Italicized terms within the definitions may be found elsewhere in the Glossary.
180-degree rule An imaginary axis of action running between the main subjects in a setting, such as a two-person interview; for continuity, all camera angles should be on the same side of the line
3D A visual format that presents what is viewed with the third-dimension.
30-degree rule When shooting different setups of the same subject, separate each camera angle by at least 30 degrees, without crossing over the 180-degree line, to maintain continuity
8-VSB Technology for digital television transmission that uses a single carrier for each signal, selected by the United States; compare with COFDM
A/B-roll editing Analog editing system in which shots from two different tapes are edited together; the A-roll has the shots with sound elements and the B-roll has the nondialogue shots that visualize the story
above-the-line The personnel costs and expenses involved with securing a script and the rights, a producer and the staff, the talent (performers), and the director
action axis See 180-degree rule
algorithm Any mathematical formula for compressing digital files by removing redundant information
ampere A measure of the amount or volume of electrical current
ampere-hours A way of rating a battery according to how much electrical current it can generate over a period of time
analog An electrical waveform that represents the original light or sound waveform; contrast with digital
angle The location of a camera relative to the camera’s subject
ASA A rating of the ability of photographic film to record light, as determined by the American National Standards Institute; the higher the rating, the less light is needed to record an image
aspect ratio The relationship of the width of a TV screen to its height; for standard NTSC television it is 4:3, but digital television is capable of having a 16:9 ratio
assemble A type of edit that transfers all information from the source machine to the editing recorder; it is similar to a dub
asymmetrical balance Composing an image with objects of different shape, mass, weight, color, contrast, line, and texture on opposite sides of the screen; contrast with symmetrical balance
audio-limiter switch Control that prevents the recorded audio signal from becoming distorted because of too much signal strength
auto-iris A feature on video cameras that allows the exposure to be automatically set by the camera
available light The natural light in a scene; the light that exists before additional light sources are added
background light A light illuminating the background of a scene or shot; it is usually the fourth light in a lighting kit
backlight A directional light used in three-point lighting; it is placed in line with the camera, but positioned behind and above the subject and aimed at the back of the subject’s head and shoulders
balance Adjusting levels in an audio mix so the most important element—usually dialogue—is at the foreground, and other elements—usually sound effects and music—are at the background
balanced audio input An input into an electronic device that accepts signals with two conductors of equal voltage; used in professional work to ensure a better signal
bandwidth (1) The measure of the capacity of a data line; (2) the difference between the upper and lower frequency limits of an audio or video component
barndoor A rectangular piece of dark metal attached to a light to modify the direction of the beam, often used around a light in a set of four
bass/roll-off/switch A microphone switch that prevents the microphone from reproducing low-frequency sounds below a certain set level
batt check A control that when depressed or engaged gives an indication of the amount of remaining power of the battery in use
bed level Background level in audio; secondary sounds are “bedded” underneath primary sounds so the primary sounds can be understood
behavioral effects Changes in the things people say and do as a result of viewing a video program; see cognitive effects and emotional effects
Betacam A professional ½-inch component video format from the Sony Corporation that was most popular with professional ENG operations in the 1980s
Betacam SP The improved Betacam format, which replaced standard Betacam; SP stands for “superior performance”
bit One piece of binary information (1 or 0, on or off) in a digital file
bite A piece of video of a person speaking in which their audio is heard clearly; also called a soundbite
black bursting Recording a tape with a pure black signal (a control track, but no viewable picture); usually used for insert editing
blocking The talent and camera movements specified by the director for each scene
BNC connector A connector with a twist lock or positive grip feature used with single-conductor video cable
boom A pole (often extension type) mounted on some type of tripod base used as a microphone mount that can bring the mic close to the subject without being in the picture; see fishpole
bottomers A flag used below a light source to shade the lower portion of the scene
bounced light A diffuse, indirect light that reflects onto a desired subject; see reflector
brick battery A powerful rectangular battery usually used to supply DC current to a video camera
broad light A rectangular video light that casts bright light over a large area
B-roll Footage used to illustrate a story; the close-ups, inserts, cutaways, and so on that demonstrate what the speaker discusses
budget tracking A record-keeping process in which one records actual expenditures from a production and compares them with the projected expenses
bug A small logo or abbreviation that identifies the source of the video being shown, usually located in one corner of the picture
burden of proof The plaintiff has the responsibility to demonstrate wrongdoing, while the defendant need only demonstrate reasonable doubt in the plaintiff’s case
burn-in The image retention by a pickup tube, caused by shooting a very bright object or by aiming the camera at a static scene for a long period of time
butted Two scenes edited together without the benefit of an electronic transition such as a dissolve; sometimes called a straight cut
camcorder A one-piece combination video camera and recorder
camera control unit (CCU) An electronic device used to properly set up and maintain the quality of a video camera’s image
cannon connector A high-quality multipin connector with a positive lock feature used for audio input and output; see XLR connector
canted camera A tilted camera angle in which the horizon line is not level, but appears at an angle
capacitor An electrical device used in condenser microphones that stores an electrical charge
capture Transferring video and audio from the acquisition medium, such as tape, memory card, and the like, to a computer hard drive for editing
cardioids A microphone pickup pattern that resembles a heart shape; a mic with this pattern is also known as unidirectional, and is most sensitive to sounds in front of it
cathode ray tube The electron gun in the back of a conventional TV screen or monitor that fires electrons at the pixels on the screen to produce an image; also known as a CRT
CD-ROM Compact disc, read-only memory; a CD-ROM stores approximately 640 MB, and is often used for software and other file distribution
centrifugal force The force that tends to pull a thing outward when it is rotating rapidly around a center; this force may affect the operation of some videocassette recorders if they are physically moving while recording
chargeback The amount paid by one unit of a corporation to an in-house production unit for services rendered on a piece-by-piece basis
charge-coupled device (CCD) An imaging device made of solid-state microelectronics that changes light into an electrical signal; used in place of a vacuum pickup tube
checkerboard Editing technique in which the primary elements, such as talking heads and soundbites, are laid down first, with blank spaces between them to be filled later by the secondary elements, such as B-roll shots and natsound; contrast with section by section
chroma key Type of composite in which a color backdrop (usually green or blue) is keyed out and replaced with other imagery, as in most weather segments of newscasts
chrominance The combination of the red, green, and blue information in video
cinéma vérité A portable shooting style developed in France in the 1950s that popularized handheld camera work
clearance The permission granted by a copyright holder to allow use of copyrighted material
cleared frame Transition shot in which either the subject leaves the frame of the first shot before the edit, or the second shot begins without the subject in the frame
climax Most dramatic or intense point of a story at its end; the conclusion that resolves the plot(s) and rewards the viewers, followed by a denouement
clogged heads A condition that occurs when minute pieces of dirt or magnetic particles from the videotape attach themselves to the video head of a VCR and cause poor-quality recording or playback
close-ended question A question that can be answered with one or two words, such as “yes,” “no,” or a number (e.g., “How long have you worked here?”); does not elicit a full, expository answer; contrast with open-ended question
close-up lenses Lenses designed to allow focusing on an object located a very short distance from the front of the lens
