Harding (PSE) test

A Harding test (Harding FPA, a Photosensitive Epilepsy / PSE check) scans content for flashing and certain spatial patterns that can trigger seizures. Many broadcasters and territories — the UK’s Ofcom notably — require a passing Harding report before content can air. It matters to a colorist because you can cause a fail: a strobing club scene, a hard flash cut, an aggressive lightning effect. If a PSE report fails, the whole master bounces, so it pays to flag risky shots early and soften a flash rather than have delivery rejected. It’s a legal and ethical QC gate, not an optional nicety — the safety check you can’t skip.

First used in: 3.8 · Deliverables & QC