Understanding AV Terms and Acronyms
What does audio-visual mean?
Audio visual, often abbreviated as AV, refers to the combination of both auditory (audio) and visual (visual) elements to convey information or create an immersive experience. It encompasses various forms of multimedia presentations and content that engage both the sense of sight and hearing simultaneously. Audio visual can include a wide range of media and technology, such as videos, slideshows, presentations, live performances, and more, where sound and visuals are integrated to enhance communication, entertainment, or education. In essence, it’s the fusion of sound and visual elements to create a comprehensive and compelling experience for the audience.
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5.1
A surround sound audio system configuration with five main speakers and one subwoofer, commonly used in home theatres.
7.1
A more advanced surround sound audio system configuration with seven main speakers and one subwoofer for a richer audio experience, often used in high-end home theatres and professional setups.
100v line
A voltage distribution system used for connecting and distributing audio signals, often used in commercial audio installations.
24fps (24p)
A common frame rate used in film and video production, with 24 frames per second, providing a cinematic look.
3D Rendering
The process of generating a 3D representation of an object or scene for use in video games, animations, or architectural visualizations.
4K Resolution
Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution with approximately 4,000 horizontal pixels, offering high-quality video and display clarity.
5 GHz
A frequency band used for wireless communication and Wi-Fi networks, providing faster data transfer compared to the 2.4 GHz band.
50 Hz
The standard power line frequency in many regions, including Europe and parts of Asia.
60 Hz
The standard power line frequency in North America and some other regions.
A
Acoustics
The study of sound, its transmission, and how it interacts with its environment, particularly relevant in designing spaces with optimal audio quality.
ADC (A/D Converter)
An electronic device that converts analog signals (audio or video) into digital data for processing or storage.
AFILS
Audio Frequency Induction Loop System, a technology for transmitting audio to hearing aid users in public spaces.
Ambient noise
Background sound or noise present in an environment, which can affect the perception and quality of audio or video recordings.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute, an organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries, including audio-visual technology.
AoIP
Audio over Internet Protocol, a technology for transmitting audio signals over IP networks.
Array speakers
A type of loudspeaker system that consists of multiple speaker elements arranged in a linear or planar array for focused sound projection.
Aspect ratio
The ratio of an image or screen’s width to its height, affecting the visual format of content.
Aspect Ratio Conversion
The process of changing the aspect ratio of video content to fit different screen or display formats.
Audience Response System (ARS)
Technology that allows audience members to interact with presentations or events using response devices to answer questions or provide feedback.
Audio
Sound or sound-related content, including music, speech, and other auditory elements.
AV
Abbreviation for “audio-visual,” encompassing technologies related to both sound and visual content.
AV Receiver
An electronic device used to process audio and video signals from various sources and distribute them to speakers and a display.
AVI
Audio Video Interleave, a multimedia container format commonly used for video and audio playback.
B
BGM
Background music, typically used to enhance the mood or atmosphere of a video, presentation, or environment.
Bi
Short for “bipolar,” referring to a type of loudspeaker design that emits sound from both the front and rear of the speaker cone.
Binaural Audio
A recording and playback technique that mimics human hearing by using two microphones to capture 3D sound.
Bit
The smallest unit of data in digital systems, representing either a 0 or a 1.
Bit rate
The amount of data processed per unit of time in a digital audio or video stream, often measured in bits per second (bps).
Bitstream
A continuous stream of digital data, such as an audio or video bitstream.
Block Noise Reduction
A technique used to reduce blocky artifacts in compressed video, improving image quality.
Bluetooth
A wireless communication technology for connecting devices and transmitting data over short distances.
Boundary Microphone
A type of microphone designed to be placed on flat surfaces, capturing sound reflections for a specific acoustic effect.
Brown noise
A type of noise with a spectrum of frequencies that mimics the sound of rushing water or wind, often used for relaxation and sleep.
BTU
British Thermal Unit, a unit of measurement for energy often used to rate the cooling capacity of air conditioning systems.
