VCX Services
1. VCX Test Administration
VCX-Forum e.V. oversees and facilitates the official VCX testing of devices under clearly defined licensing schemes. Testing is performed by VCX Trusted Labs (VFTL) or Certified Labs (VFCL), and is available to both members and non-members under two types of licenses:
- Non-Disclosure License (NDL): For private use, with no public disclosure of results. Used for confidential benchmarking.
- Publication License: Grants the right to publish results publicly (e.g., press releases, product marketing). Requires strict attribution to VCX-Forum and cannot distort or misrepresent outcomes.
The testing applies to various profiles such as PhoneCam and WebCam, and is available as Full Tests or Partial (custom) Tests.
Testing Modes and Access
- Full Tests cover the entire VCX profile (e.g., main + selfie camera, still + video for PhoneCam).
- Partial Tests are custom-defined and do not yield official VCX scores.
- Closed Tests (under NDL) may be upgraded to Publication License by paying the differential fee and €350 admin charge.
- Pre-release or prototype tests are only allowed under NDL and are not published unless upgraded post-factum.
PhoneCam Test Pricing (Full Test)
| License Type | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Disclosure License (NDL) | €6,160 | €6,720 |
| Publication License | €6,720 | €7,280 |
WebCam Test Pricing (Full Test)
| License Type | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Disclosure License (NDL) | €3,850 | €4,200 |
| Publication License | €4,200 | €4,550 |
Partial / Custom Test Fees
Partial tests are directly negotiated with the test lab. A surcharge (10–30%) is applied depending on membership and license type. The official VCX score is not assigned for partial tests.
Report and Asset Pricing
For already tested devices, members and non-members may request specific deliverables:
| Delivery Type | Member (NDL) | Member (Pub) | Non-Member (NDL) | Non-Member (Pub) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Image Mini (TIM) | €350 | €525 | €525 | €787.50 |
| Complete Image Set (CIS) | €402.50 | €603.75 | €603.75 | €905.63 |
| Detailed Report + All (DREE) | €437.50 | €656.25 | €656.25 | €984.38 |
| Only Detailed Analysis (ODA) | €350 | €525 | €525 | €787.50 |
* For more information, refer to the latest version of the VCX Monetary Guidance and Sponsorship Handbook.
2. VCX Score Publication
The VCX-Forum e.V. is responsible for defining and maintaining the VCX standard—an objective and transparent camera quality benchmark. The official score reflects comprehensive lab-based evaluations of image quality, camera performance, and responsiveness. These results are publicly released to support fair comparison and to educate consumers on camera technology.
3. Membership in VCX Forum
VCX-Forum e.V. is sustained by its members—primarily device manufacturers, chipset providers, academic institutions, and camera quality experts. Membership provides equal access to strategic documents and collaborative opportunities.
Member Benefits Include:
- Access to C1-level confidential materials (e.g., scoring config files and test procedures)
- Right to establish affiliated test laboratories under Lab Authority oversight
- Free use of VCX branding and logo for approved applications
- Participation in workgroups and strategic discussions with cross-industry experts
- Eligibility to sponsor official VCX tests at member pricing
- Ongoing support from the VCX-Forum for test implementation and interpretation
How Membership Fees Are Used:
- Funding independent testing via accredited labs
- Maintaining and evolving the VCX test standard
- Organizing meetings, certifications, and internal infrastructure
- Marketing and operating the VCX platform and online resources
| Individual (consultant, journalist, etc.) | 5,000 € |
| Corporate (turnover ≤ 1M €) | 1,000 € |
| Corporate (1M–5M €) | 2,500 € |
| Corporate (5M–10M €) | 5,000 € |
| Corporate (above 10M €) | 10,000 € |
| Supporting member (academia / nonprofit) | Free |
* Fees are based on total company turnover, including subsidiaries unless exceptions are granted by the board.
4. Lab Certification
All official VCX tests must be performed by certified labs. The Lab Authority defines requirements, audits, and re-certification procedures to ensure accuracy and impartiality. Members may apply to become an affiliated lab after meeting all compliance criteria.
5. Consulting via Trusted Labs
VCX Trusted Labs (VFTL, VFCL) offer consultation services including pre-test analysis, results interpretation, and lab setup support. These services are tailored to members who aim to align their processes with VCX standards or develop internal test capabilities.
6. Training Programs
The VCX-Forum offers periodic training for members and partners to support proper understanding and use of the VCX scoring system, testing procedures, and lab operations.
7. Licensing of VCX Test Framework
Members can license the VCX-compliant test framework for internal use or integration into product development. Licensing ensures consistency with official VCX results and prevents misrepresentation of the standard.
8. Asset and Media Use
VCX members may use the VCX logo, certification marks, and associated graphics for authorized publications, reports, and marketing purposes. Usage must align with the official guidelines managed by the Marketing Department.