MCT Lexicon Multimedia & Creative Technology

Audio/Video

15 terms

Media production, video editing, audio engineering and streaming technology.

B-Roll

B-roll refers to supplementary footage that is intercut with the main footage, called A-roll, to add visual interest, context, and professional polish to video productions. While A-roll typically features the primary subject such as an interview or main action, B-roll provides cutaway shots like establishing shots of locations, detail shots of hands working, reaction shots, or relevant imagery that illustrates what the speaker is discussing. B-roll also conveniently covers edit points and jump cuts.

production

Bitrate

Bitrate is the amount of data processed or transferred per second, expressed in bits per second (bps). In audio and video, bitrate determines quality and file size. A higher bitrate means better quality but larger files. Bitrate can be constant (CBR) or variable (VBR).

software

Chroma Key

Chroma key, commonly called green screen or blue screen, is a visual effects technique that removes a specific color from footage and replaces it with another image or video. The subject is filmed against a uniformly lit colored background, typically bright green or blue because these colors are least present in human skin tones. Software then makes that color transparent, allowing compositing of the subject over any background such as fantasy landscapes, news sets, or virtual environments.

vfx

Codec

A codec (coder-decoder) is software or hardware that compresses (encodes) and decompresses (decodes) media files. Codecs make large audio and video files smaller for storage and streaming while keeping quality. Popular video codecs include H.264, H.265/HEVC, and AV1.

software

Color Grading

Color grading is the creative process of adjusting and enhancing the colors in video footage to establish mood, style, and visual consistency. It goes beyond basic color correction (fixing technical issues like white balance) to artistic manipulation of colors, contrast, and tones that support storytelling. Color grading can make footage feel warm and nostalgic, cold and clinical, or apply distinctive looks like the teal-and-orange blockbuster aesthetic.

post-productie

Compositing

Compositing is the process of combining visual elements from multiple sources into a single unified image or video, creating scenes that would be impossible, impractical, or too expensive to capture in a single shot. This includes layering green screen footage over backgrounds, adding CGI elements to live action, combining multiple camera passes, creating digital environments, and integrating visual effects like explosions, weather, or supernatural elements. Professional compositing involves precise color matching, edge refinement, lighting integration, and camera tracking.

post-productie vfx

Frame Rate

Frame rate is the number of individual images (frames) shown per second to create motion. It is expressed in fps (frames per second). Higher frame rates result in smoother motion. Standard film is 24fps, TV 25/30fps, and gaming aims for 60fps or higher.

design software

Git

Git is a distributed version control system that tracks changes in files. It enables developers to collaborate on projects, track changes, revert to earlier versions, and work on features in parallel via branches. Git is the industry standard for version control in software development.

programming software devops

J-Cut

A J-cut is a video editing technique where the audio from the next scene begins playing before the visual transition occurs, creating an audio bridge that smoothly connects two shots. The name comes from the J-shape this creates on the editing timeline, with the audio track extending to the left under the previous video clip. J-cuts are commonly used to lead viewers into new scenes, maintain pacing, and create seamless transitions that feel natural rather than abrupt.

Keyframe

A keyframe marks a specific point in time where you define a particular value for a property, with the software automatically calculating intermediate values between keyframes through interpolation. In video editing, keyframes control animated effects like position, scale, opacity, and color changes over time. In 3D animation, keyframes define character poses at important moments. The computer generates the in-between frames, a process called tweening, creating smooth transitions from one keyframe state to the next.

L-Cut

An L-cut is a video editing technique where the video transitions to the next scene while the audio from the previous scene continues playing, creating the reverse of a J-cut. The name derives from the L-shape on the editing timeline where the audio track extends to the right beyond its video clip. L-cuts are often used in dialogue scenes to show reactions while someone speaks, or to linger on emotional moments while transitioning away visually.

OBS Studio

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and livestreaming. It supports multiple sources (screen, webcam, capture cards), scenes, filters, and effects. OBS is widely used by streamers, content creators, and for professional broadcasts.

software

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up a video image, expressed as width by height. Common resolutions include 1920x1080 (Full HD or 1080p), 3840x2160 (4K UHD), and 1280x720 (HD or 720p). Higher resolution means more pixels and therefore more potential detail, but also requires more storage space, processing power, and bandwidth. The appropriate resolution depends on viewing distance, screen size, delivery platform requirements, and production budget.

Sample Rate

Sample rate is how many times per second an analog audio signal is measured (sampled) to store it digitally. It is expressed in Hertz (Hz). CD quality is 44,100 Hz (44.1 kHz), meaning the sound is sampled 44,100 times per second. Higher sample rates can capture more detail.

hardware software

Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is the fundamental lighting setup used in video, film, and photography consisting of three light sources positioned strategically around the subject. The key light is the primary and brightest light, placed to one side creating the main illumination and shadows. The fill light, placed opposite the key, softens shadows without eliminating them. The back light or rim light, positioned behind the subject, separates them from the background by creating an edge highlight on hair and shoulders.

lighting production