The specifications on this page are distilled from the PBS Producer Handbook.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Accepted Asset Types

  • promo (texted), promo (textless), filler, promo (texted/dated)
  • Date text or graphics are not allowed 

Preferred Durations

  • :30, :20 
  • Must be frame accurate
  • Timing must end in 0 (zero)
  • Filler asset durations may have 2:00 – 5:00 durations

Unallowed Texted Words and Phrases

  • Next, next on or next time 

PBS Logo Requirements

  • Must be present between :01 and :03 
  • May be presented in the lower third.   Otherwise, lower third must be clear

The last :05 seconds

  • If duration :15, :30, :20, :60:  
    • No narration/talking allowed 
    • Graphic or fonted show title must be present 
    • Music (Audio effect) required at bed level (eg 50% or normal audio level) 
    • Video shrinkback effect is not allowed
    • Fade to black is not allowed 

Resolution Requirement

  • HD

Video Stream Specifications

  • Codec: ProRes HQ  
  • Frame Size 16/9: 1920 x 1080  
  • Frame Rate: 29.97  
  • Drop frame  
  • Video Standard: NTSC  
  • Scan Type: Interlaced (Upper Field First)  
  • Video Stream BitRate: 220 Mbps  
  • Video Stream BitRate Mode: CBR  

Audio Stream Specifications

  • Codec: PCM (Little Endian)  
  • Audio Stream BitRate: 1.4 Mbps  
  • Audio Stream BitRate Mode: CBR  
  • Number of Audio Channels: 4 (Stereo 1&2, Mono 3&4)  
  • Sampling Rate: 48 KHz  
  • Bit Depth: 16 bits 

  • When audio splits are detected 

    • A minimum of 4 separate audio tracks are required 

      track for narration, 

      track for sync audio, 

      track for music 

      track for effects 

  • File Specifications

    • ProRes HQ  
    • File Format: Quicktime (.mov)  

      If social media promo type, File format .mp4 

    • File Size: ~ 1GB per minute of video  

    • Timecode starts at 1:00:00;00 

    • No    closed    captioning.