Every discipline has a unique lexicon, and it’s my honor to bring you my short list of AV terminology – guaranteed to make you a better negotiator,
a more informed purchaser, and THE ROCK STAR PRODUCER you are meant to be.
General Terms
“INPUTS” – any type of source that is drawn into a system (microphones and laptops are inputs)
“OUTPUTS” – the destination that a signal is sent to (main screens or sound systems are outputs)
“RECORDS” – equipment used to capture audio or video recordings (also used as recorded files)
“PLAYBACK” – video or audio files being run (best case scenario) on a separate machine.
“MACHINE” – a word often used to indicate a laptop or playback device.
“TALENT” – an ingratiating term for anyone who is onstage as a part of a program (presenter, etc.)
Audio
“LAVALIERE” – also known as a “lav”, “lapel”, or “clip-on mic,” this is a hand’s-free microphone
“WIRED” – a great way to save money: use “wired” microphones unless you NEED wireless
“WIRELESS” – the standard for presenters, comes as a “handheld”, “lavaliere”, or “headset”
“MIXER” – the device all audio inputs are routed into so volumes and tone can be controlled
“PA” – a less-common term referring to a “sound system” or set of speakers
“LINE ARRAY” – a sophisticated sound system with multiple speakers hung at angles for coverage
“FOLDBACK” – otherwise known as “monitors”, or the speakers pointing at the talent onstage
“A1” – your lead Audio Engineer, usually stationed at the mixer and managing all audio
“A2” – your Audio Support position, often positioned backstage to mic up talent or run monitors
Video
“MEDIA / CONTENT” – these are any files used for playback (videos, slide decks, etc.)
“RESOLUTION” – indicates how fine your image detail is (4K is a resolution, HD is another)
“ASPECT RATIO” – the shape of your video image (common standard is 16:9)
“LUMENS” – (another place to save money) usually indicating the brightness of a projector
“SLIDE DECK” – another word for a PowerPoint or Google Slides file
“EMBEDDED” – any media or content inserted into a slide deck
(PRO TIP: submit all embedded content also as individual files in case of any playback issues)
“SWITCHER” – the device all video inputs are routed into so inputs can be faded seamlessly
“SCREENS” – usually referring to the main output of your video system (projection, etc.)
“IMAG” – when you have a live camera feed on your screens – think “jumbotron”
“OUTBOARD” – the screens on either side of the stage, usually showing content or IMAG
“LED WALL” – a screen type built of tiles in any shape or size, comes in many resolutions ($-$$$$)
“DSM” – the shorthand for a “confidence monitor”… specifically “downstage monitor”
“DELAYS” – screens set up for the rear section of a space, “delayed” (there are also audio delays)
“STREAM” – when a video signal goes out to an online audience, it goes over a stream
“REMOTE PRESENTER” – talent that is not in the room, but brought in over a video call
“V1” – your lead Video Engineer, usually stationed at the switcher and managing video signals
“V2” – your Video Support position, often required for complex video systems
“GFX” – your Graphics Operator, running slide decks and playing back video with expert timing
Lighting
“CONSOLE” – the command center equipment for your lighting design, also called a “desk”
“FIXTURE” – a technical term for a light of any type
“LOOK” – a configuration or specific programming of light (walk-in look, presenter look, etc.)
“STAGE WASH” – the look that generally lights up an area on stage (important for cameras)
“LEKO / ELLIPSOIDAL” – a light fixture that can be shaped, used most often for a stage wash or gobo
“GOBO” – an insert that emits a pattern or design from a fixture (comes in steel or glass)
“CONVENTIONAL” – a lighting fixture that uses a high-powered bulb and a good amount of power
“LED” – a lighting fixture that uses an LED instead of a bulb and requires much less power
“MOVING / INTELLEGENT” – a lighting fixture that can swivel, with built-in gobo patterns and colors
“SPECIAL” – you use a special when you light up a specific spot or angle for effect
“FOLLOW SPOT” – a human-operated fixture that can track talent on and off stage
“BALLYHOO” – when lights move in an energetic pattern around your space, often a figure-eight
“LD” – your Lighting Designer, usually programming looks and configuring fixtures in a system
“L1” – your Lighting Support position, often operating the console once a show is designed
Other
“FOH” – shorthand for “Front of House”, where 1-level positions set up to operate your show
(strangely this is usually in the rear of a space, not the front)
“DECKS” – another term for stage pieces, also known as “risers”
“RIGGING” – when you “fly” equipment, it means you hang it from above (to save $$$, avoid)
“POINTS” – the spots in a facility where rigging can hang
“TRUSS” – metal structure used in rigging to create a frame to hang other equipment from
“AMPS” – the amount of power, every system and piece of gear “draws” a certain amount of amps
“BANDWIDTH” – how wide your internet pipe is (wider = more you can fit and more you pay)