Glossary
2-Wire: A pair of wires that carry an audio circuit.
4-Wire: A four-wire communication circuit especially used for commentary or coordination.
4x3: Standardized aspect radio of standard television (SD).
5D: Refers to shooting a production for both 2D and 3D, using the same production truck, crew, and most of the same cameras.
16x9: Standardized aspect radio of HDTV and widescreen SD.
3G: A 3G cellular/mobile telecommunication network provides an information transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s.
4G: A 4G cellular/mobile telecommunication network provides the information transfer rate of 3G but also provides mobile ultra-broadband Internet access.
4K: Also known as Ultra High Definition, Ultra HD, or SHV-1. It is defined as having 3,840 horizontal and at least 2,160 vertical pixels with an aspect ratio of at least 16·9.
8K: Also known as Super Hi-Vision or SHV-2. It has 33 million pixels compared to HD’s 2 million. Super Hi-Vision has 22.2 surround sound.
24p: Used to describe a video camera that shoots at 24 full frames per second. It may refer to SD or HD. It is thought to provide somewhat of a “film look.”
60i: Used to describe a video signal where half of the total lines of the image are captured and displayed every 1/60th of a second.
720p: One of the internationally standardized HDTV formats. This format has 720 scan lines and utilizes progressive scanning. The 720p format is best for fast-moving motion scenes.
1080i: One of the internationally standardized HDTV formats. This format has 1,080 scan lines and uses an interlaced scanning system. The 1080i format has a sharper image than the 720p format.
Above-the-Line Personnel: Refers to all non-technical planning personnel such as producers, directors, chief engineer, and talent.
Active Device: Devices requiring operating power (battery or other) in addition to the signal. Examples are transistors, integrated circuits, amplifiers, and intercoms.
AD: Abbreviation for associate or assistant director.
Air Pack: See Flypack.
Ambiance: Background sound in the venue.
Aperture: The diaphragm opening of the lens that is usually measured in f-stops.
Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the proportions of the height to the width of the television image. NTSC, PAL, and SECAM televisions have an aspect ratio of 4:3, while HDTV has an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Attenuation: The amount of audio or video signal loss from point A to point B.
Attenuation Switch: An attenuation switch reduces the sensitivity of the input of a device and will generally eliminate overloading and distortion.
Audio Check: Commentator speaks into a microphone for audio technician to check the audio level.
Audio-Follow-Video: Refers to when a video special effects generator (SEG) or switcher is designed so that the audio automatically changes when the video is switched. This is helpful in remote events when the director needs audio from whatever camera is on.
Back Focus: Back focus is the distance between the rear of the lens and the camera target. When the back focus is properly adjusted, the camera operator should be able to zoom in, focus, then zoom out, maintaining accurate focus from the zoom in to the wide shot.
Balanced: A cable having two identical conductors that carry voltages opposite in polarity and equal in magnitude with respect to the ground.
Barrel: Also known as “turn around” or “gender bender.” An adapter that is male to male or female to female, allowing identical cables to be connected together.
Bars: See Color Bars.
Beauty Camera: A fixed camera designed to shoot wide angle “beauty” shots. It is generally installed on a stadium roof or surrounding tall structure. This camera can also be called a panoramic camera.
Below-the-Line Personnel: Refers to all technical personnel, such as camera operators, technical director, tape operators, etc.
Belt Pack: This portable headset intercom station box is designed to be worn on a user’s belt but is also fastened to the underside of consoles, taped to a structure near the user or mounted on a piece of equipment. The intercom headset plugs into the belt pack as does the connection to the rest of the intercom.
Bib: A vest that identifies a crew member as someone who is allowed access to restricted areas. Generally worn at larger events by camera and audio personnel.
Binding Post: Converts a dry pair to XLR.
Biscuit: A portable speaker station.
Blocking: Occurs when the director works through the process of establishing camera angles, positions, and movement, as well as the talent’s positions before a rehearsal.
BNC: The standard professional video connector.
Booth Monitor: The monitor that is located in the commentator’s area. This monitor usually gets the program feed. Generally the commentators will also have a second monitor that will allow the director to show them a replay before it actually occurs on-air.
