Create an iTunes package in Dolby Vision

Create an iTunes package in Dolby Vision


This tutorial provides you with the basics steps for creating an iTunes package in Dolby Vision.
For this example we will use the following sources :
  1. TIFF 16 bits HD in PQ with P3 D65 Primaries
  2. Dolby Vision 2.0.5 metadata XML file
The settings used complies with the current specifications when writing this article. However, you must be aware of any delivery specifications updates directly from Apple's Support.

I. Prepare the timeline

Once the content is properly loaded on the timeline, it is necessary to set the composition for the desired output.
This is done in the Control Panel, Composition Setttings, CMS.
The CMS can be either Native or MTCMS. You can choose Native if the source image has already the same color encoding than the desired output. Content will be then processed without color transformation.
In our case, we will use the MTCMS:
DoVi CMS
  1. Select the Workflow Dolby Vision, with P3D65 as primaries and EOTF ST 2084
  2. Select the Dynamic Tone Maping, in our case Dolby Vision 2.0.5
Because we have chosen MTCMS it is necessary to characterize the color encoding of source. This is done is the GRADE panel, SOURCE Tab:

Source characterization
  1. Indicate the appropriate Color Space and EOTF for the source content.
The image is now properly displayed.

The last setting is the Mastering Display used for grading the content.
It is done in Composition Settings, Display:

Mastering display


II. Import the Dolby Vision Metadata

To import the Dolby Vision metadata MXF file, right-click on the clip and select Dolby Vision Metadata Import from the Clip Operations menu:
Dolby vision metadata import
Browse the MIST smart file browser to the location of the MXF file and click OK:
DoVi XML import

Once the Dolby Vision metadata are loaded successfully, they are materialized by a yellow bar at the bottom of the video track.
Note as well the cuts on the content, representing the different trims:

metadata loaded

The Dolby Vision metadata file can be created with grades for different output type (TARGET DISPLAY).
You need to select the one for your delivery.
This is done in Composition Settings, Display:

Target Display

To check the levels, you can use the Waveform scope by pressing SHIFT + W and selecting Luma + Chroma Type in the options:

Waveform

You will find more informations about the HDR tools and settings in MIST user manual.

According to the Apple iTunes Package specifications with Dolby Vision format, the sidecar metadata file should cover the  black frames required at the beginning and the end of the content. Also no gap is allowed in the editing.

If you want to generate chapters for your iTunes package, you can use the Reel function to create them. One reel will correspond to a chapter:

Chapters

For iTunes exports the timeline cuts ( Dolby Vision or not) have no influence on the placement of chapters. The chapters are written in the metadata.xml that tells where the chapter should begin.


III. Export to iTunes


Use the button DELIVER to open the Master Delivery Panel and select Apple iTunes Package.
Master Delivery

If the Apple iTunes Package is greyed and not accessible, it means your content or/and your composition settings are not matching the required specifications.

Fill in all the descriptive metadata in the different tabs. Additional information for this step is also available in MIST User Manual.

In VIDEO, select the appropriate Color Space:
iTunes Video settings
  1. Go to the AUDIO tab and select your configuration with the right channel mapping:
iTunes Audio settings

In this example, there’s no subtitle but you could add some if needed in the TIMED TEXT tab.

In the CHAPTERS tab, as mentioned previously you will find all your reels there used as being chapters:

iTunes Chapters settings

The finalisation is done in the OUTPUT tab:
iTunes Output settings

Select the destination path, eventually a Mastering report and click MAKE.

MIST will create a folder with the Vendor ID based name with the .itmsp extension including all your video, subtitles assets (if present) as well as poster frame if you’ve added them.

Because it is a Dolby Vision content, the metadata XML as well as the Dolby Vision XML must be present.


IV. Import an iTunes Package

To import an iTunes Package, you have to go into the Library and drag & drop the itmsp folder there from your OS browser.

The iTunes package will be imported and a new composition will automatically be created.

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