Tag: #compliance

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Broadcasting Tips: QC’ing and Transcoding files

In media production, building QC (quality check) and transcode files for use in manual and automated workflows typically involves the following steps:

1. Determine the specifications: Identify the technical requirements for the media file based on the delivery platform or distribution channels. This includes file format, resolution, aspect ratio, bit rate, frame rate, audio format, and other technical parameters.

2. Encode or transcode: Once the file specifications are defined, use a transcoding software to encode or transcode the media file to the desired specifications. This process converts the file from its original format to the required delivery format. Ensure the output quality is up to the expected standards.

• Note: Encoding and transcoding are both processes of converting digital media files from one format to another. However, there is a distinction between these two processes that is important to understand.

Encoding refers to the process of compressing digital media files into a specific format to reduce file size while retaining as much quality as possible. This compression can be lossless or lossy, depending on the encoding method used.

Transcoding, on the other hand, involves taking an already compressed media file and re-compressing it into a different format or bitrate. This can involve changing the media file’s resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate or other technical parameters.

While both encoding and transcoding can be used to reduce file sizes, encoding typically involves compressing high-quality files for use in delivery platforms while transcoding focuses more on adapting existing media files to suit a variety of distribution and delivery platforms.

The main difference lies in the fact that encoding is the process of compressing an un-compressed file for storage or streaming purposes, while transcoding is the process of converting an already compressed file into a different format, resolution, and/or bit rate.

3. QC check: Once the file is transcoded, it must be tested to ensure it meets technical specifications and quality levels. This can be done manually or through an automated quality control system that checks for technical issues such as pixelation, color accuracy, brightness, and resolution.

To specifically test QC’d video and ensure it meets technical specifications and quality levels, you can follow these steps:

• Check the video resolution: Ensure the video resolution matches the intended output specifications. For instance, if the video is meant for a 1080p output, verify that the resolution is 1920×1080.

• Verify aspect ratio: Verify if the aspect ratio of the video is correct. This can typically be set to 16:9 or 4:3.

• Check bit rate: Verify that the video’s bit rate meets specified requirements. This will affect the video quality, and too high or too low bit rates can result in poor quality.

• Test audio quality: Check audio levels, clarity, and timing. Ensure audio levels don’t clip or distort, and that the audio is synced correctly to the video.

• Check color and exposure: Verify the color accuracy and exposure levels of the video. Ensure that the colors are not too saturated or de-saturated and that the exposure levels are not too bright or too dark.

• Run tests for technical issues: Quality control software can automate this step by running a series of automated tests to check for technical issues. Some common issues software can detect include pixelation, interlacing, dropouts, and compression errors.

Here are ten series of automated tests that are commonly used to check for technical issues in the broadcast media industry’s QC process:

– Video signal analysis: This involves analyzing the video signal to detect issues such as missing or duplicate frames, video compression artifacts, and signal dropout.

– Audio level analysis: This involves analyzing the audio levels to verify that they are within acceptable levels and that there are no audio dropouts.

– Lip sync analysis: This test checks that the audio and video are in sync with each other, with no noticeable delays or desyncs.

– Closed captioning analysis: This involves analyzing the closed caption data to ensure that they are synced correctly with the audio and video.

– Loudness compliance analysis: This test ensures that audio levels comply with relevant loudness guidelines, such as CALM Act.

– Video quality metrics: This measures various video quality metrics, such as Peak Signal-to-Noise ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity (SSIM) and Mean Opinion Scores (MOS), to ensure that the video is of high quality.

– Aspect ratio and resolution compliance: This test ensures that the video’s aspect ratio and resolution comply with relevant specifications.

– Subtitle and caption compliance: This verifies that subtitles and captions adhere to standards and are free from errors.

– Compression analysis: This test checks that the video encoding and compression have been applied correctly, and verifies that bitrates aren’t too high or low.

– Color and gamma analysis: This test verifies correct color space and level and image brightness or dark values through gamma analysis. 

These automated tests help ensure that broadcast media content is delivered to its intended specifications, and adheres to industry standards for technical quality.

– Check for legal compliance: Verify that the video does not contain any copyright infringements or other legal compliance issues.

4. Review and revise: Once QC checks are complete, review the results and revise any errors or issues that were found. This can involve making additional cuts, color correction, or other adjustments.