Broadcast Supply Panel (BSP): See I/O.
Cam: Abbreviation for camera.
Camera Control Unit (CCU): A remote unit that controls the color balance, registration, aperture, and other technical adjustments on a professional video camera. This unit is operated by a video operator to adjust the camera before and during a production. The operational controls for the CCU, when separate, is called a remote control unit (RCU).
Canon Connector: A three-pin shielded audio connector used with most professional microphones. Also called XLR connector.
CCTV: Closed-circuit television.
Character Generator (CG): A special effects generator that electronically produces the words, numbers, and possibly logos that are seen on the TV.
Chip Chart: A test chart used by engineers to set up and adjust a video camera.
Clean Feed: A video signal complete with camera and video sources without any graphics.
Coaxial Cable: A video cable that can be used for relatively short distances but is susceptible to outside interference.
Color Bars: The color standard used to align cameras and VTRs. Color bars are generated by professional video cameras, SEGs, or color bar generators.
Come and Go: Refers to two cameras situated back to back to capture a subject rapidly moving past them. An example would be of a skier coming down a mountain, the director would use the “come” camera as the skier moves toward the cameras and the “go” camera as the skier moves away from the two cameras. One camera could not adequately document the skier.
Commentary Booth: Location where commentators sit or stand to broadcast the event. Generally it is an enclosed booth that shields the talent from weather and unwanted sounds.
Component Signal: An RGB component system that separates the RGB signals through the recorder and keeps them separated on the tape or disk. A Y/C component system refers to the separation of the luminance “Y” (black and white) and chrominance “C” (color) signals inside the video recorder and then combines the signals when recorded onto the tape or disk.
Composite Signal: The video system where the luminance “Y” (black and white), chrominance “C,” and sync are encoded together. Includes both NTSC and PAL.
Compound: The area at the venue designated for the parking of production trucks, office trailers, and other vehicles. Also referred to as a broadcast compound.
Crane: A camera crane is used to move a camera (and sometimes operator) to high, medium, and low shots. A crane movement is when the camera is moved up or down.
Crawl: The movement of text across the screen usually from the right.
Crosstalk: Unwanted interference caused by audio energy from one line coupling or leaking into adjacent or nearby lines.
CU: Refers to a camera’s close-up shot.
Cue Cards: Cards that have the script, script outline, or keywords on them for the talent to view during a production. The cards are held up to the lens of the camera so that the talent looks as though they are looking at the camera.
Cut: A transition between two video images that is instantaneous, without any gradual change.
Cutaway: A shot that takes the viewer away from the main action briefly to clarify what is being said, or a shot used to combine two similar shots. If the program is showing a close-up of an athlete’s interview and the editor wishes to shorten the athlete’s lines, using the first and last few words only and eliminating the middle, a cutaway shot of the athlete on the field of play will allow the editor to create an edit that will be unnoticed by the viewer.
DDR: Abbreviation for digital disk recorder.
Depth of Field: The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in focus.
Digital Disk Recorder: A type of hard drive raided array that can be used to play back and record at the same time. It can be used to record super slow motion, split screen, or two inputs and two outputs. This unit is sometimes called an “EVS,” which is the name of the original company that manufactured the digital disk recorders. Directors sometimes call them “Elvis” units, a term that comes from EVS.
Digital Television (DTV): Refers to the broadcast of a signal that consists of digital data.
Digital Video Effects (DVD): Working with the switcher (SEG), this equipment is used to create special effects between video images. A DVE could also refer to the actual effect instead of just the equipment.
Dissolve: The gradual transition from one video image to the next. The two images temporarily overlap.
Distorted Sound: Distortion occurs when the output signal from a piece of equipment is greater than the input capabilities of the receiving equipment. This occurs when the microphone output is too strong for the microphone pre-amplifier in the receiving equipment.
Distortion: Any undesired change in a waveform or signal.
Dolby AC-3: The audio standard for DTV broadcasting. This digital audio compression technique can support from one to six audio channels (5.1 surround). It was designed as a distribution format and is not directly editable.
Dolby E: Designed as a production and transportation format for discrete surround audio, it is editable and supports up to eight channels of audio.