BYOD
Bring Your Own Device, a policy that allows employees to use their personal devices for work-related tasks.
C
Cable shielding
Protective layers or materials used to prevent interference and signal degradation in audio and video cables.
Category 5 (Cat 5)
A type of Ethernet cable standard used for network connections, with a maximum data transmission rate of 100 Mbps.
Category 5e (Cat 5e)
An enhanced version of Cat 5 cable with improved data transmission capabilities, commonly used for Ethernet networks.
Category 6 (Cat 6)
A cable standard for Ethernet networks with improved data transmission capabilities compared to Cat 5e.
Category 7 (Cat 7)
An Ethernet cable standard with even greater data transmission capabilities, often used in high-speed networks.
Category 8
An advanced Ethernet cable standard designed for high-performance data transmission.
Cats
Typically refers to cable management solutions or cable pathways used in audio-visual installations.
CEC
Consumer Electronics Control, a feature that allows interconnected HDMI devices to control each other through a single remote control.
Channel 38
A specific radio frequency range used for wireless microphones and other audio equipment in some regions.
Chroma Keying
A video production technique that replaces a specific colour (often green or blue) with other content, such as backgrounds or visual effects.
Chrominance
The colour or chroma information in a video signal, separate from the brightness or luminance information.
Closed Captioning
Textual captions displayed on a video screen to provide subtitles or assist viewers with hearing impairments.
Coaxial Digital Audio
A digital audio connection that uses coaxial cables to transmit audio signals.
Codec
A software or hardware tool used for encoding and decoding audio and video data, often to compress and decompress it for transmission or storage.
Component Video
A type of analog video connection that separates the video signal into three component channels: Y (luminance) and two colour-difference channels (Pb and Pr).
Composite Video
An analog video connection that combines the luminance and chrominance information into a single signal.
Compositing
The process of combining multiple visual elements or layers to create a single, cohesive image or video.
Confidence monitors
Monitors used by presenters or performers to view their own content, ensuring they are on screen and in the frame.
Content sharing
The act of displaying or transmitting digital content (e.g., presentations, documents, or videos) to others for collaborative purposes.
Control Room
A central area in an audio-visual setup where operators monitor and manage equipment, signals, and events.
Control Room Staff
Personnel responsible for operating and managing the control room equipment during events, broadcasts, or presentations.
Crosstalk
Unwanted interference or signal bleed between audio or video channels, resulting in a degradation of signal quality.
D
DAC (D/A converter)
A digital-to-analog converter that transforms digital audio signals into analog signals for playback through speakers or headphones.
De-interlaced Video
The process of converting interlaced video into a progressive scan format for smoother and higher-quality playback.
Decibel (dB)
A unit of measurement for sound intensity, often used to express the relative loudness of audio equipment or sound levels.
Deep Colour
A display technology that supports a wider range of colours for more vivid and lifelike visuals.
Delay
The time gap between the transmission and reception of an audio or video signal, often used for synchronization or correction.
Diffusion
A technique used to scatter sound waves in various directions, reducing echoes and creating a more even acoustic environment.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
Software or hardware used for recording, editing, and producing digital audio tracks and music.
Digital Noise Reduction
The process of removing unwanted digital noise, such as hissing or interference, from audio or video signals.
Direct sound
The sound that travels directly from the source to the listener without any reflections or interference.
Discovery Commons (DC)
A term often used in educational and collaborative spaces, referring to areas equipped with audio-visual tools for research and learning.
Display Port
A digital video and audio interface used to connect computers and displays, offering high-quality video and audio transmission.
Distributed sound
The even distribution of audio throughout a space, ensuring consistent sound quality for all listeners.
Distribution amplifier
An audio or video device used to split and distribute signals to multiple destinations or devices.
Dithering
A technique used to add random noise to digital audio or video signals to reduce quantisation errors and improve overall quality.
DLP
Digital Light Processing, a technology commonly used in projectors and displays for high-quality image reproduction.
Document camera
A device that captures and displays images or documents in real-time, often used in presentations and classrooms.
