Glossary

Analog
A data signal with infinite gradations between levels, such as can be represented by a line or curve.

Audio Editing
Optimize the quality of digital audio files using sound editing software.

.avi File
A multimedia file format developed by Microsoft (avi stands for audio-video inter?leave?). avi files have a 2GB size limit.

Capture, audio and video
Convert audio and/or video from an analog source (such as an audio cassette or VHS tape) to digital format.

Computer Projection
Display a computer's desktop on a wall screen.

Clipping
Buzzing or static distortion in an audio signal resulting from excessively high input volume level.

Codec
Short for 'compression-decompression', a codec is a mathematical formula that analyzes the data in a file and determines how data can be removed while still maintaining an acceptable file quality. By removing data, the file becomes much smaller (i.e., compressed). The dropped data is replaced by the formula so that on the playback side it can be recreated (i.e., decompressed).

Compression, file
Reduce the size of a file by applying a mathematical formula known as a 'codec' to it (see codec).

DC Offset
An audio editing process to remove inaudible low-frequency distortion often caused by electrical interference.

Digital
A data signal composed of ones and zeros, such as can be represented by on/off switches.

Digital Camera
Camera that stores photos electronically rather than on film.

Digital Tablet
Device for creating and saving drawings electronically.

DVD
Digital video disc.

Film Projection
Display a film on a wall screen.

Flatbed Scanner
Device for converting printed documents or photos into electronic formats.

Graphics Production
Use graphics editing software such as Photoshop or Fireworks to create digital images.

Image Capture
Create digital images from sources ranging from print to a computer display.

.mov File
A QuickTime movie file.

Network Access
Data ports for connecting to the campus network

Noise
Static intereference in an audio file.

Overhead Transparencies
Cellophane sheets containing text or diagrams that are projected with a magnified light.

Program Audio Support
Play sound from a computer, laser disc player, or VCR.

Progressive Download
A type of streaming in which the audio or video file begins to play after a certain minimum amount of data has been transferred, rather than requiring the entire file to be downloaded before playback starts.

.ram File
A metafile that allows the Real media file to be streamed from a Web server.

.rm File
A Real media file. Real media format is highly compressed and can include data streams optimized for multiple bandwidths.

RTSP
Short for Real Time Streaming Protocol, an internet specification for streaming media. RTSP can control multiple data delivery sessions, provide a means for choosing delivery channels such as UDP, multicast UDP and TCP, and provide a means for choosing delivery mechanisms based upon RTP.

Sample Rate
The frequency at which an analog audio stream is "sampled" or converted into digital. The higher the sampling rate, the closer the digital file will be to the original analog source and the better the quality. A sample rate of 44,100 khz is considered CD-quality.

Satellite Conferencing
Use a satellite uplink to provide audio and/or video communication among two or more people at different locations.

35mm Slide Conversion
Use a 35mm slide scanner to convert standard slides to digital format.

35mm Slide Scanner
Device for converting slides to digital image files.

Slide Projection
Display slides on a wall screen.

SMIL
Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language. An evolving specification for delivering multimedia (audio, video, text, images) content in a streaming format.

Smoothing
Remove static interference (noise) from an audio file.

Streaming
Deliver a file from a server in "real time," i.e., play a file as it is being downloaded.

Track
An audio or video component of a QuickTime movie.

Transparency Conversion
Device for converting transparencies to digital image files.

VCR
Video cassette recorder, for playing VHS tapes.

Video Capture Card
A piece of hardware to which you connect inputs from media devices such as a VCR or cassette deck. The capture card receives the input from the device in analog format and converts it into digital format.

Video Conferencing
Communicate in real time with two or more people at different locations via video.

Video Editing
Optimize the quality of digital video using video editing software such as Premiere, Media Cleaner, or QuickTime Pro.

Video Projection
Display a videotape on a wall screen.

Voice Support
Use a microphone.