The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) was founded in 1916 to advance theory and development in the motion imaging field. Today, SMPTE serves its members with the latest technology information and education on a rapidly changing industry. SMPTE also is an accredited and globally-respected industry standards-setting body. As the leading technical society for the motion imaging industry, SMPTE is shaping the future of the constantly evolving content business.

SMPTE is committed to doing its part to support its friends and colleagues in the media & entertainment community during this challenging time. With this goal in mind, SMPTE’s webcasts and on-demand videos are now available free of charge and regardless of membership status.

SMPTE Significant Advances in Media and Entertainment Technology

For more than a century, the people of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE^®, pronounced “simp-tee”) have sorted out the details of many significant advances in media and entertainment technology, from the introduction of “talkies” and color television to HD and UHD (4K, 8K) TV. Since its founding in 1916, the Society has received an Oscar^® and multiple Emmy^® Awards for its work in advancing moving-imagery engineering across the industry. SMPTE has developed thousands of standards, recommended practices, and engineering guidelines, more than 800 of which are in force today. SMPTE Time Code and the ubiquitous SMPTE Color Bars are just two examples of the Society’s notable work. Now in its second century, the Society is shaping the next-generation of standards and providing education for the industry to ensure interoperability as the industry evolves further into IT- and IP-based workflows.

SMPTE’s global membership today includes more than 7,000 members: motion-imaging executives, creatives, technologists, researchers, and students who volunteer their time and expertise to the Society’s standards development and educational initiatives. A partnership with the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) connects SMPTE and its membership with the businesses and individuals who support the creation and finishing of media content. 

As a volunteer organization, SMPTE is only as good as our members' generosity, dedication, and commitment. This approach has been the key to our success for more than 100 years and the cornerstone of our values and principles. We ask that you please take the time to review this strategic plan and ask yourself how you too can become a part of the team that helps SMPTE create value for our members, partners, and industry. 

SMPTE Values

• Is a Global organization that must operate and represent ourselves as such.
• Has three pillars of activity, Standards, Membership, and Education.
• Is Inclusive.
• Values and nurtures our volunteers.
• Strives to understand the common needs of all our stakeholders.
• Is Objective.
• Seeks to realize real and valuable synergies with the HPA and all of our partners.
• Returns a net surplus each year to sustain and grow the organization

SMPTE Vision Statement

Enabling the technical framework and global professional community that makes motion picture, television and professional media available for all humanity to enjoy for artistic, educational and social purposes.

SMPTE Mission Statement

To drive the quality and evolution of motion pictures, television, and professional media through our global society of technologists, developers, and creatives by setting industry standards, providing relevant education, and fostering an engaged membership community.