Dolby Pro-Logic: An advanced form of surround sound that provides a wider listening/ viewing area and better channel separa tion.
Dolby Surround: The first-generation home theater format that outputs to three channels: left, right, and surround (which is usually split into two rear speakers).
Dolly: A camera support that allows a camera to move in different directions. It can also refer to the actual camera move (dolly in or dolly out).
Downlink: The segment of a satellite transmission from the satellite to an earth station.
Dropout: A momentary loss or deterioration of the audio or video signal when playing back on videotape. This is generally caused by recording head malfunctions or poor coating on the videotape.
Dry Pair: A pair of wires without any voltage.
Dub: A duplicate copy of an audiotape or videotape.
EFP: Electronic field production. Television production activity outside the studio usually shot for postproduction (not live). See ENG for additional information.
Electronic Still Store (ESS): Equipment used for the capture, storage, manipulation, if needed, and playback of still images from video. The ESS can capture a still from any video source, such as camera, videotape, or computer, and store it on a hard drive. A large ESS system can store thousands of these still images, allowing instant retrieval.
ENG: Electronic news gathering. The use of portable, lightweight cameras, VTRs, lighting, and sound equipment for the production of news stories or short reports. Usually done for immediate postproduction and editing although the pictures can also be transmitted live from the field.
ESS: Abbreviation for Electronic Still Store.
F-Stops: The calibration markings on the lens that indicate the aperture or diaphragm opening. The larger the f-stop number, the smaller the aperture, which means the larger the depth of field.
Fade: The graduate dissolve of a video image to or from video black.
Fast Lens: A lens that can capture images in low-light situations.
FAX: A facilities check to see that all equipment is working correctly.
FAX Sheet: A facilities request form that lists all technical needs for the production.
Feed: Audio or television electronic signal. Also a signal transmission from one program source to another.
Fiber Optics (F/O): Light transmission through optical fibers for communication and signalling. Fiber optic transmission is immune to most electromagnetic interference and common mode noise (hum).
Field Camera: Camera used outside of a studio on the field of play.
Fixed Camera: Same as hard camera.
Fluid Head: A tripod or other camera mount head that uses a type of hydraulic fluid so that the camera pans and tilts will be smooth.
Flypack or Fly Away Kit: At times, it is not costeffective to transport a mobile unit to the site of an event. One of the options is a flypack. Basically, it has the majority of the equipment that a mobile unit would have. However, the equipment racks are built into shipping cases that can be assembled like building blocks and then wired together to make a portable production unit. These units can be shipped via standard air, making them a cost-effective alternative to the mobile unit. Flypacks do take more time to assemble on-site. Sometimes these are also referred to as air packs or grab-and-go packs.
Follow Focus: Follow focusing is when a camera operator keeps the subject in focus as the camera or subject moves around.
Font: A specific size and typeface of lettering or numbers.
Font Operator: Operates the character generator to place text and graphics on the television image.
Format: This term can mean a number of different things in television. It could refer to the medium used to record the event, such as Betacam SP or D-5. It could also refer to the show format or the script of the production.
Frame Synchronizer: A digital device that “locks” a video signal to a known timing reference (for example, black burst). Usually used for incoming video signals from a venue or remote that is not synchronized.
Freeze-Frame: A video frame that is continuously replayed, making the image look as though it is a still shot.
FX: Abbreviation for effects.
Gain: The level of amplification for audio/ video signals. Operators may need to periodically adjust these levels during a production.
GFX: Abbreviation for graphics.
Grab-and-Go Pack: See Flypack.
Ground Loop: A completed circuit between shielded pairs of a multiple pair created by random contact between shields. An undesirable circuit condition in which interference is created by ground currents when grounds are connected at more than one point.
Hard Camera: Camera mounted in a stationary or fixed position.
Hard Disk Recorder: A computer-type hard drive unit that is used to digitally record audio and video.
HD or HDTV: A superior production format that touts 720–1,250 scan lines as compared to an analog format of 525–625 lines.
HH: Abbreviation for handheld camera.
