Help me understand these requirements please

FiddlerMD

FiddlerMD

Well-known member
I am shooting a commercial soon for local tv. This is my first time shooting for broadcast. I emailed the channel and they sent me a requirements doc, but there are a few things I don't quite understand here:

* The commercial should be submitted in NTSC system (NTSC-358 to be exact) and in one of the following video formats: DVCPRO (recorded at speed 25 only), Beta SP, DVCAM, Mini DVCAM (recorded in SP mode only), or Beta SP PAL
^ does that mean MiniDV is fine? (seems to be)

* Labeling. Each video must be clearly labeled to show the Title, Duration and Time Code
^ I understand title and duration, but "time code" i'm confused about - does this indicate at what point in the tape the commercial starts or what?

* The commercial should have two channels of mixed audio. Sound should be in mono mode. Dolby should be off.
^ doesnt 2 channels imply stereo or do they mean that both channels should have the same info (mono)?

* Commercial should be recorded on tape 3 times. Every commercial should be recorded on separate tape. Every commercial should be accompanied by VHS tape (NTSC system) and commercial passport form (which is included in the application).
^ i'm guessing the 3 times on tape is in case part of the tape gets damaged? but they don't mention whether there should be a space between, bars/tone, etc... also.. VHS??? I dont even know where to begin on this one :) why in the world would they need a vhs?

Thanks a lot!
 
1. well, it says small format DVCAM is okay. that's not quite the same as MiniDV. you could use a MiniDV tape, but the data is laid down a little differently in DVCAM format. and the truth is, they probably wouldn't be able to tell. [link - scroll down to "DV formats" for an explanation]

2. Timecode -- when submitting more than one program in is customary to include a log listing the programs next to what timecode the fall on the reel. in your case, your program should start on the hour. some point after 00:58:00:00 you'll have your bars/tone and slate leading up to 1:00:00:00 where the spot starts. they may also want to know if its drop frame or non-drop.

3. sounds like they want dual mono.

4. some put like 5 or 10 seconds between spots. others will wait for the even minute in the timecode -- so if its a 30 second spot, they would each start at 01:00:00:00, 01:01:00:00, 01:02:00:00 . the vhs is a viewing copy for their library. they need it because they are too lazy to dub it themselves.
 
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is there any sort of standard for the slate or is just just text you create in titler - is there any particular "must have" info that goes on it?
 
I typically lay mine over a bars and tone with client name, run time (30 sec...etc...) Spot name, date, my studios name and phone #...
 
my slates look something like this:

Client Company Name
Project Name
Prog # "Title of Program"

Ch. 1 - Stereo Comp
Ch. 2 - Stereo Comp
TC29.97(NDF) 16x9 TRT-5:00

date
my company name​
 
i sure have a lot to learn in this business :) can anyone point me to a good resource where one can see samples of this kind of stuff? sounds like it might be interested for a lot of people starting out in this business
 
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