The Shield App allows to screen video content. In this process, annotations can be created to define sections within the video asset that contain scenes subject to parental control. The rating is determined by applying a corresponding, country-specific matrix to the annotated sections.

A screening is initiated by opening a video asset in the Screening tab and creating a new screening.

The Screening tab (1) is where screenings are created based on video assets. In order to create a new screening, video assets can be selected from the left-side menu by clicking the play button (2). Alternatively, video can be selected from the My assets tab/clipboard (3), where they are added to from the stock (see Add assets to the clipboard).

If an asset is not visible at first glance, it can be found by entering its name, reference number, tags and keywords into the the search bar (4). When searching an asset, the stock search can be applied by ticking the checkbox (5). This means that the search performed in the stock is displayed here, including all search results.

By clicking New Screening (6), a new dialog opens where a new screening can be created.

Alternatively, assets can be opened in the screening view from the stock via the context menu (see Open assets in screening).

In the New screening dialog, the following following fields can be configured:

1. Screening nmb: Wofür verschiedene Durchgänge? Since multiple screenings can be performed, the number of the screening can be indicated using the drop-down menu.

2. Report type: This field allows to select the report type from the dropdown menu. Individual report types are defined in the parameters.

3. Name: Here, a descriptive name for the screening can be entered.

4. Matrix: The Matrix contains country-specific rating criteria and is selected from the dropdown menu.

1 Add annotations

Annotations are added to mark specific sections within the video asset that require age rating classification. The annotation process involves the following two main steps:

• Selecting annotation types from the age rating matrix.
• Adding annotations for relevant sections in the video asset based on specific timecodes

1.1 Select an annotation type

The first step in creating an annotation is selecting the appropriate annotation type from the tree structure defined in the matrix. Annotation types classify the marked video section.

After creating the screening, add annotations to mark specific sections of the video content:

1. Select annotation: Based on the selected matrix, annotation types (1) can be selected from a drop-down menu. The annotation types correspond to the different layers of a matrix and categorize the annotations.

1.2 Select timecodes and add the annotation

After selecting annotation types, annotations can be added based on specific timecodes in the video assets.

If needed, the annotation type can be changed via the drop-down menu (1) along the tree structur of the selected matrix.

The next step is to navigate to the desired timecode. For this purpose, the playback controls (2) can be used, which will be illustrated in the following:

The actual annotation is added into a text field (7).

The system automatically applies the selected matrix to calculate the overall age rating (8) based on which annotation types (such as G1a implied violence) appear and how severe they are.

1.3 Adapt timecodes and thumbnails to video sections

When changing video timecodes, timecodes and thumbnails can be adjusted to ensure accurate representation of the corresponding video sections.

When timecodes (1) are changed in the video to move a different scene, the timecodes indicated for the annotation can be adapted correspondingly, including Timecode In (2) and Timecode Out (3).

By clicking the the screenshot correction button (4), the thumbnail is updated to display a screenshot of the current timeframe.

1.4 Add empty annotations

Empty annotations can be created when the exact timecode is known but the annotation type or description needs to be defined later in the screening process. This approach allows for flexible workflow organization where annotations can be prepared and populated with details in subsequent steps.

Also, an empty annotation can be added by clicking Create empty annotation (1).

Users can then assign an annotation type (2) and a description (3) afterwards.

1.5 Use speech detection for annotation types

There is also a speech detection feature that enables users to add the annotation-type specific codes to the selected sections (timecodes) by speaking them out loud.

The annotation types are used to refer to annotation types, such as G1c for moderate violence.

By clicking the microfone icon (1), the system will ask for access to the computer´s microfone.

Then, the desired annotation type codes can be announced orally, making them appear in the list, along with the other annotations.

1.6 How to use shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are provided to quicken common actions during the screening process. These shortcuts allow for efficient video navigation and annotation management.

There is also an overview (1) that lists all available shortcuts that quicken specific actions.

The Shield App provides keyboard shortcuts to improve workflow efficiency:

• Space or K: Pause/play the video content.
• Space + Ctrl: Pause video content and activate voice control for 3 seconds.
• Alt + A: Direct focus on annotation field.
• Alt + R: Repeat last annotation.
• Alt + N: New empty annotation.
• Shift + ↑: Volume up.
• Shift + ↓: Volume down.
• Shift + →: Fast forward video content frame by frame.
• Shift + ←: Rewind video content frame by frame.

2 How to reorder and filter the annotation list

Once annotations have been added, the annotation list can be managed to keep the screening workflow organized. This chapter explains how to reorder annotations so they reflect the chronological sequence within the video, and how to filter the list to display only the desired annotation types.

2.1 Reorder the annotation list

The annotation list can be reordered in chronological order according to timecodes.

When changing timecodes, the annotations initially remain in the original position. In this case, at the top of the list.

By clicking the Reload button (1), the annotations (2) move to the corresponding position in the list.

2.2 Filter the annotation

By using the filters, annotations can be included or excluded from being displayed in the list.

By clicking the filter button (1), allows to select (multiple) annotation types from the tree structure. 

While the plus icon (2) includes slected annotation types, the minus icon (3) excludes them from being displayed in the list.

3 Generate reports and submit requests

After completing the annotation process, the (internal) screening results can be exported in various formats for documentation purposes. This chapter covers how to generate report previews in XML, Word and PDF format, as well as how to submit a screening request to an age rating authority directly from the application.

3.1 Generate XML, Word and PDF report previews

After completing the screening, a variety of report previews can be generated. 

1. Generate XML: By clicking this button, an XML file containing screening data such as annotated timecodes, annotation types etc. is created.

2. Word report preview: Here, a Word report preview is created for viewing the screening data.

3. PDF report preview: Clicking this button generates a PDF report preview with screening data.

4. Generate cut list excel: Via this button, a cut list in Excel format is generated. This list makes it easier to copy and paste timecodes.

3.2 Generate screening reports and submit requests

Once all annotations have been added, the the screening process can be completed, generating a screening report.

Note that the screening report only reflects the internal rating generated by the matrix. In this step, a request can generated to be be sumbmitted to the corresponding age rating authority, which then reviews the rating.

By clicking Finish screening (1), the screening report is created, opening a new dialog.

In this dialog, all the screening informtion are displayed, including report type (1) and rating (2). Other fields such as report format and document type can be, as well. The report type is defined in the parameters and determines in what way the rating authority is supposed to review the report.

By ticking a checkbox (3), a request can be generated to be submitted at the corresponding age rating authority. At this stage, the request is only generated, not sumbmitted yet.

By using the toggle switch (4), the matrix can be translated in this process. As soon as translation is activated, the matrix to be translated can be selected, which is by default the matrix previously applied in the screening.

By clicking Confirm (5), the request is generated.

After being generated, screening reports appear in the Connected assets section of the video asset editing dialog.

First of all, the editing dialog of an assets needs to be accessed via the context menu by clicking Edit (1).

In the Connected assets section (1), the Shield reports can be found.

Via the context menu (2), multiple actions can be performed, such as adding the report to a folder or favorites or archiving it. In addition, the shield report can be disconnected from the asset. 

By clicking the play button (3), the shield report can be displayed.

Related topics:

• Manage folders
• Manage favorites
• Archive items