CBT Signal Processing & Distribution Flashcards

What does SDI stand for in broadcast signal distribution?

Answer: Serial Digital Interface

SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is a family of digital video interfaces used in professional broadcast to carry uncompressed digital video over coaxial cable.

Which type of filter is used to remove frequencies above a specified cutoff frequency in a broadcast signal chain?

Answer: Low-pass filter

A low-pass filter allows frequencies below the cutoff to pass while attenuating higher frequencies, commonly used to limit bandwidth in broadcast audio and video chains.

What is the purpose of a distribution amplifier (DA) in a broadcast facility?

Answer: To split and amplify a signal for multiple destinations without degradation

A distribution amplifier splits one input signal into multiple identical outputs while maintaining proper impedance and signal level to prevent degradation.

What impedance is standard for coaxial cables used in professional broadcast video?

Answer: 75 ohms

75-ohm coaxial cable is the standard for professional broadcast video, balancing cable loss and power handling characteristics for video frequencies.

In digital broadcasting, what is the function of a multiplexer (MUX)?

Answer: To combine multiple signals onto a single transmission path

A multiplexer combines multiple signals—such as video, audio, and data streams—into a single composite signal for efficient transmission over one channel.

What is 'genlock' in broadcast signal processing?

Answer: Synchronizing a video signal's timing to an external reference signal

Genlock synchronizes the timing of a video signal's sync pulses to an external house sync or black-burst reference, ensuring all sources in a facility are phase-aligned.