ELEC 1250 - Introduction to Audio & Video Technology

Objectives:

1. Connect an audio and video classroom simulation.
2. Connect an audio recording studio simulation.
3. Inspect a studio setup for cabling errors.
4. Use service information to identify input and output connections.
5. Become familiar with various audio and video equipment manufacturers.

Outcome 2:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to operate a simulated audio-video studio in a lab environment for recording and playback.

Objectives:

1. Use service information to identify correct equipment operations.
2. Become familiar with various audio and video equipment manufacturers.
3. Make an audio recording.
4. Make a video recording.

Outcome 3:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to inspect and troubleshoot cabling and equipment used in the studio environment.

Objectives:

1. Service defective cables.
2. Troubleshoot an audio recording setup.
3. Troubleshoot a video recording setup.
4. Obtain the knowledge to locate operation and service information about audio and video equipment in the studio.

1. The history and technological development of electronics applied to broadcasting TV, VCR, and DVD technology
   1. The nature of broadcast signals and the distinction between VHF and UHF Signals
   2. Lab
      1. An overview in the use of measuring/testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, meters, test tapes, etc.
      2. Cords & connectors, fuses, etc.
      3. Cable making (coaxial, “F”, XLR audio, and stereo ¼ in.)
2. The nature and measurement of sound
   1. Sound waves
   2. Hearing sound
   3. Decibels of sound
   4. Decibels of power and voltage
   5. Use of the VU meter
   6. Use of the sound level meter
   7. Lab: Use of the Shure six-channel microphone mixer (Use handout instructions)
      1. Front panel, connectors, and controls
      2. Rear panel, connectors and controls
      3. Hook up a microphone to one of the six inputs
      4. Hook to microphone
      5. Plug in AC power
      6. Check out operation
      7. Head phone use
3. Microphones
   1. Sensitivity
   2. Frequency response
   3. Pick up patterns
   4. Dispersion and use
   5. Elements and housings
   6. Lab: Cords and connectors
      1. Make a cable with two ¼-in. stereo solder on connectors (tip, ring, sleeve)
      2. Make a cable with two XLR audio solder on connectors
      3. Check out the cables with an ohm meter
      4. Hook up to the Shure M367 and check out the cables
4. Speaker Systems
   1. Drivers
   2. Enclosures
   3. Electronic circuits
   4. Lab
      1. Speaker performance (different sizes in ohms)
      2. Troubleshooting cables and connectors. See Ch. no. 14 & 15 text
5. Magnetic tape systems
   1. Magnetic tape (overview)
   2. Drive systems
   3. Control systems
   4. Magnetic tape heads
   5. Record and play back
   6. Lab
      1. Maintenance procedures
         1. Cleaning, demagnetizing, tape splicing, cassettes and cartridges
      2. Set up a VCR with a monitor, record, and play back a test tape
      3. Instructor’s demonstration on how to remove a stuck tape
         1. Manual
         2. With a 9V battery
         3. Go over the cassette construction
      4. Troubleshooting
6. MX-4 Multiple-Source Video Production
   1. Understanding the MX-4 connectors
   2. Lab: Note the cables associated with each connector on the MX-4 rear panel
      1. Power-AC power to an electrical outlet
      2. Video in Y/C- Connect S- video sources
      3. Video in - connect composite sources
      4. Audio - Connect audio devices to these connectors. Each set has a (left) and a (right) for stereo
      5. HB In - Connect a composite source such as a camera to lock on to and synchronize the MX-4 with it
      6. GPI Control- Connect a general purpose interface (GPI) device to this jack to control the MX-4 from an external device. There are a total of ten output connectors, one preview, two composite, two S-video, four audio, and a headphone jack.
      7. Preview out - Connect a composite video monitor to this jack. You cannot use an S-video monitor as preview. This monitor serves as your usual ” interface” with the MX-4. It’s where you do your most work.
      8. Y/C out - Connect an S-video output device, You record productions on this device, use it to display a live broadcast signal or both.
      9. OUT - Connect a composite output device, same as above, but use this connector if your output device is composite format.
