Term
Definition
Analog
Representation of data by continuously variable quantities as opposed to a finite number of discrete quantities in digital.
Analog Signal
An electrical signal which varies continuously, not having discrete values. Analog signals are copies or representations of other waves in nature. An analog audio signal, for instance, is a representation of the pressure waves which make up audible sound.
Chrominance Signal
The portion of a video signal that contains the color information.
Component Video
The unencoded output of a camera, video tape recorder, etc., whereby each red, green, and blue video signal is transmitted down a separate cable (usually coax) to improve picture quality. Can also refer to a video system where the luminance and chrominance video components are kept separate.
Composite Video
The encoded output of a camera, video tape recorder, etc., whereby the red, green, and blue video signals are combined with the synchronizing, blanking, and color burst signals and are transmitted simultaneously down one cable.
CRT
Cathode Ray Tube.
D1
A component digital video recording format that conforms to the CCIR-601 standard. Records on 19 mm magnetic tape. (Often used incorrectly to indicate component digital video).
D2
A composite digital video recording format. Records on 19 mm magnetic tape.
D3
A composite digital video recording format. Records on 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) magnetic tape.
DAVIC
Digital Audio Video Council.
DBS
Direct Broadcast Satellite.
Distribution Cables
In a CATV system, the transmission cable between the distribution amplifier and the drop cable.
DVB
Digital Video Broadcasting.
EFP
Electronic Field Production. Video production for commercials, television shows and other non-news purposes done outside the studio.
ENG
Electronic News Gathering.
IFB
Interrupted Feedback (Foldback). Interruptible Feedback (Foldback). A monitoring scheme often used in television where the feed of program audio to an on-air person can be interrupted with directions, cues, or other information. Usually integrated into the intercom system.
ITFS
Instructional Television Fixed Service.
Luminance Signal
The portion of the composite video signal that represents the brightness or the black and white information.
MATV
Abbreviation for Master Antenna Television.
MSO
Multiple System Operator. Cable TV term referring to companies that operator multiple cable TV systems in numerous cities.
NTSC
National Television System Committee. Organization that formulated standards for the current U.S. color television system. This system is used in most countries of the Americas and in other parts of the world. It was designed to be compatible with the existing monochrome TV sets, so that they would not become obsolete. Color televisions would also be able to receive monochrome transmissions. NTSC uses a 3.579545 MHz subcarrier whose phase varies with the instantaneous hue of the televised color and whose amplitude varies with the instantaneous saturation of the color. NTSC employs 525 lines per frame, 29.97 frames per second and 59.94 fields per second.
PAL
Phase Alternation Line. PAL is a European color TV system featuring 625 lines per frame, 25 frames and 50 fields per second. Used mainly in Europe, China, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. PAL-M is a Brazilian color TV system with 525 lines per frame, 30 frames and 60 fields per second.
Precision Video
Video coaxial cables having very tight electrical tolerances in impedance, velocity of propagation, attenuation and structural return loss. Used in high quality applications such as live broadcast in network studios and pre- or post-production facilities.
RGB
Abbreviation for the three parts of color video signal: red, green and blue. Also refers to multi-coaxial cables carrying these signals.
S-VHS
Abbreviation for Super VHS. A video format in which the two parts of the video signal, the chrominance and luminance, are recorded and played back separately providing for better picture quality. (Not to be confused with S-Video which is a transmission method).
S-Video Transmission method for video in which the two parts of the signal, the chrominance and luminance, are sent on separate transmission lines to provide better picture quality. (Not to be confused with S-VHS which is a videotape recording method). Triaxial Cable
A cable construction having a conductor, and two isolated braid shields, all insulated from each other. A coaxial cable with a second braid applied over an inner jacket and an outer jacket applied over the outer braid. Commonly used in television camera systems.
Trunk Cable
In a CATV system, the transmission cable from the head end (signal pickup) to the trunk amplifier. Also called a feeder cable.
TVRO
TV Receive Only.
Twin-lead
A transmission line having two parallel conductors separated by insulating material. Line impedance is determined by the diameter and spacing of the conductors and the insulating material and is usually 300 ohms for television receiving antennas.
VHS
Abbreviation for Video Home System. VHS is a trademark of Panasonic, Inc.
Video
Pertaining to picture information in a television system.