metadata (C2PA, SMART STORIES) — SMPTE is developing technical standards for AI-generated content labelling and workflow interoperability. Its AI Task Force is working with the Motion Picture Association and major studios on production standards that would govern how AI-assisted content is documented, credited, and archived.

How the World Sees Them

SMPTE is a US-headquartered body; its standards are foundational to Hollywood production pipelines and US broadcast infrastructure.

Europe

SMPTE standards are adopted globally alongside European standards (EBU, ETSI/DVB); the two standards communities coordinate on major format decisions.

Global

SMPTE standards are adopted by equipment manufacturers and studios worldwide; its AI standards work will shape global production-level AI governance.