      10. AUDIO OUT - Connect a suitable audio cable from these jacks to the audio inputs on your output device.
      11. HEADPHONES - Refer to using headphones
      12. Use handouts for the MX-4
7. Video
   1. Monitors
   2. Cameras
   3. Lab
      1. Cables & Power supply
      2. Use in the lab camcorder and cameras as used in the lab
      3. How to turn a TV into a monitor
8. The concept of broadcast TV signal
   1. The UHF, VHF, and cable signals
   2. Lab
      1. The function of various adapters in properly completing basic TV/VCR hookups
      2. Discuss and view rear panel of the VCR
      3. Install adaptors such as the R.F switch, signal splitting, etc.
      4. Hook up handouts 1, 2, and 3
9. Review video system component identification of, resistor, diode, and transistor identification
   1. Component functions
   2. Digital multimeter review
   3. Hand outs
   4. Lab
      1. Digital multimeter function and tests of fuses, resistors, transistors, diodes, and cables
10. Introduction to black and white TV
    1. Picture transmission
    2. Scanning lines
    3. Raster formation
    4. The vidicon TV camera tube
    5. A TV picture tube
    6. Show a VCR tape
    7. Lab
       1. Hook up the SR-VS300 Min DV/S - VHS recorder
       2. Hook it up to a monitor
       3. Play a test tape with the VCR
       4. Record a test signal on the mini DVD
11. Review the composite video signal, explain the RF wave form and amplitude. Explain:
    1. The modulated composite video signal
    2. The complete VHF and UHF frequency spectrum for each channel
    3. The CATV converter (cable box)
    4. The frequency system spectrum for CATV systems
    5. Lab
       1. Hook up the antenna and balum to a bench TV
       2. Use 300 ohm and coax 75 ohm cables
       3. Adapt BNC to “F” connectors
       4. Hook up a VCR to a monitor (Play a test tape)
       5. Hook up a DVD to a monitor
       6. Test D&E with the color bars from the test bench
       7. Show the composite video signal on an “O” scope
12. Common uses for the MX-4. You can connect one of the following
    1. VCRs
    2. Camcorders
    3. Video disc players
    4. Cameras
    5. Live video - Multiple input and output sources
       1. Source - A source is an input device, Each source provides a video signal, audio signal, or both. You use the MX-4 to combine the signals.
       2. Output - An output device is a device on which you record and/or broadcast a signal. The signal might contain video, audio, or both. This signal is often a mix of signals coming from the MX-4.
       3. Preview monitor
       4. Program monitor
    6. Lab: Using the MX-4,
       1. Connect a composite - type monitor to MX-4’s preview out jack
       2. Connect an input source (such as a VCR or Camcorder) to the MX-4’s S-Video in 1 jack
       3. Connect a second input source to the MX-4’s S-Video in 2 jack
       4. Connect an output device to the out jacks on the MX-4’s rear panel. This is the device where you record the program.
       5. Connect a television or monitor to the recording VCR according to their instructions
       6. Connect the MX-4 power supply to the to the power supply jack on the rear panel
       7. Connect the MX-4 power cord to a suitable outlet
       8. Turn on all devices (The MX-4 power switch is located on the right end of the unit) and let the tapes roll
13. Discuss the color bar generator
    1. The purpose of the color bar generator is to act as a substitute transmitter. As such it supplies to the receiver a known nonvaring color pattern that can be used for equipment adjustment and troubleshooting purposes. There are two types of color bar generators in use:
       1. The NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) generator
       2. The Gated Rainbow color bar generator
    2. Lab
       1. Hook up a VCR to the bench antenna with a color bar signal
       2. Make a test tape by recording all of the color bar signals
14. The TV picture tubes and associated circuits
    1. Basic structures
    2. Glass envelope
    3. Essential features of a black and white and color picture tube
    4. World wide type designation systems
    5. The electron gun
    6. Phosphor screen and shadow mask
    7. Lab: Demonstrate color adjustment procedure (hand out)
       1. Hook up a color bar generator
       2. Degauss the picture tube (CRT)
       3. The instructor will demonstrate color alignment
15. Field Trip to the video lab, MACA R-124
16. Final exam