Detailed document generated during quality control inspection that lists all technical issues, errors, and anomalies found in a deliverable – includes timecode references, severity classifications, and descriptions enabling efficient identification and correction of problems before final delivery.
What is a QC Report?
A QC Report (Quality Control Report) is a detailed document that lists all technical issues found during quality control. The report serves as the basis for corrections and as proof of technical quality.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Technical Documentation |
| Creator | QC Technician |
| Purpose | Error Documentation |
| Recipient | Post, Production |
Report Contents
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Header | Project Info |
| Findings | Issues Found |
| Timecodes | Exact Positions |
| Summary | Overall Assessment |
Header Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Title | Project Name |
| Version | Deliverable Version |
| Date | Inspection Date |
| Technician | Name |
Technical Data
| Parameter | Documented |
|---|---|
| Format | Codec, Container |
| Resolution | Pixel Dimensions |
| Framerate | Fps |
| Audio | Channels, Format |
Error Classification
| Severity | Description |
|---|---|
| Critical | Fix Immediately |
| Major | Correction Required |
| Minor | Recommended |
| Note | For Information |
Typical Findings
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Video | Dropout, Glitch |
| Audio | Pop, Click, Sync |
| Color | Banding, Clipping |
| Metadata | Missing, Incorrect |
Video Issues
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Dropout | Missing Frames |
| Artifact | Compression Errors |
| Flash | Flicker |
| Stuck Frame | Still Image |
Audio Issues
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Sync | Lip-Sync Off |
| Click/Pop | Distortion |
| Dropout | Audio Missing |
| Level | Too Loud/Quiet |
Timecode Format
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Format | HH:MM:SS:FF |
| In-Point | 01:23:45:12 |
| Out-Point | 01:23:47:00 |
| Duration | 1 Sec 12 Fr |
Finding Description
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| Timecode | Where |
| Issue Type | What |
| Description | Details |
| Severity | Level of Urgency |
Report Formats
| Format | Usage |
|---|---|
| Official | |
| Excel | Detailed |
| EDL | For Edit Systems |
| XML | Automated |
Pass/Fail Criteria
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pass | Accepted |
| Conditional Pass | With Restrictions |
| Fail | Not Accepted |
| Resubmit | Correction Needed |
Distributor Standards
| Platform | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Very Strict |
| Amazon | Strict |
| Broadcast | Per Channel |
| Theatrical | DCI Compliant |
Automated vs. Manual
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Automated | Technical Checks |
| Manual | Visual/Auditory |
| Combination | Best Practice |
Software Tools
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Baton | Automated QC |
| Vidchecker | Video/Audio |
| Aurora | Broadcast |
| Cerify | File-based |
Workflow After Report
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Review | Analyze Report |
| Prioritize | By Severity |
| Fix | Correct Issues |
| Re-QC | Re-inspect |
Communication
| From | To |
|---|---|
| QC House | Post Supervisor |
| Post | Editor/Colorist |
| Production | As Needed |
| Distributor | Status Update |
Archiving
| Aspect | Practice |
|---|---|
| Retention | With Deliverables |
| Versioning | All Reports |
| Accessibility | For Remasters |
| Format | PDF for Long-term |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Complete | All Issues |
| Precise Timecodes | Quick Localization |
| Clear Language | Understandability |
| Consistent Classification | Comparability |
Today
QC Reports are an indispensable part of professional post-production. With the increasing technical requirements of streaming platforms and broadcast, reports are becoming ever more detailed. Automated QC tools accelerate the process, but manual visual and auditory inspection remains essential for complete quality control.