An edited master tape should begin with

An edited master tape should begin with

• A. Color bars and test tone
• B. A slate and audio slate
• C. A black screen
• D. A copyright notice

Answer: (A)

Beginning with color bars and a test tone provides a standard reference for both picture and sound. Color bars let technicians verify white balance, color accuracy, and overall video levels across different displays, while the test tone gives a known audio signal that can be used to set and verify audio levels on meters and in the mastering chain. A slate is useful for scene labeling and synchronization during production, but it doesn’t serve as a calibration reference at the start of the master. A black screen offers no reference signal, and a copyright notice is an overlay, not a technical calibration lead-in. So starting with color bars and test tone best ensures proper playback and consistency across systems.

Beginning with color bars and a test tone provides a standard reference for both picture and sound. Color bars let technicians verify white balance, color accuracy, and overall video levels across different displays, while the test tone gives a known audio signal that can be used to set and verify audio levels on meters and in the mastering chain. A slate is useful for scene labeling and synchronization during production, but it doesn’t serve as a calibration reference at the start of the master. A black screen offers no reference signal, and a copyright notice is an overlay, not a technical calibration lead-in. So starting with color bars and test tone best ensures proper playback and consistency across systems.