Why is a slarted version needed for TV? A “slarted version,” which is the term used here for a video file made ready for television, is needed because TV networks have strict rules. These rules cover how the picture looks, how the sound is, and how the file is set up. If a video does not meet these rules, the TV station cannot play it. It might look wrong, sound bad, or even cause technical problems for the station’s equipment. So, making a “slarted version” means changing your video file to match all the needed rules for TV broadcast. This makes sure your video plays perfectly on TV.
Image Source: lookaside.fbsbx.com
Grasping the Need for Broadcast Rules
Television is different from showing a video on a website or a phone. Millions of people watch TV at the same time. The pictures and sound must work right for everyone. This is why Broadcasting standards are so important. They are like a set of rules everyone must follow. These rules help make sure that:
- All TV shows and ads look good.
- All TV shows and ads sound clear.
- Files from different places can play on any TV station’s gear.
- TV stations do not have technical errors.
- Things like emergency alerts can work correctly.
- Legal and public rules are followed.
If there were no rules, one show might be too loud, the next too quiet. One show might have a weird picture size, the next might flicker. TV format requirements set the basic steps for how video and audio should be sent out. Making a “slarted version” is the job of meeting all these rules.
Deciphering Video Rules for Television
Getting the picture right for TV means following many specific rules. These rules decide how clear the picture is, its shape, and how smoothly it moves.
Checking Picture Size and Quality
Video specifications for television start with the basic picture quality. This often means the resolution. Resolution is how many small dots (pixels) make up the picture. More dots usually mean a clearer picture. TV stations need a specific resolution. Sending a file with too few dots means the picture looks fuzzy. Sending a file with too many dots might not work with their equipment.
- Common TV resolutions today are High Definition (HD).
- HD means 1920 dots across and 1080 dots down (called 1080i or 1080p) or 1280 dots across and 720 dots down (called 720p).
- Older TVs used Standard Definition (SD), like 720×480 dots or 720×576 dots.
- Future TVs use Ultra High Definition (UHD), like 3840×2160 (4K).
A “slarted version” must have the exact resolution the TV station asks for. Using the wrong size means the picture might not fill the screen right or might look strange.
Setting the Picture Shape
The shape of the TV picture is called the Aspect ratio standards. This is the relationship between the width and the height of the picture.
- Old TVs used a shape that was wider than it was tall, like 4 units wide for every 3 units tall (written as 4:3). This looked almost square.
- New TVs use a much wider shape, like 16 units wide for every 9 units tall (written as 16:9). This is like movie screens.
Most TV today is 16:9. If you send a video that is 4:3, it might play with black bars on the sides of a wide screen. If you send a video that is super-wide (like from some cameras) to a 16:9 TV, it might have black bars top and bottom. A “slarted version” must be in the correct Aspect ratio standards, usually 16:9, unless the station says differently. If your original video is not 16:9, it needs to be changed correctly. This might mean cropping the sides or adding bars, but it must be done to the station’s rules.
Here are common aspect ratios:
| Ratio Name | Description | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 4:3 | Nearly square | Older Standard TV, some older films |
| 16:9 | Wider, rectangular | Modern High Definition TV, most online video |
| 1.85:1 | Common movie theater shape | Cinema, sometimes for ‘cinematic’ feel on TV |
| 2.39:1 (or 2.4:1) | Very wide movie theater shape | Cinema (anamorphic) |
For television, 16:9 is almost always the rule. The “slarted version” must fit this shape perfectly.
Getting the Picture Smoothness Right
Frame rate requirements are about how many still pictures (frames) show up on the screen each second. This makes the image look like it is moving. Different parts of the world use different standards.
- In North America and parts of Asia, the standard is often around 30 frames per second (often shown as 29.97 fps). Older systems used 60 fields per second (interlaced, shown as 59.94i).
- In Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, the standard is often 25 frames per second (25p) or 50 fields per second (50i).
- Movies are often shot at 24 frames per second.
