Technical Standards and Other Requirements for Public Access Program Submissions
In order to maintain appropriate quality standards for the Inland Empire Media Group's "Access San Bernardino" cable channel, certain technical standards and administrative requirements must be met by submitting producers. This document will serve as a general guide to these standards and requirements. Additional material on this subject may be found in our "P.E.G. Access Policies and Procedures" manual.
ACCEPTABLE VIDEOTAPE FORMATS
-- Public Access submissions may be delivered on 3/4-inch ("U-matic"-- SP or standard) format, or on any of the following analog formats: VHS, Super-VHS, Video 8, and Hi-8. DVDs are now being accepted, but only in the DVD-R/RW standards at this time. Digital videotape format approval is still pending, please call.
STANDARD PROGRAM / VIDEOTAPE REQUIREMENTS
-- The nominal length for a "half-hour" program is 28:30 minutes; 58:30 for a "one-hour" slot. Shorter running times can be accommodated, but long-format programs (exceeding 59:00 minutes) may take longer to schedule.
-- All program tapes must have a minimum of 10 seconds of "locked sync" (preferably black) prior to the start of program, and following the end of program material. Non-compliance will result in immediate program rejection.
-- Standard color bars (if provided on tape) should reflect actual video levels and color phase of program material.
-- Placement of more than one program ("cut") on a videotape is discouraged. If multiple cuts are recorded, all labeling and paperwork must clearly reflect this. There must be a slate or other means to separate and identify the second cut. There is a limit of two (2) programs per videotape, and each must have its own separate paperwork.
-- All videotapes should be supplied in cases for their protection. Labels on tapes and their cases must have complete, matching program information to avoid confusion. The use of spine labels is encouraged.
-- Label information should include: 1) series name, 2) program title and/or number, 3) accurate program length, and 4) provider's name and phone number. Failure to provide label information is grounds for rejection.
-- It is the responsibility of Public Access producers to pick-up original videotapes in a timely manner. Direct personal delivery and pick-up of tapes is recommended, but alternate arrangements for pre-paid return or forwarding of videotapes are possible. Tapes left beyond 30 days on our Return Shelves will be subject to immediate recycling. The IEMG staff shall not be held responsible for tapes left beyond this limit.
ACCEPTABLE VIDEO STANDARDS
-- Video should be clean and sharp, made using well-maintained equipment and lighting appropriate for video.
-- Videotape with physical damage (creases, edge damage) or excessive drop-outs will be rejected.
-- Videotape programs which are unstable (excessive picture jitter or uncorrectable tracking) will be rejected.
-- Video edits should have been performed using an editing-type VCR or non-linear editing system. In-camera, "pause" or "rainbow" edits -- or any conditions which cause sync loss on the videotape -- are causes for rejection.
-- Video levels on bright subjects should peak at normal (100%) levels, as measured on a waveform monitor. Washed-out video (peak levels exceeding 115% of normal) and/or excessively dark video (peak levels below 60%) are causes for rejection. Properly adjusted video equipment should automatically record within these standards.
-- The program's "pedestal" (also known as "set-up" or black) level should be 7.5%, as measured on a waveform monitor. Some computer graphics and editing systems have been (improperly) designed to a 0% pedestal standard. This is usually acceptable, as long as no video ever drops below 0%.
-- The above assumes a clean, stable sync signal throughout the duration of the program. Minor glitches may be acceptable, at the discretion of the technical staff.
ACCEPTABLE AUDIO STANDARDS
-- Audio should be clean and free from hum, excessive distortion and/or compression. If monitored audio sounds distorted during recording, it will likely be that way on the finished program, and is subject to rejection.
-- Avoid using built-in camcorder microphones as primary pick-up devices! Instead, use handheld or clip microphones for interviews, and/or properly connect to a facility's public address system whenever possible.
-- Peak audio levels should hit 0 dB (100%) on the VU meter. Audio which peaks at less than -6dB (1/4 of normal level), more than +3 dB (twice normal level) -- or with excessively uneven audio levels -- may be rejected.
-- Recorded program audio should not "ping-pong" between standard and PCM tracks on Hi-8 and Super-VHS format tapes with multiple audio channels, unless clearly marked.
GENERAL / PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS
-- Program content must be in compliance with published "Public, Educational and Government Access Policies and Procedures" standards. Final decisions regarding compliance are made by the IEMG Manager.
-- A separate "Public Access Playback Request" must be submitted for each program being processed for airing or encoring. Tapes with two cuts require two forms. Program submissions without completed forms will be rejected.
-- Please type or legibly print all information on the forms and all labels.
PLEASE NOTE
It is the responsibility of all Public Access producers to adhere to the above technical standards and other requirements in order to properly present quality material on Access San Bernardino. If you have any questions concerning the above, please contact Klyde Layon at: (909) 384-5005; Fax: (909) 384-5580; Please click here to make a request.
PATech05/rev:07/09 KL