TV Technical Operations

TV Technical Operations

by Peter Ward
Released January 2013
Publisher(s): Routledge
ISBN: 9781136056253

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Book description

TV Technical Operations is an introduction for new entrants to the broadcast industry and is designed to prepare them for working in mainstream television by discussing essential techniques, technologies and work attitudes.


The author explores:
* the need to develop a professional approach
* the occupational skills needed to meet deadlines, work under pressure and within budget
* the importance of understanding the potential of broadcast equipment in program making
* the need to keep up to date with the technique and technology
* the responsibility to ensure continuity of experience and training in all craft skills that technical operators are required to work with
* the need to maintain a critical appraisal of what and who influences working practices and how these influences affect production and viewers
* an introduction to the basic skills needed to work as a multi-skilling technical operator in television
* an introduction to broadcast equipment in general production use

Peter Ward is a freelance cameraman and camerawork trainer working with international training and television consultancy. He was formerly head of cameras at Television South West.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Half Title
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. Contents
  6. Acknowledgements
  7. Introduction
  8. Working in Television
    1. The Broadcast Industry
    2. Occupational Skills
    3. Staff and Freelance Work
    4. Technology and Conduct
    5. Team Work
  9. Television Production
    1. Programme Production
    2. Shot Number System
    3. Studios
    4. TV Production Staff
    5. Location Facilities
    6. Rehearsal
    7. Transmission
  10. Television Engineering
    1. Light into Electricity
    2. Colour
    3. The Digital Signal
    4. Compression
    5. Charge Coupled Devices
    6. Vision Control
    7. Gamma and Linear Matrix
  11. Multi-Camera Camerawork
    1. Introduction to TV Camerawork
    2. The Zoom Lens
    3. Focus
    4. Camera Controls
    5. Camera Mountings
    6. Camera Technique
    7. Operational Skills
    8. Camera Movement
    9. Picture Making Skills
    10. Composition
    11. Intercutting
    12. Rehearsal
    13. Transmission 1
    14. Transmission 2
    15. Robotic Camerawork
  12. Audio Technical Operations
    1. Introduction to TV Sound
    2. Microphones
    3. Audio Monitoring
    4. Audio Control
    5. Audio Rig
    6. Recording Sound
    7. Audio and Programme Production
    8. Digital Audio
    9. Stereo
  13. Working on Location
    1. Preparation for Location
    2. Operational Checks at Base
    3. Road Craft
    4. Safety
    5. Video Recording Formats
    6. White Balance
    7. Exposure
    8. Time Code
    9. Structure
    10. Shooting for Editing
    11. Interviews
  14. Television Lighting
    1. The Nature of Light
    2. Visual Perception
    3. Lighting a Face
    4. Lighting Levels
    5. Luminaires
    6. Controlling Light
    7. Studio Lighting
    8. Vision Control
    9. Location Lighting
    10. Lighting an Interview
  15. Editing
    1. Introduction to Editing
    2. The Technology of News Editing
    3. Insert and Assembly Editing
    4. Time Code
    5. Perennial Editing Techniques
    6. Perception and Shot Transition
    7. Matching Shots
    8. Basic Editing Principles
    9. Types of Edit
    10. Fact or Fiction?
    11. Telling a Story
    12. Structuring a Sequence
    13. Factual Editing
    14. Interviews
    15. Cutting on Movement
    16. Documentary
  16. Vision Mixing
    1. Introduction to Vision Mixing
    2. Vision Mixing Technology
    3. Visual Transitions
    4. Vision Mixing Techniques
    5. Interviews
    6. Production Methods
    7. Opening and Closing
    8. Magazine Format
    9. TV Demonstration
    10. Music Coverage
    11. Chroma Key
    12. Mixer Facilities
    13. Frame Store
    14. Character Generators
    15. In Rehearsal
    16. Working with the Director
    17. Transmission
  17. News and Magazine Items
    1. TV Journalism
    2. Objectivity
    3. Magazine Items
    4. Condensing Time
    5. Structure
    6. Engaging the Audience
    7. Interviews
    8. SNG
  18. Further Reading
  19. Glossary

Product information

  • Title: TV Technical Operations
  • Author(s): Peter Ward
  • Release date: January 2013
  • Publisher(s): Routledge
  • ISBN: 9781136056253