MCT Lexicon Multimedia & Creative Technology
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Audio/Video

51 terms

Media production, video editing, audio engineering and streaming technology.

A

ARPANET

ARPANET was the early experimental packet-switched computer network created by DARPA in the late 1960s and is considered the predecessor of the Internet. It introduced ideas such as packet switching, network protocols, and shared resource access that later evolved into TCP/IP and modern network services. For students in 3D, Audio/Video, Maker and Web fields, ARPANET is relevant because it laid the groundwork for reliable digital asset transfer, remote collaboration, distributed compute (e.g., render farms), and the protocols underpinning streaming, firmware updates and web communication.

ARQ

ARQ stands for Automatic Repeat reQuest and is a mechanism for requesting retransmission of lost or corrupted data. It is used across different network layers: at the network access/link layer (for example in wireless standards like 802.11) and at higher layers (for example TCP at the transport layer) to ensure reliability. For students in Audio/Video, Maker, and Web, ARQ is important because it affects how media and file data are reliably delivered — in some real-time A/V use cases ARQ can introduce latency, in maker/embedded contexts ARQ is used on serial or radio links to recover packets, and on the web retransmission is implemented by protocols (TCP/HTTP or application-level ARQ for custom transports).

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science that develops systems and algorithms capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognition, reasoning, and decision-making. In a technology context, AI covers techniques like machine learning and deep learning, where models learn patterns from data to make predictions or classifications. AI applications range from search and recommendation systems in web and mobile apps to real-time image and audio processing in 3D/XR projects and post-production.

B

B-Roll

B-roll refers to supplementary footage that is intercut with the main footage, called A-roll, to add visual interest, context, and professional polish to video productions. While A-roll typically features the primary subject such as an interview or main action, B-roll provides cutaway shots like establishing shots of locations, detail shots of hands working, reaction shots, or relevant imagery that illustrates what the speaker is discussing. B-roll also conveniently covers edit points and jump cuts.

production

Backup

A backup is a copy of digital information intended to allow recovery from loss, corruption, or damage. In Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts this includes saving media and session files, design files and firmware, bills of materials, and server data such as databases and configuration. For servers and similar infrastructure this usually involves snapshots, incremental backups, offsite replication, versioning, encryption and regular restore testing so you can recover from hardware failure, accidental deletion or ransomware.

Bandwidth

Bandbreedte is de maximale hoeveelheid data die binnen een gegeven tijdsperiode over een kanaal of verbinding kan worden overgedragen, doorgaans uitgedrukt in bits per seconde (bps). In netwerkfundamenten verschilt bandbreedte van latency (vertraging) en throughput (de daadwerkelijk bereikte data‑snelheid): bandbreedte is het theoretische plafond, throughput is wat je in de praktijk meet en latency is de tijd voor het eerste bit. Voor Audio/Video bepaalt bandbreedte hoeveel resolutie, frame‑rate en audiokwaliteit je kunt sturen (bijv. 4K video vereist veel meer bandbreedte dan een telefoongesprek). Voor makers heeft bandbreedte betrekking op zowel netwerkverbindingen (Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, mobiele data) als op lokale bussnelheden (UART, SPI, I2C) en radio­modules (LoRa, BLE) — elk heeft zijn eigen maximale data‑rate. Voor webontwikkeling beïnvloedt bandbreedte laadtijden van pagina's en API‑reacties; technieken zoals compressie, caching en CDN's verminderen de benodigde bandbreedte of verdelen de belasting. Belangrijke praktische aspecten zijn upload vs. download, gedeelde media (congestie), benodigde headroom voor stabiele streams en meten met tools zoals speedtest of iperf.

