16:9 - Picture ratio for UK standard widescreen TV.
1920 x 1080 - Frame size, in pixels, of a high definition (HD) television picture. The standard for most of your work at Bath Spa.
2k - Frame size of a high definition (HD) ‘film’ picture size for cinematic release. Resolution in pixels is: 2048 x 1080. (Also see HD/1920x1080).
4:3 - Picture ratio for old-fashioned, pre-widescreen TV.
4K - Ultra-high definition picture standard for ‘film’ cinematic release. Resolution in pixels is: 4096 x 2160. (Also see UHD).
Anamorphic Lens - A cinema lens that shoots a squeeze image onto a 4:3 image for later being desqueezed back to widescreen.
Aperture - The hole at the front of a camera which lets in light. Measured in ‘f-numbers’. The larger the number, the smaller the aperture (hole) and so less light hits the camera’s sensor.
Aspect Ratio - The ratio of the width to the height of an image or screen.
Autocue - Brand name of system which displays script in front of a studio camera lens so that the presenter can read it whilst looking at the camera. Operator makes sure that script moves at a speed matching the presenter’s reading speed. Autocue has become a generic name for such systems. Other brands: Autoscript, Portaprompt.
Attenuator (ATT) - Circuit for reducing the amplitude (size) of an audio signal so that it doesn’t overload or distort.
Auxiliary Output (Aux) - Outputs on various pieces of equipment which are in addition to the main signal/programme output - e.g. on the vision mixer and studio sound desk. They are used to send selected signals to extra monitors, loudspeakers etc.
Back light - A light positioned behind and above a subject so as to illuminate their hair and shoulders. It separates them from the background giving the shot more sense of depth. Also referred to as hair lights, rim lights or kickers.
Barn doors - Metal flaps mounted on the front of a light which can be moved to target the throw of light.
B&B (Black and Burst) - Video reference signal used to ensure that all equipment in the studio starts outputting each video frame at the same time. Run to video equipment in addition to the video output cable. Particularly needed if connecting a non-studio camera (eg. PMW200) into the studio. Also called Video Ref (or Ref).
Big Close up (BCU) - Size of camera shot which shows only a person’s face. Or a very close shot of an object.
Bit Rate - The number of bits (of data) in each second of playback; expressed in bits per second (bits/s, or bps). Often used to measure the quality of a video process - e.g. converting or downloading. The higher the bit rate, the better quality you will get. (The same high definition video transferred with a low and high bit rate will give you two videos of two different qualities.)
BlackMagicDesign - Brand of video production hardware, video switchers etc.
BNC - Type of connector usually used for video - on cameras and video equipment. Uses Coax cable (2 conductors).
Bokeh - the out of focus circles in the background - defined by the lens and the aperture blades.
Camera Chart - Specially designed chart mounted on board. Placed in front of studio cameras so each can be adjusted using controls in the gallery. The aim is to match the cameras so that they all show the same colours and white balance.
Camera Control Unit (CCU) - Main unit providing power and control for each studio camera. They are in the Central Apparatus Room (CAR) and need to switching on for the cameras to work.
CAR - See Central Apparatus Room.
Cat 5 - Standard for internet connections. The type of cable and plug used to connect any networked device to the network.
CCU - See Camera Control Unit
‘CeeForm’ - Type of mains electrical connector used in the studio for lighting and power distribution. Round fittings with sprung flap on outlets - are shower/waterproof when connected so can be used outside. Normally blue in colour denoting 240v (single-phase). Red is sometime seen in studios/OBs denoting 415v supplies (3-phase).
Central Apparatus Room (CAR) - Room next to the gallery containing the main technical apparatus for the studio. Not generally accessible to students.
Chromakey - Method of shooting scene in front of a plain coloured background and then keying a different image into the background by replacing the said colour. Also known as ‘green screen’ because the most commonly used colour is green. Blue also used especially if there are green objects in foreground. The effect can be created in an edit or the studio. (Also see Infinity Curve).
Chromatic aberration - In optics, chromatic aberration is a failure of a lens to focus all colours to the same point. It is caused by dispersion: the refractive index of the lens elements varies with the wavelength of light.
Clapper Board - Whiteboard or similar carrying details of the production - title, date, shot number, take number, director etc - used to identify a take and to ‘mark’ the start of the take by clapping together two parts to make a noise. Makes syncing of sound and vision easier in the edit. Not usually used in multi-camera studio production.
Clock - Graphic representation of a clock usually played from VT which counts down to the start of a programme or sequence and identifies it. Used for studio recordings.
Close Up (CU) - Size of camera shot which includes a person’s head but only little of their neck. Or a tight shot of an object.
Contrast - The ratio of light and dark in an image.
Countdown - Counting down in seconds from 10 to zero - the point at which something will start or stop. Used at the start of studio rehearsals and recordings to gather everyone together to start at the right point, or at the end of a recorded piece of VT to indicate when it is going to end and something else will start. The latter often referred to as ‘counting out’.
Crab - To move a camera and its tripod or pedestal left or right. (Director’s instructions: ‘Crab Left’, ‘Crab Right’.) Note the difference between crabbing and panning.
Crane - To raise or lower a camera on its tripod or pedestal. (Director’s instructions: ‘Crane Up’, ‘Crane Down’.) Note the difference between craning up/down and tilting up/down.
Cue - Point in a script when something happens; presenter starts talking, VT starts playing, etc.
To indicate to someone that they should start talking or do something.
Director’s instruction specifically to start an artiste or presenter doing something: “Cue Fred”.
dB - See Decibel
Daisy chain - Way of connecting some equipment by looping from one unit to the next rather than each one having its own connection to a power source or control system. Studio lights can have their power and their DMX connections daisy-chained.
Decibel (dB) - Unit for measuring loudness. Audio equipment is often fitted with meters labelled in decibels. 0dB is effectively a maximum level before distortion may start to appear in your sound and the meters are often red above this level.
DI Box - Box of electronics designed to take signal from an electric musical instrument – e.g. guitar, keyboard – and output a signal suitable for plugging into the studio Wallboxes.
DMX - A communications protocol used to control studio lighting. Each light needs a DMX connection - made using a 5-pin XLR connector - which connects it to the lighting control desk. DMX connections can be daisy-chained from light to light.
Each light also needs a DMX number (address), set on the side, which enables the lighting desk to control it. A single connection can carry upto 512 channels of control data which is called a ‘Universe’. Lighting desks can control multiple universes.
Dynamic Mic - Microphone which works by vibrating a coil of wire set between the poles of a magnet. Works without any power source - does not need phantom power.
Dynamic Range - This is range from middle grey to the highlight and shadow details a camera can capture.
Earpiece - Device a presenter puts in their ear and connects to a feed of programme sound and/or talkback. (Sometime also called an IEM - In-Ear Monitor).
Equalisation (EQ) - Method of adjusting audio signals to boost or reduce the different frequencies it contains.
Fader - Control for adjusting the level of sound broadcast in a programme or recording. Usually a sliding control.
Feedback - The howling whistle caused when a microphone is fed to a loudspeaker in the same space as the microphone. Can also happen with electric guitars etc.
Fill (light) - A soft light positioned in front of a subject usually on the opposite side to the key light so that it ‘fills in’ shadows created by the key light.
Fire Lane - Gangway in the TV studio which must be kept clear of equipment so that it acts as an emergency exit. The floor is painted red. Any cables placed across the fire lane must be in a cable trap/ramp.
Flood - Type of light, or setting on a light, producing a softer-edged beam. The action of adjusting a light to produce the softer-edged beam.
Floor Manager (FM) - Person in charge of the studio floor; responsible for the safety of all personnel. Listens to production talkback on headphones and passes communications from the director in the gallery to people on the floor and vice versa.
Foldback - Loudspeaker(s) on the studio floor set up for artists, crew or audience to hear some parts of the audio mix.
Frame Memory - A memory within the vision mixer which can hold a still frame or a short piece of video (a few seconds). The vision mixer has 8 frame memories which can be used at any one time and a folder structure for storing media not currently in use.
Frame Rate - The number of frames per second (fps) in a piece of video. Generally in television in the UK this is 25fps. Higher frame rates can be used - e.g. to capture excellent slow motion or to avoid strobing effects from screens and fluorescent lighting). Only usually changeable in cameras used outside the studio. Some equipment in the production chain requires specific frame rates or it will not work - e.g. gallery playback software.
Fresnel - Design of glass lens in some studio lights, consisting of concentric rings. Also the name of a light fitted with such a lens. Produces a soft-edged beam of light which is of consistent brightness across the beam.
Gain (audio) - Control on audio equipment used to set an input at a suitable working level. Fine adjustment would be done with another control - e.g. a fader - as the programme progresses.
Gain (video) - Control which can enable shooting in lower light conditions by effectively increasing the sensitivity of the camera. But it can result in ‘noisy’ pictures. Use with care.
Gallery - The room from which activity in the TV studio is directed and controlled.
Gel - Colloquial name for transparent coloured sheets placed in front of studio lights to change the colour of the light. Usually mounted in a frame that can be slotted between the light housing and the barn doors.
Green Screen - See Chromakey
HDMI - High Definition Media Interface. A domestic connection used between TVs, PVRs, game consoles, cameras, computers etc. High quality but designed for use with adjacent equipment and not to run over long distances. Built-in copy protection called HDCP.
Head Room - Space at the top of frame above a person’s head or room left above the normal level of an audio source to allow it to get louder without hitting the maximum level and distorting (clipping).
High Definition (HD) - Television picture standard equivalent to 1920 x1080 pixels - the general HD TV standard in the UK. (See also 2K).
Hoist - Motorised lighting barrels in Studio A. Each has four carriers for hanging lights which can be moved along the hoist. They are lowered for the removal and fitting of lights and raised to appropriate height for each production. They carry electrical power and DMX control for the lights.
IMPORTANT: Control of the hoists, via a remote panel, must only be done after training & must be supervised by a TD at all times.
Highlight Rolloff - The way in which film or a digital sensor graduates highlight values off into a smoother gradient opposed to a harsh rolloff - it can become blocky & pixelated in 8bit footage.
Infinity Curve - Type of chromakey screen where the backing and flooring are joined together by a smooth curve allowing shots which show both the backing and floor but don’t suffer from keying problems at the join between them. (Also see Chromakey).
Jackfield - Rows of audio jack sockets next to sound mixer in the gallery used to make connections to the mixer. Only the GPO jack leads kept nearby should be used with it. Also known as a patch bay.
Keying - Method of combining elements from separate vision sources. Examples include adding names for contributors or titles to films. Also used to make composite effects (see Chromakey). Can be achieved in the gallery using the vision mixer or in edit systems such as Premiere Pro.
Key light - The main, frontal light shining on a subject.
Level - The strength of an audio signal as passes through the audio chain.
Line-up Chart - See Camera Chart
Looking Room - Space to one side of frame in the direction the subject (person) is looking during an interview. Looks better than having them centred in frame.
Loudspeaker talkback (LSTB) - A talkback circuit which delivers over a loudspeaker on the studio floor rather than headphones. So everyone on the floor can hear it.
IMPORTANT: It can also be heard even when microphones are live, so it cannot be used whilst recording or ‘on air’.
Lighting pole - Extending pole with hook on the end for adjusting studio lights at height. It allows adjustment for pan, tilt and spot/flood.
LiveKey - BlackMagic software running on the gallery Macs for playing graphics into live shows and recordings.
Long Shot (LS) - A camera shot framed so the whole person is in shot.
Lower third - Position on the screen where certain graphics appear - or the name of the graphic itself - usually the names of contributors as they talk. Also called supers because they are ‘superimposed’ on the picture using a keying process. Also widely called ‘Astons’ in industry after the original manufacturer of a lower third keyer.
MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) - Digital audio interface standard that can carry multiple channels of audio over a coax (BNC) or optical fibre connection. Typically carries 28, 56 or more commonly 64 channels simultaneously, normally at 48KHz @ 24 bit.
Matrix - A switcher for sound or vision enabling many inputs (sources) - cameras, graphics Macs, VT, vision mixer outputs, wallbox tie-lines etc. - to be switched to many parts of the studio system via the outputs (destinations), from one switching panel.
Media Express - BlackMagic software installed on Macs in the gallery designed for video playback. It is a bit fussy about which video formats it can play, and though it can load more than one video at a time they must all be in the same format.
MediaSAN - Very large media server connected to the edits suites and studio gallery. Can store all your media, edits and studio recordings. Please keep to guidelines for its use so you can find your media next time you need it.
Medium Close-up (MCU) - Size of camera shot which includes a person’s head and shoulders, but probably not their elbows.
Mid-shot (MS) - Size of camera shot which includes a person’s head and upper body, cutting them off near the waist.
Mix Effects (ME) bank - Upper area of the vision mixer designed for building more complex visual effects.
Monitor - TV screen, without any broadcast receiving equipment - i.e. it’s not a TV - used to view a camera or other source whether in the gallery, studio or on location.
