What’s driving the need for QC is the increasing number of delivery requirements, regulations, and file types. With so many more ways to get content to viewers, the linear supply chain is gone, and that means the number and types of files to send has increased, and the chance of making a mistake has gone up.
The massive increase and complexity of delivery requirements makes it virtually impossible to just send out one media file that works in all regions, in all cases.
Additionally, there are an increasing number of laws and rules that media needs to comply with, including audio loudness specifications such as the CALM Act in the US, and EBU R128 in Europe; and even specific PSE (Photosensitive Epilepsy) regulations in some regions. PSE is triggered in people who have a sensitivity to flashing lights or strobes. Certain flashing video sequences cause PSE. The UK and Japan now require that all broadcast media passes specific PSE tests before being aired.
Many other specifications – such as the UK’s DPP Program Delivery Specification, and AS10 in France – were adopted with the aim of standardizing file delivery specifications. For some content producers that deliver to a multitude of different regions, the result is an increase in the overall number and types of delivery specifications with which they need to comply.
With all of these regulations and specifications, the chance of mistakes – and therefore of fines and disciplinary measures – continues to grow.
Save Time and Money by Avoiding File Rejection
In addition to the laws and rules governed by countries and regions, each point in the media supply chain has its own specifications that need to be followed. No one wants to risk having to redeliver content to distributors – it’s just too expensive and time-consuming.
For example, if a TV station receives a file that does not comply with their specifications for playout, they will either fix it or reject it. If the TV station needs to fix the content, then they will likely charge a fee to the post house that delivered the content. If the content is rejected, then the post house has to rework and re-submit the content, likely incurring penalty fees. Who can afford to do work twice, take extra time, and pay penalty fees?
Additionally, airing bad content can cost your brand its reputation. A brand can’t afford to deliver content that has quality problems.
Conclusion
Increased standardization (e.g. DPP, AS-10, ZDF, DPP NABA) means even more compliance verification will be required. More requirements for different regions will cause media companies to rethink how they are meeting QC testing requirements.
To learn more about automated QC testing, download the Definitive Guide to File-based QC here.