Production Guide Menu
Text Protection & TV Rating Specs
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Parental-Ratings-HD_LargeRTGwCC_Specs.jpg
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Parental-Ratings-SD_LargeRTGwCC_Specs.jpg
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Program-Text-Protection-Area-Bulletin-September-2020.pdf
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Program-Text-Protection-Area-HD-and-UHD-May-2020.pptx
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TS6-Program-Text-Protection-Area-1080-HD-Final-Simplified-with-Nordics-Update.png
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December 2018 – Program Text Protection Area (PTPA) – Enforcement Updates
We’ve made some changes to the enforcement of the PTPA to streamline the QC process. Our research showed us that PTPA violations were one of the top reasons for QC failure, and that PTPA failures were frequently accepted “as-is” by the networks. This disparity between the QC standards and the network acceptance creates extra communication and slows down the asset acceptance process in Discovery’s global supply chain. Therefore the QC staff have made most PTPA violations a non-failing offense. While QC Techs will still note PTPA violations, most PTPA violations won’t result in a “failed” status for the program. However, accessibility text that falls outside of the PTPA will still trigger an automatic QC failure, and Media Logistics will not permit the networks to overrule those failures. Please see the attached document above.
December 2018 – *NEW* Animal Planet’s New On-Air Look
The Animal Planet team has created a new global look for the network, unifying the branding on Animal Planet feeds in every region. The network has chosen to place the bug graphic in the upper left of the screen and to extend IPM messaging into the middle left. Animal Planet’s new branding falls outside of the existing Program Text Protection Area (PTPA) defined by Version Five of the Discovery Global Tech Specs. Consequently, Discovery is releasing new PTPA guidelines and template graphics for production partners delivering shows for Animal Planet. The new PTPA is somewhat shorter than the current area, beginning on pixel row 200 of the 1920×1080 image. This new PTPA is effective immediately, as Animal Planet has already begun using the new graphic. If production partners have questions about the new branding change they should contact their Animal Planet Production Manager or Production Coordinator. The new template graphic & bulletin is attached above.
BUG CLEARANCE
TV RATINGS SPECS
*REVISED WITH GLOBAL TECH SPECS VERSION V* – BUG CLEARANCE/TEXT PROTECTION AREA
Discovery maintains a protected area for program text. Discovery keeps this area free from program overlays, ensuring that text inside of the area is readable. The only exception to this policy is for overlays governed by local regulation, such as the NCTA Program Parental Ratings system used in the United States. These overlays may enter the protected area at certain points within the program, often at the beginning of each segment. Production partners must refer to guidelines provided by Discovery’s regional networks for details on these regulatory overlays. Production partners must place all program text elements except for program opening sequences, credits, or segment bumps inside this protected area. This includes centered “disclaimer” cards and other centered text. Program opening sequences, credits, and segment bumpers must still comply with the title safe requirements listed earlier in this section. Moving program text elements can begin their movement outside the protected area but must be fully inside the protected area when their movement is complete.
The Program Text Protection Area (PTPA) is different for HD and UHD video formats due to differences in video raster.
• The HD program text protected area is a single rectangular area inside the HD raster. Vertically, it begins 96 pixels from the top of the screen and ends 972 pixels from the top of the screen. In interlaced formats the top edge is line 48 (field one) and the bottom edge is line 486 (field one). Horizontally, it begins 192 pixels from the left screen edge and ends 1389 pixels from the left screen edge.
• The UHD program text protected area is a single rectangular area inside the UHD raster. Vertically, it begins 108 pixels from the top of the screen and ends 1,944 pixels from the top of the screen. Horizontally, it begins 192 pixels from the left screen edge and ends at 2781 pixels from the left screen edge.
Please see the attached template above and see the Discovery Global Technical Specifications Version V.
TV RATINGS SPECS
In 1997, cable and broadcast networks and stations began rating television programs, using the ratings categories described on the following page. As part of this voluntary system, networks agreed to put a TV ratings icon in the upper left corner of the TV screen for 15 seconds at the beginning of all rated programs. (News and sports programming are exempt from the ratings system; all other programs should be rated.)
Beginning June 1, 2005, cable program networks agreed to increase the size of the TV ratings icon that is displayed on the TV screen at the beginning of rated shows by 70%. In addition, cable networks began inserting a TV ratings icon after each commercial break to remind viewers of a program’s rating throughout the duration of the program. The ratings icon that appears after commercial breaks can be the original size, not the 70% larger size.
The preferred HD specifications for TV ratings icons are as follows:
Beginning of show (bigger icon): 362 pixels wide x 239 pixels high
After commercial breaks (smaller size): 213 pixels wide x 140 pixels high
The preferred SD specifications for TV ratings icons are as follows:
Beginning of show (70% bigger icon): 136 pixels wide x 106 pixels high
After commercial breaks (original/smaller size): 80 pixels wide x 62 pixels high
Positioning coordinates for DCL TV Ratings (HD):
Large Rating: X = 192, Y = 108
Small Rating: X = 192, Y = 108
CC Logo: X = 1516, Y = 108
Positioning coordinates for DCL TV Ratings (SD):
Large Rating: X = 72, Y = 48
Small Rating: X = 72, Y = 48
CC Logo: X = 560, Y = 48
TV RATINGS SYSTEM
The following categories apply to programs designed solely for children:
TV-Y All Children.This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. Whether animated or live-action, the themes and elements in this program are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from ages 2 – 6. This program is not expected to frighten younger children.
TV-Y7 Directed to Older Children. This program is designed for children age 7 and above. It may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and elements in this program may include mild fantasy violence or comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7. Therefore, parents may wish to consider the suitability of this program for their very young children. Note: For those programs where fantasy violence may be more intense or more combative than other programs in this category, such programs will be designated TV-Y7-FV.
The following categories apply to programs designed for the entire audience:
TV-G General Audience. Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. Although this rating does not signify a program designed specifically for children, most parents may let younger children watch this program unattended. It contains little or no violence, no strong language and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.
TV-PG Parental Guidance Suggested. This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. The theme itself may call for parental guidance and/or the program contains one or more of the following: moderate violence (V), some sexual situations (S), infrequent coarse language (L), or some suggestive dialogue (D).
TV-14 Parents Strongly Cautioned. This program contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended. This program contains one or more of the following: intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).
TV-MA Mature Audience Only. This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. This program contains one or more of the following: graphic violence (V), explicit sexual activity (S), or crude indecent language (L).