CBT Signal Processing & Distribution Flashcards

In audio distribution, what is the standard nominal signal level for professional broadcast equipment?

Answer: +4 dBu

+4 dBu is the standard nominal operating level for professional broadcast audio equipment, providing adequate headroom above noise while avoiding clipping.

What is an embedder used for in a broadcast signal chain?

Answer: To insert audio channels into an SDI video signal

An audio embedder inserts discrete audio channels into the ancillary data space of an SDI video signal, allowing audio and video to travel together over a single coaxial cable.

What standard defines loudness normalization for broadcast in the United States?

Answer: ATSC A/85

ATSC A/85 is the US broadcast loudness standard, recommending a target integrated loudness of -24 LKFS and a maximum true peak of -2 dBTP for program audio.

What is the function of a routing switcher in a broadcast facility?

Answer: To route any input source to any output destination under control room command

A routing switcher is a matrix device that connects any of its signal inputs to any of its outputs on command, providing flexible signal path management across a broadcast facility.

What does 'chroma subsampling' notation 4:2:0 mean for a video signal?

Answer: Full luma, half horizontal chroma, half vertical chroma resolution

4:2:0 chroma subsampling stores full luma resolution but samples color difference components at half resolution both horizontally and vertically, reducing file size significantly.

What is the primary advantage of fiber optic cabling over coaxial cable for long broadcast signal runs?

Answer: Immunity to electromagnetic interference and much lower signal loss over distance

Fiber optic cables carry light rather than electrical signals, making them immune to EMI/RFI and capable of transmitting signals over much greater distances with negligible loss.