METAdata Resource EXpress

A framework for getting media metadata to where you need it.

  |    Kick off: Q4 2022   |    Why?   |    What?   |    How?   |   

Why MetaRex?

Generic Timeline metadata is a mess. Anyone can make it, but it usually gets dropped and forgotten by the time someone needs it downstream. The [mxf-live] project demonstrated a cheap and easy way to keep the metadata on a network, in a file, in the cloud, in a database - whatever works for you.

MetaRex will take the process to the next level to build an open source framework that allows productions, post-facilities, mastering-facilities and enthusiasts to preserve, transport, identify and use metadata from many sources in a single workflow.

In a production today, the capture and transport of the metadata sources shown above will vary depending on which manufacturer has provided the equipment, what networking and connectivity is in place and whether or not a skilled engineer is available to glue it all together.

If there was a way to get that metadata onto a network in a standardized container that maintaied the identity and the timing and the original format of the data then we can use that data both live and offline workflows.

To identify the metadata, you need an ID. Sometimes this could be a random number, but often you want to identify it as "special metadata from that Raspberry Pi that the Intern made". For that, the container needs an ID that we can look up somewhere.

To make it all work, we need to write a few things down and make it easy to find. MetaRex is the project to make that happen.

What is MetaRex?

MetaRex Ltd.

Metarex is a UK Company Limited by Guarantee that exists for the following reasons:

1. Raise funds to create the MetaRex framework
2. Maintain a board until end 2024
3. Maintain a website to run the project
4. Publish the workplan to build the framework
5. Distribute funds to project grant applicants (small companies & individuals)
6. Dissolve itself after 2 years at the boards discretion

Board

The board of 3-7 members is initially created from the major contributors & coordinators. The company health is managed byt the Executive Director and the work is coordinated by the Technical Director.

Work Plan

The work plan is managed in working groups that comprise small, targetted work packages that results in

1. Open Source Code including schemas, encoding & processing.
2. Open Source Hardware.
3. Public Domain Data (for testing, registration, operational use).
4. Specification documents - machine readable where possible

Timeframe

The initial supporters, company incororation, board and draft work plan to be in place by 2022-12-31. First grant applications & proposals can be received against the work plan 2023-01-01.

The project will continue for 2 years and then be wound up by the board leaving all code and open source content in place with a sustaining plan to ensure it's longevity.