Term
| Facsimile Technology & Fidelity |
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Definition
Making a copy of something for immediate or later use;
Fidelity is how faithful the copy is to the original.
High fidelity will have low noise |
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Term
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Definition
| Process of changing from one form of energy to another |
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Term
| What are the five steps in the signaling process in order? |
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Definition
1. Signal Generation
2. Amplification and Processing
3. Transmission
4. Reception
5. Storage and Retrieval |
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Term
| What are the 3 characteristics of electromagnetic energy? |
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Definition
1. Radiant: Moves through surrounding space.
2. Constant velocity of 186,000 mps
3. Wavelike motion |
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Term
| Velocity of Electromagnetic Energy |
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Definition
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Term
| What is a Cycle of a Radio Wave? |
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Definition
| The number of wave motions per second |
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Term
| What is frequency & what is its unit of measure? |
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Definition
1. Number of waves that pass a given point in a given amount of time
2. Hz |
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Term
| What is pulse code modulation? |
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Definition
| Laser sampling of waves thousands of times per second; more exact replication than analogy; no loss of quality no matter how many times it is copied |
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Term
| Difference between amplitude and frequency modulation? |
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Definition
Amplitude modulations moniters the amplitude and frequency remains constant.
Frequency Modulation moniters wave frequency but keeps amplitude constant. |
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Term
| Why is FM superior to AM in sound quality? |
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Definition
1. Provides better sound reproduction
2. AM stations are prone to more interference, particularly at night. |
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Term
| What is the function of a Switcher? |
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Definition
Mix different video signals together
Allows a producer to use cameras with different angles, transitions, etc. |
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Term
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Definition
| • An effect in which one video signal is electronically cut out or keyed into another |
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Term
| What is the electromagnetic spectrum? |
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Definition
All of the electromagnetic radiation present throughout the universe.
Includes everything from gamma rays, X rays, radio waves, microwaves, etc. to visible light. |
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Term
| What are the different behaviors of frequencies? |
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Definition
1. Ground Waves -- at certain AM frequencies waves move along the ground
2. Sky waves -- Waves will move toward the sky, particularly in AM frequencies\
3. Direct Waves -- FM/tv waves that go in a direct line from the station |
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Term
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Definition
| Generated signal that replicates a natural wave |
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Term
| Difference between VHF and UHF |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| What are the bandwidths of: AM, FM, & TV? |
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Definition
AM: 10 KHz
FM: 200 KHz
TV: 6 MHz |
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Term
| What is the difference between analog and digital signals? |
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Definition
Analog is a complete reproduction of the signal
Digital converts to a numerical representation |
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Term
| Compression & Digital Compression Standards |
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Definition
Means throwing away of redundant information; allows you to store more files on a device.
Intraframe: Still image *JPEG
Interframe: Multiple frames (MPEG1 or MPEG2) |
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Term
| Advantages of Digital Compared to Analog |
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Definition
little or no noise
ease of manipulation
compression! |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| How does interlace scanning work? |
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Definition
Scans odd lines in one field and even lines in another field.
A field is half of a frame.
Two fields make a frame. |
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Term
| What is the difference between interlaced and progressive scanning |
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Definition
Interlaced scans odd lines in one field and even lines in another field.
Progressive scans only use one from and scan in order from top row to bottom row. |
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Term
| What are the aspect ratios of SDTV & HDTV: |
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Definition
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Term
What is multiplexing/multicasting?
How many SDTV channels may a digital station multicast? |
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Definition
• Idea of running multiple streams using the same 6 megahert bandwidth that your tv has been allocated
SDTV can multicast 4 standard def stations without interference |
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Term
| How much bandwidth does a DTV broadcaster have to work with? |
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Definition
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Term
| Why is the DTV standard in the US considered a flexible approach? |
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Definition
There are 18 possible formats
Ex:
1. 1 HD and 2 standard
2. 1 HD
3. 4 standard |
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Term
| Why may scanning formats present apoblem in the area of programming and local stations |
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Definition
| • If the station isn’t equipped to do a certain number of liens, they have to downgrade the signal. |
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Term
In what year was analog service shut down?
What happened to people that didn't subscribe to cable or satellite? |
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Definition
June 2009
Had to get a convertor box or lost signal |
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Term
What are DVRs?
WHat is addressibility? |
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Definition
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Term
| What are some of the unique programming features that Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) offers to their listeners? |
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Definition
- Partnerships (BBC, CNN, etc)
- Abundant choices
- Both commercial free & commercial
- 100+ channels |
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Term
| What is the impact of DARS on traditional radio broadcasters? |
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Definition
- Created new form of competition
- Loss of localism
(local ad dollars)
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Term
| What are the colors used to capture and transmit images in a camera and TV set? |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| How many complete pictures (frames) a second do TVs in North America produce? |
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Definition
| 30 frames per second is the NTSC standard |
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Term
| Why are TV transmitters physically placed at the highest place possible? |
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Definition
Goes on direct line of sight.