Dolby Atmos
An advanced audio technology that provides an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience in cinemas and home theatres.
Dolby Digital Plus (DD+):
An audio encoding format that offers high-quality sound and is often used for streaming and broadcast content.
Dolly Shot
A camera movement technique involving a wheeled platform (dolly) to create smooth and dynamic shots.
Downscaling
The process of reducing the resolution of an image or video to fit a lower-resolution display or output.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
A measurement of image or print resolution, indicating the number of dots or pixels per inch in a digital image or printout.
DTS-HD Master Audio
An advanced audio codec that offers high-resolution audio for Blu-ray Discs and other media.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface, a video connection standard used for digital video signals, including DVI-D (digital) and DVI-I (digital and analog) variants.
Dynamic microphone
A type of microphone that uses electromagnetic induction to convert sound into an electrical signal, commonly used for live performances and recording.
Dynamic Range
The difference between the quietest and loudest parts of an audio or video signal, indicating the level of detail and fidelity.
E
Early reflected sound
Sound reflections in an acoustic environment that reach the listener shortly after the direct sound, affecting the perception of audio quality.
Echo cancellation
Technology used to eliminate or reduce echo and reverberation in audio signals during teleconferencing and other applications.
EDID
Extended Display Identification Data, a standardized format for conveying display capabilities between a source (e.g., a computer) and a display device.
EN54
A European standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems, relevant in certain audio-visual installations for safety compliance.
Equipment rack
A specialized enclosure or cabinet used to house and organise audio-visual equipment, servers, and other hardware.
Ethernet
A widely used network technology for wired data communication between devices, including computers, cameras, and audio-visual equipment.
F
Far (Site, Audience, or Participant)
Typically refers to locations, viewers, or participants that are physically distant from a central point of focus in an audio-visual setup.
Feedback
The unwanted sound created when a microphone picks up its own output, resulting in a screeching or howling noise.
Fibre optic
A high-speed communication technology that uses light to transmit data over thin glass or plastic fibres, offering high bandwidth and low signal loss.
Field recording
The practice of capturing audio or video content in natural, uncontrolled environments, often used in documentary filmmaking and journalism.
File sizes
The amount of storage space required for digital files, including audio, video, images, and documents.
Footcandle
A unit of measurement for illuminance, indicating the amount of light falling on a surface.
Frame Interpolation
A video processing technique that creates additional frames between existing frames to enhance motion smoothness.
Frame Rate
The number of frames displayed per second in a video, typically measured in frames per second (fps).
Frame Sync
The synchronization of video frames to eliminate tearing or other visual artifacts.
Frequency Response
The range of frequencies that a device or system can accurately reproduce or record, critical in audio and video quality.
Front projection
A projection setup in which the projector is placed in front of the screen or surface, commonly used in home theatres and presentations.
Front screen projection
A technique where the projector is positioned in front of the screen to achieve a high-quality visual display.
Full HD
A display resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, commonly used in HDTVs and computer monitors.
Fundamental frequency
The lowest frequency component of a sound, often the perceived pitch of a musical note or voice.
G
Gain
The amplification of a signal, often expressed in decibels (dB), indicating the increase in signal strength.
Ghosting
A visual artifact in video displays, often seen as a faint duplicate of moving objects or text, resulting from signal interference or slow pixel response times.
Green Screen
A green or blue backdrop used in video production for easy background replacement using chroma keying techniques.
H
HD
High Definition, a video standard with higher resolution and quality than standard definition (SD).
HD Ready
A term used for displays capable of high-definition resolution, but may require additional equipment or content to fully utilize the capabilities.
HDBaseT
A connectivity technology for transmitting high-definition audio and video, Ethernet, power, and control signals over a single cable.
HDBaseT Lite
A variation of HDBaseT technology with reduced features and capabilities.
HDCP
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, a technology that prevents unauthorized copying of high-definition audio and video content.
HDCP 2.2
A newer version of HDCP designed to provide secure content protection for 4K and UHD content.
