Assessor Resource

CUFBRD301A
Perform basic transmission operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


The skills and knowledge described in this unit are applied in small-scale broadcasting facilities with minimal feeds and switches, for example, community radio and television stations or independent production houses that produce and supply content.

Broadcast or transmission operators at this level arrange connections and links between external and internal sources, but on a limited basis. Other duties may include compilation and sequencing of content to match transmission schedules.

While the role entails a degree of responsibility, broadcast operators at this level generally work under the supervision of a more experienced operator or enterprise manager.

In a television context, they are often responsible for ingesting or recording source materials received in a range of formats and ensuring that these comply with transmission standards and specifications. These skills are covered in:

CUFBRD303A Prepare video material for television transmission.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare material for transmission and to monitor and switch television or radio transmission signals.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential, in either a television or radio context:

effective verbal communication with a range of individuals, including effective use of talkback/intercom communication devices

collaborative approach to work

attention to detail

ability to work to deadlines

television, e.g.:

effective quality checking of vision and audio feeds

ability to judge picture and sound distortion

radio, e.g.:

effective quality checking of audio feeds

ability to judge sound distortion.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

practical demonstration of skills through the monitoring of incoming and outgoing signals in a basic broadcast transmission facility on more than one occasion

access to material to be prepared for broadcast

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of a range of material prepared for transmission by the candidate

observation of the candidate monitoring incoming and outgoing signals in a basic broadcast transmission facility

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFBRD303A Prepare video material for television transmission

CUFPOS201A Perform basic vision and sound editing.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to:

liaise with operational, production and client personnel

deliver clear and viable communications between disparate centres and personnel, including the effective use of two-way communication devices

demonstrate flexibility and reliability

work collaboratively in a team environment

liaise with relevant satellite and land-based service providers

technical skills sufficient to:

operate computer hardware and software in the context of transferring files between servers, archiving broadcast material and completing routine workplace documentation

achieve accurate timing of switches and feeds

assess quality of audio or vision signals and sources

judge picture-to-sound synchronisation (television only)

use communication systems to send and receive messages efficiently and effectively

operate basic transmission control equipment

problem solving skills sufficient to:

check equipment is working to specifications

identify problems and faults in equipment

arrange basic maintenance requirements, e.g. functional testing

self-management skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks and meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

literacy and numeracy skills sufficient to:

compile and interpret transmission schedules and information

interpret equipment specifications

produce fault reports as required

implement timings and switches according to transmission schedules

accurately record durations of incoming and recorded source materials

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of personnel in broadcast operations and production

types of programs, e.g. pre-recorded, live, commercials, sponsorship announcements

sources of advice, information and technical support

basic understanding of:

radio or television delivery methods - cable, terrestrial, microwave, satellite

satellite delivery systems, e.g. earth stations, up-links and down-links, transponders, satellite receiving dishes, satellite footprints

the features and capabilities of radio or television broadcasting facilities and equipment

characteristics of television standards - PAL, NTSC, SECAM (television only)

familiarity with specific transmission operating equipment in use

broadcast terminology

OHS standards as they apply to working in broadcast operations

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Operational and production personnel may include:

editors

head of department

other specialist personnel

presentation personnel

presenters

station manager

supervisor

technical personnel

transmission operators

video operators.

Resources may include:

audio and video recorders

DVD/CD playback facilities

incoming feeds

outgoing feeds

playback machines

pre-recorded content, e.g. video, DAT

servers

test equipment.

Feeds may include:

analogue

audio/video replay machines

cable

data

digital

fibre optics

live-to-air broadcasts

outside broadcast input/output

pre-recorded material

sound

studio output/input

vision

vision and sound.

Equipment may include:

audio phase vector scope

control panels

digi-carts

down-links from satellite

fibre optics

headset/microphone combination

headsets

intercom

landlines

microwave links

noise and distortion meters

open speaker

oscilloscopes (scopes)

servers, e.g. transmission, archival

switchers

talkback and two-way communication devices

test tone generators

up-links to satellite

video/audio recorders

video/audio replay machines

VU and peak program meters

waveform and picture monitor

waveform monitors.

