What is synchronisation (sync)?

What is synchronisation (sync)?

• A. The use of music in moving images — film, TV, ads, games, online video. Requires two separate licenses: one for the song and one for the recording. Revenue is always split 50/50.
• B. A license that covers only the public performance rights for songs.
• C. A process for licensing music for use in interactive video games.
• D. The use of music in moving images, with a single license covering both song and recording.

Answer: (D)

Synchronisation licenses are what you need to couple music with moving images. When a film, TV show, advertisement, game, or online video uses a song, you must obtain clearance to synchronize that music with the visuals. This is distinct from simply playing music in public or distributing copies, because the use involves pairing the sound with imagery. The option described as a single license covering both the song and the recording fits the idea of a single licensing action to authorize the audiovisual use, which is the essence of sync. In practice, the rights to the composition and the master recording are often owned separately and may require different licenses, but the concept being tested is that syncing music with moving images is a licensing event tied to the audiovisual use. The other options either focus on performance rights, are restricted to games, or mix up licensing structure and revenue, making them less aligned with the idea of synchronisation.

Synchronisation licenses are what you need to couple music with moving images. When a film, TV show, advertisement, game, or online video uses a song, you must obtain clearance to synchronize that music with the visuals. This is distinct from simply playing music in public or distributing copies, because the use involves pairing the sound with imagery. The option described as a single license covering both the song and the recording fits the idea of a single licensing action to authorize the audiovisual use, which is the essence of sync. In practice, the rights to the composition and the master recording are often owned separately and may require different licenses, but the concept being tested is that syncing music with moving images is a licensing event tied to the audiovisual use. The other options either focus on performance rights, are restricted to games, or mix up licensing structure and revenue, making them less aligned with the idea of synchronisation.