An edited master tape should begin with which of the following?

An edited master tape should begin with SMPTE bars and tone because this standard test signal is essential for maintaining synchronization, ensuring proper video levels, and providing a reference for audio levels. SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) bars serve as a color reference for video, allowing editors and engineers to adjust color balance and make necessary corrections before the main content begins. The tone, which is often a specific frequency, provides a reference sound level for audio mixing and mastering. This practice ensures that when the edited program is broadcasted or distributed, it meets the necessary quality standards in both visual and audio aspects.

Introductory credits, news reels, and correlative sketches, while they may have their place in a finished production, are not standard components required at the very beginning of the master tape. They serve different purposes, such as engaging the audience or providing context, but starting with SMPTE bars and tone is crucial for technical reasons that ensure the overall quality of the tape.