Broadcast Systems & Equipment Flashcards
7 cards from real CBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Broadcast Systems & Equipment flashcards as text
What is the function of a genlock input on a broadcast camera or video device?
Answer: To synchronize the device's output to an external reference signal
A genlock input allows a camera or video device to synchronize its sync generator to an external reference, making its output phase-coherent with the rest of the facility.
In a broadcast master control room, what is the primary function of an automation system?
Answer: To execute pre-programmed playlists controlling which sources air and when
Master control automation executes playlists that control program switching, graphics insertion, and commercial breaks, ensuring accurate on-air execution according to the schedule.
What is the purpose of SCTE-35 markers in a broadcast stream?
Answer: To signal ad insertion opportunities and splice points in MPEG transport streams
SCTE-35 is a standard for inserting digital cue messages into MPEG-2 transport streams to signal ad avail opportunities and splice points for local ad insertion.
What distinguishes an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) from a standalone satellite receiver in broadcast applications?
Answer: An IRD combines satellite reception, decoding (including conditional access), and baseband output in one unit
An IRD integrates a satellite tuner, MPEG decoder, conditional access module, and baseband video/audio outputs into a single professional broadcast unit.
What is the purpose of a video delay line in a broadcast facility?
Answer: To introduce a precise time delay to align video with audio or other video sources
Video delay lines introduce precise, calibrated delays (ranging from microseconds to multiple frames) to align video with audio or to synchronize multiple video paths.
What is a broadcast-grade multiviewer used for in a control room?
Answer: To view multiple video sources simultaneously on one or more display monitors
A multiviewer combines multiple video sources (cameras, playback, satellite feeds) into a single mosaic display on one or more monitors for operator monitoring.
What is the difference between a linear (baseband) signal and a composite video signal in broadcast?
Answer: Composite combines luminance, chrominance, and sync on a single cable; linear refers to individual baseband components
Composite video combines Y (luminance), C (chrominance subcarrier), and sync on one cable (NTSC/PAL), while component or 'linear' signals keep these elements on separate paths.