Don Schneider 333-6223         TV-11:  333-6222

Optional Text: Broadcast Technology, Ebersole, 1992   Focal Press

Objectives:  A student in COMM 339 will know the terms, methods and trends in the transmission, measurement and set-up of audio, video and other data.  The student also will develop a broader base of knowledge for critical thinking and evaluation of professional and consumer electronic devices.

Topics to be addressed during the semester:
 

Computers
   components / specifications / uses / maintenance
Internet
   e-mail / WWW / audio & video / broadcast applications
Signal Transmission
   frequency / wavelength / allocations / propagation / antennas
 Modulation
   AM / FM / digital / other
Analog / Digital
   Recording technologies / linear / non-linear
Systems of Distribution
   Broadcast / Cable / DBS / ITFS / Low Power / "pirates"
TV Transmission
   NTSC / PAL / SECAM / DTV-HDTV
EAS / EBS
Utilities
   Dealing with power companies / phone companies
How other "Everyday Items" Work
   FAX / TV / copiers
Satellite Technology
   POTS / ISDN / microwave / Fiber Optics / ICN
Reading Specifications
   Signal-to-noise / resolution / response / range / etc.
Electronic Components
   Function / Testing / Circuit / Construction

GRADING
Final grades will be determined by the total number of points accumulated during the semester.  Points can be had by giving correct answers on tests and by satisfactory performance on individual projects and assignments.   Extra credit can be had by working on engineering projects outside of class.  Also, class attendance and participation will be factored into the final grade.

            IMPORTANT NOTE: Broadcast Technologies may require                                                   research outside of the regular class time.

TESTS
There will be four or five regular tests throughout the semester plus a final test/project.  These tests are usually short answer.

ATTENDANCE
Class attendance is important and is expected.  (See "Grading.")

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at 333-6275 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

ASSIGNMENTS
Each student will be required to write weekly short reports on topics to be assigned.

BASIC PHILOSOPHY
Students in COMM 339 should have already taken COMM 224 Radio/TV Production and have a working knowledge of audio and video control boards, microphones, cameras and editors.  We learn best by DOING so we hope to get our hands on the equipment early and often this semester and hope to tour some broadcasting and production facilities.

            If there are any questions or problems, please talk to us ...

                        Don Schneider              333-6223                    
                        Jon Anderson                333-6221      
                        David Baker                  333-6219                    
                        Ken Colwell                   333-6220