Press Release

Since September 1st this year, all audio-visual ads must comply with rules on flashing images to avoid causing seizures amongst people with photo-sensitive epilepsy.  Onlineflashtest.com is a new service powered by Clearcast and developed by Cambridge Research Systems (CRS) which tests for flashing images in audiovisual material, including tv ads and programmes, film, digital signage and internet ads, using the HardingFPA test.

The service, which will use the same test as Clearcast uses for TV ads, launches on 21 October and allows users to upload their audiovisual file, which will then be tested for flashing images. The service will run 24/7 with test certificates provided almost immediately, depending on traffic at the time and will be free of charge until 7 December.

If the test certificates fail, detailed analysis and frame-by-frame results for the failed parts will be provided, allowing for easier re-edits.

The test certificates are accepted by the Advertising Standards Authority as proof of compliance with the guidelines, should they investigate complaints on flashing images in ads. The certificates can also be used for Ofcom investigations of sponsorship and programmes.

Carol Luscombe of CRS said “We are really pleased to be partnering with Clearcast in providing this new online service which helps fill a market need that has been evident for some time.”

Kristoffer Hammer of Clearcast said “There is clearly a need to have an easily accessible facility to have your files checked for flashing and we are offering an all automatic service as the way forward.”

For more information, please visit www.clearcast.co.uk, or contact Eleanor Bonnet on 020 7339 4711 or press.enquiries@clearcast.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Clearcast was founded in 2008 by Britain’s eight largest commercial broadcasters to simplify the process of getting advertising to air. Incorporating the bacc, Clearcast builds on over fifty years experience of being a partner in the creative process for TV advertising. Clearcast provides or manages a range of services on behalf of its shareholders and subscribers including advertising preclearance, attribution of BARB data, PRS reporting and from 1st January 2011, CARIA. Clearcast requires that all ads pass the Harding’s test, as a part of the clearance process.

Cambridge Research Systems Ltd (CRS) is a leading provider of tools for the worldwide vision research market. Via their HardingFPA division, CRS supports industries producing and using moving images and video in all their many forms with products which analyse video streams and moving images for the flash and regular pattern content that can provoke photosensitive epileptic seizures in viewers.   For more information on CRS and its products, please call (+44/0) 1-634 720707 or visit and www.crsltd.com

Photosensitive Epilepsy (PSE) is sensitivity to flickering lights, colours, and visual patterns where stimulation can lead to epileptic seizures.  Light stimulation does not cause PSE, but it can and does trigger it.  As a condition, PSE affects approximately one in four thousand people with around 23,000 people in the UK known to have photosensitive epilepsy. For many others, the condition lies dormant just waiting for the right trigger.  The most susceptible age for PSE is in the age group 7 to 20 where first seizures are five times more prevalent than at other ages.  According to research, three quarters of those diagnosed remain photosensitive for life. PSE, which is twice as common in females as in males, is equally prevalent in people of all ethnic origins.   As well as emotional distress, seizures carry inherent and situational risks that often include physical harm, and can and have lead to loss of life.