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Here is the television production glossary that appears in Television
Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition (2004).
Click here to learn more about this book.
(Note: there may be slight variations in word choice and formatting due to the publisher's copy-editing.)
GLOSSARY
adapter A device used to achieve compatibility between two items of audio/video equipment.
aperture The opening of the camera lens, as controlled by the iris.
audio The sound portion of television production.
audio dub An editing technique that involves erasing the existing audio track on a videotape and replacing it with a new audio track.
audio mixer An electronic component that facilitates the selection and combination of audio signals.
audio/video mixer A single electronic component that consists of an audio mixer and a video mixer. Also called an A/V mixer.
automatic focus A feature on most camcorders that automatically makes minor focal-length adjustments, thus freeing the videographer from focusing concerns.
automatic gain control A feature on most video cameras and camcorders that, when engaged, boosts the video signal to its optimum output level.
automatic iris A feature on most video cameras and camcorders that automatically creates the lens aperture that allows the optimum amount of light to reach the imaging device.
A/V mixer See audio/video mixer.
BNC A video connector characterized by a single shaft enclosed by a twist-lock mechanism.
backlight A light used in production that is positioned behind the talent and designed to eliminate the shadows caused by the key light on background sets and curtains.
balance (also “pan”) A potentiometer that lets the technician send each input to either the right or left channel on a stereo audio mixer.
bank A pair of buses, as on a video mixer.
blocking Planned movements and actions of talent and crew.
bust shot A video shot of a person including the head and shoulders area.
buy-out music Production music purchased for a one-time fee, as opposed to a lease or per-use fee schedule. (see also “production music.”)
camcorder An item of video equipment that uses a video camera permanently attached to a video deck to create and record video signal.
cardioid Another name for the unidirectional microphone pick-up pattern. The name cardioid comes from the heart shape of the pick-up pattern. The terms super-cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and ultra-cardioid describe more narrow pick-up patterns.
CCD See charge-coupled device.
character generator A video component that allows the typing of words and simple graphics onto the television screen.
charge-coupled device (CCD) An imaging device used in most video cameras and camcorders.
chroma key A video mixer-based electronic effect, in which a second video source is substituted for a color (or range of shades within a color) within a video shot. For example, a weather reporter stands in front of a green screen. A weather map (the 2nd video source) replaces the green background using the chroma key effect.
clips bin – a section of the nonlinear editing system display screen that contains icons representing each audio, video, and graphic element available for use in the video project.
close-up a video shot of a person that includes the head and neck.
complexity The use of a variety of camera angles and editing to enhance the intensity of action in a scene.
condenser microphone A microphone that contains an element made of two small vibrating magnetized plates.
continuity Preserving the visual coherence and perceived reality of an event.
contrast ratio The comparison of the brightest part of the screen to the darkest part of the screen, expressed as a ratio. The maximum contrast ratio for television production is 30:1.
crawl Graphics that move across the bottom of the television screen, usually from right to left. The weather alert that moves along the bottom of the TV screen is a crawl.
cue (n.) An audio mixer function that allows the user to hear an audio source (usually through headphones) without selecting that source for broadcast or recording; the audio counterpart of a preview monitor.
cue (v.) The act of rewinding or fast-forwarding a video- or audiotape so that the desired section is ready for play.
cut One video shot appearing immediately after the previous video shot, with no apparent transition.
cutaway Shot Video shot used to intercut between two shots in order to avoid jump cuts and continuity problems.
cyclorama (cyc) Large, seamless cloth or curtains that are hung on tracks to provide backgrounds for studio sets.
digital editing see “nonlinear digital video editing.”
digital zoom A feature found on some camcorders that electronically increases the lens zoom capability by selecting the center of the image and enlarging it digitally.
dimmer switch A control used to gradually increase and decrease the electricity sent to a lighting fixture, thereby affecting the amount of light it gives.
directionality see microphone directionality.
dissolve A video transition in which the first video signal is gradually replaced by a second video signal.
distribution amplifier An electronic device that boosts the strength of audio, video, or RF (radio frequency) signal and facilitates disbursal of the signal to several outputs.
dolly (n.) A set of casters attached to the legs of a tripod to allow the tripod to roll.
dolly (v.) A forward/backward rolling movement of the camera on top of the tripod dolly.
