what is meant by broadcast quality? at DVinfo.net

Phil Gadd · March 30th, 2013, 02:42 PM

Forgive me for being naive but exactly what is broadcast quality i.e settings for audio or image or is it a colour thing etc?

Glen Vandermolen · March 30th, 2013, 03:00 PM

Broadcast quality is an elusive, slippery term. It really depends on the broadcaster. We're referring to HD.

For instance, the EBU has a Tier system of what video codec is allowed for which type of programming. High end dramas and documentaries have the highest standards of acceptance, with the minimum accepted standard at 50mbps, 4:2:2 color. For TV news stories, they seem to have settled for 35mbps, 4:2:0 color.

Discovery networks have a standard ranking called Gold, Silver and Bronze, with Gold being the top level. They also demand a 50mbps, 4:2:2 color minimum at this top level.

35mm film is considered a top level recording medium, while 16mm can only be used for SD content or a small percentage of an HD program. HDV is pretty much looked at like 16mm film.

But there have been many top rated programs that have been shot entirely in "non-broadcast" codecs. Many shows have been shot entirely in HDV, "Deadliest Catch" being a prime example. I recently shot a segment of a popular bridal program in HDV. I also shot a program for Showtime using the 24mbps AVCHD codec.
And I shot another popular cooking program using SD cameras, uprezzed to HD.

So, what is broadcast quality? It's pretty much whatever the TV broadcasters will accept.
But a camera that can shoot at least a 50mbps, 4:2:2 codec is a safe bet.

Phil Gadd · March 30th, 2013, 04:22 PM

Thanks Glen for the thorough response.

Allan Black · April 2nd, 2013, 05:12 PM

B/C quality? It's another way of TV folk telling you your program content is crap and they don't want it.
Submit enough of it and they'll pull the plug off your house. :)

Years ago I worked producing at Radio 2UE here and visitors on the station tour used to ask, 'Excuse me, where's the plug for my house?
To keep the tour moving, save time and avoid embarrassing them with a long involved explanation, we'd take them aside and answer,
'Over there behind that rack'

A few would ask, 'Can I see it'? 'Sorry, the engineers are busy right now'

But you had to do it deadpan or else.

Cheers.

March 30th, 2013, 02:42 PM	#1
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	what is meant by broadcast quality? Forgive me for being naive but exactly what is broadcast quality i.e settings for audio or image or is it a colour thing etc?

March 30th, 2013, 03:00 PM	#2
Glen Vandermolen Space Hipster Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,596	Re: what is meant by broadcast quality? Broadcast quality is an elusive, slippery term. It really depends on the broadcaster. We're referring to HD. For instance, the EBU has a Tier system of what video codec is allowed for which type of programming. High end dramas and documentaries have the highest standards of acceptance, with the minimum accepted standard at 50mbps, 4:2:2 color. For TV news stories, they seem to have settled for 35mbps, 4:2:0 color. Discovery networks have a standard ranking called Gold, Silver and Bronze, with Gold being the top level. They also demand a 50mbps, 4:2:2 color minimum at this top level. 35mm film is considered a top level recording medium, while 16mm can only be used for SD content or a small percentage of an HD program. HDV is pretty much looked at like 16mm film. But there have been many top rated programs that have been shot entirely in "non-broadcast" codecs. Many shows have been shot entirely in HDV, "Deadliest Catch" being a prime example. I recently shot a segment of a popular bridal program in HDV. I also shot a program for Showtime using the 24mbps AVCHD codec. And I shot another popular cooking program using SD cameras, uprezzed to HD. So, what is broadcast quality? It's pretty much whatever the TV broadcasters will accept. But a camera that can shoot at least a 50mbps, 4:2:2 codec is a safe bet.

March 30th, 2013, 04:22 PM	#3
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	Re: what is meant by broadcast quality? Thanks Glen for the thorough response.

April 2nd, 2013, 05:12 PM	#4
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,931	Re: what is meant by broadcast quality? B/C quality? It's another way of TV folk telling you your program content is crap and they don't want it. Submit enough of it and they'll pull the plug off your house. :) Years ago I worked producing at Radio 2UE here and visitors on the station tour used to ask, 'Excuse me, where's the plug for my house? To keep the tour moving, save time and avoid embarrassing them with a long involved explanation, we'd take them aside and answer, 'Over there behind that rack' A few would ask, 'Can I see it'? 'Sorry, the engineers are busy right now' But you had to do it deadpan or else. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated. Last edited by Allan Black; April 2nd, 2013 at 06:20 PM.