Digital Content -What tools to use to test quality

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I just started working for a company where they do digital content for display stands.
What tools can I use to test the quality of images and videos or just content overall.

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This is a tough question, not a lot of embedded stack engineers hang out online, and the tools they use are often pretty dear.

Firstly, welcome to the Ministry of Test, hope you do find some answers, I can only speak from my limited experience, that this really is a tough cookie to crack. I worked in a similar field before and we really did do a lot of “wetware” type testing.

A lot of things you think are obvious solutions turn out to be high cost in many ways.

  • And so simple metrics like frames per second output via debug traces in the app code are your best starting point. Log these over time and compare them for release to release using a “golden” hardware test rig that nobody is allowed to modify. You coudl even graph the performance of each release onto a powerpoint and leave it up on a screen
  • Build up a collection of “adversary” video content sources. Basically videos that are hard to render, build up a collection. Ones that either use slow colour gradients, or rapid motion, cartoon clips with crisp colors and lots of motion, nature clips with large vistas that are pleasing to the eye are also good candidates, and then unusual videos that do things that mess with luminance. (the human eyes is good at detecting lightness/darkness anomalies and often ignores color errors)
  • Run AB comparison tests, once again another wetware test where you set up 2 displays side by side but don’t tell the user which display is running which version of app. Get them to choose which display is best in a series of small very short tests by filling in a clipboard. Swap the screens throughout the test at various set points, and offer them a snack for their time at the end. Then add up all the test sheet results. Even adjust the light in the room as part of the test. Oh, and obviously get a light and color meter when you do run this experiment. Make sure you control the room in every possible way, no noise, no outside light sources at all.

Hope that is a clue, and also you do not have to test everything, choose a focus. Also, be prepared to stare at screens for a long time, and observe, and also be prepared to lug equipment around and stop people from stealing it.

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When it comes to testing the quality of images, videos, and overall content for digital displays, you can use a combination of manual inspection and various tools. Here are some tools and techniques you can consider:

  1. Image Editors: Tools like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP can help you examine and enhance images. You can use them to check image resolution, color accuracy, brightness, contrast, and overall visual quality.

  2. Video Players and Editors: Use video players like VLC Media Player or video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to review videos. Check for smooth playback, color accuracy, resolution, aspect ratio, and any visual artifacts or distortions.

  3. Content Management Systems (CMS): If your company uses a CMS to manage digital content, it may have built-in features for previewing and testing content. These CMS tools often provide a simulated environment to view how the content will appear on the actual displays.

  4. Browser Developer Tools: For web-based content, modern web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox offer developer tools that can assist in testing. You can inspect elements, view network requests, and assess how the content is rendered on different screen sizes.

  5. Emulators and Simulators: Emulators and simulators can help replicate the target display environment without the need for physical hardware. These tools enable you to preview and test content on various screen resolutions, orientations, and aspect ratios.

  6. Color Management Tools: Color management tools like ColorMunki or Spyder can be used to calibrate displays and ensure accurate color reproduction.

  7. File Size and Compression Tools: To assess the impact of file size and compression on content quality, you can utilize tools like ImageOptim for images and HandBrake for videos. These tools can help optimize file sizes while maintaining acceptable quality levels.

  8. User Testing: Conduct user testing sessions where you gather feedback from individuals who view the content on different displays. This can provide insights into how the content appears to real users and help identify any issues or improvements needed.

Remember, the choice of tools will depend on your specific requirements, the nature of the content, and the platforms being used. It’s crucial to establish clear quality criteria and standards to ensure that the content meets the desired quality levels before it is displayed on the stands.