Bitrate

Bitrate is the amount of data processed or transferred per second, expressed in bits per second (bps). In audio and video, bitrate determines quality and file size. A higher bitrate means better quality but larger files. Bitrate can be constant (CBR) or variable (VBR).

software

Branding

Branding is het bewuste proces van het ontwerpen en beheren van een merkidentiteit zodat een organisatie, product of dienst herkenbaar en onderscheidend wordt. Voor 3D betekent dit bijvoorbeeld consistente materiaalkeuzes, schaal en stijl van productrenders en AR/ervaringen; voor Audio/Video gaat het om een herkenbare visuele stijl, montageritme en geluid (zoals een sonic logo). Vanuit Business omvat branding strategie, positionering, waarden en doelgroepdefinitie; voor Web vertaalt het zich naar consistente UI/UX, tone-of-voice, performance en metadata. Goede branding zorgt dat alle disciplines — 3D, audio/video, business en web — samenwerken en één samenhangend verhaal vertellen dat vertrouwen, herkenning en voorkeur bij gebruikers opbouwt.

C

Chroma Key

Chroma key, commonly called green screen or blue screen, is a visual effects technique that removes a specific color from footage and replaces it with another image or video. The subject is filmed against a uniformly lit colored background, typically bright green or blue because these colors are least present in human skin tones. Software then makes that color transparent, allowing compositing of the subject over any background such as fantasy landscapes, news sets, or virtual environments.

vfx

Codec

A codec (coder-decoder) is software or hardware that compresses (encodes) and decompresses (decodes) media files. Codecs make large audio and video files smaller for storage and streaming while keeping quality. Popular video codecs include H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1.

software

Color Grading

Color grading is the creative process of adjusting and enhancing the colors in video footage to establish mood, style, and visual consistency. It goes beyond basic color correction (fixing technical issues like white balance) to artistic manipulation of colors, contrast, and tones that support storytelling. Color grading can make footage feel warm and nostalgic, cold and clinical, or apply distinctive looks like the teal-and-orange blockbuster aesthetic.

post-productie

Compositing

Compositing is the process of combining visual elements from multiple sources into a single unified image or video, creating scenes that would be impossible, impractical, or too expensive to capture in a single shot. This includes layering green screen footage over backgrounds, adding CGI elements to live action, combining multiple camera passes, creating digital environments, and integrating visual effects like explosions, weather, or supernatural elements. Professional compositing involves precise color matching, edge refinement, lighting integration, and camera tracking.

post-productie vfx

Correlation

In audio production, correlation usually refers to the similarity between the left and right stereo channels, expressed as a correlation coefficient between -1 and +1. A correlation meter in a DAW or plugin shows whether the two channels are in phase (+1 = perfectly identical), uncorrelated (0 = wide or independent), or out of phase (-1 = inverted, which can cause cancellation when summed to mono). Correlation helps mixing and mastering engineers detect phase issues, check mono compatibility and gauge stereo width, but it doesn't provide frequency-specific detail nor identify which channel is inverted—so it's one diagnostic among several.

Creative technology

Creative technology is an interdisciplinary field that combines engineering and technical skills with creative practice to build interactive experiences, installations, products and performances. It involves programming, electronics, sensors, interactive design principles, audiovisual production and often physical prototyping with microcontrollers or 3D printing. Key characteristics include experimentation, iterative prototyping and ‘‘research-through-making’’, typically carried out by teams of designers, developers and makers. The aim is not just functional solutions but meaningful, aesthetic or experiential outcomes for users and audiences.

Crop

Cropping means selecting a specific portion of visual or data content and using only that part for display or further processing. It is used to focus on a particular area, optimize performance, or exclude unnecessary parts. Cropping usually does not alter the underlying structure, but it does determine which part of the content is actually used.

F

Fiber

Fiber (fiber optics) is a cable technology that transmits data by sending light pulses through thin glass or plastic strands. By using total internal reflection, signals can travel with very high bandwidth and low attenuation over long distances, which is fundamental to network infrastructure such as backbone links, FTTH, and datacenter connectivity. For Audio/Video, Maker, and Web use cases this means fiber enables reliable, interference-free transmission for live video/audio, high‑speed internet, and projects using optical sensors or light-guiding; key technical aspects include single-mode vs multi-mode fibers, common wavelengths (e.g. 1310/1550 nm) and connector types (e.g. LC, SC).

