Broadcast Master
Definition
A Broadcast Master is the final, highest-quality version of a program prepared specifically for delivery to a television broadcaster. It must conform precisely to the broadcaster's technical specification document, which defines requirements for video codec, resolution, frame rate, audio loudness levels, closed captions, and timecode. Common broadcast master formats include MXF (Material Exchange Format) with DNxHD or XDCAM codecs for HD delivery. The broadcast master is distinct from the archive master (which is typically a higher-quality, uncompressed file) and the streaming master (which uses different compression standards).
Contextual Usage
The Post-Production Supervisor reviews the delivery checklist: "The broadcast master for the network needs to be delivered in MXF Op1a format with a DNxHD 145 codec, stereo audio at -23 LUFS integrated loudness, and embedded closed captions in the CEA-608 standard. Please run it through the QC facility before we submit — the network will reject it immediately if the loudness levels are out of spec."
About this section
Delivery and distribution is the final stage of the post-production process — the point at which the finished project is packaged and delivered to the distributor, broadcaster, or streaming platform. ...
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