Easy & Fun Video Editing

AAC Audio (Advanced Audio Coding) – A new standard in professional audio, offering better quality and more efficient compression than other formats including MP3.

Analog Camcorder – Portable device for recording live-motion video and audio to a magnetic videocassette (VHS, S-VHS, 8mm, Hi-8, etc.).

AVI (Audio Video Interleave ) – AVI is a file format developed by Microsoft® and used by Video For Windows® to compress and store audio and video.

Broadband – A way to transmit data, voice and video at high speed over great distances on a single coaxial or fiber optics cable. The speed of data transmission varies, but has been compared to T1, cable modem, and DSL (digital subscriber line) rates.

Burn – Term used to describe the process of writing data to a CD or DVD.

Capture – Recording to a file.

CD Burner – Another term for CD Recorder. See CD-R Drive and CD-RW Drive.

CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) – A CD that can be recorded. A disc identified as a CD-R can be written (or recorded) only once. It is possible, however, to record to a CD-R at different times to the unrecorded portion of the disc. (This type of recording depends on the software used during the recording process and how the initial recording of the CD-R was completed.) A CD-R drive or CD-RW drive is required to burn CD-R's. Some DVD drives also have this capability.

CD-R Drive (CD-Recordable Drive) – A device capable of recording audio, video, text and other information to a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable). A CD-R drive can read CD-ROM's and can write to discs identified as CD-R's. A CD-R drive cannot write to discs identified as CD-RW's. There are several types of CD-R drives on the market. Consult the documentation included with the computer or drive for specifics.

CD-ROM (Compact Disc, Read Only Memory) – Small disc designed for accessing and playing stored data that includes text, graphics and sound. Data on a CD-ROM cannot be erased; however, it can be viewed or copied to another location.

CD-ROM Drive (Compact Disc, Read Only Memory Drive) – A device connected to a computer and capable of reading a compact disc (CD). CD-ROM drives are not capable of recording.

CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable) – A CD that can be recorded. Unlike CD-R's, however, a CD-RW can be written and rewritten numerous times. A CD-RW drive is required to write or burn CD-RW's. (Some DVD drives also have this capability.)

CD-RW Drive (CD-ReWritable Drive) – A device capable of recording audio, video, text and other information to a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) and a CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable). A CD-RW drive can read CD-ROM's and can write to a disc identified as a CD-R or CD-RW. A CD-RW drive cannot write to a disc identified as a DVD-R or DVD-RW. There are several types of CD-R drives on the market. Consult the documentation included with the computer or drive for specifics.

Cinepak – A codec (analog-to-digital converter) for video, developed by SuperMac®, Inc.

Codec (COder-DECoder) – Hardware or software used to digitalize and compresses audio and video and vise versa. Example: Codecs such as, MPEG, Indeo and Cinepak are used to convert analog audio and video to digital format that can be transferred to a computer for editing. Codecs can also convert digital to analog when recording video and audio for transferring from the computer back to an analog recorder (e.g., camcorder).

Display Adapter (aka: Video Adaptor) – A card (or board) that plugs into the computer and converts data to be displayed on the monitor. Display adaptors generally conform to video standards, such as VGA, DVI, XGA and others.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line or Digital Subscriber Loop) – A technology that allows using copper telephone lines for the high-speed transmission of digital data.

DV (Digital Video) – Video captured and/or saved in a binary format. DV can refer to either video files on a computer or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or video from a digital camcorder.

DV and Mini-DV Camcorders – Portable device for recording live-motion video and audio as binary digits (rather than analog) that can be easily uploaded to a computer. Some DV (digital video) camcorders can also play 8mm and Hi-8 tapes that were recorded with an analog camcorder.

DVD Burner – Another term for DVD Recorder. See DVD-R Drive and DVD-RW Drive.

DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable) – An optical disc that can be written only once using a DVD-R or DVD-RW drive.

