Variable-focal-length lens
Zoom lens.
VCR
Videocassette recorder.
vector graphics system
A graphic 3-D modeling electronic graphics approach in which the appearance of three-dimensions is created by being able to rotate or move the subject matter. The moving perspectives are automatically calculated and created by the software involved.
vectorscope
1)A CRT instrument that displays the phase and saturation of the primary and secondary video colors. Use to align cameras and equipment.
2) A form of oscilloscope which graphically shows the relationship between hue and color saturation.
3) A piece of equipment that shows a graphic display of the color portion of the video signal.
velocity mike
See ribbon mike.
Vertical Blanking
The period when the electron beam is turned down at the end of a video field until it is turned back up at the start of a new field.
vertical blanking interval
A period in which the electron beam in display is blanked out while it travels from the bottom of the screen to the top.
vertical fader
See linear fader.
vertical interval
1)Synonymous with vertical blanking.
2)The period when the electron beam is in vertical blanking.
Vertical Interval Switcher
A switcher that delays cuts between bideo sources until the entire system is in vertical blanking.
VITS (Vertical Interval Test Signal)
A signal that can be used for in-service testing by inserting it on a specific line, or lines, in the vertical interval.
Vertical Lock
A method of stabilizing videotape playback that tries to match the control track pulses of the playback signal to vertical sync pulses coming from the sync generator; also called capstan servo.
vertical resolution
The amount of detail that can be perceived in the vertical direction.
vertical sync
1)Pulses that define the end of one television field and the start of the next at a rate of 59.94Hz for NTSC color and 60Hz for black and white video.
2)The signal form the sync generator that tells the electron beams to return to the top of the screen for the start of a new video field.
VGA (video graphic array)
A medium-resolution computer video display standard.
VHF (very high frequency)
Commonly, television channels 2 through 13.
VHS (video home system)
A consumer oriented videotape format using 1/2-inch tape housed in a cassette. VHS-C smaller version.
video 8
8mm video Videocassette format that uses 8mm tape in a cassette. Also Hi8.
video cassette
A plastic videotape housing containing both a supply and takeup reel.
Video Compression
A technology that allows digital video information to be compressed into a smaller space, thereby requiring less bandwidth or memory space for transmission.
video deposition
Videotape of lawyers ask a witness questions to determine the facts in a case.
video digital effects
Electronic special effects that make it possible to alter video in a variety of ways, such as compressing, flipping and reversing polarity.
video engineer
An individual who operates the video controls of a CCU to attain the best video quality.
video field production
Non-studio video production.
video gain switch
A selector switch on a camera or CCU which increases gain or amplitude of a video signal--generally at the expense of some video quality. Used to compensate for the lack of light.
video head
The small signal-to-tape transfer device responsible for recording the video signal in a VTR. Video heads are mounted on a head wheel that rotates at a high rate of speed in relation to the videotape.
video leader
Countdown leader. A visual and audio countdown at the beginning of a videotape. Generally starts 10 seconds before the beginning of the show and visibly counts down to two seconds.
video level
The strength or amplitude of a video signal.
video monitor
A high-quality television display device, generally without a tuner or audio circuitry.
video noise
See noise.
video on demand / VOD
Wide bandwidth cable or phone line allowing views to see or download full motion video in real time.
video projector
High intensity system which can project a video image on a large screen.
Video Servers
Computer-like hard drives specially designed to record and play back multiple channels of video information.
video switcher
See switcher.
videoconferencing
Teleconferencing. The use of a two-way video system to communicate with groups at distant locations in part, so that they can simultaneously participate in discussions.
videodisc
Video storage medium that uses thin circular plates, and translucent plastic, on which video, audio and various control signals are encoded along a spiral track. Optical disc systems use a laser beam to read the surface of the disc.
videospace
All visual elements in a production which interact to create the experience of reality.
vidicon
A one-popular type of camera tube known for its reliability and long life.
viewfinder
A viewing screen built into a video camera enabling the operator to monitor the images being recorded. Most electronic viewfinders also allow the playback and review of recorded material.
visual effects
Special effects. A wide range of electronic video transitions and methods of combining video sources. Included are wipes, keys, mattes and inserts.
VITC (vertical interval time code)
A system of recording NTSC/EBU time code in the vertical interval of the video signal.
VL bayonet mount
A standardized lens mount system used on many video camcorders.
VLS
A script designation for very long shot.
voice recognition
A computer system which can recognize certain voice commands and respond appropriately.
voice-over
Speech heard over related video, without the person talking being seen on the screen.
vignetting
A darkening or diffusing of the edges of an image often caused by a lens shade that is too small.
VITC / vertical interval time code
Time code data recorded as part of the video signal.
VL-mount
Standardized lens mount for camcorders allowing the use of different types of lenses, all of which can successfully interface with the camera electronics.
voiceover
Narration added to and somewhat louder than background music or sounds.
volatile memory
Digitized information stored in a computer or microprocessor that remains only as long as there is electrical power.
volt
1)A measure of electrical pressure. 120 volts is the standard in the United States and many other countries.
2)The measurement for the pressure of electricity.
Voltage
The pressure of electricity, measured in volts.
VTR
1)Videotape recorder
2) a machine that records sound and pictures onto magnetic tape.
VU meter
1)An instrument (meter) that measures the loudness of sound in terms of decibels and percentage of modulation.
2)VU means volume unit. A VU meter displays these units on an audio device. Used for monitoring audio levels.
VU (volume unit)
Unit of measure for audio level or signal strength.
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