A sign-on (or start-up in Commonwealth countries except Canada and Australia) is the beginning of operations for a radio or television station, generally at the start of each day. It is the opposite of a sign-off (or closedown in Commonwealth countries except Canada and Australia), which is the sequence of operations involved when a radio or television station shuts down its transmitters and goes off the air for a predetermined period; generally, this occurs during the overnight hours although a broadcaster's digital specialty or sub-channels may sign-on and sign-off at significantly different times than its main channels. Like other television programming, sign-on and sign-off sequences can be initiated by a broadcast automation system, and automatic transmission systems can turn the carrier signal and transmitter on/off by remote control. Sign-on and sign-off sequences have become less common due to the increasing prevalence of 24/7 broadcasting. However, some national broadcasters continue the practice; particularly those in countries with limited broadcast coverage. Stations may also sometimes close for transmitter maintenance, or to allow another station to broadcast on the same channel space.
Sign-on/start-up Sign-ons, like sign-offs, vary from country to country, from station to station, and from time to time; however, most follow a similar general pattern. It is common for sign-ons to be followed by a network's early morning newscast, or their morning or breakfast show. Some broadcasters that have ceased signing on and signing off in favour of 24-hour broadcasting may perform a sign-on sequence at a certain time in the morning (usually between 4 and 7 a.m.) as a formality to signify the start of its operating day (in the United States, the broadcast logging day begins at 6 a.m. local time). These may be the switchover from network-provided overnight programming to the early morning newscast, which is the first live program of the day.
Sign-on/start-up sequence The sign-on sequence may include some or all of the following stages, but not necessarily in this order:
For television or radio stations that cut off their signal during off-broadcast hours, a test pattern or a static image accompanied by a 400 Hz tone, a 1 kHz tone (or other single-sine-wave tones) or music may be broadcast fifteen to twenty minutes before the actual sign-on. Digital channels may still run overnight programs or interstitials at this time (ITV Nightscreen in the United Kingdom being an example), which conclude when the station's main programming schedule begins. A signal to turn on remote transmitters may be played—this is usually a series of touch tones. On radio stations, especially international stations on shortwave, an interval signal may be played in a loop, usually for 3 to 5 minutes before the actual broadcast starts. Technical information is provided. This can include station identification (call sign and city of license), transmitter power, frequency or channel number, translators used, transmitter locations, list of broadcast engineers, and/or studio/transmitter links (STL). A television station may show a video and photo montage set to the national anthem or other patriotic piece of music. The accompanying television video may include images of the national flag, the head of state, national heroes, national military soldiers, national symbols, and other nationalistic imagery (especially on state-owned broadcasters), or simply the station ident. In the case of television stations broadcasting to audiences in more than one country, the flags and national symbols of each country in turn may be shown, with its respective national anthem being played. Ownership information about the station, and a list of related organizations. A video of people singing an opening song, or opening dance performance to start the day. A greeting to viewers or listeners. Contact information, such as street and mailing addresses, telephone number, email, and website details. A prayer or other religious acknowledgement, particularly in countries with a state religion, in theocracies, and on religious broadcasters. A schedule for the upcoming programs, or the day's programs. A disclaimer that station programming is taped, aired live, or originates from a television or radio network. Another disclaimer that programs are for personal use only (sometimes with information on copyright restrictions), and a statement that businesses cannot profit from showing them by applying a cover charge for viewing. A statement of commitment to quality; this may be in the form of a recognized standard, such as the Philippines' Broadcast Code of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines). A station identification, including some or all of the television channel, AM or FM frequency, call sign, branding, and a clock ident. Generally a station jingle or slogan will be played, accompanied on television with video clips featuring station programming or personalities. The Start-Up/Sign-On Notice is announced after the national anthem. While most of these sign-on steps are done as a service to the public, or for advertising reasons, some of them may be required by the government of the country.
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