DVD-R Drive (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable Drive) – A device capable of recording audio, video, text and other information to an optical disc identified as a DVD-R (Digital Video Disc-Recordable). A DVD-R drive cannot write to a DVD-RW. Typically, a DVD-R drive can read CD's, CD-R's, CD-RW's, DVD's, DVD-R's and DVD-RW's. There are several types of DVD-R drives available on the market. Consult the documentation included with the computer or DVD drive for specifics.

DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc, Read Only Memory) – Small optical disc similar to a CD-ROM; however, a DVD-ROM is capable of holding up to 133 minutes of high quality audio and video in MPEG-2 format. Data on a DVD-ROM cannot be erased; however, it can be viewed or copied to another location.

DVD-ROM Drive (Digital Versatile Disc, Read Only Memory Drive) – A device connected to a computer capable of reading both DVD's and CD's. DVD-ROM drives are not capable of recording to a DVD; however, some DVD drives, for example a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, are capable of recording to a CD-R or CD-RW or both. Consult the documentation included with the computer or drive for specifics.

DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable) – An optical disc that can be written and rewritten using a DVD-RW drive. A DVD-R drive cannot write to an optical disc identified as a DVD-RW.

DVD-RW Drive (Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable Drive) – A device capable of recording audio, video, text and other information to an optical disc identified as a DVD-RW (Digital Video Disc-ReWritable). Typically, a DVD-RW drive can read CD's, CD-R's, CD-RW's, DVD's, DVD-R's and DVD-RW's. There are several types of DVD-RW drives available on the market. Consult the documentation included with the computer or DVD drive for specifics.

DVD-Video (Digital Versatile Disc-Video) – A read-only disc that holds up to 133 Minutes (each side) of full motion video. The DVD-Video format includes a Content Scrambling System (CSS) to prevent users from copying discs. To play DVD-Video you must have a DVD-Video Player connected to a TV, or a computer with a DVD-ROM drive and DVD decoder.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) – A digital interface used to convert analog signals to digital for use with digital monitors. Many monitors now include a DVI connection and many video adapters include a DVI port with (or instead of) a VGA (Video Graphics Array) port.

Evernet – Buzzword that refers to the next generation of Internet access. The Evernet concept anticipates the convergence of broadband, wireless, and current Internet technologies that will include easy, wireless and inexpensive access to the Internet.

Frame Rate – Refers to the number of frames or images that are displayed per second. Also describes the rate at which AVI and QuickTime® movies play. Lower frame rates typically produce a choppy or jerky playback. Higher frame rates result in a smoother playback. Processor speed and hardware acceleration are two factors that affect frame rate.

Graphics Accelerator – Video adaptor that uses its own specialized processor focused solely on the display. It allows the other components of the computer to focus on other elements. Graphics accelerators often contain their own memory, which is separate from the computer. With the popularity of computer games, graphical programs and multimedia applications, a graphics accelerator is a necessity for today’s computer user.

HDTV (High Definition TV) – Anticipated to be the next TV standard. HDTV has improved color and audio as well as higher resolution. HDTV is available in analog and digital versions.


Indeo® – A codec (analog-to-digital converter) for video files developed by Intel®. Based on DVI (Digital Visual Interface).

Interlaced – Method to improve resolution of monitors and digital video. This technology interlaces multiple sets of video into a single image. Improves resolution but also increases screen flicker and reduces the monitor's reaction time.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) – A standard for storing still images. Uses lossy compression techniques. Can achieve upwards of 95% compression.

Lossy – Refers to data compression techniques in which some amount of data is lost. Lossy technologies attempt to eliminate redundant information without losing quality. Used by most video compression technologies.

M-JPEG (Motion-JPEG) – A standard for digital video. Uses JPEG compression to store each frame of the video file.

MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) – A lossy codec for video files. Several levels of MPEG exist (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4). Developed by ISO (International Organization of Standardization).

Non-interlaced – A monitor that does not interlace multiple sets of video into a single image, which eliminates the flicker and increases the reaction time.

NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) – Committee responsible for setting television signal standards in the US. NTSC is a standard for broadcast transmission and reception in the US. NTSC displays 525 lines at 30 interlaced frames (60 half-frames) per second. Slowly being replaced by HDTV.


OHCI-Compliant IEEE – 1394 – OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) was created by several hardware and software industry leaders to ensure that software (applications, drivers and operating systems) work properly with compliant hardware. IEEE 1394 (a high performance serial bus) is the industry standard for connecting devices (such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, etc.) to a computer. Two popular implementations of IEEE 1394 are FireWire® and i.LINK®.

Open Architecture – A standard, or system that is public, encouraging third-party manufacturers to develop add-ons. A good example of open architecture is the PC.

PAL (Phase Alternating Line) – A television standard in Europe and other parts of the World. Displays 625 lines at 25 interlaced frames per second (50 half-frames per second). NTSC (developed in the US) and SECAM (developed in France) are two other major television standards.

QuickTime® – An audio and video codec developed by Apple®. QuickTime® is built into the Macintosh® operating system (7 and higher) and is available for the PC. Some programs (e.g., Kid Pix® Deluxe 3) may require the installation of a version of QuickTime® to take full advantage of all program features. Programs that require QuickTime® typically include the correct version and may prompt you to install it during the program installation.

RealVideo® – A streaming video format used for transmitting live video over the Internet. Developed by RealNetworks®.

Streaming – Method of transferring data (audio or video) over the Internet in a steady stream, allowing the data to be played as it arrives.

SVCD – A SVCD (Super Video CD) is similar to the VCD, but includes improved quality. SVCD uses the MPEG-2 compression to store video and audio. SVCD's are capable of holding 35-60 minutes of good quality full-motion video that includes up to two stereo tracks and four selectable subtitles on a single CD. The quality depends on how many minutes you choose to store on a CD; fewer minutes on a CD generally improves quality. SVCD's can be played on many standalone DVD players and computers with a CD-ROM drive (and SVCD decoder) or DVD-ROM drive (and DVD decoder).

Transcoding – Process of converting media from one format to another. Typically used when converting media to fit in a smaller size or lower bandwidth.

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) – Globally accepted time standard. Combines Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), based on the earth's rotation and set at 0 longitude, with atomic clocks.

VCD – A VCD (Video CD) is a CD that is designed to hold MPEG-1 video data and hold interactive capabilities. The resolution is inferior when compared to a DVD. VCD's can be played on a VCD player, some CD-ROM drives and some DVD players. VCD's are capable of holding 74-80 minutes of full-motion video and stereo sound.

VGA (Video Graphics Array) – An analog standard for video output developed by IBM®. Displays text mode in 720 x 400 resolution. In graphics mode, displays 640 x 480 resolution and 16 colors, or 320 x 200 resolution and 256 colors. Also refers to the type of cable used to connect many video adaptors to their monitors. Slowly being replaced by DVI in this capacity.

Video Adaptor (aka: Display Adapter) – A card (or board) that plugs into the computer and converts data to be displayed on the monitor. Video adaptors generally conform to video standards, such as VGA, DVI, XGA and others.

Video for Windows® – A codec developed by Microsoft® for video and audio files. Media created in this format are saved as AVI files.

WebCam – Camera that is typically connected directly to the computer for recording live-motion video or transmitting live-motion video over the Internet.

WRAM (Windows RAM) – A memory format that allows direct access by both the computer and the video adaptor. This increases the speed at which video information is displayed. WRAM also allows for the addressing of larger blocks of video memory.

XGA (Extended Graphics Array) – A high-resolution graphics standard developed by IBM® in 1990. Allows 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 resolution.

Zorilla – A carnivorous African mammal related to the weasel. Skunklike. Rhymes with gorilla. (This term has absolutely nothing to do with multimedia terminology. We just needed something under the letter Z.)