HDD
Hard Disk Drive, a storage device used to store digital data, including audio and video files.
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a standard for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals over a single cable.
HDMI 2.0/2.0a
An updated HDMI specification that supports higher video resolutions, refresh rates, and additional features.
HDMI over IP
A technology that allows HDMI signals to be transmitted over IP networks, facilitating distribution of audio and video to multiple locations.
HDMI v1.x
Refers to earlier versions of HDMI (prior to HDMI 2.0) with lower bandwidth and fewer features.
HDR
High Dynamic Range, a technology that enhances the contrast and colour of video content for more lifelike visuals.
HDTV
High-Definition Television, a television format with higher resolution and image quality compared to standard definition (SDTV).
Host (1)
Often used in the context of network communications, referring to a central device or server that manages connections and resources.
Host (2)
In the context of presentations or events, a host is the individual responsible for managing and facilitating the proceedings.
HTML5
The latest version of the HyperText Markup Language, commonly used for web content and multimedia.
I
I.P. Rating
Ingress Protection Rating, a standard that classifies and rates the level of protection against dust and water for electronic devices and enclosures.
Induction loop System
A system that transmits audio to hearing aid users by using electromagnetic fields to wirelessly broadcast sound.
Ingress Protection
A system that transmits audio to hearing aid users by using electromagnetic fields to wirelessly broadcast sound.
Interlaced Video
A video format where each frame is divided into two fields, alternately displaying odd and even lines, resulting in smoother motion but lower resolution.
IP
Internet Protocol, the set of rules and conventions governing data transmission over networks, including the internet.
IR
Infrared, a range of the electromagnetic spectrum often used for wireless communication and remote control signals.
ISO (International Organization for Standardisation)
An international body that develops and publishes standards for various industries, ensuring quality and consistency.
J
JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group, a common image file format used for compressing and storing digital images.
K
Key Frame
In animation and video editing, a frame used as a reference point for defining the appearance or properties of an object.
KSV: Key System Version, related to digital rights management or content protection.
L
LAN (local area network)
A network that connects devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or campus.
Lavalier
A small, clip-on microphone often used in broadcasting and public speaking, attached to clothing for hands-free operation.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display, a type of flat-panel display technology used in computer monitors, TVs, and projectors.
LCoS
Liquid Crystal on Silicon, a display technology that combines liquid crystal and silicon for high-quality projection displays.
Lectern Intercom
Communication systems used at lecterns or podiums, allowing presenters to interact with other speakers or control room staff.
Lectern Microphones
Microphones specifically designed for use on lecterns or podiums to capture the presenter’s voice.
Lecturer Cameras
Cameras positioned to capture the presenter or lecturer during events, lectures, or presentations.
LED
Light Emitting Diode, a lighting technology that uses semiconductor diodes to produce light, commonly used in displays and lighting fixtures.
Lighting
The equipment and techniques used to illuminate spaces, objects, or people in audio-visual setups.
Lighting control
Systems and equipment used to adjust and manage lighting levels and effects in an environment.
Lip Sync
The synchronization of audio and video to ensure that the words and actions of characters or speakers match in time.
Local (Site, Audience, or Participant)
Typically refers to locations, viewers, or participants that are physically close to a central point of focus in an audio-visual setup.
Looping
A technique used to continuously repeat a section of audio or video for various purposes, such as background music or seamless playback.
Low Impedance
A low electrical resistance in audio circuits, often associated with professional microphones and audio equipment.
Low Z
A reference to low impedance in audio systems and equipment.
LPCM
Linear Pulse Code Modulation, an uncompressed audio format that provides high audio quality.
Lumen
A unit of measurement for the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source.
Lumens
The plural form of “lumen,” used to describe the brightness or output of a projector or display.
Luminance
The brightness or intensity of the luminous part of a video signal, often represented by the letter “Y” in YUV colour space.
LUT (Look-Up Table)
A table or matrix used to adjust and map input values to specific output values, commonly used in colour grading and correction.