Firewall

A firewall is a network component — implemented as hardware or software — that inspects and filters network traffic according to configured rules. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web projects it protects streaming/media servers, IoT and maker devices (e.g., Raspberry Pi) and web applications from unauthorized access and certain kinds of attacks. Firewalls operate at different levels: host-based (on a single device), network-based (between networks) and specialized web application firewalls (WAFs) that filter at the application layer. Key concepts include rules for ports and protocols, stateful versus stateless filtering, NAT/port-forwarding and the trade-off between security and accessibility — overly strict rules can block legitimate media streams or device communications.

Frame Rate

Frame rate is the number of individual images (frames) shown per second to create motion. It is expressed in fps (frames per second). Higher frame rates result in smoother motion. Standard film is 24fps, TV 25/30fps, and gaming aims for 60fps or higher.

design software
I

IEEE 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac,ax

IEEE 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac,ax are labels for successive Wi‑Fi standards specified by the IEEE for wireless local area networks (WLANs). Each lettered version defines technical characteristics such as frequency bands (commonly 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz), modulation schemes (e.g., OFDM), channel widths, MIMO capabilities, and channel access mechanisms — all basic network fundamentals. For students in Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines these standards matter because they directly affect throughput, latency, range and network behavior: A/V streaming and real‑time audio/video (latency and packet loss), maker projects and IoT devices (compatibility, power consumption and antenna design), and web applications or WebRTC (bandwidth, connection quality and QoS). Newer generations (n → ac → ax) introduce improvements such as channel bonding, MU‑MIMO, higher modulation rates, and in ax (Wi‑Fi 6) OFDMA plus better efficiency in dense environments.

ISP

ISP is an abbreviation with two common meanings in multimedia and tech: Image Signal Processor and Internet Service Provider. As an Image Signal Processor, ISP refers to dedicated hardware or firmware in camera and sensor systems that converts raw sensor data into usable images through steps like demosaicing, noise reduction, color correction and lens compensation — this is relevant to 3D scanning, video production, makers using camera modules, and web apps handling webcam streams. As an Internet Service Provider, an ISP is the organization that provides network infrastructure and internet access; this affects streaming quality for audio/video, remote collaboration, and hosting of web and 3D content, and is important for makers deploying IoT devices or cloud-based workflows. Both meanings often interact in projects: the ISP (image processor) determines image quality that you then transmit or consume over the network provided by an ISP (internet provider) in web and multimedia pipelines.

Interpolation

Interpolation is the calculation of intermediate values between defined points (keyframes or samples) to produce a smooth transition. In 3D it is used to compute positions, rotations, scales, morph targets and other animation parameters between keyframes; common methods include linear, spline and slerp (for rotations). In Audio/Video interpolation refers both to smooth parameter automation (like volume or panning) and video frame interpolation (frame blending, optical flow) as well as signal-processing techniques in sample-rate conversion or crossfades; here too linear and higher-order methods are used to reduce artifacts.

L

L-Cut

An L-cut is a video editing technique where the video transitions to the next scene while the audio from the previous scene continues playing, creating the reverse of a J-cut. The name derives from the L-shape on the editing timeline where the audio track extends to the right beyond its video clip. L-cuts are often used in dialogue scenes to show reactions while someone speaks, or to linger on emotional moments while transitioning away visually.

LAN

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects devices within a limited area such as a studio, makerspace or classroom. Technically, a LAN is built from switches, routers and access points and uses IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6), DHCP and often VLANs and QoS to organize and prioritise traffic. In Audio/Video contexts a LAN enables low-latency streaming, device discovery and multicast or specialized protocols like Dante/AVB; for Maker projects it provides local communication for microcontrollers, MQTT/HTTP brokers and OTA updates; and for Web development it lets you host and test dev servers, APIs and static assets locally without depending on the external internet.