The higher you go, the better chance you can reach over hills, etc to reach the greatest number of households |
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Term
| What are the 3 major advantages of coaxial cable |
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Definition
1. Allows use of additional frequencies
2. Prevents interference
3. Signal processing capability |
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Term
| Why are older traditional cable systems referred to as tree and branch systems? |
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Definition
They mimic a tree in design:
There are thick trunk lines with feeder lines branching off.
Feeder lines have drop lines that can mimic leaves
Furthermore terminology is similar (trunk, feeder, etc.) |
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Term
| What is the order of cables in a Tree-and-Branch system? |
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Definition
1. Headend
2. Trunk
3. Feeder
4. Drop |
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Term
| What is pass-by-rate? What is penetration? |
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Definition
Pass-by-rate: Number of houses that are passed by a cable line
Penetration: Number of homes passed by a cable line and pick up the service |
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Term
| What does the headend do in terms of receiving and processing signals? |
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Definition
• Compiles all the potential programs that are out there, either off the air, satellite or microwave.
• The program is then put into a master computer system and sent DOWNSTREAM
• Processes and amplifies and allows for downstream flow |
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Term
| What is meant by downstream and upstream? Which is more prevalent? |
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Definition
Downstream: Transmitting signals to the system
Upstream: Receiving signals from the subscriber
Downstream is the most prevalent |
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Term
| What are the trunk, feeder, and drop lines? Where are they located? |
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Definition
Trunks are on main roads
Feeder lines stem off of trunk lines and go into individual neighborhoods
Drop lines go into the home |
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Term
| What do convertors (set up boxes) do? |
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Definition
• Returns frequencies to the “usable” by set
• Descrambles signals
• Digital Set Top Boxes are used for digital cable
• Upstream Response Technology |
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Term
| What are some consequences of cable system architecture? |
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Definition
- Piracy
- Competition
- Wired Cable Overbuilds are economically inefficient |
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Term
| How does a Hybrid Fiber-Coax system differ from a tree-and-branch system? |
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Definition
• Takes the trunk/feeder lines and replacing the coaxial cable with fiber optics; in neighborhoods it hits a node and remains coaxial
• Fiber optics allowed for greater speed
• They don’t work from curb/home is due to costs associated
• It’s a HYBRID model… Uses both Fiber Optics and Coaxial cables |
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Term
| What are the major advantages of a Hybrid Fiber-Coax system? |
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Definition
• Provides greater channel capacity (more bandwidth and speed available)
• Significantly increases channel offerings with digitization of programming and compression (digital cable)
• Offers greater upstream path for subscribers
• High Speed Internet Access through cable modems |
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Term
| How does digital compression expand channel capacity? |
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Definition
• Allows you to carry more channels because of digital compressions
• Can go from 80-100 to thousands of channels
• Allows systems to offer a variety of programming |
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Term
| What is Interactive Television (ITV) and what are a few of the viewer possibilities resulting from this technology? |
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Definition
• A DTV service that supports subscriber-initiated choices or actions
• Opportunity results from digitizing television signals and two-way interactivity
• Growth anticipated with transition to digital tv & subscriptions to digital cable |
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Term
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Definition
| • Television Commerce • Idea that you can purchase items using new digital technologies on the television screen o not call in orders on QVC • This is being done in some places in Europe |
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Term
| What are the characteristics of the geostationary orbit? |
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Definition
| • Most important thing; A fixed location with earth’s orbit. • It is a 22,300 mile orbit |
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Term
| What is a satellite footprint? |
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Definition
Coverage area of a transponder;
fixed prior to its launch |
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Term
| What are transponders and what do they do? |
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Definition
A send/receive unit
There are 12-48 per satellite
Have footprints |
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Term
| What are the major impacts of the use of satellites on television? |
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Definition
1. Greater Capability
(sports, live entertainment)
2. More station news programming
3. Less affiliate reliance on network newsfeeds
4. Redefined "local"... Coverage from anywhere in the world |
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Term
| What are the differences between co-channel and adjacent channel interference? |
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Definition
• On the borders using the same frequency creates interference
• Have to have several MegaHertz difference between channel bandwidths
• Co channel:
o Two channels using the same frequency in a local area (two channel 4s in the same area) creates problems with the signals competing for the same area
• “When you have two channels adjacent and you try to use the same channel, what type of interference is that” |
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Term
| What are the two main solutions for overcoming interference? |
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Definition
• Spacing – making sure you have spacing on the bandwidths
• Limiting the Power – one station has to make sure that their power is turned down so they don’t interfere with the other stations trying to use the same frequency |
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Term
| What are two examples of analog audio storage? What are two examples of digital audio storage? |
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Definition
• Analog
o Phonograph Records
o Cassette and real to reel tapes
• Digital
o CDs
o Hard Drives
o DAT |
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Term
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Definition
• Using internet protocol to transmit video or audio programming
• Ex: Internet only radio stations
• Allows computers to receive audio and video signals |
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Term
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Definition
• Technique used to stream media
• Allows streamed content to be viewed in the appropriate order |
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Term
| What is meant by the 3 C’s of the radio business (Competition, Consolidation, and Control)? |