Sending a file with the wrong frame rate is a big problem. The video might look jumpy. The sound might not match the picture. The TV station’s equipment might not be able to play it correctly. A “slarted version” must have the exact frame rate required by the station, whether that is 29.97, 25, or another number. If your video is 24 frames per second, it must be changed to match the TV standard, which is a technical process.
Picking the Right Picture Type
Television broadcast formats refer to the technical type of the video file itself. This includes how the video is stored (the codec) and the file type (the wrapper).
- Common formats include MPEG-2, H.264 (AVC), or newer ones like H.265 (HEVC).
- File types (wrappers) can be like MXF or QuickTime MOV.
Each TV station has specific rules about which format they can accept. They need a format that their playout systems can read and broadcast easily. Using the wrong format means they cannot even open or use the file. The “slarted version” needs to be in the precise format asked for in the Technical delivery specifications. This ensures the file works with their technical setup.
Making the Sound Right for Television
Sound is just as important as the picture. Bad sound can ruin a show. TV stations have strict rules about how sound should be set up in a video file.
Setting the Sound Level
One of the most important Audio levels for broadcast is the loudness. TV stations have rules to prevent sound that is too loud (which can sound distorted or annoy viewers) or too quiet (which makes people turn up their volume).
- There are technical ways to measure loudness, like using LKFS or LUFS units.
- Stations set a target loudness level (for example, -24 LKFS).
- They also set limits on how loud the sound can peak at any moment (like -10 dBFS).
If the sound in a video is too loud or too quiet, it must be fixed in the “slarted version.” This involves adjusting the volume of all the sound parts (voices, music, sound effects) to meet the station’s specific Audio levels for broadcast. This is a skilled job done using special audio tools. If this is not done, the station might reject the video or have to fix it themselves, which takes time and costs money.
Getting Sound Channels Right
TV sound can have different parts: stereo (left and right), surround sound (like 5.1 with center, front, rear, and low sound), or separate tracks for different languages or effects. The Technical delivery specifications will say exactly how the sound should be set up in the file.
- Should it be two channels of stereo sound?
- Should it be multiple channels for surround sound?
- Are there specific tracks for things like descriptive audio for people who cannot see well?
The “slarted version” must have the correct number of audio channels in the right order, with the right kind of sound on each channel. Mixing this up means viewers might not hear all the sound or might hear the wrong thing.
Making Sound and Picture Match
The sound must match the picture exactly. If the sound is a little bit early or late compared to the picture (this is called being out of sync), it is very distracting for viewers. Compliance for TV broadcast checks that the audio and video are perfectly lined up from start to finish. This is part of getting the “slarted version” ready. Sometimes video or audio editing can cause small sync problems that need to be fixed before sending the file.
Fixing Timing and Setup Details
Beyond picture and sound, a “slarted version” needs specific parts at the beginning and sometimes the end. These help the TV station’s automated systems play the video correctly. These setup details are part of the Master file requirements.
Adding Bars, Tone, and Countdown
Most stations need a specific setup at the start of the video file. This might include:
- Color bars: A standard test pattern that helps engineers check color and signal levels.
- Audio tone: A steady sound tone (usually 1 kHz) at a specific level (like -20 dBFS or -18 dBFS) that helps engineers check audio levels.
- Black video: A few seconds of pure black picture.
- Countdown: Numbers that count down from 10 or 5 seconds to the start of the actual show. This helps the playout system know exactly when the program begins.
- Slate: A screen showing important information about the video, like its title, episode number, running time, frame rate, aspect ratio, and contact info. This slate is usually before the bars and tone.
The Technical delivery specifications from the TV station will list exactly what is needed at the start and for how long each part should last. The “slarted version” must be built with these specific parts in the correct order and timing.
Setting the Exact Start and End Points
The TV station needs to know the exact moment the actual program starts. This is called the “start of program” or “first frame of action.” This precise point must be marked in the “slarted version” file and must match the paperwork sent with the file. The file might also need a specific amount of black video at the end, called ” выйдите black” or “end black.” These details are part of the Master file requirements. Getting these wrong means the TV station’s system might start the show too early, too late, or cut it off at the end.
