📄 Pavilion Video Delivery Specifications
Se connecter

Pavilion Video Delivery Specifications

Scope

This document outlines the requirements for delivering video content and live streaming assets to Pavilion. It is a comprehensive specification that encompasses and extends industry-standard streaming requirements, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of devices and use cases. The focus is on video on-demand; interactive content and advertisements are out of scope and should not be included in deliveries. All content providers – from major studios to independent creators – must adhere to these guidelines to ensure smooth ingestion and optimal playback on the Pavilion platform.

File Formats

Flexible Format Support: Pavilion does not impose strict file format restrictions. We support all common container formats such as MP4, MOV, MXF, MKV, AVI, MPG, etc. This flexibility allows partners to deliver content in their preferred professional format, as long as it meets basic industry standards for video encoding.

Video Codecs: For compression formats, we accept all typical codecs, with a preference for widely-used standards. The recommended codecs are H.264/AVC for HD content and H.265/HEVC for higher resolutions. Pavilion can also ingest high-quality mezzanine codecs often used in professional deliveries – for example, Apple ProRes 422 or 444 and broadcast formats are accepted for masters. When using less common codecs, ensure the encoding adheres to standard profiles to avoid compatibility issues.

Audio Codecs: Pavilion supports standard audio formats commonly used in streaming. We accept AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and Dolby AC-3 (Dolby Digital) streams, among others. Audio should be 16-bit with a sample rate of 48 kHz (44.1 kHz is also acceptable). Surround sound audio (5.1 channels) is supported in Dolby Digital+ or AAC; however, a stereo mix (2.0) must be provided at minimum for each video. If 5.1 surround is delivered, include a separate stereo track or a downmix within the file for compatibility with stereo-only devices. Lossless audio (e.g., PCM) is optional – it can be included for maximum quality, but compressed audio as specified above is generally sufficient.

Subtitles and Closed Captions: (Optional but encouraged) While not strictly required by this spec, providing subtitles or closed captions is highly recommended (and may be legally required for accessibility in some regions). Pavilion supports standard sidecar caption files such as SRT, WebVTT, SCC, STL, etc., or embedded caption tracks. If captions are provided, ensure they are in sync with the video and use non-drop-frame timecode if SMPTE timecode is present.

Content Preparation: All delivered video files must be free of any extraneous pre- or post-roll content. Specifically, do not include test patterns, color bars, tone, countdown slates, bumpers, promotional screens, advertisements, or ad breaks within the file. Each video should start with actual program content, though up to 1 second of black at the start and end is acceptable (no more than ~3 seconds) to allow clean fade-in/out. Likewise, remove any embedded TV broadcast logos, watermark bugs, or rating badges; the video should be a clean master without burnt-in logos or subtitles (aside from forced narrative subtitles when relevant). By delivering a clean source, you ensure Pavilion can package and stream your content without unintended interruptions or visuals.

Quality Requirements

General Quality Approach: Pavilion accommodates a range of video quality levels to support different content types and partner capabilities. We uphold baseline quality standards to ensure a good viewer experience while allowing flexibility for higher-quality content. The guidelines below describe expected resolutions, bitrates, and other quality parameters. (Note: Ultra HD (UHD/4K) is fully supported but not mandatory – HD content is acceptable as the highest quality, with UHD as an optional enhancement.)

Video Resolution & Bitrates

  • UHD / 4K (Optional): Pavilion can ingest and stream Ultra High Definition content. The supported 4K resolutions include 3840 x 2160 (UHD) and 4096 x 2160 (DCI 4K). If you deliver 4K, it should be of high quality – for example, a 4K file may have a total bitrate in the range of ~20–60 Mbps. HDR video is accepted if properly formatted (with HDR10 or Dolby Vision metadata), but SDR 4K is perfectly fine. Note: UHD delivery is optional; there is no requirement to up-res content that was not produced in 4K.

  • HD (Preferred Standard): High Definition is the standard quality for Pavilion content. 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution is preferred for all content as a baseline. If your source is 720p or an older SD format, Pavilion will still accept it, but 1080p provides the best baseline quality for modern audiences. An HD video file should be encoded at a high bitrate to preserve detail – we recommend at least 5 Mbps for 1080p, and more for complex material. As a guideline, a good quality 1080p source might be ~8–15 Mbps video bitrate. There is no strict upper limit on bitrate (even lossless or intra-frame codecs are allowed), but extremely large files with no quality benefit may slow down the ingest process. Aim for efficient compression without visible artifacting.

  • Standard Definition (SD, Minimum): Pavilion accepts SD content for legacy or archival titles, but it must meet minimum resolution criteria. 480p (NTSC) or 576p (PAL) are the lowest resolutions typically allowed. For NTSC, ensure at least 640 x 480 (4:3) or 720 x 480 (16:9 letterbox) resolution; for PAL, 720x576. Bitrate for SD should be sufficient to avoid excessive artifacts – usually 2 Mbps or higher for good quality. Content below 480p or extremely low bitrates may be rejected as it would not provide an acceptable viewer experience. If your material is older and only exists in lower quality, contact Pavilion for exceptions.

Audio Requirements

  • Minimum Audio Requirements:

    • Stereo (2.0) mix required for all content

    • Surround sound (5.1) optional but encouraged

    • 48 kHz sample rate (44.1 kHz accepted for legacy content)

    • 16-bit or higher audio depth

    • AAC or Dolby Digital preferred

  • Bitrates:

    • Stereo: 128 kbps or higher (AAC)

    • Surround (5.1): 384 kbps or higher (Dolby Digital or AAC)

Metadata & Artwork

  • Metadata Requirements:

    • Title, Genre, Release Year, Runtime, Language, Content Rating

    • Accurate cast & crew information

    • Synopsis (short and long versions)

    • Downloadable metadata templates available

  • Artwork Specifications:

    • Portrait Poster (2:3 ratio, 1400 x 2100 pixels recommended)

    • Landscape Thumbnail (16:9 ratio, 1920 x 1080 pixels recommended)

    • High-quality, no added logos or text overlays

Delivery Protocols

  • Upload via Pavilion Backlot Portal (backlot.pavilionstudios.com)

  • Metadata can be entered manually or via bulk upload (CSV, XLSX)

  • Delivery should be completed at least 5 business days before go-live

Partner Support

For questions, technical support, or additional requirements, partners should refer to the Pavilion Partner Help Center or contact their designated Pavilion representative. Ensuring compliance with these specifications will allow for a seamless ingestion and publishing process.