Inquizative Minds

We provide databases behind some of the UK's biggest TV quiz shows and currently look after over a million questions. We work with each of our productions creating bespoke solutions to match the exact format. No compromises.

Our 'Qdb-Web' platform allows collaboration from remote workers wherever there is an internet connection, it is fully scalable with no limits on the number of questions or users. Alternatively our 'Qdb-Desktop' platform provides rapid development for more complex formats where creativity and flexibility are essential.

If you require further information or would like us to call you to discuss your next project, please use the Contact page to get in touch.

"The Sky's the Limit"

Overview

The 'Qdb-Web' platform provides a single point of reference for all your question material. It allows access from the most popular technology in use today ... Windows, Mac and Android on Desktop, Tablet and Mobile devices. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox browsers are all supported.

Questions from previous series can be loaded ensuring writers can search and continue to be innovative. We can import from any electronic format including word, excel and google sheets and export compiled question sets to your studio graphics provider.

We understand the processes and the people involved and can manage the workflow of large data volumes efficiently and reliably.

"Pick a Category"

Validation

To get the most out of the database we ensure consistency in the data that is entered by providing the following indexes:

Question Type (Question and Answer, Multiple Choice, List of Answers, Clues and Answers) with the ability to program customised question types if required.

Round Destination (For automatic casting into a specific series, show, round, set and position)

Subject Category at multiple levels (from the general 'Television' and 'Drama' to the more specific 'Dr Who Actors 1981-1984')

Difficulty Level - Whatever precision you need ... from E/M/H, a scale of 1-10 or 0-100%

All are available from pick lists to reduce keying time and improve searching.

"Final Answer ?"

Verification

Quality of information and accuracy are paramount in our systems.

Any number of answers can be added with picture and sound clips if required.

Unlimited sources can be supplied for each question with instant click through to web references.

3rd party Verifiers and Adjudicators can access selected material, sign-off and add notes.

Question history is kept so you can see what has changed, when it changed and who changed it.

Allowing producers to approve or reject new material before too much time is invested in it.

"It's good, but it's not right"

Editorial Control

Shows can be compiled from a single click based on the rules you supply. If you don't like the casting engines style you can manually replace questions with more suitable material and use click and drag to re-order questions.

Casting patterns define the rules for generating shows, these define stack sizes, player order, difficulty patterns and eliminate category clashes.

The database provides further analysis and can identify repeating answers and repeating words. However there is no substitute for the human eye and so question sets are available in PDF, EXCEL or PAPER formats.

"No Conferring"

Security

Security is a key feature of the 'Qdb-Web' platform.

Password access is required for all users, passwords are encrypted.

Graphical 'captcha' codes are required to prevent 'denial of service' and 'web-bot' attacks

Protection is provided against common vulnerabilities including: sql-injection, cross site scripting and url replay.

We utilise the latest Microsoft technologies: SQL Server, VB.Net, MS-Access and MS-Excel to stay on top of all security updates.

Users are given clearly defined roles and can contribute simultaneously. Ownership of question is controlled from Writers to Producer to Verifier and individuals permissions can be added and removed easily.

"Fingers On Buzzers"

Into Studio

Access to the questions database from gallery, studio floor and the production office are all possible over wifi internet connections. Remote writers and verifiers can continue to work during recording blocks.

Question sets can be exported instantly to studio graphics providers in either Excel / CSV format.

Return of used questions can be programmed enabling valuable unused questions to be freed up for subsequent shows. The feature depends on the studio graphics provider but we exchange data regularly with Lumina, Kinetic Pixel, Ionoco, RoundOne and Earth.

"Phone a friend"

Support

Once you are satisfied that the database meets your specific format requirements, 'Qdb-Web' is provided under an 'SaaS' (Software as a Service) agreement on a weekly basis. This includes all hosting charges, software licensing and support.

Support is provided via telephone and email. Three levels of support are available depending upon the hours and urgency of response required:

Office Support (Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm) - Next day resolution

Studio Support (Mon-Fri 9am - 9pm) - Same day resolution

Studio Support (Weekends/Bank Holidays surcharge)

"That's Numberwang!"

Simulation

We can help you answer those questions...

"How much will it cost per show ?"

"How long does it take to play ?"

"Is it possible to win big ?"

"What is the risk ?"

In the past we have developed accurate financial simulations for a number of productions including 'Deal or No Deal', 'Golden Balls' and 'Saturday Night Take Away' as well finding the flaws in some 'near misses' that could have so easily broken the bank.

"Keep Pressing and Guessing"

Prototypes

For a pilot or evolving format we can quickly and cheaply build your questions database using the 'Qdb-Desktop' product. This allows format changes and tweaks to be accomodated at a lower cost and on a shorter timescale than the 'Qdb-Web' platform. Available only on PC/Windows using MS-Access.

If viable, 'Qdb-Desktop' solutions can be migrated to 'Qdb-Web' solutions when required.

If you have a concept and need to test the mechanics we can develop interactive prototypes on your desktop/laptop with our 'Qdb-Babbage' product. Basic features include buttons, buzzers, clocks and timers. Combine these with the game play rules and you can quickly fine-tune your game ideas.