Checklist to prepare for broadcast

[John Fishback]

I suggest asking the broadcaster for their specs. In the US those specs vary from network-to-network. It may be the same for you.

John

MacPro 8-core 2.8GHz 8 GB RAM OS 10.5.5 QT7.5.5 Kona 3 Dual Cinema 23 ATI Radeon HD 3870, 24″ TV-Logic Monitor, ATTO ExpressSAS R380 RAID Adapter, PDE enclosure with 8-drive 6TB RAID 5
FCS 2 (FCP 6.0.5, Comp 3.0.5, DVDSP 4.2.1, Color 1.0.3)

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[Kevin Maguire]

Hi Christian, as John said, it really depends on who you are delivering to.

Here’s the BBC Technical Delivery Standards document, and if you deliver to these standards I doubt your broadcaster will have any complaints.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/dq/pdf/tv/tv_standards_london.pdf

[Christian Hart]

thanks very much guys

i do have a list of specs for the broadcaster but i was also
hoping for was more of this kind of thing :

(from walter’s blog)
https://www.biscardicreative.com/blog/?p=134

maybe some audio help as well!

Just dont want to forget anything as i only have one shot..

[Kevin Maguire]

Usually I have the luxury of sending the audio to a professional dubbing facility, but when budgets are tight I use Logic Pro to mix/sweeten all my audio, using a plug-in called PPMulator to monitor the output levels. This emulates the PPM meters calibrated to BBC standards.

Unfortunately this plug-in doesn’t work with FCP.

As a rough guide, you should try to aim for an average level higher than -18db but lower than -12db.

You can use FCP audio filters like compression and EQ to sweeten the sound, but you really need a good monitoring system to hear what changes are being made, otherwise you can make a real mess of it without realising.

Again, refer to your broadcaster’s documents, as they should be very detailed about what will be accepted in terms of audio quality.

Good luck!

[Shane Ross]

[Christian Hart] ”
Does anyone know of a web based resource – “

What they said…the networks specs.

[Christian Hart] “and “how to”s for making your sequences broadcast safe when not using
a post house to do a grade or dub.
“

THAT is tricky. I do not know of a resource out there that says what to do, other than Walter’s blog. You need to know how to use the tools to bring the video and audio levels within the range the network wants. I spent a year assisting an online editor to know all the big tricks, and subtle ones. This is a career field. Like asking “is there a manual for how to creatively edit? when to make a cut?” It is all instinct, feeling, and technical know how. And I only know the VIDEO side…I read audio specs and it is all greek to me. I send things to the audio mixer.

Shane

GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def

[Michael Gissing]

I am unusual in that I grade, online and mix audio for broadcast. If you wish to learn what I have from years in broadcast telecine, plus building and running my own post house for 25 years from a blog or online tutorial, then good luck. Meeting tech specs is just the beginning. Learning to be creative within those technical boundaries is the real challenge.

I can tell you that with FCP it is possible to produce broadcast spec pictures, but mixing audio in FCP is not going to deliver the pre mix stems and quality result that a proper audio studio will produce.

[Christian Hart]

I hear you Shane – i’m usually wrapped up fully in the offline side of things and hand over to a post house, so yeah – i am stumbling about a bit.

Off to go mix down my audio and check the yellow exclamation mark is banished…

[Christian Hart]

Michael don’t worry – i’m not some numpty that thinks he can press
a magic button as a substitute for a decade of tech knowledge and artistry.

However, i do find myself in this situation (rather unfairly i might add)
and I do need this film to pass the broadcast specs!

All pointer about how/ what tools to use within FCP and in what order –
as walter has so kindly done on his blog would be greatfully
appreciated.

Not to make a piece of amazing work – just to get it to pass!

[Michael Gissing]

Christian, my worry is that FCP is not the right tool for broadcast audio. Apple know that which is why they developed Sound Track Pro.

Basics like being able to produce stems of FX, music, dialog etc are not possible in FCP. Broadcast spec limiting is also difficult in FCP. Audio is the weakest area.

[Nick Price]

HI christian,
the main thing with audio is making sure it doesnt consistently hit 6 on a PPm and that it never goes into the red (or the red light comes on…depends on your PPM monitor of course). That is the main reason it will fail QC. Otherwise generally make sure it sounds good to your ears. I have done many mixes using final cut and while its not ideal it is perfectly useable.

To stop the mixes going over 6 on a PPM, use the compressor/limiter . Mix down your sequence, add the filter. Turn up the track volume for the mix, and you will hear the compressor kicking in.

If you dont have a PPM use the Vu meter in FCP, everything wants to be generally between 12-18db. Make sure it never goes over 12db and you will be fine.
best wishes
nick