A/V & Lighting
A/V (audiovisual) and lighting are essential elements of event production. They set the right atmosphere, engage attendees, and create immersive and memorable experiences.
Imagine a rock concert’s A/V setup. High-powered sound systems, LED screens, and dynamic lighting create an electrifying atmosphere to complement the music. On the other hand, a corporate conference uses high-quality projectors, sound systems, and subtle lighting to support professional presentations.
A/V and lighting industries play integral roles in setting event ambiance, offering professional audio, visual, and lighting solutions tailored to events of all scales—from simple weddings to events as large as concerts, productions, or trade shows.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is the illumination of a specific area or object to enhance visual appeal, drawing attention by creating a focal point within a space.
Alternating Current
An alternating current is a type of electric current that changes direction at regular intervals.
Amplifier
An amplifier is an electronic device designed to boost the power of electrical signals, increasing their amplitude.
Ambient Light
Ambient light is the overall illumination within a room or environment, originating from sources other than the primary display.
Ambient Noise
Ambient noise is sound outside of the deliberate audio.
Analog
Analog is a way of passing on information through a signal that consistently fluctuates.
Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image. HD video is 16:9 and SD is 4:3.
Audio Cables
Audio cables are used to transmit audio signals between devices such as speakers, mixers, amplifiers, and DJ equipment.
Audio Engineering
Audio engineering is the process involving the manipulation, recording, and production of in-person or playback audio.
Audio Feedback
Audio feedback is the unintended noise produced when an audio system’s output is inadvertently picked up and re-amplified by its input.
Audio Interface
Audio interface is a device enabling the connection of audio equipment to a host computer or other digital systems, usually by a USB port, allowing for playback.
Audio Mixer
An audio mixer is a tool utilized in audio production and DJing to merge and manage audio signals originating from different sources. This device enables the manipulation of volume, tone, balance, and effects, facilitating the creation of the desired sound mix.
Audio Processor
An audio processor is a device used to control and engineer audio signals.
Audio Signal
An audio signal is the electrical depiction of audio.
Audio Track
An audio track houses and sounds a piece of audio.
Automation
Automation is the process of enabling devices or systems to operate automatically without direct human intervention, once inputted into an arrangement.
Ballast
A ballast is an electrical tool that controls and monitors the current and voltage to work a lamp. Ballasts are commonly used with HID and Fluorescent light sources.
Ballast Factor
The ballast factor is the percentage indicating the expected light output and power consumption of a lamp in relation to its rated values, with a higher ballast factor resulting in increased light output and power consumption.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the scope of frequencies within an audio signal or data stream that can pass through a system without distortion, during a given time interval .
Beam Angle
The beam angle is an angular span between two planes of light where at least 50% of the maximum intensity at the center beam is maintained.
BNC
A BNC is a small connector for videos, characterized by a two-pin lock, that allows connection to a screen.
Boundary Microphone (aka Surface Mount Microphone)
A boundary microphone is a microphone design strategically positioned close to a “boundary” such as a wall, ceiling or other flat surface, that relies on sound reflections to capture audio, commonly used in conference and telepresence systems.
Blocking
Blocking is the process of inserting wood strategically placed between structural elements to provide a stable mounting point for completed materials/products.
Block Diagram
A block diagram is a visual representation displaying the signal path through a system, depicting the functional relationships and components.
Brightness
Brightness is the perceptual quality of light or visual stimuli, influenced by factors such as intensity and color, contributing to the overall visual experience.
Cabling
Cabling is the physical infrastructure comprising interconnected wires or optical fibers designed for the transmission of signals, such as data or electrical impulses, within a system or network.
Category 5 (Cat 5)
Category 5 (Cat 5) is a classification for 100-ohm unshielded twisted-pair cables and related connectors, designed to transfer data at speeds up to 100 megabits per second. (part of the EIA/TIA 568A standard)
Category 5e (Cat 5e)
Category 5e (Cat 5e) is an amplified version of the Cat-5 cable standard, with additional features to minimize far end crosstalk for improved data transmission up to 1 gigabit per second. (part of the EIA/TIA 568A standard)
Category 6 (Cat 6)
Category 6 is a UTP cable standard for gigabit ethernet, backward compatible with Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat 3 cable. Cat 6 includes more intense particularities for crosstalk and system noise. (part of the EIA/TIA 568A standard)
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
CCTV is a system facilitating how video signals are transmitted from one, or many sources, to one or more destinations.