close-up shot (CU) A shot in which the subject is framed tightly; for example, when a person is framed from the neck up; used to reveal detail and emotion; also called a tight shot
coax Wire that carries audio and/or video signals; the wire has one central conductor and a braided shield for grounding that surrounds it
codec (1) An abbreviation for compression/decompression of information; (2) a software program that can convert the data from a video project to a much smaller file
COFDM Technology standard for digital television transmission that divides each signal across multiple carriers for less chance of multipath interference, selected by Europe and Japan; contrast with 8-VSB
cognitive effects The changes in knowledge as a result of viewing a videotape for training purposes; see behavioral effects and emotional effects
color Chrominance—the control on a TV set that varies the amount or intensity of the chroma information
color enhancement filters A piece of glass or a gel that functions to brighten (or increase the saturation of) the colors of the subject being shot
color gels Cellophane material placed in front of lights to alter the color of light that reaches a subject or object to be shot
color temperature A measure in degrees of Kelvin of the tint or wavelengths of a light; helpful in color balancing between shots; a light with high color temperature is blue; a light with a lower color temperature is red
color temperature blue (CTB) A color-correction gel that, when placed in front of a light, raises the color temperature of that light toward the blue (daylight) end of the scale
color temperature orange (CTO) A color-correction gel that, when placed in front of a light, lowers the color temperature of that light toward the red (tungsten) end of the scale
comet tailing The smearing of light that occurs when a bright image source is moved across a darkened background
compensator group Two lenses in a typical zoom (compound) lens
complementary colors Opposite colors on the color wheel; they stand out more vividly when adjacent on the screen
completion bond Guarantee that a production will be finished, usually 1 to 3 percent of the budget
component recording A recent development in videotape recording in which the color information is recorded separately from the brightness and synchronization information
composite video Luminance (brightness = Y) and chrominance (color = C) are recorded together in one signal; this yields a less resolute image than component video (Y/C)
compositing Blending parts of two or more images to create a new image; replacing parts of one picture, such as a solid color background, with another picture; see matte
comprehensive liability Insurance that protects the holder against financial costs if any kind of damage occurs, such as when shooting in a studio or on location, with personal or employee or rental gear, and the like
compression The reduction of size or value of a signal
condenser The transducing element in a microphone that generates electrical signals as a result of changes in capacitance between the diaphragm and the backplate
consent Permission given by a subject to appear in a story; EFP generally requires written consent, while ENG generally uses implied consent
consent form Legal document signed by those giving permission to appear in a production or to use something they created, such as music, artwork, and the like
continuity Logical flow of shots edited together with no jump cuts
contrasting colors See complementary colors
contrast ratio The relationship between the brightest portion and the darkest portion of a picture (e.g., 20:1)
control track Track on videotape that carries the sync pulses that keep the tape stable during recording and playback
control-track editing In analog systems, using the control-track signals to sync up the play and record decks; contrast with timecode editing
convertible or systems mic A microphone that can be modified in shape, pickup pattern, or sensitivity to accommodate various audio situations
cookie A metal sheet with a pattern cut-out that is used to project light patterns on floors, cycloramas, and so on; also called a cucalorus
copyright The right held by all to own the rights to any tangible works they create in any medium, such as video, audio, print, art, digital program, and so on; all copyrighted material is intellectual property
corporate video Video for nonbroadcast purposes; used mainly by private enterprise, government, nonprofit organizations, and associations
crab dolly A movable camera mount that can be steered and is designed to allow the camera operator to sit on the device to operate the camera
crane Camera mount that allows the unit to be raised or lowered, similar to a pedestal but offering greater range for height and depth
cross-dissolve See dissolve
cross-fade Transition between audio clips in which the sounds are momentarily blended, usually for a second or more; analogous to a cross-dissolve in video
cut A signal or command to stop cameras and tape during a production; see take
cutaway Shot related to, but slightly away from, the action being recorded; often used to cover unsatisfactory parts of a scene or interview
daylight blue A full CTB gel that, when placed in front of a standard video light, gives off light similar to sunlight or daylight in color
defamation of character Portraying a person in a harmful and negative way; see libel and slander
demographics Quantitative, objective, measurable variables of an audience, such as age, gender, income, and education level; contrast with psychographics
denouement Moment after the climax of a story that brings the tension back to normal, shows a glimpse of the future, and adds finality to the story
depth of field The area in front of the camera where all objects appear in focus
depth perspective Use of the z-axis, including fore-, mid-, and background elements, to create the illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional screen
destructive editing Edited digital file replaces the original, saving drive space but making it impossible to restore the earlier files
dew Moisture that may form or condense inside a camcorder or VCR due to environmental conditions; when dew is sensed inside of a VCR, a sensor may light, warning the user that the VCR or camcorder will not work
diaphragm A moving part of a microphone; see element
diffuser A piece of material (glass, fiberglass, cloth) that reduces the intensity or amount of light from a source and makes it less harsh; it may also be placed in front of a camera lens
DigiBeta Digital Beta; a popular professional digital video format that uses ½-inch tapes
digital Binary code of 1 s and 0 s, sampled from an analog waveform, that represents the original light or sound waveform; contrast with analog
Digital 8 A digital video format available to consumers; it uses 8 mm videotape
digital effects Special effects for transitions, such as picture compression, tumble or page peel, accomplished by the digital encoding of the video picture to be manipulated
digital service line (DSL) Communications line, usually fiber optic, that carries any number of digital signals, such as telephone and Internet
digital television (DTV) Any TV format that is digital, including standard definition and high definition
digital versatile disc (DVD) Stores approximately 4.7 GB, often used for movie distribution
digital video (DV) (1) Generally, all digital formats for video, such as DV, mini-DV, DVCPRO, DVCAM, HDV, DigiBeta, and so on; (2) specifically, the mini-DV format
digital video recording A method of recording a video signal that changes the signal into bits of data stored as numbers (0 and 1)
diopter A single lens designed to magnify an image
direct address The subject (e.g., news reporter, narrator) speaks directly to the audience through the camera lens
director The person who translates a written script into a video program
dissolve A transition in video where one video source is faded out while another is simultaneously faded in; see fade
distant learning Instructional TV that uses two-way communication over a distance, often accomplished by microwave or satellite transmission
distribute Making a product available to others; mastering and shipping tapes, CDs, or DVDs; or copying projects to hard or portable drives; or posting on the Internet
distribution amplifier Hardware that receives a video or audio signal and improves it by boosting and/or equalizing it before sending it on
divine proportion See rule of thirds
DMCA Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998; expanded the Copyright Act of 1976, clarifying issues relating to digital copying
dolly Forward and backward movement of the entire camera unit, moving closer to and away from the subject
doorway dolly A small platform on wheels, used to carry a camera on a tripod and small enough to fit through an average doorway
double fog filter Lowers the contrast of the overall scene, but only looks like fog over the very brightest areas
downlink Receiving a signal from a satellite down to a station on the ground
draw The shadow on a subject created by directional light
DVD See digital versatile disc
DTV See digital television
dual redundancy Two small (tie-clip) microphones placed on a single clip to provide a backup mic if one fails while recording
dub A copy (“dupe” or duplicate), or the process of copying a video- or audiotape; see assemble