High Impedance: The type of microphone’s sound generally becomes distorted when used with an audio cable that is longer than 20 feet. These microphones are generally not used in professional applications. A matching transformer must be used if they are connected to low-impedance inputs. Also known as High-Z.
High-Z: See High Impedance.
HMI Light: A source that emits light that is the same color temperature as the sun.
Hot Head: Robotic controlled camera mount.
Hum: A term used to describe the 60 or 120 cycle per second noise present in the sound of some communications equipment. Usually hum is the result of undesired coupling to a 60-cycle source or the defective filtering of a 120-cycle ripple output rectifier.
IFB: Interrupted fold back (or feedback). Communication system used by production personnel to give directions to on-air talent. Program audio is fed on this circuit.
Impedance: Resistance to the flow in an audio signal in a microphone and its cable.
I/O: The panel, generally located on the outside of the mobile unit, where audio and video are patched for inputs and outputs. The I/O panel is sometimes called the broadcast supply panel.
IP: Abbreviation for Internet Protocol.
Interactive Television: A television program with interactive content and enhancements. It actually combines traditional television viewing with the interactivity that is enjoyed by those communicating through a network such as the Internet.
Interlaced scanning: A type of HDTV system that the beam scans every other line from top to bottom.
Isolated Camera (ISO): A camera image that is sent to its own recorder, even when used in a multiple-camera production. These ISO images are usually used for replay shots.
Jib or Jib Arm: This camera mount allows the camera to move up and down and allows the operator to adjust tilt and pan. The jib arm is similar to a camera crane.
Jog or Jogging: The process of moving the videotape forward or backward one frame at a time with a VTR.
Jump Cut: Cutting between two shots that are so similar that the subject appears to jump on screen. The use of a cutaway in between the two shots helps to avoid the jump.
Lavaliere Microphone: A small microphone that can be clipped to a jacket, collar, or other piece of clothing. Sometimes it is called a lapel microphone.
Level: The measurement of the strength of a video or audio signal.
LFE: Abbreviation for Left Front Effects. This is a type of speaker used for rumble from effects tracks in a surround sound mix.
Limiter: An effective communications system needs to limit dynamic range to ensure adequate intelligibility to the listener. The limiter/compressor has the following functions: (1) helps loud talkers and soft talkers be heard equally well; (2) prevents loud noises from being severely distorted; and (3) keeps the voltage levels from exceeding system limits.
Line Level: The audio level generally created by a VTR or line mixer output.
Line Monitor: The monitor that shows the video image going to air or video. This is also sometimes called the on-air monitor or program monitor.
Linear Editing: Linear editing systems assemble the edited program in a sequential fashion. Selected shots are copied from the raw footage tape in the source videotape machine to a master tape in the record videotape machine.
Live: Broadcasting an event as it takes place. As compared to live-to-tape or tape for later replay.
Live-on-Tape: The uninterrupted video recording of an event as though it was being broadcast live.
Location Sketch: A rough drawing that includes important dimensions, location of props and buildings, trucks, power source, camera locations, and sun during time of telecast.
Location Survey: A survey done of the production site during the planning stage. This would include reviewing access, lighting, electrical power, possible camera placement, and potential audio problems. Also referred to as a remote survey.
Loosen Shot: Refers to a zoom out or dolly out away from the subject.
Low Impedance: A low impedance microphone over very long cable (more than 1,000 feet) loses little sound quality. These microphones are used in professional applications. A matching transformer should be used if they are connected to high impedance inputs. Also known as Low-Z.
LS: Refers to a camera’s long shot.
Master: The original video recording of an event. A dub master is generally a copy of the master that is used to make duplicates so that there is no risk of damaging the master copy.
Master Shot: The main coverage camera.
Master Station: An intercom user station and an intercom system power supply are combined into one package.
Matrix Camera System: A matrix-style computer/camera systems give the viewer a look at the action from multiple vantage points by connecting multiple cameras to a computer that syncs the images and plays them back.
Memory Stick: A removable digital media card that is used to transfer camera setup information and scene files for specific video cameras.
Mic Level: The audio level generated by a microphone.
Microwave Relay: A transmission method from remote locations to the transmitter involving the use of several microwave units.
Minicam: A small remote-controlled camera that is generally used for POV shots.
