Harding Test
Encyclopedia
The HardingFPA Flash and Pattern Analyser is a software solution that is used to analyse video content for flashing and stationary patterns which may cause harm to those who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy
. It is an implementation of the guidelines set by Ofcom
in the UK. It is available in both tape-based and file-based versions, allowing video streams from SDI, Composite, Component, HDMI, and files to all be analysed, in resolutions up to 1080i. Versions for both Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X are available.
affects approximately one in four thousand people and is a form of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli that form patterns in time or space, such as flashing lights, bold regular patterns, or regular moving patterns. In 1993, an advert for 'Pot Noodles' induced seizures in 3 people, leading to the ITC introducing these guidelines. Similarly, in Japan during 1997, an episode of the children's cartoon 'Pokémon', Dennō Senshi Porygon triggered over 650 admissions to hospital leading to the episode being banned from television worldwide. More recently, 18 viewers "reported ill effects" while watching a promotional film for the London 2012 Olympics.
The software is currently used by many television
stations in the UK to check for compliance with these guidelines. If a programme fails, it usually means re-editing the offending scenes. Normally this can be rectified by reducing the number of flashes in the scene and/or reducing the intensity of colours (most notably saturated red). After re-editing the problem areas, the entire programme has to be re-tested in order to obtain a HardingFPA certificate.
In 2010, HardingTest.com was launched to provide users with a way of testing video remotely, without the need to have an in-house HardingFPA machine. This provided a much-needed service for freelance editors and smaller production companies who previously had to export their movie to video tape to send to a larger post-production
facility for testing, all of which increased time and expense. This service means users can upload a digital video
file and have it tested and results returned within minutes rather than hours.
Photosensitive epilepsy
Photosensitive epilepsy is a form of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli that form patterns in time or space, such as flashing lights, bold, regular patterns, or regular moving patterns.-Symptoms:...
. It is an implementation of the guidelines set by Ofcom
Ofcom
Ofcom is the government-approved regulatory authority for the broadcasting and telecommunications industries in the United Kingdom. Ofcom was initially established by the Office of Communications Act 2002. It received its full authority from the Communications Act 2003...
in the UK. It is available in both tape-based and file-based versions, allowing video streams from SDI, Composite, Component, HDMI, and files to all be analysed, in resolutions up to 1080i. Versions for both Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X are available.
Photosensitive epilepsy
Photosensitive epilepsyPhotosensitive epilepsy
Photosensitive epilepsy is a form of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli that form patterns in time or space, such as flashing lights, bold, regular patterns, or regular moving patterns.-Symptoms:...
affects approximately one in four thousand people and is a form of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli that form patterns in time or space, such as flashing lights, bold regular patterns, or regular moving patterns. In 1993, an advert for 'Pot Noodles' induced seizures in 3 people, leading to the ITC introducing these guidelines. Similarly, in Japan during 1997, an episode of the children's cartoon 'Pokémon', Dennō Senshi Porygon triggered over 650 admissions to hospital leading to the episode being banned from television worldwide. More recently, 18 viewers "reported ill effects" while watching a promotional film for the London 2012 Olympics.
Testing procedures
The algorithms behind the Harding test itself were developed by Cambridge Research Systems Ltd. and are based on research by Professor Graham Harding. All HardingFPA products implement the same guidelines.The software is currently used by many television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
stations in the UK to check for compliance with these guidelines. If a programme fails, it usually means re-editing the offending scenes. Normally this can be rectified by reducing the number of flashes in the scene and/or reducing the intensity of colours (most notably saturated red). After re-editing the problem areas, the entire programme has to be re-tested in order to obtain a HardingFPA certificate.
In 2010, HardingTest.com was launched to provide users with a way of testing video remotely, without the need to have an in-house HardingFPA machine. This provided a much-needed service for freelance editors and smaller production companies who previously had to export their movie to video tape to send to a larger post-production
Post-production
Post-production is part of filmmaking and the video production process. It occurs in the making of motion pictures, television programs, radio programs, advertising, audio recordings, photography, and digital art...
facility for testing, all of which increased time and expense. This service means users can upload a digital video
Digital video
Digital video is a type of digital recording system that works by using a digital rather than an analog video signal.The terms camera, video camera, and camcorder are used interchangeably in this article.- History :...
file and have it tested and results returned within minutes rather than hours.
External links
- http://www.hardingfpa.tv/
- http://www.hardingtest.com/