ISO 26430-9:2009

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.