dynamic A description of a shot or edit that shows movement, power, strength, or energy
edit To put together, rearrange, or eliminate segments of video or audio information on tape
edit control unit (ECU) Machine used to control the play and record decks, as well as set up and execute the edits, in an analog video editing system
edit decision list (EDL) (1) Notation of the aural and visual elements (tape segments, computer files, etc.) selected for inclusion in the final edit, written in sequence; (2) computerized final list of edits generated by the offline editor to give to the online editor for the final edit
EFP See electronic field production
electronic field production (EFP) Portable video for nonnews applications
electronic news gathering (ENG) Portable electronic journalism
element A basic moving part of a microphone that generates the basic electrical signal
emotional effects A desirable effect of a video project, in which the audience experiences feelings as a result of viewing the video
ENG See electronic news gathering
errors and omissions (E&O) Insurance against oversights in obtaining copyright permissions
ethics Branch of philosophy exploring choices of right and wrong
extender A device used on a zoom lens that can double the focal length of the lens
exterior shot (ext.) Transition shot, also an establishing shot, that shows the outside of a building or location; contrast with interior shot
external timecode Timecode sent to a VCR that is generated outside the VCR
extreme close-up (XCU) Very tight shot showing only detail, such as facial features
eye level See normal angle
eye light A small light used in dramatic shots to illuminate the subject’s upper facial area
fade Gradual change from a video source to a black screen, or vice versa; see dissolve
faders Sliding rheostats used to adjust the volume in audio, the intensity in lights, or the mixing of two video signals
Fair Use Clause Copyright Act of 1976, Title 17, Ch. 1, Par. 107, outlining four conditions under which small portions of copyrighted work may be used without first obtaining permission: purpose, nature, amount, effect
fast lens A lens capable of gathering a large amount of light; a lens capable of an f-stop of 1.4 would be a fast lens in comparison to one that was capable of only an f-stop of 4.0
fat side The side of the face most visible to the camera; also called the long side; see short side
feeders Microwave-equipped trucks used in ENG to relay video and live pictures back to the station
field One-half of a complete TV picture; that is, 262.5 scanning lines; see frame
figure–ground (1) In video, the main visual element (the figure) dominates the picture, and the other elements (the ground) provide context; (2) in audio, the main aural element—usually dialogue—is at the foreground, and the other elements—usually sound effects and music—are at the background
file footage Film and video scenes already recorded and stored in archives or libraries, which producers may retrieve—either for a fee or not—for production use; also stock footage
fill light Light used to soften the shadows caused by the key or main directional light
film style A type of portable production that uses a single camera and often uses many takes of a scene for later editing
filter Cellophane, glass, spun glass, or similar material used in lenses, cameras, or in front of lights that somehow modulate or change the light passing through them
final cut Master edit; the final project with all video and audio elements completed; contrast with rough cut
FireWire IEEE 1394; one of three main types of connections to transfer digital files between computers and peripherals such as video cameras, used mostly in consumer and prosumer products; the other two are USB and SDI
First Amendment Constitutional Amendment that guarantees the right of free religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and redress of grievances
fishpole A handheld extension pole used to get a microphone close to a subject; see boom
flag A solid or opaque light modulator used to direct light or create shadows
flat An upright square or rectangular frame covered with cloth or other material that can be painted for a scenic effect
flat lighting A type of lighting that does not yield shadows; often created with nondirectional lighting or soft light from the camera position
flatten Visual effect of objects appearing closer than they are when seen through a telephoto lens, reducing depth perspective; see compression
flat rate A nonvariable payment made on a regular basis; for example, a regular payment made to an in-house media production unit for services rendered
floater An insurance policy that provides coverage for rented production equipment
flooded (1) When an adjustable or focusable spotlight is in the least focused position; (2) when a scene is lit with a large quantity of nondirectional light
floodlight A video light that produces a diffuse, wide beam of light
fly away Portable satellite uplink system, which can be folded and transported in a trunk or checked as airline baggage
focal length The distance from the optical center of a lens to the point at which the light rays converge on the face of the image sensor; determines field of view
focal plane The point at which the light rays that pass through a lens converge and are in focus; when in proper focus, this point falls on the image sensor
focusing group The front three lens elements in a compound zoom lens, which determine the position of the focal plane
foot-candle (1) A measure of the amount of light used in countries that have not adopted the metric system; (2) the amount of light given by one candle one foot away from it
forced perspective (1) Use of a wide-angle lens to exaggerate depth perspective; (2) creating lines on a set or in a frame that are not parallel, but converge toward a vanishing point to give the illusion of depth
Fourth Amendment Constitutional Amendment that guarantees “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects”
frame One complete picture in video, equal to two fields; that is, 525 scanning lines; see field
fringe benefits Items used to pay employees other than salary or wage dollars; for example, health insurance
f-stop A designation of the size of the iris opening in a video lens
gaffer grip A device used to hold equipment in place
gaffer tape A wide, strong tape used to hold various pieces of equipment or wire in place
gel A cellophane-type material placed in front of a video light that changes the color of the light
gel frames A frame used to hold gel in place in front of a video light
generation loss Reduction in quality of an analog recording each time a copy is made; some signal information is lost and some noise is added with each successive copy
genlock A timing signal that allows the synchronization of two or more video sources
golden rectangle See rule of thirds
graphic card An art card, especially prepared for use in a video production, that conforms to the aspect ratio and other restrictions of TV
grip A person who helps carry and place equipment
gyro A stabilizing device on the lens to reduce the shakiness of telephoto shots or pictures taken from aircraft or other unstable locations
hard news A news story that is serious, timely, and deals with important issues in society; for example, crime or politics
HDTV See high-definition television
head The front portion of a clip, usually containing a slate and the seconds before the action begins, which is trimmed off in editing
head light Slang term for a camera-mounted light
head room (1) In video, the amount of space from the top of the subject’s head in a shot to the top of the frame; (2) in audio, the ability of a recorder to accept a degree of overmodulated signal without distortion
helical scan Diagonal scan of a magnet across the surface of videotape, made possible by slanting the drum that carries the video magnets, resulting in better image quality than a straight vertical scan; also known as a slant-track scan
hertz (Hz) A unit of measurement for frequency, equal to one cycle per second
high angle The camera is placed above the subject—the height looks downward, making the subject appear smaller and weaker; contrast with low angle and normal angle
Hi8 A videotape format that uses 8 mm metal particle tape and features high-resolution and high-quality audio reproduction
high-definition/high-density television (HDTV) A recently developed TV format that yields a higher-resolution picture due to an increased number of scanning lines per frame
high-definition digital video (HDV) A simulated high-definition format with progressive scanning and a wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratio, based on the standard-definition DV format
high-intensity discharge A type of mercury or sodium vapor arc discharge lamp that uses a low amount of electricity, but generates a large amount of light
high-key lighting Lighting that is bright with a few shadows; used when an upbeat mood is desired
high-pass filter Hardware or software that allows high frequencies—treble—to pass through, while dampening or eliminating midrange and low frequencies—bass
hook Aural and/or visual element at the open of a project to capture the viewers’ interest and make them want to stay for more
hot (1) A video picture with too much light; (2) any signal of which the level is too high
house sound Sound that is available from the audio board of the “house” (the theater, concert hall, etc.)
