Resource Center: How to Speak A/V
Have you come across a technical term or abbreviation you're not familiar with? We can help!
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Entries starting with: watt (W): The primary unit of electrical power. watts per channel: A specification of the output power an amplifier or receiver can deliver to each speaker connected to it. WAV (.wav) file: A Microsoft Windows file format for storage of audio data, typically, but not necessarily, in linear-PCM form; often applied to other file formats that also store PCM audio data. waveform: A graphical representation of an audio signal as the curve that results when the instantaneous voltage (vertical axis), representing sound pressure, is plotted across time (horizontal axis); the positive-going portion of a waveform moves upward and the negative-going portion downward. white balance: In a camcorder, the control or system that compensates for the different quality of color produced by different sources of scene illumination (sunlight, incandescent bulbs, and so on) as seen by its image sensor. white noise: A type of random noise characterized by equal energy per hertz (in contrast to pink noise). White noise is naturally generated by analog electronics, and the ear hears it as a treble-dominated hissing. wide-angle lens: Any lens of shorter than normal focal length, which offers a wider-than-normal field of view; wide-angle accessory lenses are available for many camcorders. wideband component video: An output on a DVD player or other device that can generate or pass progressive-scan or high-definition video signals to a TV set or monitor able to display them. wind-noise filter: A filter in the microphone of a camcorder that reduces rumble caused by wind. widescreen: A TV or image aspect ratio that’s wider than the “normal” 4:3 of analog TV — typically 16:9, which is standard for high-definition TV (see aspect ratio). Display of wider images on a 4:3 screen requires letterboxing or pan-and-scan techniques. Wi-Fi (WIreless FIdelity): A certification logo for Ethernet devices that comply with certain wireless standards (see IEEE 802.11). Windows Media Audio (WMA): An audio codec, developed by Microsoft, used for downloaded music files and streaming media applications. Windows Media Video (WMV): A video codec, developed by Microsoft, for streaming multimedia and downloaded video files. A high-definition version, WMV HD, is now available. wipe: A video transition technique in which a new scene gradually replaces the old scene via a moving boundary with the old on one side and the new on the other. wobulation: A technique invented by HP for producting high-definition DLP-projected images using Digital Micromirror Devices with a fraction as many pixels as would otherwise be required. woofer: A driver used in most speakers that reproduces bass or bass and midrange frequencies. Abbreviations |
