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Sample SBE CTO Practice Questions
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1In a television station, what is the primary function of master control?
A.Editing news packages for broadcast
B.Maintaining the station's accounting records
C.Selling advertising time to clients
D.Monitoring and switching the station's on-air program output to the transmitter
Explanation: Master control is the technical and operational hub of a TV station, responsible for monitoring and switching the final on-air signal that is fed to the transmitter. Operators ensure programs, commercials, and station breaks air correctly and on time. It is the last point of human control before the signal leaves the station.
2The process of recording or importing program material such as commercials and shows into a station's video server is commonly called what?
A.Trafficking
B.Encoding
C.Ingesting
D.Dubbing
Explanation: Ingesting is the act of capturing or importing media files into a station's video server or automation system so they are available for playout. Modern master control relies on server-based playout rather than tape, making ingest a core daily operator task. Properly ingested material is verified and given a unique identifier for automation.
3A computer system that controls program and commercial playout in master control according to the daily log is called a(n):
A.Routing switcher
B.Traffic system
C.Automation system
D.Sync generator
Explanation: A master control automation system reads the as-run/daily log and triggers servers, switchers, and graphics to air content at the scheduled times. Automation reduces operator error and allows one operator to oversee multiple channels. The operator monitors automation and intervenes when discrepancies or breaking news occur.
4What document lists the scheduled programs, commercials, station breaks, and their exact times for a broadcast day?
A.The engineering log
B.The program log (daily log)
C.The maintenance log
D.The transmitter log
Explanation: The program log, or daily log, is the schedule that master control follows for the entire broadcast day, listing every program, commercial, promo, and break with timing. Automation systems are loaded from this log, and an as-run log records what actually aired. It is the operational roadmap for the day.
5When a network feed is delayed or unavailable and the operator must cover the gap, the most appropriate action is to:
A.Air the next scheduled program early without notice
B.Roll pre-approved filler or a slate while attempting to restore the feed
C.Leave the channel in black until the feed returns
D.Switch the transmitter off to avoid airing dead air
Explanation: When a feed fails, operators roll station-approved filler material, a slate, or evergreen content to avoid dead air while working to restore the program source. Maintaining continuous, appropriate programming protects the viewer experience and station obligations. Black or dead air should be avoided whenever possible.
6In master control, the 'preview' or 'preset' bus on a production/master control switcher is used to:
A.Send the signal directly to air
B.Adjust audio levels only
C.Set up the next source before transitioning it to the program bus
D.Generate color bars
Explanation: The preset/preview bus lets the operator select and verify the next source before performing a transition that moves it to the program (on-air) bus. This staging prevents airing the wrong source. A take or auto-transition then swaps preset to program.
7A 'take' on a master control switcher produces what kind of transition between two sources?
A.A gradual dissolve over several seconds
B.An instantaneous cut from one source to another
C.A wipe pattern moving across the screen
D.A fade to black and back
Explanation: A take (or cut) is an instantaneous switch from the current program source to the preset source with no transition effect. It is the fastest, cleanest transition and is commonly used for breaks and live switches. Dissolves and wipes are timed effects requiring a transition rate.
8The device that allows any of many input signals to be connected to any of many outputs in a facility is called a:
A.Distribution amplifier
B.Character generator
C.Frame synchronizer
D.Routing switcher
Explanation: A routing switcher (router) is a matrix that connects any input to any output, letting operators direct sources such as cameras, servers, and feeds to destinations like monitors, recorders, and air. It is central to signal management in a modern facility. Control panels select the desired crosspoints.
9Why does a master control operator continuously monitor program audio and video on confidence (off-air) monitors?
A.To verify what viewers are actually receiving over the air
B.To control the transmitter power output
C.To edit the program content in real time
D.To bill advertisers for airtime
Explanation: Confidence or off-air monitoring lets the operator see and hear the actual transmitted signal as received, confirming that what leaves the station matches the intended program. It catches problems like loss of audio, freeze frames, or wrong content before viewers complain. It closes the loop between playout and transmission.
10A signal that has gained or lost timing relative to the station's reference and arrives at the wrong moment is best corrected for switching by a:
A.Vectorscope
B.Waveform monitor
C.Frame synchronizer
D.Limiter
Explanation: A frame synchronizer buffers an incoming asynchronous video signal and re-clocks it to the station's house reference so it can be switched cleanly without picture disturbance. Without it, switching a non-synchronous source can cause a glitch or roll. It is essential for incoming feeds and remote sources.
About the SBE CTO Practice Questions
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