Below is a basic list of common terms related to audio, video, lighting, LED wall, event rigging, scenic & prop, projection, and camera departments. The terms here are essential to understand for AV technicians and stagehands just starting out.
Aperture: The adjustable opening in a camera lens that controls the amount of light reaching the image sensor. It affects the depth of field and exposure of the image.
Aspect Ratio: The proportional relationship between the width and height of a projected image or video. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 for widescreen displays and 4:3 for standard displays.
Audio Delay: The intentional delay of sound to synchronize it with video or compensate for distance. It ensures that audio and visual elements are in sync during a live event or production.
Audio Mixer: A device used to adjust and control the volume, tone, and other audio parameters of multiple audio signals. It allows for blending and balancing audio sources in a live event setting.
Backdrop: A large painted or printed cloth hung at the back of the stage or event space to create a background. Backdrops are used to enhance the visual appeal and set the scene for performances or events.
Bridle: A system of ropes or chains used in event rigging to distribute the load between multiple rigging points. It ensures that the weight is evenly distributed and prevents strain on individual points.
Brightness: The intensity of light emitted by a lighting fixture, LED display, or projector. It is measured in nits or candelas per square meter and affects the visibility and clarity of the displayed content.
Camera Crane: A large mechanical arm used to move the camera to different heights and angles during filming or event coverage. It provides smooth and dynamic camera movements.
Camera Dolly: A wheeled platform used to smoothly move the camera during tracking shots. It allows for fluid camera movement along a set path or track.
Camera Lens: The optical device that captures and focuses light onto the camera's image sensor. Different lenses have varying focal lengths, aperture sizes, and characteristics that affect the field of view, depth of field, and image quality.
Camera Operator: The person responsible for operating the camera during a shoot or event. They handle framing, focus, camera movement, and other technical aspects to capture the desired shots.
Color Mixing: The process of combining different colors of light to create desired hues. It is commonly used in lighting setups to create a wide range of colors and effects.
Cyclorama: A large curved or flat backdrop used to create the illusion of an unbroken horizon. It is often used in theater, events, and photography to provide a seamless background.
Dead Hang: A rigging method where equipment is hung directly from a fixed point without using motors or hoists. It is suitable for lighter loads and static setups.
Depth of Field: The range of distances within an image that appears acceptably sharp. It is controlled by the aperture, focal length, and focus settings of the camera lens.
DI Box: Short for Direct Input box, it is used to convert unbalanced audio signals from instruments or other audio sources to balanced signals for proper integration with professional audio systems.
Dimmers: Devices used to control the intensity of stage lights by adjusting the electrical power supplied to them. They allow for smooth transitions between different lighting levels.
Director of Photography (DP): The individual in charge of the camera and lighting crews. The DP is responsible for the visual aspects of the production, including shot composition, lighting design, and camera movements.
Edge Blending: The process of seamlessly combining multiple projected images to create a larger, unified image. It is often used in large-scale projections or multi-screen displays to create a continuous and immersive visual experience.
Event Rigging: The process of setting up and securing lighting, sound, and other equipment for events or productions. It involves selecting appropriate rigging points, ensuring load capacity, and safely suspending equipment.
Feedback: An unwanted high-pitched sound caused by audio signals being amplified and fed back into the system. It can occur when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and causes a loop of amplified sound.
Flats: Flat wooden frames covered with canvas or thin plywood used in stage and set construction. Flats are assembled to create walls or other scenic elements.
Follow Spot: A manually operated spotlight used to track and highlight performers on stage. It is manually operated by a spotlight operator who follows the subject's movement.
Front Serviceable: Refers to LED display panels that can be accessed and maintained from the front without removing the entire display. It allows for easier maintenance and quick replacement of faulty panels.
Gobos: Metal or glass patterns placed in front of a light source to create projected patterns or shapes. Gobos are used to add visual interest and texture to lighting setups.
Grid: A network of beams or pipes installed overhead for attaching rigging equipment, lighting fixtures, and other stage elements. It provides a versatile framework for suspending equipment.
Keystone Correction: An adjustment made to correct distortion when a projector is not perpendicular to the projection surface. It digitally adjusts the image to maintain correct proportions and straight lines.
Load Capacity: The maximum weight that a rigging point or system can safely support. It is an important consideration in event rigging to ensure the safety and stability of equipment.
Lumens: A unit of measurement for the brightness or light output of a projector or lighting fixture. It indicates the amount of visible light emitted.
Media Server: A computer-based system used to manage and control content for projection mapping, multi-screen displays, or LED video walls. It allows for playback, synchronization, and manipulation of video and image content.
Microphone: A device used to capture sound and convert it into an electrical signal. Microphones are essential in amplifying and recording audio in live events or productions.
