Glossary - Videonics PTM-1 User Manual

Some terms defined in this glossary might not appear in the text
of the User Guide.
A/B Roll
A term originating in the film world. Normally describes rolling
two or more source tapes into an effects device, such as the
Videonics MX-Pro, and creating transitions between the various
source images.
Betacam
An industry standard format that uses half-inch videotape run-
ning at high speed to produce high quality video. It is an evolv-
ing standard. There are currently three versions in common
use: Betacam, Betacam SP, and Digital Betacam.
Camcorder
Combination camera and video recorder in one device. Nor-
mally contains video recording heads as well as a video play-
back unit (that is, a mini-VCR).
Composite
The format used by televisions, most VCR's, and most laser disc
players. Also see S-Video .
Video
Counter
A relative indicator of tape position. On VCR's that do not sup-
port time code, the tape counter stores scene locations.
Because it is a relative indicator of tape position, it is subject to
drift. The same tape logged on one VCR and viewed on another
might report different counter locations for the same scene.
Deck
A video cassette/tape player or recorder, also called a VCR or
VTR .
Digital Still
A recording device for taking photographs and storing the infor-
Camera mation in digital form. The device is similar to a 35mm reflex
lens camera that uses traditional film except that it stores the
image on a silicon chip. Images can then be downloaded to a
computer system.
FPS
F rames P er S econd. The number of picture frames that are
recorded or played during a one second period. Television nom-
inally uses 29.97 fps (NTSC) or 25 fps (PAL).

Glossary