5. File-naming convention and metadata: Consistent file naming convention and metadata is essential to ensure the media assets are managed and distributed optimally. Using a bespoke asset management system or media production software that tag and track the files and the corresponding metadata allows for efficient and accurate searching and retrieval for the use of the assets in future projects.

By following these steps, media producers can ensure that their assets are optimized for different platforms and workflows while also making sure that the files meet the required technical standards for delivery.

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Logistics Gymnastics: Making it work

Technology plays a crucial role in logistics and supply chain management. Here are some examples of vital technologies used in logistics and supply chain management:

  1. Transportation management systems (TMS)
  2. Warehouse management systems (WMS)
  3. Global positioning systems (GPS)
  4. Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
  5. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
  6. Drones
  7. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
  8. Big data analytics
  9. Blockchain technology
  10. Cloud computing
  11. Mobile devices and applications
  12. Electronic data interchange (EDI)
  13. Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
  14. Telematics

These technologies can be used for a variety of purposes such as optimizing routes, tracking shipments, managing inventory, and improving supply chain visibility. By leveraging these technologies, companies can enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better overall service to their customers.

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Lights, Camera, Safety: OSHA and EHS Guidelines in Film and TV Production

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) are regulatory bodies that set workplace safety standards for employees and organizations in the United States. These standards apply to all industries, including the film and television production industry. 

In a broadcast studio and on-location field, there are a variety of hazards and risks that need to be addressed to maintain a safe work environment. Potential hazards in a studio include electrical equipment, trip hazards, and heavy lighting equipment, while dangers on-location could include extreme weather conditions, heavy camera equipment, and dangerous stunts.

Production companies and studios are responsible for implementing safety measures to ensure the health and safety of their employees, cast members, and crew. This includes providing proper training, protective equipment, and ensuring compliance with OSHA and EHS standards.

In addition to safety, the production process requires extensive planning and organization, from casting to filming to editing, in order to create a successful project. The studio or production company typically provides the infrastructure for the entire process, including equipment, crew, and facilities, as well as hiring key personnel such as directors, writers, and producers.

Overall, the success of film and television production depends on strict adherence to OSHA and EHS guidelines, effective planning, and the ability to work efficiently both in the studio and on-location.

To comply with OSHA and EHS guidelines and ensure a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, a film and television production company typically provides the following infrastructure:

1. Protective equipment: This could include hard hats, safety goggles, ear protection, gloves, and other equipment that can provide protection to the crew against potential hazards.

2. Emergency equipment: Fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and other equipment could be provided to handle potential emergencies on the set.

3. Rigging equipment: For lighting, sound, and cinematography, specialized rigging equipment is necessary. The company should ensure these rigging systems are inspected and maintained regularly.

4. Controlled access: Entrance to certain areas on the set, such as building exteriors or areas with hazardous materials, should be restricted in order to ensure the safety of the crew.

5. Safety personnel: The production company should also provide trained safety personnel during all phases of filming to identify hazards, address possible risks, and ensure that OSHA and EHS guidelines are being followed.

6. Training programs: The production company should provide training to all crew members on emergency procedures, safe work practices, and the proper use of protective equipment and rigging systems.

These are just a few examples of the infrastructure that a film and television production company may provide to comply with OSHA and EHS guidelines. The specific measures taken would depend on the location, scope, and nature of the production.

The specific training programs that a film and television production company should provide to its crew members in order to ensure compliance with OSHA and EHS guidelines include:

1. Hazard Communication training: This program covers the methods used to inform employees of the presence, hazards, and location of dangerous chemicals on the set.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training: This program covers the proper use of PPE and how to select, fit, maintain, and wear the equipment.

3. Rigging and Lifting training: This program covers rigging techniques, how to lift and move equipment safely, and proper use of fall protection systems.

4. Emergency Action Plan (EAP) training: This program covers the response procedures for emergencies or accidents on the set, including medical emergencies, fires, and natural disasters.

5. Electrical Safety training: This program covers electrical safety protocols, how to identify electrical hazards on the set, and safe work practices when using electrical equipment.

6. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training: This program covers general EHS principles and practices, including hazard recognition, accident prevention, and the safe use and handling of hazardous materials.

7. Site-Specific Safety training: This program covers safety protocols that are specific to the filming location, including location-specific hazards, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.

Overall, the specific training programs required by a film and television production company depend on the nature of the production, the equipment used, and the filming location, and should be designed to address the unique hazards and risks associated with the production.