Projects	UMID – The new “ID stamp” for media material

A "Unique material Identifier" - abbreviated with "UMID" - is an extension of the well known Time Code time stamp. Apart from the time, other data is inserted into the UMID, enabling a clear identification of the material (audio, video and data). Filming date, copyrights, identification information and right management are main statements achieved by a UMID. A UMID is produced with the generation of the material and also during each electronic handling of the material (e.g. copying and scene shortening is noted in the UMID). A UMID designed using "SMPTE 330 M and RP 205" norm, uses the following data:

1. Universal Label
This label proves that the following data is part of a SMPTE "UMID" and explains the associated content (video, audio, data or other).

2. Instance Number
An instance number of zero states the following content is original material. This number is changed, if a copy of the material is made. Each modification of the original material, receives a new instance number.

3. Material Number
The material number consists of a time value and the machine number. The audio and video values are different, these values concern the period of validity of the UMID's determined initial value. The machine number is an SMPTE equivalent for the IEE network identification number. E.g. Similar to the "Ethernet" cards specific identification number.

4. Time and Date
This information corresponds to the Time Code for video material according to the SMPTE 309 M norm. For audio material the time information is defined differently, but the date format is the same.

5. Spatial Coordinate Format
The position is determined at the time of the generation of material by indicating the degree of longitude and latitude as well as the height over the earth's centre.

6. Country code
The material producer's country code number. This country code number is assigned by the "SMPTE dynamic Metadata Dictionary".

7. Organization code
The "company" number of the producer. This number is assigned by the SMPTE.

8. User Code
The name of the producer, reduced to maximum of four letters

The above points 1 - 3 describe the "basic UMID", points 4 - 8 the extension of a so called "Extended UMID". The beginning of a UMID has a variety of non influenceable data (E.g. length of the UMID, as well as control and check words.