Monitoring - System, of loudspeakers and meters, which enable you to hear and check sounds at various stages in the sound desk: sources, main output etc.
Monitor Mix - Similar to Foldback: a term used more in music production, for the speakers which feed elements of the sound mix to performers.
Monopod - Height-adjustable stick with camera mount which helps keep camera steady. Useful when you need to be more mobile than a tripod allows.
Open talkback - Talkback circuit which is always on, enabling those listening to hear the director at all times. Often specifically refers to presenter(s) being able to hear the director in their earpiece at all times.
Pack shot - In advertising, literally a shot of the product in its packaging. Elsewhere, a shot which shows an entire object, as opposed to detailed close ups etc.
Pan - To turn a camera left or right whilst keeping it in the same position - not moving the tripod or pedestal on which it is mounted. (Director’s instructions: ‘Pan Left’, ‘Pan Right’.)
To move an audio source left or right in a stereo ‘image’.
Patch bay (audio) - Rows of audio jack sockets next to sound mixer in the gallery used to make connections to the mixer. Only the GPO jack leads kept nearby should be used with it. Also known as a Jackfield.
Peaking - System on portable cameras to help with focussing. It makes coloured lines appear at points of contrast change in the image, usually the edges of objects. There is more contrast when the image is in sharp focus so the coloured lines are stronger.
Pedestal (Ped) - Rolling camera mount for studio work which is filled with pressurised gas so that the weight of the camera is balanced. Makes camera moves and operations smooth.
Phantom Power - Power supply sent to a microphone from the mixer, camera etc to which it is connected, via the same cable used for the audio signal from the microphone. Only some types of microphone require phantom power. It is supplied at 48volts DC (called P48) and usually marked on equipment/switches as +48V, although other voltage variations are also in use in broadcast (eg. T12 phantom powering - uses 12v dc), particularly for portable audio kit such as location audio recorders/mixers. P48 and T12 equipment can’t be used together.
Plate - Flat piece of metal which attaches to the base of a camera - usually with a screw fitting - and fits on the top of a tripod or other mount, often with a slide-and-click fitting allowing for quick fitting and removal.
Powercon - Type of mains electricity connector with twist-and-lock action. Blue and white fittings. Used on studio lights.
Prefade listen (PFL) - The ability to monitor an individual audio source - e.g. microphone, video playback - without fading it up and putting it on the output of the sound desk. Useful for setting levels and checking for problems. Often simply called ‘prefade’.
Preview (PVW) - Part of vision mixer and associated monitor in the gallery used to prepare a source - camera, VT etc - for going on air.
Production Talkback (PTB) - Main talkback circuit which enables everyone who needs to, to hear the director in the gallery. Usually an ‘open’ talkback - meaning the director does not have to press a button to be heard. They just speak.
Radio microphone - Microphone with a radio transmitter which therefore needs no cable. But it does need a matching radio receiver which is plugged into the next part of the chain - e.g. a camera, audio recorder or studio mixer. The microphone itself could be almost any type, but in the studio is usually a tiny personal presenter’s mic.
IMPORTANT: Be aware that the radio frequencies on which they operate are governed by law and you must use them legally.
‘Run’ - Director’s instruction specifically to VT operator: “Run VT”, “Run Credits”
Resolution - The number of pixels in an image.
Safety bond - Essential loop of metal cable acting as a secondary fixing for lights and any other equipment fixed above head height in the studio. Prevents equipment falling if primary fixing fails. They are marked with a weight rating they can support (typically 20kg or 50kg) and you must use a weight rating higher than the equipment that is being supported.
Sample Rate - The rate at which digital systems record audio - how frequently the system samples the signal. The higher the rate, the better the quality of the recording. Standard good quality setting is 48,000Hz (48kHz) for video/TV work because it breaks down into an exact number of audio samples per video frame (ie. 48,000 / 25 = 1920 audio samples per frame at 25fps).
Sensor Size/Gauge size - the size of the camera sensor will denote its field of view and its depth of field - larger sensors have shallower depths of field.
Selecon - Model of Led studio light which can produce an infinite number of colours. Designed to illuminate scenery rather than light large areas or people. Manufactured by Philips.
Serial Digital Interface (SDI) - Video connection usually made using BNC plugs and sockets. Usually found on the backs of cameras and video equipment. Also used on the TV studio wallboxes to make video connections to the gallery.