DV8mm A digital videotape format that consists of magnetic tape 8 millimeters wide in a small plastic videocassette shell. DV8mm is superior in quality to both 8mm and Hi-8.
DVD-R – a recordable digital video disc. A DVD-R may be recorded only once, and is not a reusable medium. A DVD-R will hold 4.7 gigabytes of data, or enough for approximately 2 hours of video (with audio) recorded in the MPEG2 mode.
DVD-RAM - a recordable digital video disc. A DVD-RAM may be recorded, erased, and re-used. Like a DVD-R, a DVD-RAM will hold 4.7 gigabytes of data, or enough for approximately 2 hours of video (with audio) recorded in the MPEG2 mode.
dynamic microphone A microphone that contains an element consisting of a diaphragm and moving coil.
8mm (eight millimeter) A videotape format that consists of magnetic tape 8 millimeters wide in a small plastic videocassette shell (see also Hi-8).
editing The process of combining, adding, and deleting audio and video elements to create a television program.
electronic image stabilization (EIS) a camcorder feature that corrects shaky video shots. When EIS is activated, the camcorder examines each frame of video, compares it to the previous frame, and makes small corrections to standardize the framing of the shot.
element see microphone element
establishing Shot Video shot used early in the sequence to identify the setting for the following action. Establishes time and location of the scene for the audience
exporting – recording a finished video program onto a medium, such as videotape, DVD, or computer file.
extreme close-up a video shot of a person that includes only part of a person’s face.
f-connector A video connector characterized by a single metal wire. F-connectors may be either push-on or screw-post.
fade A video technique in which the picture is gradually replaced with a background color.
fader A vertical slide controller on audio and video equipment.
fader bar See “fader”
fill light A third light used in studio production designed to fill in and eliminate shadow areas caused by the use of a key light.
Firewire Apple computer’s registered name for IEEE-1394 digital cable and connectors. See IEEE-1394.
flats Wooden frames containing fabrics or lightweight materials used as backgrounds for studio sets.
flying head A video head that engages when the video deck is on “pause,” providing a clear still-frame image.
focus Adjustment made to the focal length of the lens in order to create a sharper, more defined picture.
font A style of type. Many character generators offer the user a menu of several fonts.
frame A complete video picture. NTSC televisions (as used in North America, Japan, and many other countries) display 30 frames each second. Other standards (most notably PAL and SECAM) display 25 frames each second.
frequency response The characteristic of audio equipment that describes the lowest and highest frequencies (pitches) that the equipment can receive, record and/or play back. For example, a microphone might have a frequency response of 22 – 18,000hz. (Human hearing has a frequency range of 20 – 20,000hz.)
gain An increase in the output of audio or video signal.
gels Colored squares of plastic material used on the front of lights to provide colored lighting on backgrounds and sets.
head A magnet used to record or play signal on a magnetic medium, like videotape.
headroom the space between the top of a person’s head, and the top of the video screen.
head (tripod) See “tripod head.”
Hi-8 A videotape format that consists of magnetic tape 8 millimeters wide in a small plastic videocassette shell. Hi-8 offers a higher-quality image than standard 8mm.
high-speed shutter A camcorder that allows detail enhancement of fast-moving objects by electronically dividing the charge-coupled device into imaging sections.
I-Link Sony’s registered name for IEEE-1394 digital cable and connectors. See IEEE-1394.
IEEE-1394 A connecting device used to connect digital video camcorders to personal computers and nonlinear digital editing systems. The IEEE-1394 signal carries audio and video tracks, and is capable of speeds up to 400 megabytes per seconds. See also “FireWire” and “I-Link.” (IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, a technical/professional society)
imaging device The part of the video camera or camcorder that converts light into electrical signal.
impedance A resistance to signal flow. Microphones and audio mixers are rated for impedance, and can be categorized as “hi-impedance” or “lo-impedance.”
import , importing the process of recording audio and video segments onto a hard drive (or other storage medium) for use in nonlinear digital video editing.
iris The mechanism that controls the lens aperture.
jack A receptacle for insertion of audio or video cable on audio or video equipment. For example, headphones plug-in to the audio mixer’s headphone jack.
jog Frame-by-frame advancement of a videotape in a VCR or video deck.