Mixed Zone: An interview area at the venue located between the competition area and the athlete locker rooms where athletes and media, both electronic and written press, “mix” to conduct post-competition interviews.
Mobile Unit: A large truck housing production and technical facilities at a venue, usually parked in the broadcast compound. Also called an OB van.
Monitor: Professional standard television set, generally does not have audio. This could also refer to an audio speaker that monitors the quality of the audio.
Monochrome: Refers to a black-and-white monitor.
MS: Refers to a camera’s medium shot.
Neutral Density Filter (ND): A filter that reduces the amount of light coming into the camera without changing the color of the image.
Non-Linear Editing: Non-linear editing takes the video footage shot in the field, usually shot on videotape, and digitizes it onto a computer’s hard drive. Digitizing means converting the video and audio signals into data files on a computer. The program is then edited using the computer editing software. When the project is complete, the final product may be output back to videotape or distributed using another medium.
NTSC: The television system used by the United States and Japan. It has 525 scan lines.
OB Van: Outside broadcast mobile unit. See Mobile Unit.
Off-Line Editing: Shots are assembled to obtain a rough cut to approximate the edited program. Typically, the off-line edit has rough audio, graphics are often not included, and special effects are missing. The final production of an off-line edit may be a videotape that approximates the final product and an edit decision list (EDL) that can be used to expedite the on-line edit.
Omnidirectional Microphone: A microphone that is able to pick up audio equally well from all directions.
On-Line Editing: In on-line editing, the program is assembled in its final form, complete with music, effects, and titles in a ready-to-air version.
Out Boarded Equipment: This refers to when equipment is taken out of the mobile unit (such as graphics equipment or VTRs) and put in a temporary trailer or building in order to provide more space for personnel or more units for the production.
PA: Abbreviation for production assistant.
PA System: The public address loudspeaker system at the venue.
PAL: Abbreviation for phase alternating line, which is the color television system widely used in Europe and throughout the world. It was derived from the NTSC system but avoids the hue shift caused by phase errors in the transmission path by reversing the phase of the reference color burst on alternate lines. It has 625 lines of resolution.
Pan: Moving the camera from left to right on a stationary camera mount.
Parabolic Microphone: A parabolic dish with a microphone used to capture faraway sound, especially on the field of play.
Patch Field: See I/O.
Personalized Multiple-Camera Angles: When the content provider (cable, satellite, Internet, network) makes it possible for the viewers to choose what camera angles they want to see a particular event in.
Phantom Power: Voltage sent from the audio console to power a condenser microphone.
PL: Abbreviation for any type of communication circuit used as an intercom system. PL was derived from the telephone term “party line.”
POV Camera: Point of view. Usually a minicamera placed in an unusual position to give the effect of being part of the action or competition.
Preview Monitor: A monitor generally used to show the director what the next shot will look like. A director can also use the preview monitor to review other camera shots before taking them.
Production Switcher: A switching device used to move from one image to another during a production. This is considered to be live editing. This is also referred to as a switcher or special effects generator.
Program Monitor: See Line Monitor.
Progressive Scanning: A type of HDTV system that uses a beam to scan every line from top to bottom.
Punch Block: A panel used to connect or separate audio/telephone cables. This block is also referred to as a “telco block” or a “66 block.”
Quick-Release Plate: The plate allows the camera to rapidly remove a camera or place a camera on a tripod or other camera mount.
Rack Focus: This occurs when a camera operator changes the focus, while on-air, from one subject to another subject. This focus change directs the audience where to look in the image.
Rail Camera: See Tracking Camera.
Record VTR: The VTR used to record the program.
Remote Control Unit (RCU): The RCU is the operational control panel for a camera control unit. The RCU is separate from the CCU.
Remote Survey: See Location Survey.
RF: A camera that uses radio frequency to transmit the video signal.
RGB: The three primary colors used in video processing: red, green, and blue.
Roll: The movement of text up or down the video screen. The director would tell the graphics operator to “roll credits.”
Run-Ups: Introductory sequences before the broadcast.
