The term Harding test is generically understood to mean an automatic test for photosensitive epilepsy (PSE), triggered by provocative image sequences in television content. This is properly known as a PSE test since the publication of the Digital Production Partnership (DPP) technical requirements[1] and the DPP PSE Devices[2] document (in the UK) updated in November 2018.
The Harding Flash and Pattern Analyser (FPA) is proprietary software that is used to analyse video content for flashing and stationary patterns which may cause harm to those who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy. It is an implementation of the guidelines set by the regulator Ofcom in the UK largely based on the findings by Graham Harding, a professor at Aston University. It is available in both tape-based and file-based versions, allowing video streams from SDI, composite, component, HDMI, and files to all be analysed, in resolutions up to 8k. Versions for both Microsoft Windows and Apple mac-IOS are available. There are other manufacturers of similar and different solutions available which are also approved on the DPP Devices list.[3]