Dolby Vision for content creators

The Dolby Vision® post-production tools and workflows give you everything you need to efficiently create HDR and SDR content that looks amazing. It also ensures that what you create in the color suite is consistent when experienced across HDR TVs, PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, as well as legacy SDR devices. More and more studios are adopting Dolby Vision as the master deliverable and standard workflow for content creation.

Consistent across all devices

Viewers consume content across a multitude of devices — TVs, tablets, PCs, and mobile phones as well as cinema projectors — all with different brightness capabilities and color performance. To overcome the impossible challenge of mastering for all of these variables, Dolby Vision helps preserve and deliver the artist's intent, as set in the HDR reference master, through dynamic metadata and tone mapping. With Dolby Vision, the colorist is empowered to control how the content maps to the end devices by adjusting the mapping with artistic trims. This gives content creators confidence that their images are represented on all screens with ultimate consistency.

Future-proof your content

When you master content in Dolby Vision, you maintain the full dynamic range of your HDR images and map it to the capabilities of today's TVs, devices and cinema screens. When future generations of devices surpass the imaging capabilities of today, your Dolby Vision content will still maintain your master look and never stretch your content. What’s more, the Dolby Vision tools and algorithm deliver a fantastic experience for legacy SDR TVs with more detail in the highlights and shadows when trimmed and tone mapped to SDR BT. 709 from the HDR master.

Premium color-mastering 

Using the Dolby Vision workflow inside your preferred color correction or mastering system, you can efficiently master once to create streamlined deliverables in Dolby Vision, HDR10, and SDR for home as well as standard DCI for the cinema. You simply start by creating the HDR master image, which has the most dynamic range and widest color gamut, and then perform the automatic Dolby Vision shot-by-shot analysis. Then, the Dolby Vision workflow and tools allow you to view the automatic mapping to a lesser target, typically down to SDR (maintaining the artistic intent from the HDR grade) and if desired, adjust or ‘trim’ the mapping for each shot. This process is very efficient  compared to having to create 2 or 3 separate grades and far less constricting than mapping with static LUTs or other color science.

Creating the Dolby Vision master begins with creating your master HDR grade first, using a color-grading or mastering system with the PQ EOTF (SMPTE ST. 2084) and a working color space of P3 or Rec 2020.

In order to see the proper peak brightness levels, deep blacks, and wide color gamut to create an incredible-looking HDR image, Dolby has recommended guidelines which closely follow the EBU Tech 3320 specification for a grade 1 HDR mastering monitor. It should be:

• At least 1,000 nits of peak brightness
• At least a 200,000:1 contrast ratio
• A minimum black level performance of 0.005 nits
• At least 99% of the P3 Color Gamut

Note: Other aspects of the content creation pipeline like VFX creation, packaging, and QC may have less stringent guidelines. For more info about monitors, read this article on our content support web portal.

Once the master HDR grade is complete, you simply run the Dolby Vision analysis to automatically generate three metadata values for each shot that represent the minimum, average, and maximum luminance levels. This function is integrated into the most popular video color-grading and mastering tools. The Dolby Vision shot-by-shot metadata then allows you to see the content tone-mapped in real time, to SDR Rec. 709 100 nits, (as well as other HDR display targets like 600 nits), through a Content Mapping Unit (CMU for short). This can be either an internal integrated process or an external unit (iCMU or eCMU).

When viewing the mapped version through the CMU process, many content creators then want to make adjustments to the metadata on a shot-by-shot basis using additional "artistic trim controls." This creates an additional level of metadata in a fast and easy way. The combined automatic and artistic trim metadata travels with the HDR image to Dolby Vision TV’s and devices to help best deliver the creative intent of the HDR master by mapping each shot to the capabilities of the consumer device. Analysis metadata creation is included in many professional video tools at no charge. Artistic trims are available in color-grading systems but require an annual license from Dolby.

For more information or to find out how to get the license contact us.

US and Canadian Customers – click here to purchase a license in our new online store.

‘Rest of World’ Customers – click here to to purchase a license in our new online store.

Once color grading is complete, you can create all of your high-quality deliverables using the HDR master grade and Dolby Vision metadata. You can either export the final grade in the highest image quality, typically a 16-bit TIFF sequence or other uncompressed image container, and the accompanying Dolby Vision dynamic metadata as an XML file for the deep archive master and/or also directly as an IMF package or J2K Mezzanine with interleaved metadata (as a service master). 

