1/4-inch audiotape
- 1-, 2-, or 4-track analog open reel format
1/2-inch audiotape
- 2-, 4-, or 8-track analog open reel format. Used on 4-track
open reel recorders as a master for film and video mixes; also
occasionally used as a 30ips 2-track master for record mixes
1-inch audiotape
- 2-, 4-, 8-, or 16-track analog open reel format. Used on some
current and older 16-track reel-to-reel machines. The standard
8-track format of the late '60s and early '70s. New 2 track version
is being used for music mastering
1-inch videotape
- Old standard format for composite broadcast-quality video on
1-inch open reel tapes; largely replaced today by Beta-SP or digital
formats
2-inch audiotape
- The standard size of 24-track analog open reel recording tape
4mm DDS
- Verified Digital Data Storage for archival backups, same mechanical
format as DAT; offers 1.2 to 2 gigabytes storage
8mm DDS
- Verified Digital Data Storage for archival backups, same mechanical
format as 8mm; offers 1.2 to 6 gigabytes storage (aka Exabyte)
8mm videotape
- Used primarily in handheld camcorders; a small cassette that
yields a high quality picture and hi-fi sound. Requires 8mm deck
or camera for playback
Address track
- An extra track on an audio or video tape for recording timecode
information
A-DAM
- Akai's 12-channel digital audiotape format, uses high-grade
90-minute 8mm cassettes.
ADAT -
8-channel digital audiotape format, uses S-VHS metal-particle
cassettes (Alesis, Fostex, Studer)
ADR -
Automated Dialog Replacement. An ADR session is one in which live
actors watch a scene on a monitor or projection screen in the
studio and lip-sync the words. Used to replace poorly recorded
or unacceptable takes, or to dub a film into another language.
Also referred to as looping.
AFI -
American Film Institute, a nonprofit organization that sponsors
film festivals and offers a program for film students who are
granted small budgets for independent films.
AFM -
American Federation of Musicians, the musicians union. Work under
AFM jurisdiction requires written AFM contracts and scale wages
AFTRA
- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the actors'
union for radio and TV and the singers' union for radio. Work
under AFTRA jurisdiction requires written AFTRA contracts and
scale wages
Animatic
- A film of still pictures or drawings, shot in real time, to
better present an idea for shooting live action later. Often used
by advertising agencies
Announce Booth
- A film term for any live recording area in which an announcer
records voice-over copy. An announce booth can be anything from
a 8' x 4' vocal booth to a 60' x 90' orchestral stage
Answer Print
- The first completed picture and sound print of a film that
the director delivers to the producer
Bay -
Film term for a control room, as in edit bay or mixing bay
Beep Generator
- A synchronizer that produces a series of short beeps used to
cue actors or sound effects performers when they are recording
to picture
Betacam
- 1/2-inch component analog videotape, used extensively by news
crews
Betacam SP
- High-band 1/2-inch component analog videotape. Uses metal tapes
for increased performance. Compatible with Betacam machines, but
requires Betacam SP decks for upgraded playback. Betacam-SP is
the standard professional analog videotape format in use today
Bump -
Extra time that's added to a booking, allowing a session to go
overtime if necessary. Not charged unless used
Casting
- An audition process to help select talent for a shoot or narration
session. Usually involves the producer and director, sometimes
the writer(s) for a production.
CD-R -
Compact Disc Recordable: A blank mastering format for write once
CD audio recorders, CD-ROM, CD-I, Photo CD, CD+G, etc.
Clone
- An exact digital copy of an original tape; (theoretically) no
generational loss (cf. Dub)
Component
- Analog video format which separates the video signal into three
primary components (labelled Y, U, V) for increased clarity. Used
on Betacam-SP and M-II videotape formats. Digital component technology
will be the basis for Digital Television (DTV) signals.
Composite
- Analog video format which combines luminance (brightness) and
chrominance (color) signals into a single channel. Used on NTSC/PAL
broadcasts, along with 1-inch, U-Matic and VHS videotape formats
Composite
- A combination of music, dialog and effects tracks onto a single
mono mac or optical track.
D1 - Component
4:2:2 digital videotape format, 3/4-inch cassete. Has four audio
tracks, plus SMPTE and cue audio tracks
D2 - Composite
digital videotape format, 3/4-inch cassette. Has four audio tracks,
plus SMPTE and cue audio track
D3 - Composite
digital videotape format, 1/2-inch cassette. Has four audio tracks,
plus SMPTE and cue audio track
D5 - Component
4:4:4 digital videotape format, 1/2-inch cassette. Has four audio
tracks, plus SMPTE and cue audio track
DA-88
- 8-channel digital audiotape format, uses Hi-8 metal-particle
cassettes (Tascam, Sony); (aka DTRS)
DASH -
Digital Audio Stationary Head. Multitrack digital audio open reel
format used by Sony and Studer. Available in 2-, 24- and 48-track
version. Precursor to R-DAT.
DAT -
Digital Audio Tape, cassette shell, 2 tracks. Rotary head mechanism
(aka R-DAT)
DCT -
Digital Component Technology. Ampex digital 3/4-inch videocassettes
DGS -
Digital Generation Service. A commercial service to quickly transmit
radio spots via ISDN to local and national radio stations, or
other studios equipped with DGS terminals. Audio sent via DGS
is a high quality copy of the original (audio fax) and does not
suffer from any artifacting associated with compressed data systems
(codecs). To accomplish this, DGS is a non-real time system.The
signal is recorded into the DGS computer at full fidelity, then
slowed down for transmission, like a modem does to download files
from the internet.
Digital Betacam
- Component digital videotape, 1/2-inch cassettes. Backwards compatibility
allows Digital Betacam decks to play analog Betacam tapes
Digitizing
- Process of encoding audio or video media into digital form for
use in an audio or video workstation
Donut
- A commercial jingle that features music in the beginning and
end, leaving an open space for copy in the middle.
Drop Frame
- A common timecode format for videotapes. So called because two
timing frames are dropped from the count every 60 seconds to correct
for mathematical discrepancies with color video formats
DTRS -
8-channel digital audiotape format, uses Hi-8 metal-particle cassettes
(Tascam, Sony) (aka DA-88)
DTV -
Digital Television. Newly emerging standard using component digital
video and multichannel digital audio for improved picture and
sound. Also permits data transmissions and shared use of bandwidth
for running multiple programs or applications (cf. internet)
Dub -
A copy of an existing tape (analog or digital). Each dub is one
generation older than its source. (cf. Clone)
DV (DVCam, DVCPro)
- Component Digital Videotape formats. Different variants are
consumer or professional versions. Replacing Hi-8 and Betacam-SP
as a field acquistion format
Edited Master
- The master video that is the result of an online session. Laying
back the master audio mix onto this tape is the final step in
the entire production process
EDL -
Edit Decision List. A printed list generated during an offline
editing session, detailing alI the picture edit points and their
locations. Used in audio post sessions to find record and offset
points quickly and accurately. Many sync systems allow the engineer
to type in EDLs and automatically advance to each successive point
EFX -
Effects (aka SFX, sound effects)
Exabyte
- Verified Digital Data Storage for archival backups using 8mm
cassettes; offers 1.2 to 6 gigabytes storage (aka 8mm DDS)
Exporting
- Half of the process of converting project documents and media
files from one workstation format to another, so that work may
continue in a different studio (cf. Importing)
F1 - Obsolete
2-track format that stored digital audio on Betamax or VHS tapes.
Foley, Foley Effects
- Live sound effects performed to picture in the studio;
named after the man who invented the art in the 1930s. Historically
used for live radio broadcasts and feature film soundtracks, foley
work is a craft all its own. For example, most footsteps in feature
films are created as a post effect by the foley artist walking
in a box of sand or gravel in sync with the actor's movements,
rather than using the footsteps recorded during the actual shoot.