Lux
A unit of measurement for illuminance, indicating the amount of light falling on a surface.
M
Matrix switcher
An audio or video switcher that allows multiple sources to be routed to multiple destinations, offering flexibility in signal routing.
Matte white screen
A projection screen surface that reflects light uniformly, often used for presentations and home theatres.
Microphone Modes
Different pickup patterns or configurations used in microphones to capture sound from specific directions.
Microphone Seat Map
A visual representation or layout of microphones in a setup, indicating the placement and assignment of each microphone.
Midrange
The frequency range between bass and treble in an audio signal, including the mid-frequencies of sound.
Mixer
An audio device used to combine and adjust the levels of multiple audio signals, often used in recording, live sound, and broadcasting.
Mono
Short for monophonic, referring to audio or sound that is reproduced through a single channel or speaker.
Monophonic
Audio or sound that is produced through a single channel or speaker.
Motion Adaptive Field Noise Reduction
A technique used to reduce noise in video by analysing and processing individual frames, taking into account motion.
MP4
A digital video file format often used for online streaming and video storage.
MPEG4
A digital video compression standard used for encoding video and audio content.
N
Native resolution
The inherent or actual resolution of a display or image, often referred to as its default or maximum resolution.
Near-Reflection
Sound reflections in an acoustic environment that reach the listener shortly after the direct sound, affecting the perception of audio quality.
NFC / Near Field Communication
A short-range wireless communication technology used for data exchange between devices, often found in smartphones and contactless payment systems.
Nit
A unit of measurement for display brightness, indicating the amount of light emitted from a display.
Notch filter
An audio filter used to attenuate or eliminate a specific frequency or frequency range, often used to remove unwanted sound or interference.
O
Omnidirectional
A microphone or antenna pickup pattern that captures sound or signals from all directions.
Optical Digital Audio
A digital audio connection that uses optical cables to transmit audio signals, often found in home theatre systems.
OSD
On-Screen Display
Overexposure
When an image or video is too bright, causing loss of detail in highlights and possibly image clipping.
P
PA (Public Address)
A sound amplification system used to address and broadcast audio to a large audience, often used in public spaces and events.
PAL
Phase Alternating Line, a video standard used in many countries, including Europe, that features 625-line resolution and 50 Hz frame rate.
Pass Through
A feature allowing an audio or video signal to pass through a device without being altered, often used for signal routing.
Passive
Refers to electronic components or devices that do not require an external power source for operation.
PCM
Pulse Code Modulation, a method of digitally encoding audio signals used for high-quality audio recording and playback.
Phantom Power
An electrical power source provided to certain microphones, typically condenser microphones, through the audio cable.
Pink noise
A type of random noise with equal energy per octave, often used for testing and calibration purposes.
Pixel
The smallest element of a digital image or display, representing a single point of colour or light.
Pixel pitch
The distance between adjacent pixels on a display or screen, affecting image clarity and resolution.
PoC / Power over Cable
A technology that allows devices to receive power through the same cable used for data transmission.
PoE / Power over Ethernet
A technology that delivers electrical power along with data over an Ethernet cable to power network devices.
Point
Typically refers to a specific location or position in an audio-visual setup or event.
Polar pattern
The directional sensitivity of a microphone, indicating from which directions it captures sound.
Powered
Refers to devices that have built-in amplification or receive power from an external source, often in the context of speakers or microphones.
Progressive Scan
A video display format that shows each frame sequentially, providing smoother motion and higher resolution.
Projector
A device used to display images, videos, or presentations on a screen or surface.
PVR
Personal Video Recorder, a device that records television content for later viewing, often with features like time-shifting and video-on-demand.
R
Rack unit (RU)
A unit of measure for the vertical space in a standard equipment rack, typically 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) in height.
Rack-Mountable
Refers to equipment designed to be installed in standard equipment racks, commonly used in professional audio-visual setups.
Radiofrequency (RF)
Frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum used for wireless communication and transmission, including radio and television.