Documentation may be:

computer generated

contact numbers

equipment manuals

fault reports

in barcode format

manually written

network maps

production information

production schedules

timelines

traffic requirements

transmission schedules.

Signals may include:

broadcasts from studios

down-links from satellite

internal lines

landlines

live-to-air broadcasts

minimal multiple feeds

pre-recorded material

single feeds

telephone lines

up-links to satellite.

Conversion may include:

analogue

aspect ratios, e.g. 4:3, 16:9

AVI

compressed formats, e.g. MPEG2

DAB

digital

FM/AM

HDTV DVD/CD

MP3

NTSC

OGG

PAL

WMA.

Signal parameters may include:

ATSC - Advanced Television Systems Committee, U.S

audio signal, e.g.:

frequency spectrum

noise

dynamic gain

signal level

DVB - Digital Video Broadcasting, Europe

ISDB - Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting, Japan

PAL/NTSC/SECAM

video signal, e.g.:

digital

analogue

colour accuracy

differential gain/phase

distortion

colour bars

horizontal/vertical scans

frame rates

interlacing.

Breaks may include:

advertisements

community announcements

insertion of live transmissions

station promotions.

Production requirements may include:

events

landline links

live and pre-recorded radio broadcasts

live and pre-recorded television broadcasts

live feeds

outside broadcasts

satellite-linked interviews

studio productions

syndications

test viewings.

Transmission sources may include:

analogue tape

any digital media

audio sources

cameras

character generators

combination of vision and audio

computer hard drive

digital tape

remote sources

satellite feeds

still stores

tape machines, e.g. video and audio playback

vision.

Faults may include:

blocking/pixellation

cable faults

colour degradation

ghosting

image tears

impulsive noise

line breakdown

no audio

no image

picture distortion

picture freeze

picture out of synchronisation with sound

satellite occlusions, e.g. thunderstorms

signal interruptions

sound distortion.

Feed providers may include:

archives

businesses

internet

outside broadcasts

post-production suites

production houses

program distributors

radio stations

studios - radio and television

television stations.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Prepare or review transmission schedules and ensure information is accurate in consultation with relevant operational and production personnel 
Organise transmission control scheduling and prioritise resources according to production requirements 
Liaise with relevant operational and production personnel to resolve conflicting issues, problems or required changes 
Ensure communications are maintained with operational and production personnel, including originators of incoming and outgoing feeds where applicable 
Check functionality of equipment required for transmission operations to ensure correct performance during transmission 
Prepare and distribute documentation as required by enterprise procedures 
Receive incoming signals and arrange appropriate conversion according to enterprise protocols and standards 
Measure signal parameters before and after conversion using appropriate testing equipment 
Collate program components intended for transmission ensuring they are accurately identified, timed and sequenced in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Insert appropriate time codes and cue points where applicable, ensuring breaks are scheduled and programmed correctly 
Connect equipment and switch relevant feeds according to production requirements 
Assess technical quality of transmissions and feeds and identify from written or verbal instructions sequences of materials to be transmitted or recorded 
Use appropriate equipment to verify that transmitting signals comply with specifications 
Accurately diagnose nature and causes of faults and take appropriate actions to resolve them 
Maintain communication with relevant operational and production personnel to facilitate efficient switching of up-links and down-links 
Liaise with relevant operational and production personnel throughout and switch feeds into and out of transmission control as requested 
Provide assessment of transmission levels and respond with correct information and documentation as applicable 
Ensure appropriate back-up systems are available in the event of breakdowns or failures of equipment or line feeds 
Retain contact with feed provider to ensure ongoing technical quality and delivery of required switching of up-links and down-links 
Undertake safe working practices and monitor safety and security of work area and equipment 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUFBRD301A - Perform basic transmission operations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUFBRD301A - Perform basic transmission operations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: