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B

bandwidth

A network's capacity for transferring an amount of data in a given time.

bit rate

The number of bits transferred per second.

C

capture

To record audio, video, or still images as digital data in a file.

capture device

Hardware that transfers audio and video from an external source, such as a VCR or camcorder, to a computer.

clip

Small segment of a larger video file.

codec

An abbreviation for compressor/decompressor. Software or hardware used to compress and decompress digital media.

collection

A container for organizing clips.

compression

A process for removing redundant data from a digital media file or stream to reduce its size or the bandwidth used.

content

Audio, video, images, text, or any other information that is contained in a digital media file or stream.

cross-fade

A method of smoothly moving from one video clip or photo to another. With a cross-fade transition, the frames in the playing clip fade out as the frames in the new clip fade in. In the film industry, the same process is called a dissolve.

D

depth of field

The measurement of the area in front of and behind the subject that is in focus.

digital video (DV)

Video images and sound stored in a digital format.

direct memory access (DMA)

Memory access that does not involve the microprocessor and is frequently used for data transfer directly between memory and a peripheral device, such as a disk drive.

download

To transfer a file over a network in response to a request from the device that receives the data. Downloaded content is kept on the receiving device for playback on demand. In contrast, streamed content is played as it is delivered.

F

frame

One of many sequential images that make up video.

frame rate

The number of video frames displayed per second. Higher frame rates generally produce smoother movement in the picture.

H

header

A part of the file structure that contains information required by an application to decompress and render the content. The header in a protected file also contains information required to get a license.

I

IEEE 1394

See definition for: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394

A high-speed serial bus standard that provides enhanced computer connectivity for a wide range of devices, including consumer electronics audio/video (A/V) appliances, storage peripherals, other computers, and portable devices.

M

microphone noise

Unwanted sound that is captured when objects touch a microphone inadvertently.

moiré pattern

Video artifacts that occur when recording an object that has many thin, parallel lines.

P

project file

The file that contains information about the files that have been imported into or captured in the current project, and how files or clips have been arranged.

R

record

See definition for: capture

S

source

Audio and video content that can be captured and encoded from devices installed on your computer or from a file.

split

To divide an audio or video clip into two clips.

storyboard

A view of the workspace that displays the sequence of your clips.

T

timeline

The area of the user interface that shows the timing and arrangement of files or clips that make up a project.

trim

To hide parts of a file or clip without deleting them from the original source. Files and clips can be trimmed by adjusting the start or end trim points.

trim points

The points where playback of a file or clip begins and ends. There are two trim points: start trim point and end trim point.

W

Windows Media file

A file containing audio, video, or script data that is stored in Windows Media Format. Depending on their content and purpose, Windows Media files use a variety of file name extensions, such as: .wma, .wme, .wms, .wmv, .wmx, .wmz, or .wvx.

Windows Media Technologies

A family of digital media software developed by Microsoft, such as Windows Media Services, Windows Media Encoder, and Windows Media Player.

Windows Movie Maker

Software for capturing, editing, and arranging audio and video source material to create movies.

workspace

The area of Windows Movie Maker in which you create your movies. It consists of two views: storyboard and timeline, which act as a container for work in progress.