Frame
- The smallest unit of time and picture measurement, a single
still picture on a piece of film or videotape. On film, 24 frames
equals one second of motion. In video, 30 frames equals one second
FTP -
File Transfer Protocol. An internet technology for transferring
files between computers over a network using TCP/IP (internet)
protocols.
Full Coat
- Sprocketed film stock with the entire surface coated with magnetic
oxide for audio. Usually used for 3- or 4-track recording
Green Room
- A room at the studio where performers relax when not working.
Hi-8 -
High band 8mm videotape format, enhanced resolution with PCM audio.
Often used for ENG (Electronic News Gathering) applications
Holding
- The accepted practice of reserving recording session time without
firmly commiting to it. If another request comes in for the same
time, the caller with time on hold gets first refusal for the
booking
IATSE
- International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees, the film
trade union for behind-the-scenes workers, including recording
engineers
Importing
- Half of the process of converting project documents and media
files from one workstation format to another, so that work may
continue in a different studio (cf. Exporting)
Industrial
- A film or video used for sales training or product presentations;
not intended for public broadcast.
Interlock
- Synchronization of audio to video components via an electronic
or computerized system, so that the audio recording stays in perfect
sync with the picture (aka sync)
ISDN -
Integrated Services Digital Network. An ISDN link is used when
your talent is in one studio while you are recording their voice
in another studio, typically in a different city. This permits
real-time interaction between talent and producer, and results
in a high fidelity digital recording that you can edit and mix
with immediately.
Kill Fee
- A fee charged by the studio for session time that was scheduled
but cancelled by the dent at the last minute.
Layback -
Transfer of a final audio mix from multitrack to the final video
format
Laydown
- The transfer of audio source material from the master videotape
to multitrack audio tape
Libraries
- Commercially produced, pre-cataloged music and sound effect
collections which can save the time and expense of recording,
creating or composing custom elements for your productions (often
called stock music, needle drops or music drops). Individual music
drops are priced by how and where they are used: broadcast or
industrial, radio or television, what market and for how long,
etc.. Licenses are non-exclusive.
Live Tag
- Also called a Local Open-Ended Spot. A space left open at the
end of a commercial for a live announcer to add local information
at the time of broadcast.
Lockup
- See Interlock
Looping
- See ADR (Automated Dialog Replacement)
M&E -
Music and Effects. Refers to the separate tracks on a film or
video which exist independently of the dialog. Often used when
dubbing into another language.
Mag Machine
- A machine that records and plays sound on 35mm film. Used for
mag transfers
Mag Stripe
- Oxide coating on clear film stock, used for the soundtrack
Mag Film
- A form of magnetic recording tape which uses film stock as a
base. The mag film stock has sprocket holes on the side which
run in sync with film in a projector or optical transfer unit.
Mag Transfer
- Transfer of audio to the magnetic stripe on 35mm film
Mix to Pix
- Mixing to Picture. Creating, modifying or finishing the soundtrack
to a video or film. All audio elements either match on-screen
events or are used to tell the story or narrative (dialog, music,
etc.). Mix to pix work involves using equipment that keeps
the audio in sync with the picture, allows the engineer and producer
to see the picture as audio work is performed, and allows finished
soundtracks to be layed back to the master videotape or film.
Mono Mag
- Film stock with a single track of audio
MOS -
A picture with no sound elements. Attributed to a German director
from the 1930s who would say "Mit-cut-sprache" ("without words").
Colloquialized to "Mitout sound."
Nagra
- A special tape recorder used for sound during filming in the
field. It syncs to picture for playback using a special pilot
tone, or the motor may be locked to the speed of a vibrating crystal
(known as "crystal sync"). Nagra recordings must be played back
on decks that can read this tone.