house sync A synchronization signal created by a sync generator for the purpose of having all equipment in a production facility use the same timing
hyperfocal distance A measurement from the lens to the closest point that an object will be in focus when the lens focus ring is set at infinity
IEEE 1394 See FireWire
image stabilization Technology that senses movement in a camera and adjusts to compensate and reduce shakiness; see gyro
impedance The opposition or restriction to the flow of current, usually measured in ohms
implied consent In ENG, when a person agrees to appear in a story, that appearance is considered to be evidence of the person’s consent, implied without the need for an actual written consent form; in contrast, EFP generally requires written consent
incandescent Lamps that give off light when they glow from electrical current passing through a filament located inside a vacuum
in-point Frame of a video clip that you mark as the first frame to be shown in the final edit; compare with out-point
insert A type of edit in which video, audio, or both are put into an existing video piece
integrated services digital network (ISDN) Communications network that allows high-capacity data transfer at speeds much faster than traditional telephone networks
insert edit A type of edit that replaces only the desired information, such as video-only or audio-only; contrast with assemble edit
intellectual property (IP) Any and all copyright-protected material
interference Static and break-up that occurs when one RF signal crosses another signal at the same frequency
interior shot (int.) Shot that shows the inside of a building or location; contrast with exterior shot
interlaced scanning Process of tracing the odd lines first, then the even lines, in video recording and playback; contrast with progressive scanning
interrupted feedback (IFB) Communications system in which on-camera talent wears an earpiece to receive directions from the director or producer in the control room or central station while on the air
internal optical system In almost all video cameras available now, a prism block that separates the white light into red, green, and blue light before the light strikes the image sensors
internal timecode An electrical signal generated by a VCR that labels each frame of videotape it records
Internet A worldwide computer network in which information can be stored and retrieved by users
intranet An in-house computer network used by corporations in which information can be stored and used by in-house users
intrusion on seclusion See invasion of privacy
invasion of privacy Intrusion on seclusion, occurs when a person’s Fourth Amendment right to security in his or her home or other personal arena is violated
inverse square law The rule that the amount of light that falls on an object decreases by the square of the inverse of the distance from the light to the object; if the distance from the light to the subject is doubled, the amount of light falling on the object is one-fourth the original amount of light
iris The adjustable diaphragm inside a lens that varies the amount of light that enters the camera; the aperture
jam sync Synchronization signals sent into camcorders and VCRs from one central source
JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group; developed the JPEG still-image format and Motion-JPEG video format
jump cut An uncomfortable edit juxtaposing two shots that do not go together smoothly; for example, a medium shot to a medium shot of the same subject with little difference between them
key Process of replacing one part of an image with another, or matting images together, using luminance, chrominance, alpha channels, or other options to select the part of the image to be replaced
keyframe An image used as a reference for a video clip
key light (1) A directional video light used to focus attention and give proper shadow and contrast to a subject; (2) the main source of illumination
keystoning Framing a shot so that parallel lines become diagonal, converging toward a vanishing point to create depth
lag The after-image seen trailing a moving object on screens
lamp A bulb for a video light
layback Taking a laid-down or mixed-down audio track and placing it back on one channel, freeing up other channels for more sound elements
laydown See mixdown
layer Process of adding multiple video or audio tracks to an editing project
L cut Editing technique in which the audio of a shot precedes that shot, coming in at the end of the previous shot before the cut
leader sequence Series of information at the start, or head, of a video project; typically bars and tone, followed by a slate and a countdown
lead-in A news anchor’s introduction to a story
leading lines Lines in an image that lead the eye to the main element
lead room (space) Same as look space, but used when a person is moving left or right, rather than just looking in that direction
LED (light-emitting diode) A small light (usually red, yellow, or green) used as an indicator light
liability Responsibility for damage to property or equipment or injury to others; for purposes of insurance and the law, liability must be determined when damage occurs for the appropriate person(s) to be assessed charges
libel Defamation through recorded means, such as print or video; considered more serious than slander because forethought is given to recorded words and images
linear Audio and video segments are recorded and retrieved in sequential order, rather than by random access
lens flare When a strong light shines directly into a lens, an optical distortion can be seen, often appearing as a series of pentagons; this problem can be avoided by changing the camera angle or deflecting the direct light
lighting grid In a TV studio, a cross-hatch system of bars mounted below the ceiling that allows the mounting of video lights
lighting panel The electronic device in a TV control room or studio that allows connection for, and control of, the lighting system
line (1) One of 525 scanning lines in a video picture; (2) in audio work, a level of signal that has been amplified and is higher in level than a signal from a microphone; (3) in a TV control room, the signal path that leads out from the switcher to the transmitter or videotape recorder—the on-air signal
line level A signal level in audio that is amplified and therefore stronger than a microphone-level signal
line of interest Sometimes called the stage line or the 180° line, it is a line drawn through a scene to maintain continuity of screen direction when editing together shots taken from different angles to the subject, by keeping the camera always on the same side of that line; two people talking to each other create a line of interest drawn from one person to the other that extends to infinity in both directions
lip-sync The accurate or synchronized combination of sound and picture, especially matching words with a talking person
live In ENG work, a shot from the field that is transmitted back to the TV station and broadcast as it is being photographed
live on tape A method of recording a program on videotape where the program is performed as if it were done live, all in one take, with no editing
low-key lighting Lighting that creates strong, well-defined shadows used to create a serious or even somber mood
liquid crystal display (LCD) Technology that produces an image on a flat screen without shooting electrons from a cathode ray tube; most flat screens are either LCD or plasma
local area network (LAN) A system of interconnected computers with a narrowly defined range, such as within a single building
log List of all aural and visual elements (tape segments, computer files) acquired for a production, including location information (timecode, filename) and a brief description of each sound and video piece
long shot (LS) See wide shot
look space (room) Same as lead room; for asymmetrical balance, the space in front of a subject’s eyes as the subject looks left or right, usually about two-thirds of the screen when the subject is positioned on one-third
lossless Type of compression that does not lose detail, retaining the full resolution or fidelity of the original file; lossless files are compressed, but are larger than lossy files
lossy Type of compression that loses detail, sacrificing some resolution or fidelity of the original files for the sake of smaller file sizes; lossy files are smaller than lossless files
low angle Camera is placed below the subject—the height looks upward, making the subject appear larger and powerful; contrast with high angle and normal angle
low-pass filter Hardware or software that allows low frequencies—bass—to pass through while dampening or eliminating midrange and high frequencies—treble
luminance The brightness information in a TV signal and picture