CODEC
CODEC is a device or software that encodes analog signals into digital format and vice versa, compressing the data to conserve bandwidth during transmission. CODEC is an acronym for coder/decoder.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
The color rendering index (CRI) is a metric evaluating a light source’s ability to accurately understand the color of something, contrasted with both natural and artificial sunlight. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 100. (the sun is 100)
Color Temperature
Color temperature is the measure of the hue of white light produced by a source, expressed in Kelvin (K), with lower temperatures appearing warm (reddish) and higher temperatures appearing cool (bluish).
Component Video
Component video is a colored video where factors like brightness (luminance), color hue, and saturation (chrominance) are taken into account, encoding red, green, and blue (Y, R-Y, and B-Y) signals onto three wires.
Composite Video Signal
A composite video signal is a single video signal encompassing complete color picture information and synchronization signals, combining all elements needed for video display.
Cone
A cone is a crucial component in loudspeaker systems, typically conical in shape, lightweight and semi-rigid.
Conferencing Systems
Conferencing systems are a technological setup that enables individuals at different locations to communicate and share information. This can be helpful for meetings between clients and other companies, and be played through monitors, projections, computers, and more.
Clipping
Clipping is the distortion of a signal occurring when its peak amplitude is exceeded. There is both hard and soft clipping.
Decibel
A decibel is a comparison of two measurements or values. Abbreviated dB, it is one-tenth of a Bel. This ratio is used for quantifying differences in loudness, including factors like sound pressure and power.
Delay
A delay is an audio signal processing device or circuit designed to slow down the speed of one or more audio signals or frequencies, eventually fading to quiet.
Depth-of-Field
Depth-of-field is the range in front of a camera lens where objects appear in focus, extending from the nearest to the farthest item.
Diffuser
A diffuser is a device utilized to modify light by scattering it, producing softer illumination with reduced glare.
Distributed Sound
Distributed Sound is a sound system employing a variety of loudspeakers strategically spaced apart, often operating at lower sound pressure levels than a typical high-pressure system, with speakers typically hanging over the heads of the audience.
DLP
Digital light processing utilizes a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) with microscopic mirrors to project images on a screen.
Doppler Effect
The doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave observed by someone when moving relative to the source of the wave, commonly experienced with sound or light waves.
DMX
DMX, which stands for Digital Multiplex System, serves as a protocol for controlling devices like lights or fog machines. This unidirectional signal travels solely in one direction — from the controller or initial light to the ultimate device in the chain.
DPA Headset
A DPA headset is a headset featuring a miniature microphone designed by DPA (formerly known as Danish Pro Audio), known for its high-quality audio capture in various applications.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface is a method of facilitating the direct digital transfer of data between a source device, typically a computer, and a display device. DVI has largely been replaced by HDMI, DisplayPort, and other formats.
Echo Cancellation
Echo Cancellation is the act of taking echo out of a signal path, so that the audio sounds clear.
Efficacy
Efficacy is the measure of a light source’s efficiency. Lumens per Watt of a light source.
Electric Current
See: Alternating Current
Electrical Signal
An electrical signal is the fluctuating flow of electric current conveying information, typically representing audio, video, or data.
Electronic Ballast
An electronic ballast is a ballast incorporating electronic components instead of traditional core-and-coil transformers, which minimizes power loss.
Equalizer
An equalizer is a piece of electronic equipment designed to adjust or correct the frequency components of a signal, ensuring optimal audio quality.
Ethernet
The ethernet is a set of network cabling, signaling, and access protocols standards for computer networks.
Fade in / Fade out
A fade in/ fade out is the gradual emergence or disappearance of volume, used in audio production and DJing for smooth transitions.
Feedback
Feedback, in the context of audio systems, refers to the loop of a signal from output back to input, causing an undesirable and displeasing noise. In control systems, it denotes data provided to indicate system status or performance.