M

MAC

MAC stands for Media Access Control and refers both to the MAC sublayer of the data link layer and to the MAC addresses that identify network interfaces. In networking (network access layer / Ethernet) the MAC sublayer controls how devices access the physical medium and how Ethernet frames are delivered to a specific device on the same local network. For Audio/Video, Maker, and Web contexts this matters because MAC addresses and the MAC sublayer drive local traffic: networked A/V streams, IoT and maker boards with network modules, and web application diagnostics all rely on this layer to deliver and distinguish data within the LAN.

Multiplexing

Multiplexing is a technique for sending multiple data streams or signals over a single shared transmission channel. In network fundamentals and web technologies this means arranging multiple HTTP or media sessions over one TCP/UDP connection so bandwidth and latency are used more efficiently (e.g., HTTP/2 or RTP transport). For Audio/Video and maker projects, multiplexing covers software methods (container formats, RTP/multicast, statistical packet scheduling) as well as hardware approaches (analog/digital multiplexer ICs, TDM on microcontrollers), and it helps to make better use of pins, channels or frequency bands. There are different types—time-division (TDM), frequency-division (FDM) and statistical/packet multiplexing—each with trade-offs related to throughput, latency and jitter.

O

OBS Studio

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and livestreaming. It supports multiple sources (screen, webcam, capture cards), scenes, filters, and effects. OBS is widely used by streamers, content creators, and for professional broadcasts.

software

OSI model

The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection) is a layered reference model that divides networking into seven layers, from the physical connection up to the application. Each layer has distinct responsibilities — for example, the physical layer (layer 1) concerns cables and radio signals, the network layer (layer 3) handles routing and IP addressing, and the application layer (layer 7) includes protocols like HTTP or MQTT. For learners in 3D, Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines, the OSI model provides a practical framework to locate and reason about network issues: from wireless interference affecting a VR headset (layer 1), to packet loss impacting realtime audio via RTP/UDP (layers 4/5), to incorrect API responses when a web server serves 3D assets (layer 7).

P

PPM (Peak Programme Meter)

A PPM is a meter that displays the short, peak levels of an audio signal. It is designed to show fast transients so clipping or overload can be avoided, and is commonly used in broadcast and live production as well as multicam recording. In modern multicam audio/video workflows a PPM is often used alongside digital dBFS and loudness meters to ensure individual microphone and camera signals stay below peak thresholds.

multicam

PoE

PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a network access layer technology that supplies DC power over Ethernet cables so both data and power travel on the same twisted-pair cable. It is standardized in IEEE 802.3af/at/bt and includes detection and classification phases to ensure only compatible devices receive power, with different power classes depending on the standard. For Audio/Video (e.g., IP cameras, networked speakers, Dante interfaces), Maker projects (e.g., Raspberry Pi or microcontroller boards with PoE HATs), and Web/network equipment (e.g., Wi‑Fi access points, edge devices), PoE reduces the need for separate power supplies and simplifies deployments. Practical constraints include cable category (Cat5e or better), the ~100 m Ethernet distance limit, the power budget of the switch or injector, and the difference between standard (active) PoE and some passive PoE solutions.

Python

Python is a general-purpose, dynamically typed programming language with an interpreter, a rich standard library, and a large ecosystem of third-party packages (installable via pip). In 3D development it is widely used as a scripting language (for example in Blender) to generate geometry, automate scenes, and control rendering workflows. In audio/video pipelines Python is used to capture, process and analyze media using libraries such as OpenCV, moviepy and FFmpeg wrappers. For maker/hardware projects Python runs on microcontrollers via MicroPython or CircuitPython and on devices like the Raspberry Pi to control sensors, actuators and serial devices. In web development Python is used for backends and APIs with frameworks like Django and Flask, enabling web interfaces that can trigger 3D tasks, media processing or hardware control.

