Podcast Academy

Have you heard of MPEG-7? Read on -

About one year ago I began searching for a robust asset management application that would help me to incorporate a method of annotating video clips in order to simplify organization and accessibility. I stumbled upon Frameline 47, and this exceptional piece of software instantly became one of my favorite “non-Apple” production tools.

FL47 is unique. This is due to the supported method or specification used to manage metadata. Enter MPEG-7 … MPEG-7 is not an audio or video codec. In fact, it is all about metadata. The official reference is Multimedia Content Description Interface. Simply stated - it is a specified set of rules and methods for describing content. MPEG-7 supports complex customized data structures that can be defined using various aspects of XML. Frameline 47 uses what they [Versatile Delivery Systems] refer to as a “subset of the MPEG-7 standard to provide a practical way of describing video over time.”

The application concept is simple: Video projects, clips, and files are converted to MPEG-4, managed, and saved for future reference as an MPEG-47 project file. MPEG-4 video + MPEG-7 metadata incorporated into a single file, hence the 47 connotation. It’s important to note that the workflow is nondestructive. The original source media is fully preserved.

The application provides four independent modes: File, Edit, Notate, and Present. The File mode [access the above image] is the first stage of the workflow. Here we can access the contents of the system, filter for specific content, annotate, and encode/convert. The Edit mode supports the grouping and segmenting of associated media. The Notate mode supports advanced who, what, where, and when references. Access to individual groups and segments are available for customization here as well. Lastly, we have the Present mode. The producer can view media with real time references to all associated metadata previously applied to groups and segments. Bonus features include Final Cut Pro XML export with a supplied custom browser category plugin, and enhanced podcast output. Recently the application interface has been enhanced. Most notably - the File mode, with much improved media accessibility options.

If you have a few minutes, sit back and experience this presentation. I think you will be impressed and understand my enthusiasm.

Frameline 47, version 2.0 is now available for purchase and download. Versatile Delivery Systems also provides a free 30 day trial. $299 US.