Radiofrequency interference (RFI)
Unwanted electromagnetic interference that can affect the performance of electronic devices.
Ratio
A comparison between two values or quantities, often used in audio-visual settings to describe proportions or relationships.
RCA
A type of electrical connector often used for analog audio and video connections.
Rear Projection
A projection setup where the projector is positioned behind a translucent screen, providing a different visual effect.
Rear screen projection
A projection technique where the projector is located behind the screen or surface used for display.
Receiver (RX)
A device that receives and processes audio, video, or data signals, often used in audio-visual systems.
Remote (Site, Audience, or Participant)
Typically refers to locations, viewers, or participants that are physically remote or distant from a central point of focus in an audio-visual setup.
Request-to-Speak Indicators
Visual or audio cues used in conferencing systems to signal when a participant wishes to speak or make a comment.
Resolution
The level of detail in an image or video, often measured in terms of pixel dimensions or quality.
Reverb or Reverberation
The reflection of sound waves off surfaces, creating a sense of space and ambience in audio recordings or live sound.
RGB
Red, Green, Blue, a colour model used in displays, where different combinations of these colours create a wide range of colours.
RJ45
A standard connector used for Ethernet and network cables.
RMS
Root Mean Square, a method for measuring the average amplitude of an audio signal, often used to represent audio power or loudness.
Room Cameras
Cameras positioned within a room or space to capture various angles and perspectives during events or presentations.
Room Volume
The size and acoustics of an enclosed space, impacting the sound quality and reverberation.
RS-232
A standard for serial communication used for connecting and controlling various devices in audio-visual systems.
S
S-Video
Separate Video, a video connection that separates the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) components for better picture quality than composite video.
Sampling Rate
The number of samples of an analog signal taken per second to convert it to a digital format, typically measured in Hertz (Hz).
Scalability
The ability of a system or technology to adapt and expand to accommodate increasing demands or changes in scope.
Scaler
A device used to convert video signals from one resolution to another, often used for compatibility between different display devices.
SCART
A European standard connector used for audio-visual equipment, providing multiple signal types through a single cable.
Screencast
The recording and sharing of on-screen activity, often used for software tutorials and demonstrations.
SD
Standard Definition, a video format with lower resolution and image quality compared to high-definition (HD).
Secam
Séquentiel couleur à mémoire, a video standard used in some countries, including France and parts of Eastern Europe.
Shotgun microphone
A highly directional microphone with a narrow pickup pattern, ideal for isolating sound sources and reducing background noise.
Shutter Speed
The duration of time for which a camera’s sensor or film is exposed to light, affecting the capture of motion and exposure in photography and videography.
Single Camera Recording
The process of capturing video content using a single camera, often used in documentaries and interviews.
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol, a communication protocol used for initiating, maintaining, modifying, and terminating real-time sessions, such as video and voice calls.
SMART Monitor
A type of interactive display or whiteboard used in educational and collaborative environments for interactive learning and presentations.
Sound Control
The management of audio elements in an environment to ensure clarity, quality, and appropriate volume levels.
Speakon(c)
A type of connector often used in audio systems to connect amplifiers to speakers and maintain secure connections.
SPL
Sound Pressure Level, a measurement of sound intensity often used to describe the loudness or volume of audio signals.
Stereo
Audio or sound that is reproduced through two channels, typically left and right speakers, creating a sense of spatial depth and direction.
Streaming
The process of transmitting audio or video content over the internet in real-time, allowing viewers to access and consume the content as it is being delivered.
Subwoofers
Speakers designed to reproduce low-frequency audio, including deep bass and sub-bass frequencies.
T
TBC
Time Base Corrector, a device used to stabilize and correct timing issues in video signals, reducing jitter and other distortions.
Techsmith Relay
A screen recording and lecture capture solution used in educational and corporate environments for creating and sharing video content.
Teleconference
The use of telephone communication technology at a lectern or podium to conduct audio conferences or teleconferences.
Throw distance
The distance between a projector and the projection surface, which affects the size and clarity of the projected image.