jog/shuttle wheel A dial on many video decks, and VCRs that controls jog and shuttle functions.
jump cut An awkward shift in continuity when two scenes are abruptly linked either through videotaping or editing
key A function on a video mixer that enables graphics or other video elements to be superimposed on video or colored backgrounds.
key light The main source of illumination in a video production usually facing the on-camera talent.
lavaliere microphone A small condenser microphone used in television production.
leadroom The area between a subject shot in profile and the edge of the screen they are facing.
learning curve A geometric metaphor for the amount of time one needs to learn a new task (such as operating an item of television-production equipment).
lens The curved glass on a video camera or camcorder that collects light.
line-out monitor A monitor that is connected to a recording device to show how the finished product will appear or sound. A line-out monitor may be a video monitor (video product), an audio speaker (audio product), or a television (both audio and video).
logic control an operational feature on higher-quality audiocassette player/recorders, in which the tape functions (play, fast-forward, rewind, etc.) are achieved electronically, rather than mechanically. Logic controls eliminate the “clunk” sound associated with operation of an audiocassette player/recorder, and reduce the wear and tear on the equipment.
long shot a video shot consisting of the entire subject you are shooting.
loop a brief, repeatable audio segment (usually one or two measures long) used as a building block of a song created using music-creation software. Such a song might include a drum loop, a bass loop, a keyboard loop, and a guitar loop, all of which are combined and repeated to create a song.
lux A measurement of light. Lux is used in television production to determine the minimum amount of light (lux rating) needed for camera operation. Hence, a 2-lux camcorder requires less light than a 4-lux camcorder.
macro lens A lens used for videography when the camera-to-object distance is less than 2 feet. The macro lens is usually installed within the zoom lens of the video camera or camcorder.
medium shot a video shot of a person, including the body from the knee-area up.
microphone An audio component that converts sound waves into electrical energy.
microphone directionality the property of a microphone that describes the area from which the microphone collects sound.
microphone element the part of the microphone the converts sound waves into electrical energy.
minidisc a digital audio format characterized by a small, optically-recorded disc housed within a 2-1/2” square plastic shell. A minidisc can store 74 to 80 minutes of digital quality audio.
MiniDV A digital videotape format that consists of magnetic tape 1/4th-inch wide in a small plastic videocassette shell.
minitripod A small three-legged mounting device used to hold 35mm cameras, digital cameras, and small camcorders. Minitripods are about 6-inches tall, and are usually used on a tabletop.
modulator See RF modulator.
monitor (audio) A speaker or headphone set.
monitor (video) A video screen. A video monitor accepts video signal and does not have a tuner.
monochrome A video picture consisting of different saturations of a single color, usually gray. Technical term for black-and-white television.
monopod a one-legged mounting device used to help the videographer steady a hand-held camera shot and reduce fatigue.
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3) A digital audio format for compressing sound into a very small computer file, while preserving the original level of quality. MP3 uses an algorithm to achieve this compression, reducing data about sound that is not within the normal range of human hearing. (MPEG is the Motion Picture Experts Group.)
nonlinear digital video editing Postproduction work using audio and video elements saved as digital files on a computer hard drive, or some other storage device. Nonlinear digital video editing is characterized by the ability to work on segments in any sequence (as opposed to traditional linear editing, which requires working from the beginning of the production until the end.)
nonlinear editing see “nonlinear digital video editing.”
nonlinear editing system A computer system that performs nonlinear digital video editing functions.
omnidirectional A microphone pick-up pattern in which the microphone “hears” equally well from all sides.
1/8-inch mini A small audio connector used frequently in consumer electronics.