These archive masters, or mezzanines, can then be imported into a Dolby Vision mastering tool to create the mezzanine file (or service master) and if needed, perform any additional editorial functions. This file can also be used to create and deliver all other rendered versions like generic HDR10 and SDR Rec 709.

These tools are also used for QC by decoding the image and metadata to a target display, like a 600-nit HDR monitor. You can QC just the Dolby Vision XML using the Dolby Metafier tool, included with the Dolby annual license.

The project is then ready for Dolby Vision encoding by a compatible encoder which generates a Dolby Vision HEVC bitstream. This process is usually completed by the studio, streaming service, or there are on-premise and or cloud encoding solutions that support Dolby Vision.

Whether you choose the integrated, (no additional license needed*), automatic version, which is integrated into the color correction/mastering systems or the enhanced "artistic trims” paid license option, Dolby Vision can improve your workflow and help you create and deliver the best-looking content.

What are my options?

Dolby Vision integrated solution (No Dolby license required)

The top modern color correction and mastering systems listed below offer integrated Dolby Vision capabilities at no additional charge from Dolby. What can you do with this integrated “no license needed” version?*

• Add shot-by-shot or frame by frame* Dolby Vision metadata automatically to your HDR projects. These three analysis values define how your content should be tone-mapped based on the device capabilities or target output.
• Internal Content Mapping (iCMU) support for real-time, tone-mapped playback of the Dolby Vision dynamic metadata to a specific ‘home’ target like SDR Rec. 709 100 nits or HDR PQ P3/Rec 2020 600 nits. This process emulates mapping on the consumer TV or device.
• Internal Content Mapping (iCMU) support with the iCMU for real-time, HDR tone-mapped playback of the Dolby Vision dynamic metadata to a specific ‘cinema’ target like SDR Gamma P3 48 nits or Dolby Cinema HDR PQ P3 108 nits.*
• Export (or import and apply) a Dolby Vision XML
• Export a Dolby Vision mezzanine or IMF package
• Import a Dolby Vision mezzanine or IMF package and map to a target and playback for QC
• Render out specific deliverables from a Dolby Vision master – like an SDR Rec. 709 file derived from the process
• Render a Dolby Vision encoded file for client review or sharing on Dolby Vision-enabled devices.*

*Support may vary per partner tool. Consult with each partner as to the specific features supported and any potential additional costs that may occur. "No license needed" indicates there is no additional charge from Dolby.

The Dolby Vision Professional Tools (No license required)

The Dolby Vision Professional Tools are a suite of free command line software tools for various important processing and QC functionality and is free to download on Dolby Customer portal. They include:

• Metafier: a software tool for managing, editing and verifying XML metadata

• CM Offline: a software tool for rendering Rec. 709 and other deliverables

• Mezzinator: a software tool for creating Dolby Vision mezzanines

• CM Analyze: a software tool that can create Dolby Vision shot or frame-based (aka "long play") analysis metadata from an HDR10 file. Also can create MaxFLL and MaxCLL values for a Dolby Vision XML

The Dolby Vision Trims License

Most commonly used by colorists to create shows and movies for top studios and streaming services, this paid license unlocks the full Dolby Vision artistic trim controls to create an additional layer of metadata unleashing the most powerful, comprehensive HDR mastering tools in your professional color-grading system and better customize and shape your artistic intent to the wide range of consumer devices. Now lowered to a $1,000 (USD) one-time purchase, the perpetual license works on multiple machines in your facility, and it activates the full shot-by-shot artistic trim controls to adjust the mapping for both ‘home’ and ‘cinema’ targets. There are 21 primary and (six-vector color) secondary trim controls.

Are you a Studio or Production Company interested in creating and delivering your owned content in Dolby Vision to Netflix and other streaming services? Contact us here for special pricing and more information.

The Dolby Vision eCMU License

This ($500 per unit) perpetual paid license is  for customers with  existing external (hardware) Content Mapping Unit (or eCMU). One license purchase is required per hardware unit. The eCMU is optional because most color grading and mastering systems include ‘internal’ built-in content mapping (or iCMU). The eCMU supports additional workflows like HDMI Tunneling for real-time review on a Dolby Vision consumer TV. (Check with your specific partner tool for support status of eCMU). Login to the Dolby Customer portal to download the latest eCMU software.