Mixing Console: A device used to combine and control audio signals from different sources. It allows for adjusting volume levels, tonal characteristics, and routing of audio signals.
Moving Heads: Lights that can be remotely controlled to move and change color during an event. They provide dynamic lighting effects and versatile illumination options.
PA System: Public Address system used to amplify sound for an audience. It includes microphones, amplifiers, speakers, and other audio components to ensure clear and audible communication.
Patching: The process of connecting audio or lighting equipment together using cables and connectors. It involves routing signals from one device to another for proper signal flow.
Pixel Density: The number of pixels per unit area, typically measured in pixels per square meter (PPI). Higher pixel density results in sharper and more detailed images on LED displays.
Pixel Mapping: The process of aligning video content to match the layout and resolution of an LED video wall. It ensures that the content is properly displayed across the entire screen or display area.
Pixel Pitch: The distance between the center of one pixel to the center of the adjacent pixel on an LED display. Smaller pixel pitch results in higher resolution and sharper image quality.
Projection Mapping: A technique that involves aligning projected images with irregularly shaped surfaces or objects. It creates the illusion of three-dimensional objects and transforms the appearance of the surface.
Projector: An optical device that projects images or video onto a surface or screen. It uses light to display visual content for events, presentations, or performances.
Prop: Any object or item used on stage or within the event space as part of the performance or decoration. Props can include furniture, set pieces, accessories, or objects used by performers.
Refresh Rate: The number of times per second that an image is updated on a display or screen. Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion and reduced motion blur.
Resolution: The number of pixels in an image or display, typically represented by the width and height in pixels. Higher resolutions result in sharper and more detailed visuals.
Rigging Plot: A plan or diagram illustrating the layout and arrangement of rigging points and equipment in an event space. It provides a blueprint for safe and efficient rigging operations.
Rigging Point: A designated point in a venue or space where equipment can be suspended or rigged. Rigging points are typically structural elements capable of supporting the weight of equipment.
Safety Cable: A secondary cable used as a backup to support equipment in case the primary support fails. Safety cables provide an additional layer of security to prevent accidents and equipment damage.
Scenic Artist: An individual responsible for painting and finishing scenic elements, props, and set pieces. They create textures, patterns, and visual effects to enhance the overall aesthetic of the production.
Scenic & Prop: Refers to the department or team responsible for designing, constructing, and decorating the physical environment and structures for events or performances. They handle set design, construction, and prop selection.
Set Construction: The process of building and assembling the physical structures and components of a set. It involves carpentry, welding, painting, and other construction techniques to create the desired environment.
Set Design: The process of creating and designing the physical environment and structures for an event or performance. It includes selecting props, furniture, backdrops, and other elements to convey the desired atmosphere.
Set Piece: An individual component or element of a set, such as a backdrop, furniture, or prop. Set pieces contribute to the overall visual aesthetic and help create the desired ambiance.
Soundboard: A control panel used to adjust and mix audio signals in live events or productions. It allows for precise control over individual audio channels and overall sound balance.
Sound Reinforcement: The use of audio equipment and techniques to amplify and enhance sound for an audience. It ensures clear and even distribution of sound throughout the event space.
Spotlights: High-intensity lights used to highlight performers or specific areas on stage. Spotlights provide focused illumination and can be adjusted to follow performers' movements.
Strobe Lights: Lights that produce brief and intense flashes of light. Strobe lights are used to create dynamic lighting effects and can be synchronized with music or other events.
Swivel Coupler: A device used to connect two tubes or truss sections while allowing rotational movement. It provides flexibility in rigging setups and allows for adjustable angles.
Throw Distance: The distance between the projector and the projection surface. It affects the size, focus, and brightness of the projected image.
Truss: A rigid structure composed of aluminum or steel beams used for suspending lighting, sound equipment, and other rigging elements. Truss provides a sturdy framework for hanging equipment and creating overhead structures.
Uplighting: The technique of illuminating objects or architectural features from below to create a dramatic effect. Uplighting adds depth and visual interest to the event space.
Video Wall Processor: A device used to manage and control content on LED video walls. It allows for seamless switching, scaling, and manipulation of video sources to create dynamic visual displays.
Viewing Angle: The maximum angle at which a display can be viewed while maintaining acceptable image quality and color accuracy. Wide viewing angles ensure that the content is visible from different positions in the audience.
Warping: The process of digitally adjusting an image to compensate for distortions caused by the projection surface. It ensures that the projected image appears correctly shaped and aligned.
Wash Lights: Lights that provide broad and even illumination over a wide area. Wash lights are used to create general lighting and add ambiance to the event space.
Zoom Lens: A lens that allows for adjustable focal length and magnification, enabling the camera operator to zoom in or out on a subject. It provides flexibility in framing and capturing different perspectives.
Comments