AS11 Delivery Explained
If you’ve ever submitted a TV programme to a UK broadcaster, you’ve probably heard someone say:
"It needs to be AS11 compliant.”
But what exactly is an AS11? Why does it matter? And how can you make sure your file passes the standard—without going cross-eyed reading delivery specs?
Let’s break it down.
What is AS11?
AS11 is a delivery file format standard used primarily in HD SDR UK broadcast television. It ensures that your finished programme is delivered in a consistent, structured, and metadata-rich way.
It was developed by the Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA) in collaboration with UK broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, and is part of the DPP (Digital Production Partnership) family of specifications.
In simple terms:
AS11 is the "broadcast master" format required for delivery to most major UK networks.
What's Inside an AS11 File?
An AS11 file isn’t just a single video file, it’s a bundle of specific technical ingredients, wrapped in an MXF (Material eXchange Format) container.
Here’s what goes inside:
🖥 Video:
Codec: AVC-Intra 100
Resolution: 1920x1080
Frame Rate: 25 fps interlaced (for UK broadcast)
🎧 Audio:
Channel layout: usually stereo and/or surround
Compliance with EBU R128 loudness
Clear track allocation (e.g. commentary, dialogue, M&E)
📝 Metadata:
Programme title, synopsis, episode number
Production number
Creation date
Segment start and duration details
Whether the content has subtitles, signing, and a PSE pass with version number
And much much more….
📦 Structure:
Programme starts at a fixed timecode (usually 10:00:00:00)
Includes bars and time, clock, black and silence, and programme material—strictly timed with freezes and breaks as per the channels requirements
It’s not just a delivery file—it’s a delivery system.
Why Does AS11 Matter?
In a word? Consistency.
Broadcasters receive thousands of hours of content. If everyone delivered files in different formats, with missing metadata or misaligned audio, it would be a nightmare.
By enforcing AS11, broadcasters ensure:
Files can be ingested into their playout systems without issues
Every delivery is technically standardised
QC (quality control) is faster and more reliable
If your file fails AS11 compliance checks, the broadcaster might:
Reject it ❌
Ask for a redelivery (costing time and money) 💰
Delay transmission or publishing ⏱️
What’s Changed in 2025?
The core AS11 UK DPP spec remains, but there are a few things that have evolved:
More platforms (streamers, VOD, FAST) are adopting AS11-style delivery specs.
Accessibility metadata is now more critical—flagging subtitles, signing, and audio description.
Broadcasters may require additional XML metadata files for ingest and automation.
QC is increasingly automated—and your file will be scanned as soon as it arrives.
That means you can’t afford to get this wrong.
How Can PixelPantry Help?
You guessed it—QC Kitchen includes automated AS11 delivery validation.
Upload your file and we’ll check:
File format & container structure
Video codec, resolution and frame rate
Audio layout and track mapping
Timecode start points (slate, clock, programme)
Basic metadata compliance
And more…
If something’s off, we flag it with frame-accurate reporting, so you can fix it before the broadcaster ever sees it. 👍
Click to see:
👉A sample report
👉AS11 Metadata Checklist GUIDE
TL;DR – AS11 in a Nutshell
AS11 is the UK broadcast delivery standard for master files.
It includes video, audio, and rich metadata in a strict MXF structure.
Broadcasters require AS11 to ensure consistency, speed, and automation.
If your file isn’t compliant, it may be rejected or delayed.
QC Kitchen by PixelPantry checks your AS11 structure automatically—so you don’t have to stress.
📦 Ready to check your next delivery file?
Try QC Kitchen for free and get AS11 peace of mind in minutes.
👉 Run an AS11 QC Scan