Timecode
A system for labelling and synchronizing audio and video recordings, ensuring accurate alignment in post-production.
Toslink
A common optical digital audio connector used for transmitting audio signals between devices.
Touch Panel
An interactive screen or display that allows users to interact with content, often used in control systems and interactive presentations.
Transcoding
The process of converting digital media files from one format or codec to another, often used for compatibility or compression.
Transmitter
A device that sends audio or video signals wirelessly to receivers or other devices, typically used in wireless microphones and video transmission.
TRS
Tip, Ring, Sleeve, a type of audio connector used for balanced audio connections, including headphones and microphones.
TS
Tip, Sleeve, a type of audio connector used for unbalanced audio connections, such as guitar cables.
Twisted pair
A type of cable that consists of pairs of insulated wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference, often used for Ethernet and telephone connections.
U
UHD
Ultra High Definition, a video standard with significantly higher resolution and quality than standard high definition (HD).
Unbalanced circuit
An audio circuit that uses a single conductor and a ground, often more susceptible to interference than balanced circuits.
Underexposure
When an image or video is too dark, causing a loss of detail in shadows and potentially image noise.
Upscaling
The process of increasing the resolution of an image or video to match a higher-resolution display, often used for older content on modern screens.
USB
Universal Serial Bus, a common interface used for connecting a wide range of devices to computers and other hosts.
USB 3.1
An updated version of USB that offers higher data transfer speeds and improved connectivity options.
USB Type C or USBC
A reversible, compact USB connector that can be plugged in either way, commonly used in modern devices.
V
VGA
Video Graphics Array, an analog video connection standard used for computer displays.
Video Editing
The process of manipulating and arranging video footage to create a final video product, often involving cutting, sequencing, and adding effects.
Video On Demand (VOD)
A service that allows viewers to access and watch video content at their convenience, often used for movies and TV shows.
Video Production
The process of creating video content, including planning, recording, editing, and post-production.
Videoconference (appliance)
A dedicated device used for conducting video conferences, often with built-in cameras, microphones, and software.
Videoconference (web) (aka webconference)
Online video communication and collaboration, allowing participants to meet and interact remotely over the internet.
Videoconference-Equipped Rooms
Meeting spaces equipped with audio-visual technology and equipment for video conferencing and collaboration.
Viewing angle
The range of angles from which a display or screen can be viewed with acceptable visual quality.
Voice over IP / VoIP
A technology that enables voice and video communication over the internet, often used for phone calls and conferencing.
W
Webcast
A live or recorded broadcast over the internet, often used for events, seminars, or educational presentations.
White Balance
The adjustment of camera settings to ensure accurate colours in an image or video, particularly under different lighting conditions.
Widescreen
A video or display format with a wider aspect ratio than standard 4:3, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
Wireless
Refers to technology that uses radio waves or infrared signals to transmit data without the need for physical cables.
Wireless Handheld Microphone
A wireless microphone with a built-in transmitter, often used by presenters, singers, or speakers for mobility.
Wireless Inductive Charging
A technology that wirelessly charges devices, such as smartphones and tablets, by using electromagnetic fields.
Wireless Lapel Microphone
A wireless microphone with a small, clip-on design, often used for hands-free speech or presentations.
Wireless Microphone
A microphone that operates without physical cables, using radio frequencies or infrared signals for transmission.
WLAN
Wireless Local Area Network, a wireless network that connects devices within a limited geographic area, typically using Wi-Fi technology.
Woofers
Speakers designed to reproduce low-frequency audio, including bass and mid-bass frequencies.
X
xvYCC
Extended-gamut YCbCr, a colour encoding standard that supports a broader colour range than standard RGB or YCbCr formats.
Y
YPbPr
A colour space used in video and digital imaging, representing luminance (Y), blue-difference chroma (Pb), and red-difference chroma (Pr).
Z
Zoom Lens
A camera lens with variable focal lengths, allowing users to zoom in and out to change the framing and composition of images or video.