You Be The Producer | Videomaker Magazine Tips

This article originally appeared in the Videomaker Magazine April, 2002 issue.
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A circuit on most camcorders that automatically adjusts a microphone's gain (volume) to match environmental sound levels.

Light-sensitive computer chip in video cameras that converts light into electrical flows.

A piece of software that converts a raw stream of uncompressed video to a compressed form. The same piece of software can also play the compressed video on-screen.

With a capital "D" and a capital "V," DV is a specific video format; both a tape format (like Hi8) and a data format specification.

An optical data storage format that resembles CD but holds much more data. There are a number of DVD application formats, including video, audio and DVD-ROM.

Handwritten or computer-generated compilation of all edits (marked by their time codes in points and out points) planned for execution in a video production.

A process that limits shaky camera shots with digital processing found within a camcorder. [See OIS]

Measures the rate or speed of video or film. Film is typically shot and played back at 24fps. Video is recorded and played back at 30fps.

Pronounced "eye-triple-E thirteen-ninety-four," the institute establishes standards and protocols for a wide range of computer and communications technologies, including IEEE 1394, which is a specification FireWire data transmission widely used in DV. Sony refers to the ports on its products with the proprietary term, "i.LINK.

Hard-drive based editing system defined by its ability to randomly access and insert video in any order at any time. This is in contrast to linear tape-to-tape editing, which requires rewinding and fast forwarding in order to access material.

U.S. television broadcasting specifications. NTSC refers to all video systems conforming to this 525-line 59.94-field-per-second signal standard. [See PAL, SECAM]

A process of limiting shaky camera shots with mechanical movement of the optical system within a camcorder. [See EIS]

625-line 50-field-per-second television signal standard used in Europe and South America. Incompatible with NTSC. [See NTSC, SECAM]

The apparent position of the observer in a shoot that defines the camera's position.

Small, sensitive condenser mike, usually attached to a 5-inch-square metal backing plate. Senses air pressure changes in tiny gap between the mike element and the plate.

A popular cable connector used for home audio as well as video components. The standard connection for direct audio/video inputs and outputs. RCA connectors are also known as phono plugs and jacks.

Video signal transmission system that differentiates and processes all color information in separate red, green and blue components the primary colors of light for optimum image quality. Also defines type of color monitor.

625-line 25-frame-per-second television signal standard used in France and the Soviet Republic. Incompatible with NTSC; PAL and SECAM are partially compatible. [See NTSC, PAL]

Permits video signal mixing from two or more sources cameras, time-base correctors and character generators for dissolves, wipes and other transition effects.

Time-code standard that addresses every frame on a videotape with a unique number (in hours, minutes, seconds, frames) to aid logging and editing. Format used for film, video and audio. The SMPTE sanctions standards for recording systems in North America.

Multifunction machine intended primarily for recording and playback of videotape that is stored in cassettes.

Predominant half-inch videotape format developed by Matsushita and licensed by JVC.

Three-pin plug for three-conductor "balanced" audio cable, employed with high-quality microphones, mixers and other audio equipment.

Also known as S-video. Employed with Hi8 and S-VHS video formats and analog output -on digital camcorders. Transmits luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) portions separately via multiple wires.