luminance key Type of composite in which a brightness level is keyed out and replaced with other imagery
macrofocus A focusing ring at the rear of the lens element that allows the focal plane to be brought very close to the front element
macroring/macrolever The device on the barrel of the lens that engages the macrofocusing capability of the lens
male A type of plug with prongs or pins designed to fit into a corresponding socket
malice aforethought Defamation with actual malicious intent; knowing that a story item is wrong and harmful and using it, nonetheless; especially necessary to demonstrate in cases of celebrity libel
master shot Overall shot of a scene; wide shot used to establish setting and character relations, usually recorded first, followed by a series of different “setups,” including medium and close-up shots; see establishing shot and wide shot
match action Type of continuity edit in which shots from multiple angles are cut together so that the finished piece looks like one continuous action; subjects must repeat action for each camera angle; cuts are usually made on motion, causing the viewers’ eyes to follow the movement across the edits
matte Type of composite in which any of a number of picture elements can be keyed out and replaced with other imagery
matched action A technique in which one camera is used to shoot the same action from different angles, and the raw footage is edited to give the appearance of multiple cameras shooting the action at one time
matte box A rectangular bellows-shaped hood that fits over the front of the lens to aid in shading the lens and to serve as a holder for large filters that do not attach to the lens
media player A program that plays back audio or video from the Internet
medium shot A relative description of a video shot, usually framing a subject from the waist up
mic level 150 ohms, the standard impedance level of a professional microphone
microphone A device for translating sound energy into electrical energy for amplification or recording purposes
miniboom A small cranelike arm used for camera mounting
MiniDV A digital video format available to consumers through a number of different manufacturers; the cassette size is considerably smaller than VHS or 8 mm cassettes
mix The combination of two or more signals
mix-minus Audio technique in which the audio operator sends the mixed audio signal to the on-camera or on-mic talent, but subtracts the talent’s own live audio from the feed
mix select switches Levers on a VCR that control which channels of audio are to be monitored
Mobile TV Video sent to cell phones
modeling effect The effect of showing depth and texture by creating shadows with directional light
modem Technology that allows a computer to connect to the Internet via a standard line, such as cable TV or telephone
modular camera A portable video camera that allows for a variety of on-board videocassette recorders to be attached, or for others to be connected by cable
modules A rectangular light made up of rows of individual PAR lights
moire The rainbow distortion seen on videotaped subjects with a very small, repeated geometric pattern, such as a tie with very thin, evenly spaced stripes
Motion-JPEG Video format developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group
moving-coil A type of microphone transducer that has a coil suspended in a magnetic field; a diaphragm reacts to sound pressure and displaces the coil in the field to create an electrical current, often referred to as a dynamic microphone
MPEG Moving Pictures Expert Group; developed the MPEG video formats, including MPEG-2 for DVDs and MPEG-4 for the World Wide Web
multipath Signal interference when common carriers using the same frequency cross electromagnetic paths
music loops Clips of music that can be used in editing programs as the basis for creating soundtracks; usually public domain clips that come with editing software or that may be downloaded
multipin cable connector A cable plug designed to connect a single cable containing many smaller individual wires that must always stay insulated from one another
natsound Natural sound; ambient sound in exterior settings, which can be recorded purposefully for editing later or mistakenly if the microphone is not placed close enough to the subject; analogous to room tone in interior settings
needle-drop fee A cost incurred when using a copyrighted musical piece for production purposes
negative motion Movement along the z-axis away from the camera; contrast with positive motion
neutral-density gel (ND) A gray gelatin filter in varying densities that cuts down the amount of light without affecting any other characteristics of the light source
nickel-cadmium cell A rechargeable battery unit made from nickel and cadmium; often referred to as a NiCad
nondestructive editing Edited file is saved as a new file, allowing retrieval of the original file, but requiring additional drive space; contrast with destructive editing
nonlinear editing (NLE) Computer-based editing that allows random access of files, drag-and-drop sequence creation, digital manipulation of audio and video, and so on
nonsegmented videotape A type of videotape recording format in which information for one entire frame is recorded by one head without being broken into two parts, allowing for easier special effects, such as slow motion or still frame
normal angle Camera is placed at or about eye level—the height approximates how most people see each other; contrast with high angle and low angle
notch filter Hardware or software that allows a single frequency or range of frequencies to be selected for boosting or dampening
NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) The US government group formed in 1953 to set standards for TV’s video signal
off-axis A sound source coming from some place other than where the mic is pointed
off-line edit Rough cut; usually created from low-resolution copies of the original files, without transitions, effects, sound sweetening, and the like, used to make decisions regarding what video and audio segments to use in the final, on-line session
omnidirectional A microphone that receives sound equally well regardless of the direction the mic is pointed from the source
on-axis Sound coming from directly in front of the microphone
on-line edit Final cut; created from original files, including transitions, effects, sound sweetening, and all that is needed for the polished master version
open-ended question Question that elicits a full, expository answer, such as “What do you like most about coming here every day?”; requires more than a “yes” or “no” response; contrast with close-ended question
optical disk A recording and storage medium that uses plastic disks onto which digital information is burned with laser light
out-point Frame of a video clip that you mark as the last frame to be show in the final edit; compare with in-point
overhead expenses Costs incurred as a result of being in business, such as rent and utilities, but not directly related to a video production
over-the-shoulder (O/S) Two-person shot in which the camera is placed behind one’s shoulder, resulting in the shoulder and back of the head in the foreground and the other person’s face in the background
P2P Peer-to-peer; an information-sharing network, such as the first Napster, in which individuals host and retrieve files among themselves, rather than paying another service
package News story that is prerecorded and edited for insertion in a live newscast
pad Two or three seconds at the open of a news package with natsound only, used if the roll cue during a newscast is late and the first seconds are cut off
PAL (Phase Alteration by Line) The video signal standard set by Germany, England, and Holland in 1966
pan Horizontal pivoting movement of a camera left and right
parabolic An inward curved reflector that focuses the light or sound it receives to a single point in front of it
parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) A sealed-beam light with the bulb built into a reflector at its focal point, such as the headlights of a car
parametric equalizer Hardware or software that allows a variety of frequencies and ranges to be manipulated
party colors A slang term for colored gels that change a light source to a single color of light, such as deep red, forest green, and so on
pedestal A device for mounting a camera that allows the unit to be raised or lowered, similar to a crane, but offers a more limited range of height and depth
persistence of vision Phenomenon by which the brain holds a visual image for a fraction of a second, allowing us to perceive motion when a series of sequential images is played rapidly (e.g., 30 fps video, 24 fps film)
perspective Apparent distance between subjects in a shot, exaggerated with a wide-angle lens and compressed or flattened with a telephoto lens