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Definition
• Competition: More competition in radio than other mediums; why? There are more radio stations than television stations out there (5x more than news papers 10x more than TV)
Consolidaiton: Mom and Pop stations disappeared; Tele act of 1996 led to consolidation, fewer countries own more stations
• Control:
o Idea that the formats are very structured and tightly managed
o A lot of consumer research is done |
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Term
| Telecommunications Act of 1996 and its impact on the radio business |
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Definition
• led to consolidation
• No limit on what a radio network can own
• Has led to supergroups of stations being owned
o Clear Channel is the largest supergroup of radio stations |
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Term
| What is a pro and a con of radio station ownership consolidation? |
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Definition
• Pro:
o Ownership allows for economies of scale, allows you to incur a low cost per additional station; more efficient programming/better news coverage
o Adding on costs less
• Con:
o Leads to more turn-key stations
o Programmed and talent is in another location
o May lead to very similar programming throughout the day on different stations |
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Term
| What are the three types of noncommercial radio stations? |
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Definition
• Community Stations –licensed to civic groups
• College Radio – sponsored by colleges and communication departments
• Public Radio – CPB qualified radio stations |
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Term
| What are the major departments which operate within a typical radio station? |
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Definition
• Operations – for advertising on the station scheduled
• Program Dept – overall responsibility for the station’s sound
• Sales – responsible for sale of commercial airtime
• Engineering – keeps the station on the air |
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Term
| Commercial vs. Non-commerical stations |
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Definition
• Commeical meaning they rely on advertising to operate
• Non commercial is about 20% and rely on private/public donations and underwriting… Ex PBS and College tv stations |
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Term
| The Big 4 broadcast networks |
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Definition
• ABC CBS NBC and Fox
• About 45% of all tv viewers watch these 4 networks |
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Term
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Definition
• CW and Ion Television is what is being
• Have smaller audiences
• Tend to program less time than the big 4
• Viewership is much smaller
• You don’t have to have a cable subscription, it’s just broadcasted |
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Term
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Definition
• Either occur in rural areas (Alaska has the most low power stations)
• Also can occur in major markets where there is a certain organization that wants to get their message out.. .Low power that only reaches the Bronx or Manhattan
• Low power are not affiliated with networks; many of them don’t sell advertising; some do sell advertising |
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Term
| TV station owndership rule |
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Definition
• There is a limit to TV station ownership cannot exceed 39%
• Cannot own stations that would collectively reach 39% of tv households in the US
• Will not ask the exact percent… Generally it’s about 40% |
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Term
| Advertiser supported cable networks versus pay services (networks) |
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Definition
• Things that utilize advert revenue to pay for them
• Most cable channels you receive (USAToday, Lifetime, ESPN, etc)
• Pay services --- subscriber pays a monthly fee for the commercial free channel
o HBO or Starz? |
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Term
| What is an MSO and which one is the largest? |
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Definition
• Multiple System Operatore or Multiple Service Operator
• A cable operator that has systems in a number of diff cities
• Comcast is the largest |
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Term
| What are the 5 divisions within a typical TV stations? What is the function of each division? |
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Definition
• Sales – sells time to advertisors
• Engineering – keeps the station operating
• Business- Responsible for collecting money and paying the bills
• Programming – develops programming for the station
• News -- Produces local newscasts and informational programming |
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Term
| What changes in technology led to the development of early ISPs? |
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Definition
• Modems increased in speed
• Telephone access costs decreased
• Newer computers like Apple’s Macintosh increased ease of use
• Color Displays replaced black and white displays |
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Term
| What were a few of the features of Prodigy? |
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Definition
• Very early ISP (internet service provider0
o Monthly services for a flat free
o Used a graphical interface
o Contained advertising embedded in the screens |
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Term
| What is a plug-in? What are the three major ones? |
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Definition
• Plug in is something on your computer that allows your webbrowser to work better; primarily for streaming audio or video
o Ex: quicktime
• Three major ones:
o Quicktime
o Real Player
o Macromedia’s Flash and Shock wave |
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Term
| What was the first video game? |
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Definition
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Term
| What country ranks highest in terms of Internet per 100 inhabitants? |
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Definition
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Term
| Who governs the internet? |
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Definition
• No one has control over the internet, essential
• The Internet Society and other organizations collaborate to discuss different standards for the internet
• There is no centralized controlling authority
• Existing government and political institutions can influence policy, therefore, it is not completely unregulated but there is no specific controlling body |
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Term
| What happened to Napster and Limewire? |
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Definition
Both were shut down after copyright infringements.
Previously they had used file sharing to distribute music without a fee. |
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Term
| How are broadcasters using the web for cross-promotion? |
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Definition
• “See our website for more info on the story”
• Content matches
• Entertainment sites provide storylines and stars on websites
• Announcing on the air for viewers to check out their website for more information |
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Term
| What is Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and why is it more feasible today than it once was? |
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Definition
• Uses the internet protocol to send a signal for programming
• Instead of using a tower/waves, it just uses an internet connection to transmit programming
• More feasible
o Increases in computer capabilities
o Broadband connections |
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