Glossary of Terms - Video Editing & Production
Batch Capture
Certain computer-based editing systems automatically capture whole lists or "batches" of video clips from source videotapes.
Capture Card
Computer hardware that captures digital video and audio to a hard drive. A digitiser is a special kind of capture card which converts an analog video signal into a digital one before it captures it on the hard drive.
Character Generator
A device that electronically builds text which can be combined with a video signal. The text is created with a keyboard and program that has a selection of font and backgrounds.
Chromakey
Method of electronically inserting the image from one video source into the image of another through areas designated as its "key colour." Frequently used on news programs to display weather graphics behind talent.
Compositing
Superimposing multiple layers of video. Each layer may move independently.
Continuity
Consistency in camera-subject relationships in order to avoid confusing a viewer's perspective.
Crawl (aka Scroll)
Text or graphics that move across screen horizontally, typically from bottom right to left. Produced with a character generator.
Cross-fade
Simultaneous fade-in of one audio source or lighting effect as another fades out; may overlap temporarily. Also called a dissolve.
Cutaway
Shot of other than principal action (but peripherally related), frequently used as transitional footage or to avoid a jump cut.
Digital video effects (DVE)
Picture modification yielding specialty image patterns and movements such as tumbling, strobing, page turning, mosaic, and posterization.
Digitization
The process of converting a continuous analog video or audio signal to digital data for the purpose of computer storage and manipulation.
Dissolve
Image transition effect of one picture gradually disappearing as another appears.
Dub
Editing technique whereby new audio or video replaces portion(s) of existing recording.
Edit decision list (EDL)
Compilation of all edits (marked by their time code in and out points) to be executed in a video production.
Generation loss
Degradation in picture and sound quality resulting from an analogue duplication of the original master video recording. Copying a copy compounds generation loss. Digital transfers (before DVD encoding or video compression) are free of generation loss.
Jump cut
Abrupt switch to or from different shots.
Montage
Sequence of shots assembled to communicate a particular idea or mood.
Non-synchronous sound
Audio without precisely matching visuals. Includes sound effects or music incorporated in post-production.
Post production (post)
Any video production activity after the initial recording. Typically involves editing, background music, voiceover, sound effects, titles, and/or visual effects.
Real time
Occurring immediately, without delay for rendering. If a transition occurs in real time, there is no waiting, the computer creates the effect or transition on-the-fly.
Render
Computer processing when creating an effect, transition or composite.
Rough cut
Raw edit of footage in the approximate sequence, length, and content of finished program.
safe title area
The area that will produce legible titles on most TV screens. Generally 80% of the screen, measured from the centre.
Synchronous sound
Audio recorded with images so the words sync with the action.