Giving the File a Proper Name
Even the name of the file matters. TV stations have specific rules for file naming. This helps them keep track of thousands of files. The file name often includes the show title, episode number, and maybe date or version info. This is part of the Technical delivery specifications. Using the wrong file name can cause delays or errors at the station.
The Process of Making a Slarted Version
Creating a “slarted version” is not just saving a video in a different format. It is a process that involves careful checking and technical work.
- Get the Rules: The first step is to get the Technical delivery specifications from the TV station. These documents list all the rules for that specific station.
- Check the Original Video: Look at the original video file carefully. Does it meet the basic rules for picture size, shape, and frame rate? How are the Audio levels for broadcast? Does the sound match the picture?
- Make Adjustments: Use special video and audio software to change the video. This might involve:
- Resizing or reshaping the picture to meet Aspect ratio standards.
- Changing the frame rate to meet Frame rate requirements.
- Adjusting the Audio levels for broadcast to meet loudness rules.
- Adding the needed color bars, tone, black, and countdown at the start based on Master file requirements.
- Making sure sound and picture are in sync.
- Choose the Right Format: Save the fixed video in the correct Television broadcast formats and file type asked for.
- Check Again: After making the changes, check the new “slarted version” file very carefully. Play it from start to finish. Use technical tools to check the picture levels, sound levels, and timing. Does it meet all the Compliance for TV broadcast rules?
- Name the File: Give the file the correct name according to the station’s rules.
- Deliver the File: Send the finished “slarted version” file to the TV station in the way they asked for (like uploading it to a specific system).
This process needs skill and the right tools. It is often done by special post-production houses or by skilled people within a production company.
Fathoming Compliance and What Happens If It’s Missed
Compliance for TV broadcast means that a video file meets all the technical and content rules of the broadcaster and the regulators. The “slarted version” is the file that has gone through the process to achieve this compliance.
If a video file is sent to a TV station and it is not a proper “slarted version”—meaning it does not meet the Broadcasting standards and TV format requirements—several things can happen:
- Rejection: The station might simply say “no” to the file. They will send it back and ask for a correct version. This causes delays.
- Technical Problems: The wrong file might cause errors in the station’s playout system. This can lead to the show not airing, technical glitches on screen, or even bigger problems that affect other programming.
- Poor Viewer Experience: Even if it plays, if the Video specifications for television or Audio levels for broadcast are wrong, the picture might look bad (wrong size, blurry, jumpy) or the sound might be too loud, too quiet, or distorted. This makes the show look unprofessional.
- Fines: In some cases, if a video breaks certain rules (like loudness rules or rules about flashing lights that could affect people with certain medical conditions), the station or the content provider could face fines from government regulators.
- Extra Costs: If the station decides to fix the file themselves instead of sending it back, they will usually charge a fee for this work. This adds unexpected cost.
Simply put, without a correctly prepared “slarted version” that meets all Technical delivery specifications, the video cannot air, or it will air poorly. It is a necessary step in the television world.
Interpreting Master File Requirements
The term Master file requirements covers the detailed list of exactly what the final, finished file needs to be. This document from the TV station is the guide for creating the “slarted version.” It goes into fine details like:
- The exact video codec (like H.264 High Profile Level 4.0).
- The specific data rate (how much data per second the video uses).
- The exact number and order of audio tracks.
- The specific format for timecode (a way to mark each frame with a unique address).
- Rules for embedding metadata (information about the file within the file itself).
- The required container format (like MXF OP1a).
- Details about the lead-in (bars, tone, black, countdown) and lead-out (end black).
Following these Master file requirements precisely is key to ensuring the “slarted version” is compatible with the station’s automated playout systems. These systems are designed to work with files that meet these exact specs, almost like a key fitting a lock.
Comparing Television Broadcast Formats
There are many different ways video and audio can be packaged into a file for broadcast. These are the Television broadcast formats. The choice of format depends on the station’s equipment and workflows.