Safe Area/Safe Title Area: Roughly the center 80 percent of the scanning area, where all graphics or important video information should be placed in order to make sure that it is seen by the viewer. The term safe title area is used when referring specifically to the graphic area.
Satellite News Gathering (SNG): The use of a satellite system to transmit the video program from the remote site to the receiver (station, network, or home production facility).
Scaffold Mount: These mounts are primarily used with hard cameras and are mounted on the front rail of scaffolding. The advantage is that it allows the camera to tilt through its entire range. Scaffold mounting also gives the operator more space behind the camera for maximum freedom of movement.
Scanning Area: The area of the video image that is seen on the camera or in the graphics or onair monitor.
SECAM: The video system used by France and many countries of the former USSR.
Second Screen: A second screen refers to some type of computer device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) being used to access additional information about what is being seen on television.
Segment Rundown: A list of the order of what will appear on the production within a specific segment.
Selective Focus: Shooting the subject with a shallow depth of field so that the primary subject is sharply in focus while everything else is out of focus.
Shader: The video operator is sometimes called a shader.
Shading: The video operator shades the cameras by adjusting the image contrast, color, and black-and-white levels of the incoming video. The shading generally occurs at the camera control unit (CCU).
Shore Power: Electrical power sufficient to power production needs located at the venue.
Shot Sheet: A list of every camera shot that the director wants the camera operator to get with their specific camera.
Show Format: See Format.
Shuttle: The fast-forward and fast-rewind movement of the videotape as a VTR operator looks for a specific segment of the tape.
Signal: Any visible or audible indication that can convey information. Also the information conveyed through a communication system.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: The ratio of noise to good picture information within a video signal, usually expressed in dB. Digital source equipment is theoretically capable of producing pure noise-free images that have an infinite signal-to-noise ratio.
Slo-Mo: A VTR that can replay a videotape in slow motion.
Source VTR: The VTR that is sending the video images to the switcher.
Special Effects Generator (SEG): A switching device used to move from one image to another during a production. This is considered to be live editing. This is also referred to as a switcher or production switcher.
Spreader: A base for a tripod that stabilizes the legs and prevents them from spreading.
SSM: Abbreviation for super slow motion camera.
Standby: This refers to two different areas of television production. It could refer to a cue by the director, producer, or stage manager to stop what you are doing and wait for instructions concerning an action that is about to happen. It could also refer to a button on a VTR that allows the tape heads to go up to speed before the videotape is started.
Stand-Up: On-camera commentator speaking directly to a camera.
Standard Definition (SD): SD generally refers to an NTSC or PAL analog image of interlaced video.
Steadicam: A device designed to stabilize a camera. The camera is attached to a special vest that is worn by the camera operator. An accomplished Steadicam operator has the freedom to walk or run, providing fluid shots.
Stick Mic: A slang term for a handheld microphone.
Still Store: See Electronic Still Store.
Storyboard: A sheet that shows audio, any special audio or video effects, and the scene the camera will be capturing. It may also be marked for special camera or talent moves.
Strike: Refers to the teardown of all equipment at the end of a production.
Surround Sound: Surround sound uses a 5.1 channel mix to create a realistic sound atmosphere for the viewer. The system uses six discrete microphones to create the sound image.
Super Hi-Vision: Also known as 8K or SHV-2. It has 33 million pixels compared to HD’s 2 million. Super Hi-Vision has 22.2 surround sound.
Switcher: See Production Switcher.
Talent: A name for all performers who appear on television.
Tally Light: A light on technical equipment indicating a camera or other device is on line as the output of the video mixer.
Tape Format: Refers to the type of videotape that is used to record the event. Examples would include: Digital Betacam, DVC PRO 50, and D-5.
Tapeless Recording: Refers to audio and/or video recording of the event on a hard drive or disc.
TD: Abbreviation for technical director.
Teleprompter: A device that projects computer-generated text on a piece of reflective glass over the lens of the camera. It is designed to allow talent to read a script while looking directly at the camera.
Termination: When there are looping video inputs on equipment, all unused looping inputs must be terminated in 75 ohms to ensure proper signal levels and to minimize reflections. A male BNC connector that contains a 75 ohm resister load is typically used. Balanced audio requires termination at 600 ohms. If devices are designed to loop, like distribution amplifiers, it is sometimes necessary to use a 600 ohm resistor to terminate the path.
