DVD Quality Control - Post Production - Skillset

Job Profiles for the Audio Visual Industries
Post Production – Facilities
DVD* Quality Control (QC)
aka DVD Runtime QC or DVD AV QC
This is one of a series of job profiles within the Facilities sector developed by industry experts to help industry newcomers
understand the different job roles and the skills required in order to succeed. We aim to keep this information as current as
possible and would welcome any comments to help us improve this profile; please e-mail us on: jobprofile@skillset.org. All
Job profiles can be downloaded and printed from our website www.skillset.org.
DVD QCs work in companies that author DVDs by programming multiple asset programmes into a DVD
master, according to client specifications. From this master DVDs are copied for distribution. These
companies can be stand alone DVD facilities, Post Production or Replication Houses. QC staff are
responsible for quality control of the audio and video content, and for testing of all aspects of the
navigation and production of DVDs.
What is the job?
DVD QCs are vital members of the DVD production team, they are responsible for the thorough testing
and checking of DVD disc contents, including video, audio, graphics, subtitles, etc., to defined
specifications. This work can be split into two. Firstly, the integrity of the encoded audio and video
material has to be checked – this is called AV QC or Runtime QC. Secondly, the navigation and
programming of the finished DVD must be thoroughly tested. To do these tasks QC staff refer to all
pertinent information relating to each project.
AV QC staff carry out asset checking, including referencing external assets and encoded reports.
Specifically they are looking for any evidence that the quality of the original materials has been
compromised by the encoding process that prepared the programmes/films for use in the DVD. Issues
like audio drop outs, macroblocking and pixellisation must be identified and reported.
DVD QC ensures that the highest quality is maintained throughout the authoring process, and that any
bugs or errors in the authoring of the discs are promptly identified and dealt with. To do this they test and
check disc functionality and navigation. This is to ensure that DVD discs perform correctly and according
to specifications. These tests are carried out at emulation and check disc stages. In order to keep track of
bugs or faults, and to ensure that they are promptly dealt with, DVD QCs maintain accurate, up to date
logs and records of all testing undertaken.
They also carry out all related administration for each production, and document, file and report any
relevant project information to the producer or project manager responsible, including projected
completion dates and any issues which may affect them. They assist in building and refining procedural
documentation in order to facilitate their use. They ensure that all testing equipment and systems are
fully functional, and recommend or implement all necessary upgrades and maintenance, reporting to and
working closely with the Technical Manager and/or QC Manager.
A senior Quality Controller would provide support and training to less experienced members of the team.
They would also keep up to date on technical developments and new formats in order to advise and
assist senior management.
Typical career routes
DVD QCs may begin their careers in junior roles within DVD, Post Production or replication facility,
progressing to other roles, often in the technical areas thereby gaining valuable knowledge and
experience of the production process, before joining the QC team.
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Essential knowledge and skills
DVD QCs must have some knowledge of DVD and VT QC requirements and procedures, and should
understand the production processes involved. They must have an advanced understanding of DVD
menu navigation, functionality and encoding artefacts. They need to be able to develop comprehensive
reporting systems in order to work effectively on a number of productions, to specified deadlines, while
maintaining all specified QC standards and requirements.
Key Skills include:
• excellent oral and written communication skills;
• precise attention to detail;
• a systematic lateral thinking approach to projects;
• a keen interest and advanced knowledge of IT and multimedia files;
• advanced understanding of DVD menu navigation, functionality and encoding artefacts;
• awareness of developing DVD authoring technologies;
• ability to motivate self and others;
• a high level of organisational skills;
• initiative and problem solving skills;
• ability to work effectively under pressure;
• effective team working skills;
• diplomacy and sensitivity when working with clients;
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
A relevant new media qualification, e.g., Foundation Degree in Broadcast Operations and Production, HE
in Broadcast Post Production may be helpful but is not a necessity. A thorough knowledge of video and
audio formats and standards, in theory and practice, is vital. A thorough understanding of DVD
production processes is essential.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all
jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our
network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI
course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for
detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- UK Post is the trade body for Post Production; www.ukpost.org.uk
- BECTU, the trade union represents Post Production personnel; www.bectu.org.uk
- BKSTS (The Moving Image Society); a membership organisation which runs events and training,
and publishes Image Technology; www.bksts.com
- BBC Resources; www.bbcresources.com/postproduction
- Digital Post Production; www.digitalpostproduction.com
- Broadcast Freelancer; www.broadcastfreelancer.com
- How stuff works; www.howstuffworks.com
- Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication; www.rave.ac.uk
Publications
- Broadcast, weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry; www.broadcastnow.co.uk
- Televisual, monthly business magazine for the broadcast industry; www.televisual.com
- How Video Works – Weynand & Weise – ISBN 0-240-80614-X
Skillset does not endorse or accept responsibility for any of the products, services or
content of third party organisations or websites contained within this Job Profile, nor
does it guarantee the quality of links to the external websites listed. Any concerns
regarding an external link should be directed to its website administrator or webmaster.

- Video Editing and Post Production – Gary H Anderson – ISBN 0-240-80337-X
- Digital Editing with Final Cut Pro 4 – Mamer &Wallace – ISBN 0-941188-91-4
- Digital Nonlinear Editing – Thomas Ohanian – ISBN 0-240-80225-X
- Editing Digital Film – Jaime Fowler – ISBN 0-240-80470-8
All books available from: www.focalpress.com
Glossary
- Linear: Editing in formats where it is not possible to move sections around within edited material,
e.g., VHS, u-matic or BETA, etc.
- Non-Linear: Editing in formats where it is possible to move sections around within edited material,
e.g., film, AVID, Edit Pro, etc.
*DVD means here: Standard DVD, HD DVD, Blu-ray and associated formats
Skillset does not endorse or accept responsibility for any of the products, services or
content of third party organisations or websites contained within this Job Profile, nor
does it guarantee the quality of links to the external websites listed. Any concerns
regarding an external link should be directed to its website administrator or webmaster.