GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The glossary is a reference guide to some of the equipment and technical terms used on this site.
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A
A B Block: used to link 2 x 35mm projectors to 1 remote control, to enable 2 slides to be shown simultaneously. Used mainly for medical presentations to display before and after pictures.
Acetate: Type of transparency used on overhead projectors.
ANSI Lumens: A standard for measuring light output, used for comparing projectors.
B
Barrier Ropes: Red barrier ropes with chrome stanchions used for crowd control.
Beamer: This is a term used for an LCD or Data Projector.
Blackout: This is usually a curtain, used to blackout natural light in a room, improves quality of images being projected.
C
Camcorder: Used for filming, usually supplied with a tripod.
Carousel: Sits on top of 35mm Projectors to put slides in.
C.C.T.V.: Closed circuit television system used for surveillance / security. See also Role Play System.
Combi Unit: Television and video unit combined.
Conference Telephone: Starfish shaped unit which is placed in the middle of a table to enable multiple participants to have conversation with caller.
Cue light: Prompt light for people giving speeches.
D
DAT Machine: Digital Audio recording on to tape.
Delegate Units: Press to speak personal microphone and speaker.
D.I. Box: Direct Injection Box, a box which interfaces with various equipment into a PA System.
Digital Camera: Takes digital images that can be downloaded and edited via computer.
Drape Kit: Full or part to surround large projection screens to enhance aesthetic appearance.
E
Edit Monitors: Small units for previewing picture and sound prior to presentation.
Electronic Whiteboard: Generates a printout of what ever is written on it
F
Fast-Fold Screen: Larger type of presentation screen.
Fax Machine: For sending / receiving data through the telephone line.
Flipchart Easel: Can be used with or without paper for writing on during presentations.
G
Gaffer: Tape used for temporary securing of cables which conforms to Health and Safety requirements.
Ghetto Blaster: Type of portable CD / Tape player.
Gyro Mouse: Wireless remote controlled mouse for use with computer presentations.
H
Headset Microphone: Cordless radio microphones worn on the head.
I
Inductance Loop: A cable system round a room to enable people with hearing aids to pick up sound from the audio outputs.
Infra-red Remote: The traditional remote control, it transmits infra-red similar to a television remote. Typical range is limited to 30-35ft. Infra-red requires line of sight or a bounce off a hard surface.
ISDN: Is a specific telephone line required for video conferencing and fast internet access.
K
Kilowatt: Often referred to as ‘K’, meaning 1,000 watts of audio sound level.
L
Lapel Microphone: Term used for a wireless microphone worn on a tie or lapel of clothing.
Laptop: Portable computer which is commonly used with an LCD projector for powerpoint presentations.
Laser Pointer: A small pen or cigar sized pointer that contains a small battery powered laser which can project a small high intensity beam of light (typically red), that is immediately very visible on the screen. Excellent for pointing to objects or text to make a point.
LCD Projector: Term used for data projector.
Lectern: A piece of furniture for a speaker to stand behind and rest either their notes or laptops on.
M
Minidisk Recorder: Form of digital audio recording, playback onto disk.
Mixer: Audio equipment for combining multiple signals.
MON/VID/STD: Monitor and video on a portable wheeled stand.
Multiplay CD: Can hold and play multiple compact discs for continuous music.
Multicore Cable: A thick cable with several audio cables running through it,
N
NTSC: The United States broadcast standard for video and broadcasting. An older standard and lower resolution than systems used in most of the world.
O
Overhead Projector (OHP): A device consisting of a light source, a transmissive or reflective platform, and a focusable lens assembly. An OHP is designed to project images from transparencies onto a screen.
P
PAL: A European and international broadcast standard for video and broadcasting. Higher resolution than NTSC.
PA System: Public Address System, which amplifies sound.
Plasma Screen: A flat multi-purpose screen (3” deep) used for displaying computer and video images.
Podium: Term used for small stage.
R
Radio Microphone: Wireless microphone which can be either hand-held, lapel (tie) clip or headset.
Rear Screen Projection: Using an opaque screen, the projector is placed behind the screen invisible to the audience. It projects onto the screen and the audience sees it on the other side.
Redhead: Light used in video filming and photography to give colour corrected output.
Role Play system: Camcorder, monitor and video used to record and playback role plays for instructional educational purposes.
S
Secam: A French and international broadcast standard for video and broadcasting. Higher resolution than NTSC.
Simultaneous Translation: Cordless headsets are provided for delegates so that an interpreter, (usually located in a separate booth), can translate a speech.
Slide Projector: A term used for 35mm projectors, used to show photographic slides.
Smartfade: Device for combining multiple video and computer signals to a single output.
Speakerphone: Normal desktop telephone with speaker and microphone to enable caller to speak to more than 1 person simultaneously.
Stage: Raised platform.
SVGA: Is a computer or display screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.
T
TFT Screen: Thin Film Transistor Screen, are much flatter than traditional monitor screens.
Tie-clip: see Lapel Microphone.
Tribune Table: Top table used by speakers, chairpersons etc.
U
Uplighters: Provide subtle background lighting for events.
V
VGA: Is a computer or display screen resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
W
Whiteboard: Used for writing on during presentations, can be magnetic on one side.
X
XGA: Is a computer or display screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.