Fiber Optic
A fiber optic is a technology that utilizes threads or wires usually made from glass or plastic to pass along data.
Filter
A filter is an outcome that occurs after blocking or passing certain elements of a signal, like light or color.
Focal Length
The focal length is the stretch between the center point of a lens and the focal point of the image. The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle or the image.
Footcandle
A footcandle is a unit measuring illuminance, representing the intensity of light falling on the surface of an object. One foot candle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
Frequency
Frequency is the number of cycles per second in a signal, measured in Hertz (Hz), representing the pitch in sound or the rate of oscillation in electromagnetic waves.
Gain
Gain is the change in the amplitude of a signal and can be a helpful tool to manipulate the perception of loudness of a sound.
Glare
Glare is a visual effect caused by intense levels of brightness, which can often be distressful or disabling to the eye.
Gobo
A gobo is a device used in lighting to project patterns or images by placing it in front of a light source to emanate a shadow, blocking or shaping light.
HDMI
An HDMI cable is a connectivity standard that facilitates the transmission of digital audio and video signals between compatible devices through a single cable, supporting high-definition multimedia.
Hertz (Hz)
Hertz is the unit of frequency, representing the number of cycles per second in an electrical signal or wave.
High Bay
A high bay is a light fixture specifically designed for applications with elevated ceilings, typically exceeding 20 feet in height, and commonly used in commercial and industrial settings.
High Definition
High definition is a display or broadcast format characterized by a higher resolution, providing clearer and more detailed images or content.
HDTV
HDTV is an abbreviation for High Definition Television, a television system that delivers superior image quality, typically with resolutions above 1280×720.
Hot Spot
The hot spot is the part of an image that has a discrepancy or uneven illumination, usually appearing to have a bright area in the center that disrupts the image.
Impedance
Impedance is the dislike of changing currents as they flow through a circuit, measured in ohms, encompassing resistance and reactance factors.
Infrared (IR)
Infrared is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum below the red end of visible light, utilized for wireless communication in devices like remote controls.
Initial Lumens
Initial lumens is the measure of the total light output emitted by a lamp or lighting system at the beginning of its operational life.
Input
Input is a connection point on a device designed to receive information or signals from an external source.
Junction Box
A junction box is an enclosure for electrical wires and cables, serving as a termination point or connection hub, providing protection from outside conditions as well as organization.
Kelvin Temperature (K)
Kelvin temperature (K) is the unit of measurement for temperature, commonly used in lighting to express the color temperature of light sources.
Lavalier mic
A lavalier mic is a miniature microphone designed to be worn around the neck or fastened onto clothing, allowing for hands-free and inconspicuous audio capture.
Laser beams
Laser beams are intense, different colored light beams used in concerts and DJ setups for dynamic visual effects, projecting patterns and enhancing the lighting experience.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
A liquid crystal display is a video display technology that uses liquid crystals to modulate light transmission, to produce images on a flat screen.
LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)
Liquid crystal on silicon is a reflective liquid crystal imaging technology where a liquid crystal layer is applied to a reflective silicon substrate, commonly used in high-quality projection displays.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Light emitting diode is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it, known for energy efficiency and long lifespan.
LM–79
LM-79 is a standard for evaluating the performance characteristics of LED lamps and luminaires, encompassing aspects like light output, color quality, and energy consumption.
LM-80
LM-80 is a standard specifying testing procedures for assessing the lumen maintenance of LED packages and arrays over time.
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker is a transducer that reproduces electrical signals into sound waves, commonly used for audio output in various applications.
Lumen
Lumen is the standard unit of measurement for luminous flux, representing the total visible light releasing from a light source.
Luminaire
A luminaire is a complete lighting fixture featuring a light source, ballast, reflectors, lens, and other components.
Lux
Lux is the international system unit for illuminance, measuring the amount of incident light when one lumen is evenly distributed over one square meter, symbolized as lx.
Matrix Switcher
A matrix switcher is a sophisticated electronic device featuring multiple input and output ports, enabling flexible connectivity where any input source can be linked to one, several, or all output destinations.
Magnetic Ballast
A magnetic ballast, also referred to as “Core-and-Coil” ballast, involves a magnetic core intertwined with copper windings, typically incurring higher power losses.
