Overview
ISO 26430-9:2009 - Digital cinema (D-cinema) operations - Part 9: Key delivery bundle - defines the Key Delivery Message bundle (KDMb), a standardized, efficient container for distributing sets of Key Delivery Messages (KDMs). The KDMb packages a mapping file (CATALOG) and a CONTENT directory of one or more KDM files into a single compressed archive (ustar/POSIX). The mapping file links a Composition Playlist (CPL), a Recipient and the corresponding KDM to enable fast lookup and streamlined delivery across post‑production, distribution and exhibition workflows.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Bundle structure
- Top-level text file named CATALOG (XML) and a top-level directory named CONTENT with KDM files.
- Packaged as a ustar Interchange Format archive (IEEE Std 1003.1/POSIX).
- CATALOG
- XML-encoded using W3C XML and XML Schema; uses namespace: http://www.smpte-ra.org/schemas/429-10/2008/KDMB.
- Contains a single Catalog element with metadata (Id, AnnotationText, Creator) and a KDMFileList.
- Id: urn:uuid (RFC 4122) for asset management.
- KDMFile entries
- Each KDMFile links a KDM file to a CPL via CPLId (urn:uuid) and includes FilePath (relative to CONTENT root).
- FilePath limits: minimum 1 character, maximum 99 characters.
- Archive file attributes (mandatory)
- Regular files/directories only (no symlinks or device files).
- File permission modes: files 0444 (read-only); directories 0555 (read-only, searchable).
- Relative pathnames only; user/group id 0; text user/group name "root".
- Case-sensitive filenames, unique regardless of case.
- Conformance and references
- Relies on related standards for KDM and CPL (see Related Standards).
- Informative guidance recommends familiarity with Key Delivery Message and Composition Playlist specifications.
Applications and who uses it
- Primary use: Efficient distribution of KDMs from content processing centers to distributors, exhibitors, or redistributors (e.g., post-production → distribution → exhibition).
- Beneficiaries
- Post-production houses and content processors packaging KDM sets.
- Digital cinema distribution operations and circuit managers.
- Cinema exhibitors and security teams responsible for receiving and importing KDMs.
- Developers of D-cinema packaging, vaulting, and playback software integrating automated lookup/import tools.
- Practical value: A single, standardized archive reduces operational overhead, simplifies automated ingestion, and supports scalable delivery to theatre-level or circuit-level recipient groupings.
Related standards
- ISO 26430 series (D-cinema operations): Parts 1 (KDM), 2 (Digital certificate), 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9.
- SMPTE equivalents (e.g., SMPTE 430-9-2008, SMPTE 430-1, SMPTE 429-7, SMPTE 429-8).
- W3C XML, XML Schema; RFC 4122 (UUID); IEEE Std 1003.1 (POSIX/ustar).
Keywords: ISO 26430-9, KDMb, Key Delivery Message, KDM bundle, digital cinema, D-cinema, CPL, KDM distribution, SMPTE 430-9.