photons Units of energy that make up light waves
pickup tube An imaging device of vacuum tube construction used in video cameras to change light into an electronic signal
phi Greek letter for 1.618, the aspect ratio of width to height believed by classicists to be ideal for paintings
photoboard Similar to a storyboard, with photographs to illustrate each shot
pinned A position on an adjustable video light that yields its narrowest beam; the maximum reading that a needle-type meter can show
pixels The extremely small light-sensitive surfaces that make up the image-recording area of a charged-couple device (CCD); the more pixels, the sharper the image will be
plasma Technology that produces an image on a flat screen without shooting electrons from a cathode ray tube; most flat screens are either plasma or LCD
plumb-bubble bull’s-eye A circular container with a single bubble in a liquid; when the bubble is in a ring painted on top of the container, the device (tripod, camera, and so on) is level to the horizontal plane
plumbicon tube A vacuum tube designed to produce a video picture using a lead oxide coating on its light-sensitive surface
podcast An audio or audio and video file that is downloadable from an Internet site
polarizing filter A glass filter over the lens that reduces glare and reflections by preventing certain angles of reflected light from passing through it
polar pattern A diagram of a microphone’s sensitivity or pickup capability
pool One or only a few cameras cover an event, but other organizations are allowed to tap into the same feed, making the video from a restricted area available for wider distribution
portable Refers to production equipment that can be easily transported to an on-location shoot; implies that it can be run on direct current or battery power
Porta-pack The first portable video system developed by Sony that used a reel-to-reel VCR and a black-and-white camera
positive motion Movement along the z-axis toward the camera; contrast with negative motion
postproduction The last stage in the process of creating a video project; the stage in which editing is accomplished
preproduction The first or planning stage in the process of creating a video project
preroll A few seconds, usually five, that a video clip is rewound prior to the desired in-point, allowing the clip to play up to full speed before the edit point
presence boost An audio filter that emphasizes frequencies in the upper midrange, around 5 kHz, to enhance voices
press pass Identification card given by officials to media reporters and their crews, allowing them access to otherwise restricted events
primary additive colors Red, green, and blue; a TV camera reduces a picture to varying amounts of these three colors to make up the chroma segment of a video signal
prime lens A fixed focal length lens
prime lens group The series of lenses at the rear of any type of lens that focuses the image onto the recording surface
prism block A device in a video camera that consists of several prisms that split the incoming light into its red, green, and blue components and guides the light to the appropriate chip
privileged event Event that might be a public forum or might at least be open to credentialed journalists, giving them the right to cover it for a story
processing amplifier A device to boost a video signal with control over the strength and black level of that signal (similar to brightness and contrast controls)
producer The person in charge of a production
producer’s insurance policy (PIP) Blanket insurance that can be tailored for each production to combine all the necessary insurances in a single policy, usually 2 to 4 percent of the budget, though there are minimums
production The middle stage in the process of creating a video project when images and/or sound are recorded
progressive scanning Process of tracing all lines sequentially, used in some versions of advanced and high-definition TV; contrast with interlaced scanning
prop An abbreviation for property used on the set of a video shoot or scene
prosumer Professional-consumer; video cameras and equipment in the midlevel price and quality range between high-priced professional gear and low-priced consumer gear
psychographics Qualitative, subjective, descriptive variables of an audience, such as lifestyles, values, attitudes, interests, and hobbies; contrast with demographics
public domain Any creation in any medium that has no copyright or for which the copyright has expired, such as video and audio files, that may be used without obtaining any rights
public forum Event that is open to the public and, therefore, open to journalists who have a right to cover it for a story
public property Publicly held land and assets; journalists are allowed to report from public property as long as they don’t pry into private property, such as using an overly long zoom lens
pull Zoom out
pull-ups Subtractions or changes done to an edited piece of video causing a change in the total length of the piece
pulse-code modulation PCM; audio recording that embeds the digital audio signal as pulses within the video scans; used in many digital video formats
push Zoom in
quality light By professional consensus, light from a very large source that produces soft-edged shadows
quality of light A measure of both the color temperature and the harshness or softness of the light source
raising stakes See rising action
random access The ability to retrieve information from any point in a system without having to search through or scan information in a linear fashion; also known as nonlinear
reaction shot A type of cutaway shot in which a person’s or persons’ response to an action is shown, as in a crowd’s response to a fight
real-time switching The changing of video sources done live or when a program is recorded live on tape
record and playback controls The buttons to put the VCR in either the record or playback mode
reenactments Type of staging in which an entire scene or event is recreated; generally permissible as long as truth is maintained and the scene is clearly labeled as a dramatization
reflector Hard or soft surface covered with a highly reflective material to redirect light to fall on a desired area
registration The alignment of the three color image sensors in a video camera to give one full color image
Rembrandt lighting The style of lighting made famous by the Dutch painter and characterized by the use of alternating areas of light and shadow in his scenes; creator of the modeling effect
remote An on-location shoot that relays a signal to another location, such as a broadcast station
repeated action Movement that is repeated for each new camera angle in shooting, allowing for match-action cutting in editing
resolution A measure of sharpness or clarity in a video picture
retrozoom A multielement glass lens that attaches on a zoom lens to decrease the focal length throughout the zoom range; a wide-angle attachment
reverberation Creating echo by copying sound waves and delaying them behind the original waves, resulting in a second occurrence of the sound, usually at a lower level, a fraction of a second or more after the original sound
reversal A type of cutaway shot in which the listener is shown; often used to maintain continuity, as in an interviewer listening to an interviewee’s response
RF Radio frequency; any frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum used for audio and/or video signal transmission
RF interference Noise in a video signal caused by unwanted broadcast signals (often from AM radio signals)
right to privacy Derived from the Fourth Amendment, which guarantees security; people’s personal property and belongings are considered to be private and not available for public scrutiny without permission
rim light Similar to backlight, only striking the subject from a lower angle; also called edge light
rising action Increasing the drama or intensity of each segment progressively throughout the middle of a story; also known as raising stakes
roaming Having the automatic iris constantly changing due to a portion of the scene fluctuating in brightness
rocker-style switch A long switch operated with a finger at each end and the axis of the switch in between; as the switch is rocked downward in the front, the servo runs forward; as the switch is rocked down at its rear, the servo reverses direction
room noise See room tone
room tone Ambient sound in interior settings, which can be recorded purposefully for editing later or mistakenly if the microphone is not placed close enough to the subject; analogous to natsound in exterior settings; also known as room noise
rough cut First edit; video shots and main audio elements are laid down in sequence, but no transitions, effects, audio mixdown, or other steps that come later in the final cut
