What is the master clocking device that adds a sync pulse to match device frame rates, with Tri-level sync as a related term?

• A. Backgrounds
• B. Blackburst
• C. ADR
• D. AAF

Answer: (B)

The fundamental idea is a single timing reference that all video gear can lock to, so every device runs at the same frame rate. A blackburst generator provides that master clocking signal. It outputs a mostly black video signal that contains a color burst, which lets all equipment in the facility genlock to a shared timing reference. This keeps frames and color timing in sync across cameras, switchers, recorders, and monitors.

Tri-level sync is the modern, digital counterpart used in HD-SDI and other digital systems. It serves the same purpose—providing a precise timing reference—but at higher frequencies and with a three-level signaling scheme suitable for digital hardware.

Backgrounds, ADR, and AAF don’t function as timing references for frame-accurate synchronization, so they don’t fulfill the role of the master clocking device.