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10 Important Audio Visual Production Terms Defined

10 Important Audio Visual Production Terms Defined

This post was updated on January 27, 2020 to include information about massAV’s latest technology, as well as add key audio terms we’ve found are valuable to our clients. 

We at massAV think that everyone can and should consider using video for their business, but when getting to the business of producing the video, we also know that sometimes communicating your wishes and needs for an audio visual project can be difficult. Most people are unfamiliar with the terms used in a production studio or backstage at a live event, so it can be hard to get the technical conversation started.

Communication is vital in business, whether you’re trying to reach an external or internal audience. We’ve helped companies communicate for more than 40 years, so we get that. To help facilitate the communication on your next video, event, or live streaming project, we’ve compiled a list of 10 common audio visual production terms and their definitions.

Here we go:

RF/Radio Frequency: Measured in MHz and GHz, radio frequency includes the frequencies used for communications signals, including radio, television broadcasting, and cellular phones. Most professional mics use radio frequency to transmit from the microphone through the audio and recording systems. Frequencies use ranges from 490-600 MHz and 930-970 MHz. These frequencies are shared with digital television (DTV) channels and emergency radios in some cities.

You may have heard that the new 5G network could interfere with wireless microphones, but that can be easily avoided by staying clear of the 600-780 MHz frequency range that network uses.

Lav: Short for lavalier microphone, this small microphone that attaches to the user’s lapel or shirt is named for a French style of necklace.

Press Mult. or Press Feed: A box-shaped device that allows several audio connections access to the main audio feed so that members of the press can get a direct recording of the event rather than just sticking a mic up in the air.

4K Resolution: Commonly referred to as just 4K, Ultra HD, UHDTV, or 2160p, this refers to content that has a horizontal resolution of 4,000 pixels. What does that mean? Basically, it means the pictures, videos, and presentations shot and shown with 4K technology are of a quality previously reserved for movie studios, since 4K has four times as many pixels as the current 1080p HD. As more and more 4K-capable technology makes its way into the video production market, 4K is quickly becoming the industry standard.

massAV's production capabilities are not only state-of-the-art, they also include one of the industry's most sought after camera systems: The RED, capable of recording at up to 5K image resolution, delivering great video quality.

3D Mapping/Projection Mapping: Technology used to turn irregularly shaped objects into display surfaces for video projection using specialized software. An object is mapped in the computer program to mimic the environment it is to be projected on and the software fits the desired image onto the surface of that object.

Depth of Field: The range in front of a camera's lens in which objects appear in focus. For example, a shallow depth of field means only the items closest to the lens will be in focus, and the “background” of the image will appear blurry.

Sound Stage: In general, a sound stage is a soundproof room or studio where video productions are filmed and recorded. It is specially designed to prevent low-level background noise from bleeding into recordings and videos, such as traffic and HVAC systems.

Cyclorama: A cyclorama is a curved curtain or wall used as the background of a stage set to suggest infinite space. At massAV, the 90° curved white wall in our cyclorama studio and innovating lighting capabilities allows for some truly awesome filming techniques.

Bandwidth: The measure of the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system or the maximum data transfer rate of such a system.

Streaming Video and/or Audio: Video or audio sent in a continuous, compressed stream over the Internet and displayed by the viewer as they arrive is called live streaming or webcasting. With streaming video or audio, the viewer does not have to download a large file before seeing the video or hearing the sound, but can enjoy it with the live audience in real time.

When you work with massAV, you not only get access to state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge software, and a modern video production studio, you also have access to a skilled team that has years of experience and the knowledge of the industry you need to see the production you envision through to the final product.

Contact us today to learn more about what massAV can do for you.

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