1/4-inch phone A connector used in audio production that is characterized by its single shaft with locking tip.
on-screen display A function on many VCRs and televisions in which operational functions (tint, brightness, VCR function, programming, etc.) are displayed graphically on the television screen.
optical zoom lens A camcorder lens with a variable focal length. The optical zoom lens achieves this variability by moving a series of glass lenses inside a larger lens housing.
over-the-shoulder shot A video shot that places the head and shoulder of a person in the foreground, and the subject of the shot in the background.
pan A horizontal movement of a camera on top of a tripod.
pan See “balance.”
phantom power Electricity provided by audio mixers for use by condenser microphones connected to the audio mixer. Some microphones require phantom power and must be connected to audio mixers that provide it.
phono (RCA) A connector used in audio and video components, characterized by its single connection post and metal flanges.
pick-up pattern The description of the directionality of a microphone. The two dominant microphone pick-up patterns are omnidirectional and unidirectional.
pixel A single section of a charge-coupled device capable of distinguishing chromanance (color) and luminance (brightness); professional slang for picture element.
postproduction The phase of television production that includes all activity after the raw footage is shot.
pot See “potentiometer.”
potentiometer (also “pot”) An audio mixer level control; a dial that moves clockwise and counter-clockwise. Moving the pot clockwise (toward the right) increases the level, and moving the pot counter-clockwise (toward the left) decreases the level.
pressure zone microphone (PZM) A microphone consisting of a metal plate and a small microphone element. The PZM collects and processes all sound waves that strike the metal plate.
preview monitor A video monitor that displays the picture from a video source. The technical director uses the video monitor to evaluate a video source before selecting it.
production music Musical selections created specifically for use in audio and video programs. When a customer buys production music, they also buy copyright permissions not granted with standard music purchases, thus averting copyright violations.
props Objects used in the scene either by actors or as part of the set design
quick release A system for mounting a camcorder on a tripod. A quick release system provides a metal or plastic plate that is attached to the bottom of the camcorder. That plate easily attaches and locks into the tripod head.
RCA connector See phono (RCA).
record review A feature on many camcorders that allows the videographer to see the last few seconds of video recorded on the videotape.
rendering - the process by which the nonlinear editing system (the computer) actually creates each transition, effect, or graphic.
RF modulator An electronic device that converts audio or video signal into RF (radio frequency) signal.
RF signal Modulated composite (video and audio) signal produced by television stations and VCRs and processed by televisions.
RF splitter A device that multiplies an RF signal. A person could use an RF splitter to send the signal from one VCR to two or more televisions.
resolution The sharpness of the picture. Resolution can be measured numerically by establishing the number of scanning lines used to create each frame of video.
rule of thirds Tthe videography concept that states that the subject, or most interesting part of a video shot should be located along the “thirds” – one-third and two-thirds – both vertically and horizontally.
S-VHS A video format that uses VHS-sized cassettes and 1/2-inch S-VHS tape and produces a signal with more than 400 lines of resolution. S-VHS is not just high- quality VHS. S-VHS signal cannot be recorded on a VHS tape or recorded or played on a VHS VCR.
S-VHS-C A video format using S-VHS videotape in a compact shell (see VHS-C). S-VHS-C records an S-VHS quality signal. The tape can be played in an S-VHS VCR using an adapter.
scrim A fiber or plastic covering placed on the front of a lighting fixture to diffuse or “spread out” the light.
scroll Graphics that roll from the bottom to the top of the screen (e.g., end credits).
send A secondary output on an audio mixer.
shotgun microphone A microphone with an extremely directional pick-up pattern.
shuttle A variable-rate search, forward or reverse, of a videotape using a VCR capable of such an operation.
signal-to-noise ratio A numerical value, expressed in decibels (dB), that represents the strength of a video signal as compared to the amount of video noise present.
Slate. A small blackboard-like device recorded on-camera that gives program information (name, title, date, take numbers).
sound bite A videotaped segment in which the audio and video portions of the tape must remain in sync. Sound bites are usually 3-5 seconds in length.
spotmeter A device that measures the intensity of reflected light, like on a lighted set.
stand-up An on-camera shot of a reporter as he or she presents information about the topic.
storyboarding The process of planning a video project that includes drawing a simple sketch of the desired shot, planning the accompanying audio, and estimating the duration of each element.
studio address system An intercom system that allows communication between control-room personnel and personnel working on the studio floor.
surface mount microphone A microphone that is flat on one-side, has no handle, and lies flat on a tabletop or other surface. Surface mount microphones are designed to be used in group discussions, workshops, etc. where subjects are seated around a table.
surge protector An electronic device that protects electronic equipment from power fluctuations.
tag A standard format for the final sentence of script ending an ENG report. Identifies the reporter (name) and station affiliation.
