As the inevitable transition from tape to file-based production becomes a reality for more and more broadcasters, so too does the challenge of automating Quality Control processes. An upcoming EBU workshop will show that file QC doesn't need to be a nightmare. Open to all and free-of-charge for EBU Members, the workshop will take participants through the processes, tools and the business planning needed to move the this new world.

Experience in Quality

The opening keynote from Red Bee Media's creative director Jane Fielder is sure to be a highlight. Her portfolio includes high profile ident and packaging work for BBC, Ned1, LA7 and France3, as well as being creative director across the host coverage of the Beijing Olympics 2008. She will set the scene for the workshop by talking about Quality as a product and a marketing tool.

Compare and contrast

Among the many use cases to be presented during the workshop, of particular interest will be the different approaches being taken in the UK, Germany and France. A presentation from FranceTV will explain how they propose to develop their own unified solution to guarantee that only the MXF and XML flavours specified by the broadcaster will reach its facilities. This QC tool will be made available to all external programme contributors. The UK's Digital Production Partnership is already one step further, having put into place its AS-11 based contribution specification, which also addresses QC. And in Germany a special working group is comparing the different automated solutions currently on the market.

Vendors aplenty

Workshop attendees can make their own comparisons too, because a  key element of the event will be the participation of at least 12 QC tool vendors, giving broadcasters and post production houses a chance to see what is available and to discuss the issues they face.