Skintone - Getting skintones correct is what sets camera manufacturers apart - it needs to be natural but filmic in tonality and to not make people look ill on camera.
Spigot - Metal mount for attaching studio lights to a lighting barrel or stand.
Spherical Lens - A "spherical lens" is a lens whose surface has the shape of (part of) the surface of a sphere. Most lens tend to be spherical.
Spot - Type of light, or beam produced by a light, that produces a hard-edged beam of light.
The action of setting an adjustable light to produce the above beam.
Standard Definition (SD) - Television picture standard equivalent to 720 x 576 pixels - the general SD standard in the UK. The pixel size is not square for SD Widescreen so has to be taken into account when creating graphics on computers.
‘Standby’ - Director’s instruction to members of production team to be ready to start rehearsing or shooting a sequence. Can be specific - “Standby VT” - or generic - “Standby studio”.
Studer - Make of the audio mixer / sound desk in Studio A gallery.
Super - See Lower third
Switch(ed) Talkback (SWTB) - Talkback circuit that only works when the speaker presses a button (and switches off again when the button is released). Often used to talk to a presenter via their earpiece, so they only hear instructions specifically designed for them….not everything being said in the gallery.
Sync - The sound and vision need to be synchronous or ‘in sync’. In modern camcorders the sound and vision are recorded in sync and rarely get ‘out of sync’ (where the sound gets a frame or two ahead or behind the pictures). If sound is recorded separately from the video you will need a method of making sure you can sync them together in the edit.
Talkback (TB) - System of communication between gallery and studio floor.
Tie line - Effectively a permanently installed cable between two parts of the building - e.g. between studio wallboxes and the gallery. There are different ones for video (BNC) and audio (XLR or TRS).
Tilt - To tilt a camera up or down without changing the height of the tripod of pedestal on which it is mounted.
Timecode - A numerical identifier for each frame of video and audio recordings which runs like a clock. It usually shows hours, minutes, seconds and frames in the format HH:MM:SS:FF (e.g. 14:03:56:21). It can be generated in a camera, by editing software or by the studio and can often be set by the user.
‘Time of Day Timecode’ is set to and follows ordinary time so that recordings are marked with the time of day at which they were recorded...helpful in logging of shots etc. Multiple location cameras can be ‘jam-synced’ with the same timecode so that their shots can be kept in sync in the edit. (See Sync)
Track - To move a camera and its tripod or pedestal closer to, or further away from, the subject. Creates a different effect to zooming in or out. (Director’s instructions: ‘Track in’, ‘Track Out’.) Rails or similar on which a tripod can be mounted so that it can move smoothly.
Triax - Cable system connecting studio cameras. Carries video, talkback, return videos and video feed to autocue monitor.
TX - Short for Transmission.
The circuit carrying the output of the studio.
The monitor showing the output of the studio.
UHD - Ultra High Definition - Television picture standard with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. (Also See 4K).
Vision Control - Position in the gallery from which the exposure and colour balance of the cameras can be controlled and matched using a very high quality monitor. Sometimes referred to as vision engineering or racks.
Vision Mixer - The panel used to switch between vision sources - cameras, VT play-ins, graphics etc - in the gallery. Also the name of the person operating it.
Volume - How loud a speaker is. Distinct from LEVEL which is the strength of an audio signal as it goes through the audio chain. Adjusting the VOLUME of a loudspeaker has no effect on the level of the audio signal in the chain.
VT - Originally short for videotape. Now a common name for any video play-in, the machinery which does the play-in or the role of VT operator.
Wallbox - Panel on studio wall supplying power via 13 Amp, 16 Amp and 32 Amp connectors, plus video and audio tie lines and Cat 5 and fibre connections to gallery equipment. There are eight wallboxes in Studio A and four in Studio B.
Wav File - A computer audio file using the ‘wave’ codec.
White Balance - Method of setting a camera to the right colour balance for a scene, accounting for the type of light present.
Wide Shot (WS) - Shot size which puts all, or nearly all, of a scene in the frame.
Zebra - Feature on location cameras which can be set to show stripes in the viewfinder at predetermined exposure levels, helping to get the correct exposure.
Zoom - Type of lens whose focal length can be changed incrementally within a certain range.
The act of changing the focal length on such a lens so as to change the framing of a shot, appearing to get closer to, or further away from, the subject. Creates a different effect to tracking in and out. (Director’s instructions: ‘Zoom In’, ‘Zoom Out’.)
Written by PS