O-and-O
A broadcast station owned and operated by a network.
objective camera
A sustained camera angle that approximates the viewpoint of a human observer.
off-line editing
1)Editing from a copy of original footage in order to try out various options and create a blueprint for the final on-line edit.
2)The process of developing an editing script made up of SMPTE code numbers and a work print on small-format helical equipment.
ohm
1)A measure of electrical resistance or impedance.
2)The unit of measurement for both resistance and impedance.
omega wrap
The tape path used in some helical videotape machines that resembles Greek letter Omega.
omnidirectional
A microphone sensitivity pattern in which sounds are picked up (more or less) equally from all directions.
on-air director
The technical director. Primarily responsible for video switching during a production.
On-air Switcher
The switcher used to determine what goes to the transmitter. Usually an audio-follows-video switcher.
On-axes Cut (Analytical Cut)
The axes refrred to are the opticalaxes of the camera. An on-axis cut moves the camera closer or farther away fro the subject, while preserving the angle-of-view.
on-line editing / on-lining
1)Editing, generally from an off-line EDL, that produces the final recording.
2)The process of editing the final, finished tape on large format tape machines.
open architecture
1)A computer design that allows for the easy addition of circuit boards produced by a variety of manufactures.
2)The concept of using computers with highly specialized programs to replace traditional dedicated equipment. Hence a computer could be a time base corrector, edit controller, video switcher, digital effects unit, and character generator, all in one.
operating system
Software that manages a computer's basic capabilities, including command interpretation. A common example is the DOS system.
optical disc
A recording medium for audio and/or video where a laser beam is used to record and play back digitally-coded information.
optical fiber
A glass strand conductor designed to conduct light waves modulated with audio or video information. (See also fiber optic.)
opticals
Film special effects associated with optical printing.
option
Money paid to a writer by a producer for exclusive rights to a script. A specific time is specified during which the producer tries to put together funding to put the project into production.
OS-shot
A shot taken over the shoulder of one person, focusing on the face of a second person.
OSV
A script designation for an off-screen voice.
Out of Phase
When cameras show different colors during a transition because there color bursts are not matched.
out-takes
Shots deleted or not used in the final edit.
outside vendors
Hiring outside production agencies to do production work. Typically an in-house staff is used to initiate, guide and possibly supplement the work.
overexposure
Excessive amounts of light from the lens transmitted to the camera's target. This normally results in loss of video quality. The problem is solved by using a smaller iris opening.
overhead expenses
Basic on-going costs related to maintaining a production facility, not directly related to a specific production.
overscanning
A loss of some information around the outer edges of a picture, typically, as a result of the broadcast and reception process.
overtone
Acoustical or electrical frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental frequency or sound. Overtones add richness and uniqueness to sound.
Oxides
The coating on tape that allows signals to be recorded magnetically.
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