Comprehensive technical verification process ensuring film and video content meets broadcast, streaming, and distribution standards – encompasses video signal integrity, audio compliance, closed caption accuracy, file format specifications, and metadata completeness before content release.
What is Quality Control?
Quality Control (QC) is a comprehensive verification process in post-production. It ensures that all technical aspects of a deliverable meet the requirements of distributors, broadcasters, and streaming platforms.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Goal | Technical Perfection |
| Scope | Video, Audio, File |
| Standard | Platform-Specific |
| Output | QC Report |
Areas of Inspection
| Area | Content |
|---|---|
| Video | Image Quality |
| Audio | Sound Quality |
| Captions | Subtitles |
| File | Technical Specs |
| Metadata | Information |
Video Quality Control
| Element | Inspection Criterion |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Correct Resolution |
| Frame Rate | Specified FPS |
| Aspect Ratio | Aspect Ratio |
| Color Space | Color Space |
Video Troubleshooting
| Error Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Dropout | Missing Frames |
| Artifact | Compression Artifacts |
| Banding | Color Gradients |
| Noise | Noise |
Audio Quality Control
| Element | Inspection Criterion |
|---|---|
| Loudness | LUFS/LKFS |
| Sync | Lip Sync |
| Channels | Configuration |
| Dynamic Range | True Peak |
Audio Troubleshooting
| Error Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Click/Pop | Disturbing Noises |
| Hum | Humming |
| Distortion | Distortion |
| Missing | Missing Audio |
Loudness Standards
| Standard | Region/Platform |
|---|---|
| -24 LKFS | Streaming |
| -23 LUFS | EBU R128 (EU) |
| -24 LKFS | ATSC A/85 (US) |
| -27 LKFS | Japan |
Closed Captions/Subtitles
| Element | Inspection |
|---|---|
| Sync | Timing |
| Accuracy | Transcription |
| Formatting | Style Guide |
| Positioning | Not Over Action |
File Specifications
| Parameter | Checked |
|---|---|
| Container | MOV, MXF, MP4 |
| Codec | ProRes, H.264/5 |
| Bitrate | Min/Max |
| Duration | Correct |
Metadata Verification
| Field | Inspection |
|---|---|
| Title | Correct |
| Timecode | Start TC |
| Language | Tags |
| Copyright | Present |
Platform Standards
| Platform | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Very Detailed |
| Amazon | Own Specs |
| Disney+ | Strict |
| Broadcast | Regional |
QC Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Automated | Software-Based |
| Manual | Visual Inspection |
| Hybrid | Combination |
Automated QC Tools
| Tool | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Baton | Comprehensive |
| Vidchecker | Broadcast |
| Aurora | File-Based |
| CineCheck | DCP |
Manual QC Process
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| Full Watch | Complete Viewing |
| Listen | Audio Monitoring |
| Spot Check | Critical Sections |
| Compare | Against Specs |
QC Workflow
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Ingest | File Received |
| Automated | Software Checks |
| Manual | Human Review |
| Report | Documentation |
| Review | Decision |
Pass/Fail Criteria
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pass | Accepted |
| Pass with Notes | Minor Issues |
| Fail | Not Accepted |
Error Categorization
| Severity | Description |
|---|---|
| Critical | Must Be Fixed |
| Major | Should Be Fixed |
| Minor | Can Be Accepted |
| Note | For Information |
Correction Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Identify | Locate Problem |
| Fix | Correct |
| Re-master | Re-issue |
| Re-QC | Re-inspect |
QC Documentation
| Document | Content |
|---|---|
| QC Report | Findings |
| Specs Sheet | Technical Data |
| Sign-Off | Approval |
Cost Factors
| Element | Influence |
|---|---|
| Duration | Longer = More |
| Complexity | HDR, Atmos |
| Rush | Surcharge |
| Re-QC | Additional |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Plan Early | Time for Fixes |
| Understand Specs | Create Correctly |
| Communication | With QC House |
| Documentation | Traceable |
Common Fail Reasons
| Problem | Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Specs | Check Specs |
| Audio Sync | Check Carefully |
| Loudness | Meter |
| Metadata | Complete |
Today
Quality Control has become a fundamental part of professional content delivery. With increasing demands from streaming platforms and rising technical standards (HDR, Atmos, 4K+), QC is becoming ever more complex and important. Automated tools support the process but do not replace human expertise for final quality assessment.