Elements and Performance Criteria

Master control can be known as:

network control

Documentation may be:

computer generated

manually written

in bar code format

Relevant personnel may include:

supervisor

head of department

technical director

other technical staff

other specialist staff

floor manager

station manager

transmission operators

presentation operators

tape operators

news editor

producer

editor

tape editor

Television transmission may involve:

digital tape

analog tape

any digital media

Master control relay equipment may include:

fibre optics

talkback/two way communications devices

up-link to satellite

down-link from satellite

microwave links

Test equipment may include:

audio phase vectorscope

waveform and picture monitor

VU and peak program meters

noise and distortion meters

test tone generators

Faults may include:

picture out of synchronisation with sound

sound distortion

picture distortion

Transmission may involve:

live to air broadcasts

pre-recorded material

single feeds

multiple feeds

outside broadcasts

broadcasts from the studio

Signals may be:

vision

audio

combination of vision and audio

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of essential knowledge of, and skills in, the following areas:

radio or television delivery methods - cable, terrestrial, microwave, satellite, as required
satellite delivery equipment - earth-stations, up-link, transponders, satellite receiving dishes, satellite footprints
relevant satellite service providers and ability to contact them
familiarity with specific master control operating equipment in use
ability to check equipment is working to specifications
interpretation of specifications for equipment
radio or television standards PAL, NTSC, SECAM, CCIR 601, as required
sources of advice, information, and technical support
understanding of radio or television broadcast systems and transmission facilities
correct broadcast terminology
concept and judgement of image and audio broadcast quality
basic maintenance of transmission equipment, eg functional testing
diagnosis of problems and faults
communication - oral and written reports
use of intercom and production talkback communication devices
time management techniques
accurate timing of switches
ability to judge picture to sound synchronisation, as required

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages to the following unit and combined training delivery and/or assessment may be appropriate:

CUFBRD01A Communicate using a two way system

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

the interpretation of transmission schedules
ability to check vision or audio quality of feeds, as required
ability to judge picture or sound distortion, as required
effective verbal communication with a range of individuals
effective use of talkback/intercom communication devices

Method and context of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken in the workplace, on the job due to the specific workplace environment requirements.
Assessment methods must include observation of performance during a series of practical demonstrations to establish consistency of performance.

A range of methods to assess the application of essential underpinning knowledge must support this and might include:

role play
work samples
oral questioning/interview
projects/reports/logbooks
third party reports and authenticated prior achievements
portfolios of evidence

Resource requirements
Assessment requires access to the range of master control equipment used in broadcast facilities, currently used by the television industry.

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(3)