Click here for ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ about purchasing the Dolby Vision Trims License and eCMU license on the Dolby Store.

US and Canadian Customers – click here to purchase a license in our new online store.

‘Rest of World’ Customers – click here to to purchase a license in our new online store.

Note:

• Please allow for 7 business days for order processing
• The Dolby Store accepts credit card purchases only.

Content Mapping Unit (eCMU) hardware

The mapping process is either internally integrated into Dolby Vision compatible third-party tools (iCMU) or is software that runs on specified external (eCMU) hardware. The eCMU hardware is a specific configuration that is no longer available to purchase new. Currently most partner systems only support eCMU CM version 2.9. For more information on CM version 2.9, read this article on our content support hub.  

Authorized eCMU system integrators (for existing Hardware support):

• USA: New Media Hollywood
• Europe: Armari
• Asia Pacific: Altec and Digitocean

Other tools (not from Dolby)

Dolby Vision compatible color-grading systems:

• Autodesk Lustre
• Autodesk Flame 2021
• Blackmagic Design
  Davinci Resolve
• Digital Vision Nucoda
• Filmlight Baselight
• Grass Valley RIO
• SGO Mistika

Dolby Vision compatible mastering & QC systems:

• Colorfront Transkoder
• Fraunhofer EasyDCP Creator+
• Greymeta IRIS
• Interra Baton
• Marquise Technologies MIST
• MTI Film Cortex
• Rhode & Schwarz Clipster
• Venera Pulsar

To learn more about what these tools support, read this article on our content support web portal.

With the growing demand for Dolby Vision content worldwide, gaining a deep understanding of the Dolby Vision tools and workflow has never been more important. There are several options and resources for you to learn how to create your content in Dolby Vision.

Dolby Institute self-guided online training (free)

Live online training with a Dolby Instructor

Previously only available to top post facilities as part of the Dolby Vision facility certification program, you can now, as an individual, get the nearly eight-hour, in-depth, and interactive Dolby Vision training with a Dolby instructor. The online training sessions are carried out in a small group (in English or Spanish) for only $400 per person. Group discounts may be available. The program includes:

            Module 1: Dolby Vision and HDR Theory/Overview/Workflow – 3 Hours

            Module 2: Color Grading (with DaVinci Resolve) – 2.5 Hours

            Module 3: Mastering, Deliverables, and QC – 2 Hours

Note: This course is targeted at professional colorists, engineers, etc creating content for streaming services, networks, and movie studios. It assumes a basic level of color correction and color science knowledge.

Click here for more details

Dolby Vision individual certification

Whether you are a colorist or engineer, finish off your Dolby Vision training experience by becoming a Dolby Vision certified individual for $250. This involves passing both an online multiple-choice test and a practical test where you download a color-graded HDR file/EDL, add titles, dissolves/fades and create the Dolby Vision metadata, as well as create a Dolby Vision IMF package to submit to a Dolby instructor (much like the QC process for a streaming show). Once passing both portions, certified individuals will be allowed to use a Dolby Vision Certified logo on their website or email signature and be listed below on Professional.Dolby.com.

Note: Certification is designed for professional colorists, engineers, etc creating content for streaming services, networks, and movie studios. It requires a standard level of color correction and color science experience to deliver those shows in SDR. The test requires a clear understanding of the detailed process, and it is therefore strongly recommended to take the training first with only two attempts to pass before a repurchase is required.

Click here for more details

The Dolby Vision Facility Certification program has closed for new applications in most countries as we have transitioned to the new individual training and certification.

See all Dolby Vision Certified Professionals here.

The best resource for Dolby Vision content creation guidance, documentation, FAQs, and self-help is The Dolby Professional Support Help Center. It contains these key sections (as active links):

• Knowledge base articles and FAQs
• "How to" tutorials
• Documentation: user guides and best practices guides
• Past webinars on Dolby Vision

Sign up to receive updates on Dolby Vision Technical Webinars

Other educational materials

• Mixing light "Getting to know Dolby Vision" articles

Videos

• Conversations with Colorists podcast series

• Dolby Vision (Derived) SDR Survey

Case studies

• Netflix Film “Rising High”
• Netflix Documentary Series “Unnatural Selection”
  
• Netflix Natural History Series “Night On Earth"