Format

In the format part of the publishing process, you will define the attributes for your content bundle for distribution and management. 

DBL supports 3 content types: text, audio, or video. Each format type will have different attributes - we’ll walk you through each one.

Text format details

  • Content edition (optional) - what type of work is it?
    • First Translation: The very first time a work is translated from its original language into a new target language.
    • New Translation (Non-Revision): A completely fresh, from-scratch translation of a work that has been translated before, rather than an update to an existing version.
    • Revised Translation: A version of an existing translation that has been edited or updated to improve accuracy, modernize the language, or correct errors.
    • Study Material: Supplemental audio or text—such as character guides, historical context, or discussion questions—designed to deepen the listener's understanding of the primary work.

  • Audience (optional) - for whom is the content intended?
    • Basic: Designed for early readers or those with limited vocabulary, using simple sentence structures and the most fundamental words.
    • Common: Written in everyday, contemporary language that is easily understood by the average adult or general audience.
    • Common-Literary: A blend of accessible language and more sophisticated vocabulary, bridging the gap between casual reading and high-level prose.
    • Literary: Features complex themes, elevated vocabulary, and a focus on artistic style, intended for advanced or scholarly readers.
    • Liturgical: Specifically phrased for formal worship, religious ceremonies, or public prayer, often using traditional or ceremonial language.
    • Children: Tailored for young audiences, prioritizing age-appropriate concepts, clear storytelling, and engaging, easy-to-follow language.

  • USX version (optional) - which version of the United Scripture XML format are you using?

Audio format details

  • Dramatization type
    • Dramatized: a cinematic production featuring a full cast, sound effects, and music, often adapted for a more theatrical experience.
    • Non-dramatized: a standard, word-for-word reading of the text focused on the original prose without background music or sound effects.
    • Single-voice narration: a solo performer reads the entire book, providing distinct voices for all characters and the narrator.

  • Compression (optional) - the file format for the files being uploaded. Select MP3, WAV, FLAC, or AAC

  • Chapter-based files (optional) - define whether each audio file corresponds to a single scripture chapter

  • Timing files (optional) - these data files synchronize the written text with the audio recording, allowing features like real-time text highlighting (Whispersync) and easy chapter navigation. For more information on timing files, click here.

  • Track configuration - this describes how the various elements of the track are organized for playback. Select either 1/0 (mono), Dual mono, 2/0 (stereo), or 5.1 surround.
  • Bit rate, Bit depth, and sampling rate (optional)
    • Bit Rate (The "Resolution" of Audio): Measured in kbps, this is the total amount of data processed per second; it is a combination of sampling rate and bit depth that determines the overall fidelity and file size.
    • Bit Depth (The "Color Depth" of Audio): Measured in bits (e.g. 16-bit or 24-bit), this determines the number of volume levels available for each snapshot; a higher bit depth provides greater detail between the quietest and loudest parts of a recording.
    • Sampling Rate (The "Frame Rate" of Audio): Measured in Hz, this is how many snapshots of a sound wave are taken per second; a higher rate allows for a more accurate reproduction of high-frequency sounds.

Video format details

When uploading video content, the Format part of the process is two-fold: video format details and video stream details. 

  • Container - select the file format for your content. You can choose MP4, MPEG, or MPEG + MP4

  • Chapter-based files (optional) - define whether each video file corresponds to a single scripture chapter.

  • Timing files (optional) - these data files synchronize text—such as subtitles or transcripts—with the video timeline, enabling features like real-time caption highlighting, searchable transcripts, and precise scene navigation. For more details on timing files, click here. 

Video stream details

  • Codec: The compression technology used to shrink large video files for efficient storage and streaming, then decompress them for playback (e.g., H.264 or HEVC).
  • Bit Rate: The amount of data processed per second of video, typically measured in kbps; a higher bit rate generally improves visual clarity but results in larger file sizes.
  • Frame Rate: The frequency at which individual images (frames) are displayed per second, measured in fps; higher rates result in smoother motion, while lower rates (like 24fps) provide a cinematic feel.
  • Screen Resolution: The total number of pixels that make up the video frame (e.g., 1920×1080), which determines the sharpness and level of detail in the image.

If you wish to also define the audio stream details for your video content, click ‘show more options’ at the bottom and fill out the details. These details are explained in the above section, ‘Audio format details.’

When you have completed the relevant sections, click ‘Save and Continue’ in the bottom right to move on to the Scripture part of the process. 

About Timing Files

Timing files provide further information regarding audio or video files within a particular content item. The name of these timing files is typically in the following format:

timingfiles/{book_code}/{book_code}_{chapter_number}.txt

When applied to Titus chapter 1, for instance, this would look as follows: 

timingfiles/TIT/TIT_001.txt

The DBL does not enforce this structure, however, and timing files are themselves optional. An example of what such a timing file might look like for 1 Corinthians 2 is shown below:

1CO_002.txt

Marker file version: 1
Time format: Time
Chapter Title  00:00:01.00000000
Heading 01  00:00:07.47645833
Verse 01  00:00:11.50906250
Verse 02  00:00:20.83395833
Verse 03  00:00:29.71420833
Verse 04  00:00:35.21816667
Verse 05  00:00:43.47091667
Heading 02  00:00:49.90391667
Verse 06  00:00:51.72085417
Verse 07  00:01:04.01131250
Verse 08  00:01:12.24783333
Verse 09  00:01:21.11868750
Verse 10  00:01:35.41475000
Verse 11  00:01:46.00000000
Verse 12  00:01:57.24050000
Verse 13  00:02:07.18189583
Verse 14  00:02:22.74737500
Verse 15  00:02:35.51545833
Verse 16  00:02:40.56145833
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