routing system A system that allows the video and/or audio signal to be channeled or directed to multiple locations by cable
rule of three-to-one or rule of thirds When lining up a shot, it is aesthetically more pleasing to have the major elements in the frame fall on lines created by dividing the screen in thirds both horizontally and vertically
sampling Converting an analog waveform to a digital file by selecting many points each second along the waveform and assigning a discrete, binary code to each point
saticon A type of pickup tube used in industrial-quality and some professional-quality video cameras
saturation The amount of overall color in a picture
scanning Breaking an image into individual pixels of light for recording and playback
scanning beam Hardware that traces the pixels and lines on the screen of a TV monitor
script Written text that serves as a blueprint for production, including settings, action, characters, and dialogue
scoop A type of artificial light that provides generally diffuse light for fill purposes
scrim A piece of metal screen material placed over a light to reduce its output; see diffuser and filter
SDTV Standard-definition television (NTSC)
SECAM (Séquentiel Couleur À Mémoire) The 1962 TV signal standard developed and used in France
section by section Editing technique in which an entire section is fully completed with all aural and visual elements before editing the next section; contrast with checkerboard
segmented video A videotape format in which two (or more) video head passes are necessary to record a frame of video
sequence (1) A grouping of shots and/or audio clips; (2) the process of arranging clips in order by dragging and dropping them onto an editing software interface timeline
servo A small electric motor used to turn a set of gears
Serial Digital Interface (SDI) One of three main types of connections to transfer digital files between computers and peripherals, such as video cameras; used mostly in professional products because of its high bandwidth and transfer rate; the other two are FireWire and USB
set shot A steady shot, usually 10 seconds or longer, recorded in the middle of action, used to give the videographer a momentary break from shooting and the editor some steady footage for editing; also known as static
setup Each new camera position during a shoot, such as O/S, medium, and close-up; might require modifications to lighting, microphones, and even “cheating” talent positions for optimal framing and composition
shade (1) To prevent light from falling on a certain area; (2) to remotely set the iris and black levels of a camera
shaky camera Having too much movement of the camera while recording
shield laws Laws in place in most states that protect journalists from revealing their sources of information; considered necessary for a truly free press
shoot The actual production work of a video project
short side The part of the face least seen from the camera position; generally, the side of the face lit by the key light; see fat side
shower curtain A slang term for a heavy plastic fireproof diffusion material used over a light source
siamese A single cable that bundles both an audio and a video line
siders Flags that are used to the side of a light source
signal-to-noise ratio A ratio that compares picture strength to noise strength; the higher the ratio, the better the picture
single-element wide-angle lens A glass lens that fits on a zoom lens to reduce the focal length to one specific wide-angle focal length; thus, the zoom elements cannot be used with it in place
skew The tension of videotape around the video drum
skew knob On older-style VCRs, this control would manually adjust the tension of the videotape across the playback heads
slander Defamation through the spoken word; not considered as serious as libel because less forethought occurs when someone speaks “off the cuff”
slant-track scan See helical scan
sliding element A group of lenses within a complete lens that is able to move closer to or further from the other lens groups
slow lens A lens of which the iris does not open very wide and thus does not let very much light pass through it
smearing An undesirable aspect of a video picture with too much gain; smearing appears as colors trailing or flaring off of objects in the frame
SMTPE timecode See timecode
snap zoom A very fast-changing zoom, accomplished by manually rotating the zoom control with a quick wrist motion
soft frost A type of diffusion gel used over a light source to soften the harshness of the light
soft light (1) A large diffuse light source that creates soft-edged shadows; (2) a light fixture designed to create soft-edged shadows, sometimes called a soft box
softnet filter A very fine net material within a glass filter used over the lens to soften the look of a scene
soft news Stories that are not breaking and do not have an immediate impact, but are important nonetheless, such as features about people, interesting places, and the like; these stories are typically entertaining in nature, have a longer “shelf life” than hard news, and can air at anytime within a week or month timeframe
solid state Device that records directly on a microchip with no moving parts, such as computer drives and memory cards
soundbite A sentence or more selected from a recorded interview for inclusion in a story; the recorded words used in editing
special effects filters Glass filters on the lens that manipulate the image’s color, focus, or position
speed A photographic term for describing how sensitive a lens or chip is to light
split-field effect A filter on the lens that changes the plane of focus for only one-half the picture
spotlight A directional, often adjustable, type of artificial light source for video
squeeze Digital effect in which an image is reduced in size and placed within another image, such as a graphic over-the-shoulder of a news anchor, or a picture-in-picture image
staging Rearranging elements or events for a recording; generally permissible for improved lighting, image composition, and sound recording, as long as the truth of the situation is maintained; generally not permissible if the truth is altered
standalone Editing system that is self-contained for use by a single editor working alone; contrast with work group
standard definition SDTV, SD; NTSC video resolution, including 640 × 480 or 720 × 480 pixels, with interlaced scanning, all offering the narrow-screen aspect ratio of 4:3; contrast with high definition
stand-up A shot in which a reporter or other on-camera host stands in front of a selected background to report a story, talking directly to the viewer
star filter A glass filter in front of the lens with a screen material in it that makes highlights such as light bulbs appear pointed like stars
static See set shot
sticks Slang term for a tripod
stock footage See file footage
stopped down To have the iris at a very small opening or even completely closed
storyboard Series of panel illustrations with descriptive text of both video and audio, used in preproduction to visualize the shots and accompanying audio in a project
streaming Playing sound and/or video in real time as it downloads over the Internet, rather than storing it in a file for later playing
studio arcs Large carbon arc lights used in movie production
studio pedestal mount A professional, heavy-duty mounting system with wheels for studio cameras; it can only be used on very smooth surfaces
subtractive primary colors Magenta, cyan, and yellow used in paint mixing and color photo printing to obtain all the other colors but not used in video recording
sungun A small battery-powered light, usually camera-mounted
superimpose Process of blending two images so the full image consists of two partial images; technically, a “half dissolve”
switcher A device to combine or switch video signals and special effects from a variety of sources into one video output
symmetrical balance Composing an image with objects of similar shape, mass, weight, color, contrast, line, and texture on opposite sides of the screen; contrast with asymmetrical balance
sync generator An electronic device used in a video studio that gives timing pulses to the cameras, VCRs, and all other pieces of equipment that need to be time-coordinated
tail Back portion of a clip, usually containing the seconds after the action stops, which is trimmed off in editing
take An individual shot or scene, usually one of several; an instantaneous change from one video source to another; see cut
talent The persons who are performing in front of the camera
talking head A shot of a person speaking, usually a static head-and-shoulders or head-only shot; generally slang for an interview shot
tapeless environment Shooting, editing, and mastering without tape, using solid state or other media instead (e.g., DVDs)
teasers Large black flats used to prevent light from falling on certain areas
