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Creating Master Files

Creating Master Files

Owned by Eric Schwierske
Last updated: Oct 19, 2023 by John Dachik
2 min read

 

1 File Naming | 2 File Export | 3 PMR Specs | 4 Segment Specs

Quick Export Checklist… Does my master file export have?

  • Starting timecode of 00:59:40;00 (drop frame for 29.97 fps; non drop for 23.976 fps)

  • 15 seconds of black following the content

  • 24-bit audio

NOTE: Far more required specs are listed on the Mastering Standards page, but the bullet list items above are commonly overlooked.

PMR = Production Master Repository

The PMR contains complete programs, as well as other items such as:

  • Promos/Interstitials (if they are to be captioned)

  • Studio production footage

  • Digitized HD videotape containing content such as b-roll

  • Package masters (news, etc. packages for web, etc. use; cut to length, with lower thirds)

  • Segment masters (news, etc. segments for future editing, etc. use; possibly padded, no lower thirds)

 

Production Master Share: \\xcode.pbswi.wisc.edu\xcode_dropbox\_ProductionMaster
NOTE: For Mac users, especially if connecting from home, uploading to xcode_dropbox is recommended to be done via SkyCloud (once you log in with NetID credentials, you will see a link for Xcode). You can use either the HTTPS (web browser) interface or FTPS (through Filezilla).

File Naming

 

File Export

Export the file, utilizing the naming given above and the specs given below, to the show’s folder (or the Misc folder, depending on the content).

 

Exporting the file to _ProductionMaster places the file into the Production Master Repository (after it is checked for compliance). If you need to make a dub from the file, soon after you begin the export, you should be able to find a reference to the file on the Digital Dub Production Master page: Digital Dub

You can use that page to make various dubs (MXF files for the OC/WEB QC, MM MP4’s, etc).

 

PMR Specs

All files should have:
Timecode beginning at

29.97 FPS: 00:59:40;00 - DROP FRAME TIMECODE

23.976 FPS: 00:59:40:00 – NON-DROP FRAME TIMECODE


This includes slate followed by program content that starts at 01:00:00;00/01:00:00:00
15 seconds of black following the content (after program/etc. ends)

 

QuickTime MOV files exported by Avid/Premiere/Etc should use the following specs:

Mastering Standards

 

Segment Specs

All files should have:
20 seconds of leading slate/black - main program should start at 20 seconds into the file
15 seconds of trailing black
Split track audio, if available, with stereo mix down on tracks 1 and 2
For Wisconsin Life or Here and Now, *NO* lower third graphics

29.97 FPS: 00:59:40;00 - DROP FRAME TIMECODE

23.976 FPS: 00:59:40:00 – NON-DROP FRAME TIMECODE



QuickTime MOV files exported by Avid/Premiere/Etc should use the following specs:

Mastering Standards
NOTE: Do *NOT* send QuickTime Reference Files