Glossary of Video Terms
4:3 -- The aspect ratio for standard definition.
16:9 -- The aspect ratio for high-definition, also known as wide screen.
1080i -- HD Video that contains 1080 lines interlaced.
1080p -- HD Video that contains 1080 lines progressive.
720p -- HD format that contains 720 lines progressive.
Anamorphic -- A technique that uses rectangular pixels to store a widescreen image to standard 4:3
Aspect Ratio -- The ratio of an images width to height.
AVI -- (Audio-Video Interleaved) This Windows video file format is the preferred file for streaming.
Blu-ray -- An optical disc that allows storage of large files, particularly high-definition video.
Transcoding -- The process of converting one video file format into another file format.
Digitization -- See Encoding
Down-Conversion -- The process of converting hi-definition video to standard definition video.
Edge Crop -- A 4:3 image that is the center cut of a 16:9 image where both of the edges are cropped.
Encoding -- The process of converting an image from tape or other source to a digital video file format.
Frame Rate -- The measurement of frequency at which a device produces unique consecutive images.
DVC PRO HD -- Panasonic's Hi-defintion format.
HDCAM -- Sony's Hi-definition format.
HDCAM SR -- Sony's premium Hi-def format.
HDV -- Sony's consumer Hi-def format.
Interlace -- With an Interlace Scan system, the data is split and displayed alternately line by line.
Letterbox -- A technique used so a widescreen image can be viewed in a standard aspect ratio.
MPEG -- (Motion Picture Experts Group) A video file format that has different versions of the same codec.
MPEG1 -- A version of MPEG commonly used for video CDs.
MPEG2 -- A version of MPEG commonly used for DVD.
MPEG4 -- A version of MPEG commonly used for web streaming and broadcast.
NTSC -- (National Television Systems Committee) The video standard for N. America. It uses 525 lines at 29.97 fps.
PAL -- (Phase Alternation Line) The video standard for most European countries and many others throughout the work. It uses 625 lines at 25fps.
Pillarbox -- A 16:9 video image that contains a 4:3 image.
Progressive -- With Progressive scan systems, each refresh period updates all of the scan lines.
Quicktime -- (.mov) A multi-media format developed by Apple. Commonly used for editing in Mac systems and for streaming on the internet.
Resolution -- The amount of detail that is captured or recorded when encoding to a digital video file.
RVP (Rimage Video Protect) -- A process during duplication where the file is encapsulated to prevent copying or ripping.
Up-Conversion -- The process of converting standard definition video to hi-definition video.