Tighten-Up: Refers to a zoom in or dolly in to the subject.
Tilt: Whenever the camera moves up or down on a stationary camera mount.
Time Base Corrector: A device that processes a video signal and generally allows for stable playback of an unstable video image.
Time Code: A code that is laid down on videotape to give each frame a unique number. This code is then used for logging, editing, and playback to find the correct image on the tape.
Tone: An audio signal that is consistently zero dB and generally recorded onto videotapes at the beginning of a production in order to properly set up the playback equipment. Generally, the tone is recorded at the same time as the color bars.
Tracking: Tracking has multiple definitions in television. It can be an alignment adjustment of the video head to allow for proper playback of the video and audio on a videotape. Tracking can also identify a camera/mount movement from left to right.
Tracking Camera: This automated or manually controlled television camera follows the motion of the object it is shooting. This camera can be mounted on rails, cables, or other devices that allow it to move with the object it is shooting.
Transponder: A satellite’s own receiver and transmitter.
Triax: A coax-type camera cable that includes three conductors.
Tripod: A three-legged camera support that is available in a variety of sizes. They have telescoping legs and may have multiple sections for height adjustment. A pan and tilt head is mounted on the top of these tripods.
Truck: A camera and mount movement to the left or right.
Two-Shot: Framing two people within one shot.
Ultra HD: See Ultra High Definition.
Ultra High Definition: 4K television is known as Ultra High Definition or Ultra HD. Ultra HD has as at least 3,840 horizontal and at least 2,160 vertical pixels, with an aspect ratio of at least 16·9.
Unbalanced Line: A transmission line in which voltage on the two conductors are unequal with respect to ground—for example, a coaxial cable.
Unidirectional Microphone: A microphone that is sensitive to sound coming from one direction. The most popular unidirectional is the shotgun microphone.
Uplink: Earth station transmitter used to send video and audio signals from the earth to a satellite.
Uplink Truck: A truck that is equipped with uplink capabilities that can send both video and audio signals to a receiver via a satellite.
VandA: Literally, video and audio circuit from one site to another. A VandA is comprised of one video circuit along with a minimum of two audio channels.
Vector Scope: Used by engineers to monitor adjustments made to decks, cameras, and frame synchronizers.
Venue: A specific location where an event is to take place.
Video Noise: Unwanted interference within the electrical system that causes “snow” on the video image.
Video Operator: Responsible for adjusting the cameras for optimal image quality before and during a production.
Virtual Remote: A virtual remote is when the control room is left at home, taking only the audio and cameras to a sports event. The sounds and individual camera feeds are then sent back to the studio via the Internet, when the event is switched live.
Vision Mixer: See “Production Switcher.”
VOD: Video on demand.
Voice-Over (VO): Refers to when the talent is speaking over related video but not seen in the image.
VTR: Videotape recorder.
VTR Log: A record of every shot on the tape. This lists all shots, whether good or bad, using time code as a reference. The list generally includes space to make comments about the shots stating what the quality is and relevant details. This log can be created on the fly (live) or compiled after the shoot.
Wave Form Monitor: A device used to monitor the video signal and its synchronizing pulses.
Wet Pair: A standard telephone cable that has a twisted pair with roughly 70 volts on it.
Whip-Pan: A fast pan that keeps the subject in the viewfinder. Generally the subject is blurred.
Wipe: A transition between two video images that takes the shape of a specified pattern. Wipes are made by special effect generators.
WS: Refers to a wide shot and is the same thing as an LS (long shot).
XCU: Abbreviation for extreme close-up. Can also be abbreviated as ECU.
XLR: The most commonly used XLR is a three-pin shielded audio connector used with most professional microphones. Also called canon connector. However, the same type of connector is available with two to five pins, depending on the application.
XLS: Abbreviation for extreme long shot. Can also be abbreviated as ELS.
XY Pairs: A matched pair of microphones used for recording audio at a venue.
Zebra Stripes: Black lines that are seen in a zebra-equipped television camera that aid the camera operator in making video level adjustments.