The Digital Production Partnership (DPP) has released version one of its standardised UK quality control requirements, six months ahead of the October deadline for file-based delivery.
Based on the EBU’s QC definitions, the DPP has created a minimum set of tests and tolerance levels required for UK broadcasters.
They include AS-11 file compliance checks and automated quality control tests for video and audio.
The guidelines also includes a list of ‘eyeball’ tests that a producer needs to undertake before delivering the programme, including audio sync, buzzing, unclear sound, clock, and visual focus.
DPP technical standards lead and CTO broadcast and distribution Channel 4 Kevin Burrows said: “The DPP’s QC guidelines offer a standardised set of checks expected prior to the digital delivery of broadcast programmes to the UK Broadcasters.
“They are designed to streamline the QC process and help minimise the issues that can arise in programme delivery.”
BBC principal technologist Andy Quested, who was described as playing an “instrumental” role in devising the guidelines as well as leading the EBU’s work, added: “Post houses and broadcasters are seeing a significant increase in the volume of file-based programmes they need to handle.
“It is really important that the QC tests give accurate and consistent results.
“The new guidelines don’t just explain the process and the test to be carried out, they also make it clear who is responsible for signing off the QC process.”
Production companies will be required to deliver their compliant files along with a valid QC report, as has previously been the case with the PSE report.
The QC report can be delivered using a separate PDF or XML file output from the QC tool.
The DPP said broadcasters will accept PDF QC reports initially, but will encourage XML reports over time once they are standardised by the EBU group and the DPP.
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