In an environment where the consumer and professional industries are energetically promoting next generation TV formats, the EBU is ensuring  that its Members are well-equipped to make the right choices. A new set of video test sequences, available free-of-charge to EBU Members, will facilitate essential scientific tests of studio compression formats and video codecs for distribution to the home, e.g. HEVC.

Footage that was shot at the RAI Production Centre in Turin, Italy, last June has now been made available in the UHD-1 format for testing purposes. 3DTV and Higher Frame Rate sequences will be made available at a later date. A set of 12 individual UHD-1 sequences representing various genres has been created. The sequences are described as "critical, but not unduly so", which means that they feature content and action that is sufficiently complex to rigorously test the full production chain, but could still be considered as typical broadcast material.

This sample reel illustrates the content that is available. (Note: there is no audio track)

The availability of high quality, rights-free reference test sequences is a prerequisite for tests on the technologies that lie beyond HDTV. For most EBU Members the current focus rightly remains on implementing their HDTV strategies. Meanwhile the EBU, under the guidance of the Technical Committee's strategic programme on Future TV Formats, can help to ensure its Members are well positioned when the next wave hits.

Two of the sequences have been made available under a Creative Commons licence, with FTP details available on request. The remainder are available free to EBU Members, or to other parties on payment of an administration fee.

The Turin Shoot

You can read more about the creation of the new EBU video test sequences in the most recent issue of EBU tech-i magazine. See pages 8-9.

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