S

Sample Rate

Sample rate is how many times per second an analog audio signal is measured (sampled) to store it digitally. It is expressed in Hertz (Hz). CD quality is 44,100 Hz (44.1 kHz), meaning the sound is sampled 44,100 times per second. Higher sample rates can capture more detail.

hardware software

Segmentation

Segmentatie is het proces waarbij data, resources of netwerken worden opgesplitst in kleinere, beheersbare delen (“segmenten”) om transport, verwerking, beheer en beveiliging te vereenvoudigen. In Audio/Video-context betekent dit vaak het opdelen van mediabestanden in korte fragmenten voor adaptieve streaming of het splitsen van audio/video voor bewerking en analyse. Voor Makers kan segmentatie zowel slaan op het opdelen van fysieke ontwerpen (bijv. een 3D-model dat in meerdere stukken wordt geprint) als op netwerksegmentatie van IoT-apparaten om veiligheid en betrouwbaarheid te vergroten. In Web- en netwerkfundamenten verwijst segmentatie naar praktijken zoals subnetting, VLANs en TCP/IP-segmentatie (het opdelen van grote datastromen in MTU-conforme stukken), wat belangrijk is voor performance, fouttolerantie en netwerkbeveiliging.

T

TCP/IP

TCP/IP is a suite of network protocols that enables communication between computers over networks. It is organized in layers (such as link, internet, transport, and application), each responsible for specific functions like addressing, routing, and reliable delivery. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) provides connection-oriented, reliable data transfer using mechanisms such as the three-way handshake, segmentation, error checking, and flow/congestion control, while IP (Internet Protocol) handles addressing and routing of packets across networks.

Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is the fundamental lighting setup used in video, film, and photography consisting of three light sources positioned strategically around the subject. The key light is the primary and brightest light, placed to one side creating the main illumination and shadows. The fill light, placed opposite the key, softens shadows without eliminating them. The back light or rim light, positioned behind the subject, separates them from the background by creating an edge highlight on hair and shoulders.

lighting production

Throughput

Throughput is the actual amount of useful data transmitted over a communication channel per unit of time, usually measured in bits/sec (e.g., Mbps). It is different from bandwidth (theoretical capacity) and latency (delay): throughput is what you actually achieve in practice and can be reduced by protocol overhead, errors, congestion and hardware limits. In network fundamentals and across Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts, throughput determines how many audio/video streams you can deliver simultaneously, how fast firmware or sensor data can be transferred to a device, and how quickly web assets or API responses reach clients.

Transmitter

Een transmitter is een apparaat of softwarecomponent die signalen of gegevens uitstuurt over een fysiek of logisch medium. In Audio/Video-contexten zet een transmitter bijvoorbeeld audio- of videosignalen om en stuurt die als RF, digitale pakketten of een geëncodeerde stream weg; in Maker-projecten is het vaak een microcontroller met een RF- of draadloos-module (bijv. Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, LoRa) die sensorwaarden verzendt; in Web-toepassingen is het de server- of browsercomponent die data via protocollen zoals HTTP, RTMP of WebRTC naar ontvangers stuurt. In alle gevallen is kennis van netwerkfundamentals belangrijk: modulatie en codering, packetisatie, kanaal/mediumkeuze, bandbreedte, latency en foutafhandeling bepalen hoe betrouwbaar en efficiënt een transmitter werkt. Een transmitter kan zowel op de fysieke laag (elektrische/EM-signalen, antenne) als op hogere lagen (encodering, encryptie, transportprotocollen) functies vervullen.

Twisted pair

Een twisted pair is een kabelconstructie waarbij twee geïsoleerde geleiders om elkaar heen zijn gedraaid (gewikkeld) om elektrische interferentie te verminderen. Deze constructie wordt veel gebruikt in netwerkkabels (bijv. Cat5e/Cat6), in gebalanceerde audiosignalen en in maker‑toepassingen zoals seriële bussen of sensorbedrading. De twist zorgt ervoor dat externe storingen op beide draden ongeveer hetzelfde induceren, waardoor differentiële ontvangers het gemeenschappelijke ruiscomponent kunnen onderdrukken. Belangrijke eigenschappen zijn de karakteristieke impedantie (meestal ~100 Ω voor netwerkkabels), het type (UTP = ongeïsoleerd, STP = afgeschermd) en het aantal paren, wat invloed heeft op overdrachtssnelheid en maximale lengte. Voor netwerk‑fundamenten is het essentieel te begrijpen hoe paren worden toegewezen aan Ethernet‑standaarden (bv. 100BASE‑TX vs. 1000BASE‑T) en waarom correcte terminations en paarintegriteit cruciaal zijn voor signaal‑integriteit.