Needle Drop
- The use of prerecorded music as underscoring to picture. Originally
referred to a phonograph needle dropping onto a record, today
applies primarily to CDs
Nonlinear
- Refers to any format that provides digital access to information,
including recorders and workstations. Nonlinear technology greatly
minimzes search and access time for media
NTSC -
National Television Standards Committee. The standard composite
broadcast video format in North America, Japan and most of Latin
America
Online
- In video editing, refers to the editing and final recording
of the master program
Optical Track
- A visible photographic strip printed on film that contains its
soundtrack.
PAL -
Phase Alteration by Line. The standard composite broadcast video
format for most of Europe and parts of South America. Incompatible
with North American machines.
Pancake
- Audio or video tape that is wound onto an inner hub without
an outer shell or reel. This lowers the cost and allows easy transfer
to a choice of reels
Phone Patch
- Sending or receiving audio from a session over a standard telephone
line, typically so that a producer can direct or a client can
listen in remotely.
POTS -
Plain Old Telephone Service. An acronym used to identify the use
of conventional analog phone lines in a mixed-format environment
also using digital formats (ISDN, T1, T3, etc.)
Public Domain
- Any creative work, such as a piece of music, in which there
is no copyright, or whose copyright has expired, therefore allowing
anyone to use it commercially without permission or payments.
Most work written prior to the 1900s is Public Domain. The new
copyright laws set protection for the life of the creator plus
50 years.
PD - Professional
Digital 1/4-inch for 2-track, 1-inch for 32- or 64-track audio.
Discontinued format for Mitsubishi and Otari
Pre-Dub
- A mixdown of several audio elements to a single track, done
to make the final mix more manageable
Production Audio
- Audio tracks that already exist on a film or videotape They
are transferred to multitrack as part of the first step in audio
sweetening
Production Elements
- (also Production Rolls) Separate 1/4-inch audio tapes recorded
by the location sound engineer during filming or videotaping that
may contain outtakes, extra sound effects or ambient noise associated
with the scene. Often recorded on a Nagra recorder, which requires
a 2-track playback machine equipped with a pilot tone or center
track head
Protection Master
- A duplicate tape of the original, usually kept in a separate
place as safety backup
Removable MO
- Magneto-optical cartridge for the Sony PCM-9000 recorder, as
well as many digital workstations
Rough Cut
- A rough, initial edited version of a film or video, assembled
to get a general idea of what the work will look like
S-VHS
- High-band 1/2-inch analog video format, increases the number
of lines of resolution for improved picture. Cannot be played
on a standard VHS deck, but S-VHS decks can play standard VHS
tapes.
Safety
- A duplicate of the master tape, recorded for security.
SAG -
Screen Actors Guild, the union for actors, singers and voice-over
talent for TV commercials and film. Work under SAG jurisdiction
requires written SAG contracts and scale wages
Scale
- Union term for a specific wage guaranteed to a member for services.
The performance unions publish current lists detailing amounts,
and will quote scale for specific projects over the phone
Scratch Track
- In post-production, refers to a non-master recording used as
a reference, usually done quickly and simply to get the general
idea across and establish timings that will be replaced during
sweetening. In music production, a reference track used as a guide
for recording overdubs
SECAM
- The standard composite broadcast video format in France, Russia
and parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Incompatible
with North American machines
SFX -
Abbreviation for Sound Effects
Single Stripe
- On mag transfers, usually containing a composite audio track
done on special stock with one small audio strip of oxide coating
on perforated 16 or 35mm film
SMPTE
- Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
SMPTE Timecode
- A system used for synchronizing audio or video, synths, drum
machines and sequencers. When used on tape, SMPTE occupies either
a special address track, or one track on a multitrack master.
You can also generate visible time code on a readout screen or
monitor. Example: "01 :02:52:27" means 1 hour, 2 minutes, 52 seconds,
27 frames.