Mic Check
A mic check is a customary audio testing procedure, often spoken into a microphone to ensure proper functionality and assess audio levels before an event or performance.
Mixer
A mixer is a versatile device designed for merging and adjusting the content of multiple audio sources, facilitating seamless blending and control of various sound inputs.
Modulator
A modulator is the device that converts one or more properties of a carrier signal, like frequency, amplitude, or phase, with data from a different signal.
Moving Light
Moving light is an advanced lighting fixture capable of dynamic motion and varied positioning, offering flexibility in illuminating different areas during performances or events.
Multiplexing
Multiplexing is the process used by the combiner to put multiple modulated signals into a single communication channel, enabling the efficient transmission of multiple signals.
Multipoint (aka continuous presence)
Multipoint is videoconferencing that connects different sites to a common network, allowing all sites to talk and speak with each other at the same time.
Omni-Directional
Omni-directional is a microphone device that captures signals from all angles
Phantom Power
Phantom Power is a concealed direct current (DC) power source, accessible in different voltage options, commonly used to power devices such as condenser microphones or active direct input boxes.
Phase
Phase is the timing or position of one sound at a specific point.
Photocell
Photocell is the controller that flips on/off a light source depending on the time of day.
Pink Noise
Pink noise is a sound that has equal energy in each octave band, often used to tune loudspeaker systems in professional audio. Producers and mixing engineers like to have pink noise as a reference point for mixing because of its ideal response curve.
Pixel
A pixel, short for “picture element”, is the smallest unit of a digital image.
Point-to-Point
Point-to-Point is a conferencing setup that connects two locations directly for communication or data exchange.
Point-Source
A point-source is a sound system with a centralized loudspeaker location designed to cover a large area, typical in bigger venues such as performance spaces or large houses of worship.
Reflection
Reflection is the phenomenon of light or sound waves reflecting off a surface, influencing the perceived characteristics of a space.
Refraction
Refraction is the bending of light as it moves through a medium, altering its direction due to differences in speed.
Resolution
Resolution can mean either the level of detail an image holds or the number of pixels in a display, affecting image clarity.
Reverberant Sound
Reverberant sound is waves that bounce off many surfaces, reaching the listener later than early reflections.
RF System
RF system is a closed circuit system transformed into an RF system when composite video and audio signals are moved at a specific frequency, requiring a display device with a tuned tuner.
RGBHV
RGBHV is a high bandwidth video signal with different conductors for red, green, or blue signals, as well as horizontal and vertical synchronization.
RGBS
RGBS is a video signal consisting of red, green, blue signals, as well as a composite sync signal.
RGSB
RGSB is a video signal containing red and green signals, with composite sync as an addition to the green channel and a blue signal.
Rig Plot
A rig plot is the diagram created by the venue that shows where the rigging points are to properly suspend lights, speakers, etc.
Scaler
A scaler is a feature that adjusts the scale of an image without changing its shape, commonly used in display devices to fit content onto screens of varying resolutions when the image size does not fit the display device.
Shotgun Microphone
A shotgun microphone is an intensely sensitive, long cylindrical microphone, designed to capture sound from a significant distance while minimizing background noise.
Signal Generator
A signal generator is a tool that manufactures calibrated electronic signals used for aligning and testing electronic circuits or systems.
Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N ratio)
Signal to noise ratio is the ratio, measured in decibels, between the information signal and the accompanying non-information noise. There will be a better quality of sound or picture, if the S/N ratio is higher.
Smoke Machines
Smoke machines are devices that generate artificial smoke or fog for visual effects, enhancing lighting displays or creating atmospheric conditions in entertainment or event settings.
Splitter
A splitter is a device that separates a signal into multiple outputs, allowing the same signal to be sent to and utilized by different devices simultaneously.
Spot Fixtures
Spot fixtures are lighting fixtures designed to produce a focused and controllable beam of light, commonly used in stage and event lighting for highlighting specific areas, or casting a spotlight on something.
Standard Definition
Standard definition is a video or display format characterized by a lower resolution and typically a 4:3 aspect ratio, as opposed to high-definition formats.
