CBT CBT Studio Production Technology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard sample rate for professional broadcast audio?
- 44.1 kHz
- 48 kHz (Correct answer)
- 96 kHz
- 32 kHz
Correct answer: 48 kHz
48 kHz is the professional broadcast standard audio sample rate, adopted by AES and specified in SMPTE and EBU standards for all broadcast production.
Question 2: What does the term 'loudness normalization' refer to in broadcast audio, and which standard governs it in the US?
- Compressing dynamic range to prevent clipping; ATSC A/52
- Measuring and controlling average perceived loudness to a target level; ATSC A/85 (based on ITU-R BS.1770) (Correct answer)
- Peak limiting to −1 dBFS; EBU R128
- Noise gating to remove background hum; SMPTE RP 155
Correct answer: Measuring and controlling average perceived loudness to a target level; ATSC A/85 (based on ITU-R BS.1770)
Loudness normalization targets a consistent perceived loudness level (−24 LKFS for US broadcast per ATSC A/85) so viewers don't experience jarring volume differences between programs and commercials.
Question 3: What is AES3 (AES/EBU) in broadcast audio?
- An analog balanced audio standard for studio interconnects
- A serial digital audio interface standard for professional audio over balanced XLR cables (Correct answer)
- A network audio transport protocol based on Ethernet
- An audio loudness measurement algorithm
Correct answer: A serial digital audio interface standard for professional audio over balanced XLR cables
AES3 (AES/EBU) is a serial digital audio interface standard that carries two channels of digital audio over balanced 110-ohm XLR cables at 48 kHz, used throughout professional broadcast facilities.
Question 4: In broadcast production, what is a character generator (CG) used for?
- Converting analog video to digital character-encoded streams
- Creating and displaying text, graphics, and lower-third overlays on the video signal (Correct answer)
- Generating test patterns for calibration
- Producing closed caption streams for compliance
Correct answer: Creating and displaying text, graphics, and lower-third overlays on the video signal
A character generator creates text overlays such as lower thirds, full-screen titles, weather graphics, and sports scoreboards that are keyed over the video signal.
Question 5: What is chroma key (green screen / blue screen) compositing used for in broadcast production?
- Color correcting footage to a broadcast-safe color range
- Replacing a specific color (usually green or blue) with a different video source (Correct answer)
- Removing noise and compression artifacts from video
- Converting between color spaces for HDR production
Correct answer: Replacing a specific color (usually green or blue) with a different video source
Chroma key compositing electronically replaces a specific hue (typically green or blue) with another video source, such as a weather map or virtual set background.
Question 6: What does 'clean feed' mean in a broadcast production environment?
- A video signal with no noise or interference
- A program output without certain local elements such as graphics, commercials, or station IDs (Correct answer)
- An audio feed with all music removed for voice-over work
- A transmission verified error-free by the transport stream monitor
Correct answer: A program output without certain local elements such as graphics, commercials, or station IDs
A clean feed is a version of the program output that omits certain local elements (like local commercials or graphics) and is typically provided to network affiliates or international distributors.
CBT CBT Studio Production Technology 2
What is the standard sample rate for professional broadcast audio?