telecine A device that transfers film or slides to video, consisting of a film projector, slide projector, video camera, and multiplexer; a device to direct projection into a video camera lens; also called “film chain” or “film island”
teleconverter A multielement glass filter that fits onto a zoom lens to increase its focal length while still being able to zoom
three-act structure Basic story pattern, including a beginning, a middle, and an end
tilt Angling the camera either up or down
time base corrector (TBC) An electronic device that corrects for speed and mechanical errors in a videotape machine, giving the videotape a broadcast standard horizontal sync
timecode The numbering system for every frame of video, in hours:minutes:seconds:frames, embedded with the signal on tape and in digital video files; also known as SMPTE timecode
timecode editing In analog and digital systems, using the timecode signal to sync up play and record segments or files; contrast with control-track editing
timeline (1) Part of video editing software’s interface in which clips are dragged and dropped into the desired sequence, usually along the bottom part of the monitor; (2) schedule for completion of a project, with allotted dates for preproduction, production, and postproduction
toppers Flags used above a light source
total running time (TRT) Sum of all segments of a project; overall length in minutes:seconds
tracing paper Slang for a heavy, paperlike diffusion material used in front of a light source
track (1) A type of shot in which the entire camera unit follows a subject laterally (left and right), same as a truck; (2) a set of rails that can be laid over bumpy flooring or terrain to achieve smooth camera movement; (3) the portion of a videotape surface or editing timeline dedicated to recording or sequencing an element, such as a video track or audio track; (4) a reporter’s narration laid down on the audio track for editing a news package
tracking The speed and angle at which the videotape passes the video heads, often adjustable during playback to maximize picture quality
tracking knob A manual adjustment when playing back a videotape to align the video heads of a VCR with the video tracks laid down on the tape
transition shot A shot used to bridge two video segments that otherwise might not smoothly connect
treatment A preliminary synopsis or storyline that describes plot, characters, setting, and so on, for a forthcoming script
trim Cutting the head and tail of a clip to get rid of unwanted footage and keep only the frames desired for the final edit
truck Left and right movement of the entire camera to move laterally with the subject, accomplished by mounting on some type of device with wheels or on tracks
tungsten-halogen lamp The standard light source for film and video production using a tungsten filament inside a sealed glass globe; it gives off light at 3,200° Kelvin
tweeter Speaker designed especially for high frequencies, or treble
two-pronged question A question that elicits a two-part answer, usually a short factual statement followed by an expository comment, such as “How many years have you worked here, and what is the most unusual thing you have seen?”
2× range The range of focal lengths created on a zoom lens after the 2× extender is used
U-Matic format The first color video cassette format developed by Sony for use in the field; often referred to as ¾-inch because of the tape’s width
U-Matic SP format An improved version of the original U-Matic format, using metal particle tape for better sharpness and color; SP means superior performance
umbrella A device shaped like a regular rain umbrella that is mounted on a portable video light; the reflective underside of this umbrella reflects a diffuse light on a subject
unit rate The amount of cost incurred in a particular timeframe; for example, the cost per day of owning a portable camera
Universal Serial Bus (USB) One of three main types of connections to transfer digital files between computers and peripherals, such as video cameras, used mostly in consumer and prosumer products; the other two are FireWire and SDI
uplink Transmission of a signal from a station on the ground up to a satellite
UV Ultraviolet
vanishing point A point on the horizon or outside the frame where parallel lines when viewed at an angle in a shot seem to converge
variator group The lens grouping within a zoom lens that changes image size by moving toward or away from the main lens groups
vertical interval timecode The series of numbers stored in the vertical interval of a video signal that mark each frame of that video so those frames can be cataloged for later reference
video digital effects A sophisticated video manipulation that allows the video picture to be compressed, flipped, tumbled, and so on
video level control A device that can adjust the amplification of a video signal either up or down
video news release (VNR) A soft news package produced by a corporation and made available to news and other organizations for telecasting in full or in part
video processors Electronic circuits that control the amount and quality of all the components of a video signal
video switcher An electronic device that allows an individual to select among many video inputs
viewfinder A small black-and-white TV monitor with an eyepiece used by the camera operator to see what the camera sees
vignetting Dark areas in the corners of a picture caused by lens problems; for example, the lens not being properly lined up with the camera’s internal optics system
voice coil A small wire coil used in a microphone to transduce sound into electric energy so that it can be recorded
voice-over (VO) Narration from an unseen person, usually recorded in a separate session from visual shooting
VU meter A device to measure volume units of audio on a tape machine or sound mixer/amplifier
watermark Partially transparent logo, usually of a broadcast station, inserted over a corner of a video segment or program to show whose property it is; also known as bug
whip pan Very fast pan in which the camera is “whipped” quickly to the left or right; used to follow very fast action, though not recommended because of the difficulty of framing
wide-angle lens A lens with a large field of view and focal lengths starting around 5.5 mm for video lenses
wide shot A camera shot with a short focal length and, therefore, a wide field of view that includes a large amount of the area in front of the camera; also called a long shot
wipe Transition between two video shots in which one image replaces the other in some type of geometric pattern, drawing attention to the transition itself, usually signifying a major change of topic, time, or place
wireless high-fidelity (WiFi) High-speed broadband technology that transfers data via radio frequencies rather than cables or wires
woofer Speaker designed especially for low frequencies, or bass
worker’s compensation Insurance coverage for medical, disability, and death, provided by employers for their employees
work group Editing system that is networked for multiple editors to access all files; contrast with standalone
World Wide Web The portion of the Internet that allows use of graphics, audio, and video information
wrong-field edits Edits made when the edit machine mistakenly cuts from a position or negative field of one shot to the like field of the next shot, thereby breaking the required pattern of alternating fields
x-axis In image composition, the dimension of width, in addition to the y-axis (height) and z-axis (depth)
XCU An extreme close-up video shot
XLR connector The standard three-contact plugs used in all professional sound work, originally the part number of this type of audio connector by the Cannon Company and sometimes still called cannon connectors
y-axis In image composition, the dimension of height, in addition to the x-axis (width) and z-axis (depth)
z-axis In image composition, the dimension of depth, in addition to the x-axis (width) and y-axis (height)
zebra bars Diagonal white lines superimposed over parts of the picture that have a certain level of video signal and can only be seen in the viewfinder; many cameras have the zebra bars set at 70 units of video, which aids the operator in determining proper exposure
zip light A type of soft light fixture in metal housing
zoom control The device that operates the zoom servo to determine the direction and speed of the zoom
zoom lens A lens capable of changing focal lengths without affecting the plane of focus, thus allowing continuous change in image size from widest to narrowest field of view, with no other adjustments needed
zoom ratio This ratio compares the longest focal length to the shortest, such as 120 mm to 10 mm, or 140 mm to 10 mm; often expressed in ratio form, for example, 12:1 or 14:1; also known as the zoom range