Streaming Video and Audio
Streaming video and audio is a continuous transmission of video and audio content over the internet, allowing users to access and view or listen to the content in real-time without downloading the entire file.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers is a type of loudspeaker, specialized in reproducing low-frequency sounds, usually in the range of 20 Hz to 200 Hz, enhancing the bass response in audio systems.
Surround Sound
Surround sound is an audio playback system that uses multiple channels to create a three-dimensional sound experience, immersing listeners in a more realistic audio environment.
S–Video
S-video is a video signal format, also known as Y/C, where the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) components are carried separately on dedicated conductors.
Switcher
A switcher is a device used to select one of a variety of available signals.
Sync
Sync, short for synchronization, refers to the timing data that ensures proper coordination between different elements in a system.
Throw Distance
Throw distance is the distance between a projector and the projection surface required to achieve a particular image size, a crucial parameter in determining projector placement. For example, a projector and a screen.
Transformer
A transformer is the passive electrical device that carries electricity through different voltages. Step down transformers take a higher voltage to a lower voltage, whereas step-up transformers do the opposite.
Truss
A truss is a metal framework used in rigging for suspending and supporting various equipment such as lighting, projectors, and speakers in event and entertainment settings.
Tweeters
Tweeters are a type of loudspeaker that have a high level of frequency, typically 2,000 Hz – 20,000 Hz.
Uplighting
Uplighting is an illumination technique used in events and performances where lights are strategically placed at the base of structures or objects to create a visually appealing upward glow, enhancing the ambience of the venue.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A universal serial bus is the standard for connecting electronic devices, facilitating communication and power supply. There is a standard USB socket on many computers and devices that allow things to be connected to a computer and transfer MIDI data.
VGA (Video Graphics Array)
A video graphics array is a display standard that defines the resolution, color depth, and refresh rate of analog video signals. VGA is used for connecting computers to monitors, though digital interfaces like HDMI and DisplayPort have largely replaced them.
Video Connectors
Video connectors are physical interfaces that link video devices, enabling the transmission of video signals. Examples include HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA connectors, each with specific features and capabilities.
Viewing Angle
The viewing angle establishes the maximum angle at which a viewer can sit away from the axis (centerline of the screen) and still experience a high-quality image, not exceeding 45 degrees from the projection axis.
Viewing Cone
The viewing cone is a three-dimensional space encompassing the optimal viewing area for an audience. This area extends in width, height, and depth from the center of the display, creating a cone-shaped volume.
Volt
A volt is the fundamental unit of electric potential difference or electromotive force, denoted by the symbol V. It represents the measure of potential energy per unit charge in an electrical circuit.
Voltage
Voltage is the electrical potential that drives the flow of current within a circuit. It is the force that propels electrons through a conductor.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
Wide area network is a network that connects geographically dispersed local area networks (LANs) using telecommunications infrastructure. WANs enable communication over large distances, such as between different cities or countries.
White Noise
White noise is a sound characterized by equal energy levels across all frequencies. White noise is often used in audio applications and can create a consistent background sound.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
A wireless local area network is a network that utilizes radio frequency transmission for wireless communication between devices within a localized area. WLANs offer flexibility and mobility without the need for physical cables.
Woofers
Woofers are similar to a subwoofer but have a higher range. Woofers are loudspeakers designed to reproduce low-mid frequency sounds, typically in the range of ~40Hz up to ~500Hz, contributing to the bass or lower register in audio playback systems.
XLR Connector (aka cannon connector)
An XLR connector is a widely used audio connector featuring three pins for signal transmission and grounding. Known for its secure connection, the XLR connector is the standard audio signal cable for the production and AV industries, featured on a variety of mixers and audio interfaces.
Y/C
Y/C is a video signal, also known as S-Video, where Y represents luminance (brightness) and C represents chrominance (color), transmitted individually on synchronized conductors.
Y-Splitter
Y-splitter is a device that divides a single audio or video signal into two separate signals, allowing multiple devices to receive the same source signal simultaneously.
Zone Output
Zone output is the functionality in audio equipment and DJ mixers that divides sound output into distinct zones. This enables different audio signals to be directed to specific areas or zones within a venue, catering to diverse audio requirements.
