Master Videos

Whenever we embed or encode captions or subtitles…

Whenever we embed or encode captions or subtitles into your video, we’ll need a master video, which requires certain specifications, as follows:

Be sure to check the tape specifications
Be aware that Metro Audio/Video clones/dubs your master straight across, thus we cannot be held responsible for off-spec masters.
We urge you not to send us your original master. Make a clone or dub to send to us, so that you can protect yourself from potential damage or loss during shipping.
Metro Audio/Video does not offer technical evaluations. If your presenting network does requires a competed technical evaluation form, you may include this form with your master, and we’ll forward it with the captioned master.
We cannot fix off-spec masters, and will request fixed master if necessary.

Have locked pictures, audio and supers
Be sure the master is free of hits and distortion
Supply bars and tone that match the program video and audio
Provide SMPTE drop frame timecode if this is for broadcast. If your master is a NTSC non-drop frame, indicate this on the label
Provide continuous LTC (longitudinal time code) on the timecode (address) track
VITC on lines indicated by the network (generally 14 & 16 or 16 & 18)

– Track 1 = primary program audio
– Track 2 = duplicate mono audio

– Track 1 = left channel stereo
– Track 2 = right channel stereo

*Other formats may incur additional fees and time. Learn more by contact us directly.

For hard drive delivery, contact your project manager.

If you currently don’t have a project manager, request a quote from us now.