teleprompter An electronic version of “cue cards”, the talent’s script is displayed and manipulated on a computer monitor or refracted through a glass/mirror in front of the camera lens.
television A combination tuner, RF (radio frequency) modulator, picture tube, and audio speaker that converts RF signal into picture and sound.
tilt A vertical movement of a video camera or camcorder on top of a tripod.
time-base corrector (TBC) A video component that digitizes inherently unstable analog video signal and converts it into rock-solid video. A TBC usually has controls for manipulating the output signal’s color, brightness, and strength. The advent of digital video has reduced the need for time-base correction.
tracking The video control that allows proper placement of the videotape across the video and audio heads.
treatment A brief description of a film topic or idea.
trim (audio) (also “gain”) An audio mixer control (usually a potentiometer) that lets the audio technician adjust each individual microphone so that all microphones will perform at the same level.
trim (editing) The editing technique of eliminating part of the beginning and/or part of the end of a video or audio clip used in the nonlinear digital video editing process. “Trimming” a clip allows the editor to select exactly where the imported clip will begin and end.
tripod A three-legged mounting device for a video camera or camcorder that provides stability.
tripod dolly A combination tripod and dolly.
tripod head The top-most part of a tripod. The tripod head provides the mechanism for mounting the camcorder on the tripod, and facilitates panning and titling motions.
truck A lateral movement of the camera achieved by moving or rolling the tripod dolly to the left (“truck left”) or right (“truck right”).
tuner An element of a television set that allows the user to select specific signals and frequencies (channels) to be shown on the picture tube and played through the speaker.
unidirectional A microphone pick-up pattern in which the microphone processes most of its signal from sound collected in front of the microphone, and very little from the sides and back.
vendor A person or business that sells audio or video equipment.
VHS A videocassette format characterized by a plastic shell and 1/2-inch-wide videotape. VHS is an abbreviation for “video home system” as created by the JVC company. VHS is the dominant videotape format for home VCRs, video rentals, videotape program sales, and blank videotape sales.
VHS-C A videocassette format characterized by a plastic shell and 1/2-inch-wide videotape. VHS-C-recorded tape is compatible with VHS if an adapter is used. VHS-C was developed as a way to create VHS signal with a smaller videocassette, and thus a smaller camcorder, than VHS.
video The visual portion of television production.
video camera A video component consisting of a lens, a viewfinder, and at least one imaging device that converts light into electrical video signal.
video deck An electronic component used for recording and playback of videotape. It consists of a video/audio head assembly, a mechanism for transporting videotape past the heads, and operational controls.
video mixer A video component that allows the selection of a video source from several source inputs. Most video mixers allow the technician to perform wipes, dissolves, and fades.
video noise Poor-quality video signal within the standard video signal. Also known as snow (slang).
video signal The electrical signal produced by video components.
videocassette A length of videotape wound around two reels and enclosed in a plastic shell.
videocassette recorder (VCR) An electronic component consisting of a tuner, an RF (radio frequency) modulator, and a video deck used for recording and playback of a videocassette.
videographer A person who operates a video camera or camcorder.
videography Operation of a video camera or camcorder in video production.
videography repertoire a collection of six video shots that represents the standard work of videography. All videographers should learn to properly compose the shots in the videography repertoire.
videotape A thin strip of plastic material containing metal particles that are capable of recording and storing a magnetic charge.
viewfinder or viewscreen A small video monitor mounted on a video camera or camcorder that provides a view of the video image to the videographer. Viewfinders or viewscreens may be presented as eye-pieces, as small screens mounted on the side of the camcorder, or as larger video monitors mounted near the top of a studio camera.
volume unit (VU) meter A device used to measure the intensity of an audio signal.
white balance The process of adjusting the video camera or camcorder’s color response to the surrounding light.
wild sound Random sounds recorded on location to add to the sound track to add ambience and realism.
windscreen a form-fitting foam cover for the top of the microphone that eliminates the rumbling sound caused by wind and sudden bursts of air.
wipe A video transition in which one video source replaces another with a distinct line or lines of definition.
wireless microphone system A microphone system consisting of a microphone, an FM transmitter, and a tuned receiving station that eliminates the need for long runs of microphone cable.
XLR An audio connector characterized by three prongs covered by a metal sheath.
zoom lens A lens with a variable focal length.
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