Stage
- Film term for a studio, as in shooting stage or sound stage
Stripe
- A thin ribbon of audio tape mounted on clear l6mm or 35mm film
stock, used to transfer a tape recording onto film for editing
Studio Manager
- The person responsible for causing impossible scheduling demands,
cranky clientele and loudly moaning engineers to appear to be
non-problematic
Surround Sound
- Using multiple playback channels [speakers] around the room
to sonically engulf the listener (stereo uses two channels to
create a sonic image in front of a listener). Produces a sense
of realism and excitement beyond what stereo can offer.
Sync -
Synchronization of audio to video components via an electronic
or computerized system, so that the audio recording stays in perfect
sync with the picture (aka interlock)
Sync Pulse
- A timing signal used to maintain a recorder's speed consistency
when the audio is played back, which takes up one track on the
24-track master. In film mixing, sync purse is always transferred
to a separate track of a 2- or 4-track tape to maintain the same
synchronization in the final mix to film.
Sync Pop
- An audible beep on either tape or mag stripe used as a common
sync point to align picture and sound. Typically a blip of 1kHz
tone 2 frames in duration, located exactly 2 seconds before program
start
T1
- A digital telephone line offering 1.5Mbps symmetrical bandwidth
T3 - A
digital telephone line offering 36Mbps sysmmetrical bandwidth
(equivalent to 24 T1 lines)
Telecine
- Picture and/or audio transfer from film to video. Also known
by the machine's name, Rank Cintel
Three-Stripe
- A sprocketed mag film format using three parallel audio tracks
on 35mm film stock, containing separate soundtrack information,
usually divided into dialog, music and sound effects
Timecode
- Generic name for SMPTE timecode
Trailer
- A preview or coming-attractions film for a feature movie or
show, so called because it is spliced onto the beginning or end
of a feature film shown in movie theaters.
Tracking
- Musical instrument recording to multitrack tape. First step
in the recording process
Two Beep, Two Pop
- see Sync Pop
U-Matic
- Analog composite 3/4-inch video tape format, the commercial
standard before 1-inch
U-Matic SP
- High band U-Matic format, increased resolution. Compatible with
standard U-Matic tapes
VHS -
Analog composite 1/2-inch video; the standard home video format
VHS-C
- Mini-camcorder videotape format. Can be placed in an adapter
and played back on a regular VHS deck
Video Post
- Editing and enhancement done to picture following live production.
Visible Code
- On videotape, a small horizontal rectangle is superimposed over
a portion of the picture, displaying time code numbers for production
reference. A necessity for composers to get accurate musical timings
and for editors and engineers who need a numerical visual reference.
(aka Visible Window or Window Burn)
Visible Window
- On videotape, a small horizontal rectangle is superimposed over
a portion of the picture, displaying time code numbers for production
reference. A necessity for composers to get accurate musical timings
and for editors and engineers who need a numerical visual reference.
(aka Visible Code or Window Burn)
V.O. -
Voiceover or announcing. A V.O. session involves an announcer
recording either directly to 2-track or to multitrack, often along
with picture.
Voice-Over
- A V.O. session involves an announcer recording either directly
to 2-track or to multitrack, often along with picture.
Walla
- The sound of murmuring or background noises made by a few people
or a crowd in which individual voices are undiscernable. Also
called Crowd Walla or Rhubarb.
Wild Track
- In film, a sound recording made separately or out of sync with
the picture
Window Burn
On videotape, a small horizontal rectangle is superimposed over
a portion of the picture, displaying time code numbers for production
reference. A necessity for composers to get accurate musical timings
and for editors and engineers who need a numerical visual reference.
(aka Visible Window or Visible Code)
Work Print
- A temporarily print made of a film to be used for post-production.
Also a dub of a film or video program used as a reference in the
studio, thus protecting the master from possible damage
Workstation
- A grouping of pieces of computer based hardware that forms a
complete production environment for recording and manipulating
sound and/or picture elements