V

VU (VU meter)

A VU (Volume Unit) meter is an instrument that displays average audio levels, originally developed for broadcast. The VU meter has a relatively slow response (about 300 ms), so it shows average or perceptual loudness rather than very short transient peaks. In multicam audio/video productions it is commonly used to match input gains across cameras, wireless lavaliers and mixers, but it should be used alongside a peak meter to avoid digital clipping.

multicam

Vector

A vector is a mathematical object that has both direction and magnitude (length). In 3D computer graphics vectors are used to represent positions, displacements, velocities, and surface directions (normals). Vectors have components (for example x, y, z) and support operations such as addition, scalar multiplication, normalization, and the dot and cross products. In graphic design the term also appears in 'vector graphics' (like SVG), where shapes are defined by mathematical paths and remain crisp when scaled, unlike raster images.

VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is de techniek om spraak en aanverwante realtime media (zoals video) over IP-netwerken te transporteren in plaats van via traditionele telefoonlijnen. Het omvat signalering (bijv. SIP), mediatransport (RTP/SRTP), codecs voor compressie en mechanismen voor latency-, jitter- en packetverliesbeheer. Voor 3D- en XR-toepassingen is VoIP belangrijk omdat het realtime, vaak ruimtelijke audio mogelijk maakt; voor Audio/Video-productie zijn latency en codec-keuzes cruciaal voor kwaliteit; voor Makers betekent het dat je zowel software (bijv. SIP-servers of WebRTC-signaling) als hardware (bijv. microfoons, Raspberry Pi PBX of audio-interfaces) kunt bouwen of integreren; voor Web-ontwikkelaars is VoIP relevant via WebRTC, SIP-over-WebSocket en browser-API's voor het opzetten van directe audio/video-verbindingen. Veiligheid (SRTP, TLS), NAT-traversal (STUN/TURN) en QoS-instellingen op netwerken zijn gemeenschappelijke uitdagingen voor alle genoemde skillsets.

W

WAN

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that connects multiple local networks (LANs) across large geographic distances, typically using ISP infrastructure. From a networking fundamentals perspective, a WAN involves routing, IP addressing, NAT, VPN tunnels, and important characteristics like bandwidth, latency, jitter and packet loss, plus mechanisms for quality management (QoS). For Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines, a WAN is the foundation for live streaming and file transfer, remote control of hardware or IoT devices, and making web servers and APIs reachable; each of these uses requires attention to latency, reliability and security over the WAN.

WEP

WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) is an outdated Wi‑Fi encryption standard originally intended to provide comparable protection to wired networks. From a networking standpoint it uses the RC4 stream cipher and a small 24-bit initialization vector (IV), which leads to IV reuse, weak key scheduling and practical attacks that allow key recovery. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts this matters because WEP does not provide reliable confidentiality, integrity, or strong authentication: audio and video streams can be eavesdropped or tampered with, IoT/maker hardware can be compromised, and web sessions or credentials transmitted over a WEP network are vulnerable to sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. WEP has been superseded by WPA/WPA2/WPA3 because of these fundamental flaws, and its use is strongly discouraged.

WPA

WPA (Wi‑Fi Protected Access) is a family of wireless security protocols that replaced WEP and later evolved into WPA2 and WPA3. It specifies how data between a wireless client and an access point is encrypted and authenticated, with modes such as PSK (pre‑shared key) and Enterprise (EAP) for stronger authentication. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web students, WPA matters because it affects confidentiality and integrity of network traffic, can influence performance (latency, packet loss) during streaming, and determines implementation and credential-handling choices for embedded devices and web services communicating over Wi‑Fi.