Here are some types of things covered by Television broadcast formats:
- Codec: The method used to compress the video and audio data so the file is smaller but still high quality. Examples: MPEG-2, H.264, H.265, ProRes, DNxHD. Different codecs have different levels of quality and file size.
- Wrapper/Container: The type of file that holds the compressed video and audio and other data like metadata and timecode. Examples: MXF, QuickTime MOV, Transport Stream (TS). The wrapper keeps everything organized.
- Interlaced vs. Progressive: How the picture frames are drawn. Interlaced (like 1080i) draws odd and even lines of the picture separately, one after the other. Progressive (like 1080p) draws all the lines at once for each frame. Most modern TV aims for progressive (p) as it looks better, but many stations still handle interlaced (i) content.
- Bit Depth and Color Space: How much color information is stored for each pixel. Higher bit depth (like 10-bit) and wider color spaces (like Rec. 709 for HD) mean more accurate colors.
The “slarted version” must use the specific codec, wrapper, frame type (interlaced or progressive), and color settings listed in the Technical delivery specifications. A mismatch here makes the file unusable for broadcast. It is not enough to just have the right resolution or frame rate; the underlying format must be correct too.
Summing Up the Importance of the Slarted Version
To broadcast a video on television, it cannot just be any video file. It must be a “slarted version.” This special version is created by taking the original video and changing it to meet all the strict Broadcasting standards and TV format requirements.
This involves making sure the Video specifications for television are correct, including the picture size, shape (following Aspect ratio standards), smoothness (meeting Frame rate requirements), and the correct video codec and file type (Television broadcast formats).
It also means adjusting the sound carefully to meet Audio levels for broadcast, getting the right number of audio channels, and making sure the sound matches the picture perfectly.
Finally, the file must include specific parts at the start, like color bars, tone, and a countdown, and follow all Master file requirements and Technical delivery specifications for file structure, naming, and timing.
This whole process ensures Compliance for TV broadcast. Without a properly made “slarted version,” the video simply cannot be put on the air smoothly and correctly. It protects the quality of the broadcast, prevents technical errors for the station, and makes sure viewers have a good experience. Making a “slarted version” is a critical step that connects video production to television distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slarted Versions
What is a “slarted version” in simple terms?
In simple terms for this article, a “slarted version” is the final, perfect video file that has been checked and changed to meet all the rules a TV station has for putting videos on the air. It is the version that is ready to broadcast.
Why can’t TV stations just take any video file?
TV stations use complex systems to play videos one after another all day and night. These systems need files that are made in a very specific way, like fitting a puzzle piece. If files are not the right size, shape, sound level, or type, they can cause problems, stop the systems, or just not play correctly.
What kind of rules do TV stations have?
They have rules about the picture (like its size, shape, and how clear it is), the sound (how loud it is, how many sound parts there are), and the file itself (what type of file it is, what code was used to make it, if it has a countdown at the start). These are called Technical delivery specifications or Master file requirements.
What happens if I send a file that isn’t “slarted”?
The TV station will likely not be able to use it. They might send it back to you to fix, which causes delays. Or they might try to fix it themselves, but they will usually charge you money for that work. In the worst case, it could cause technical problems for their broadcast.
Does making a “slarted version” make my video look or sound worse?
If done correctly by skilled people using the right tools, the goal is to make your video fit the broadcast rules without making it look or sound worse. Sometimes small changes are needed (like adjusting loudness), but these are to meet standards, not hurt quality. If the original video quality is low, making a “slarted version” cannot make it high quality, but it makes sure the existing quality is shown correctly on TV.
Is this process expensive?
It can be. It requires special software and skilled technical people or companies (called post-production houses). The cost depends on how much your original video needs to be changed and how long the video is. It is an important cost to plan for if you want your video on television.
Can I make a “slarted version” myself?
Yes, if you have the right software, technical knowledge, and the specific rules from the TV station (Technical delivery specifications). However, it is a complex job, and errors can cause big problems. Many people and companies choose to hire experts who do this all the time.