As an event planner, you have to be a jack of all trades. Because you’re juggling so many moving and interconnected parts, you need to know some basic information about every component of your event—from marketing and venue selection to catering and decorating. But even the most seasoned event planners often feel out of their depth when it comes to hyper-technical AV terminology.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. First of all, a good AV event company won’t talk in industry jargon. They’ll work with you to understand what you need in non-technical terms and help you understand everything you need to know.
But just in case, we’ve put together a glossary of key AV terms every event planner should know. We’ll give you their basic definitions, organized in alphabetical order. You can reference this list whenever you hear a term you’re not quite sure of.
Analog transmission refers to the process of transporting audio or video signals using continuous electrical waves as opposed to digital data. Examples of analog technologies include cassette tapes, vinyl records, or VHS tapes.
The aspect ratio of a screen or image refers to the proportional relationship between width and height. Aspect ratio is usually expressed as two numbers separated by a colon—for example 16:9.
AV is a term referring to technological systems that involve both sound and visual elements. It can describe everything from simple home-entertainment setups to complex professional systems used for corporate events, conferences, or broadcasting.
BOH describes the area in which tech is being operated outside the view of the audience. This may be in a separate room or behind a curtain and includes production elements such as control and management.
Bandwidth describes the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a connection or network in a given amount of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps):
Bandwidth affects audio and video quality as well as latency and buffering in AV contexts and livestreams.
A breakout room is any smaller space or room located separately within a larger venue that can be used to host breakout sessions like meetings or workshops. Breakout rooms can be physical rooms or separate video calls during a virtual event.
A confidence monitor (also commonly referred to as a DSM) is a screen placed at the front of the stage facing the presenter. These monitors are placed in discreet areas so the speaker can see them without turning around.
Contrast ratio is the measurement that describes the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black on a digital display.
Compression means reducing the size of audio or video files by removing unnecessary or redundant data. It can allow for easier file storage and transmission, especially in low-bandwidth contexts.
In AV systems, crosstalk describes any undesired interference that occurs when a signal from one audio or video channel leaks into another. It usually sounds like a faint echo from someone else’s microphone or a ghost-like overlay in a video feed.
A cue is a predetermined signal (visual, auditory, or both) that triggers a specific action. It helps ensure that tech-related elements are on-time and in-synch.
A display port is a simple term for a digital display interface that’s used to connect a video source (such as a media player or computer) to a display (like a monitor, TV, or projector).
Digital audio is an audio signal that has been converted to a digitized file, allowing it to be transmitted and processed through digital channels.
An encoder is a device that takes a raw visual and/or audio signal and compresses it into a digital format suitable for transmission to a designated output.
Feedback refers to that high-pitched sound that you hear when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and re-amplifies it, creating a loop. It’s one of the most common and irritating audio issues in the world of AV event production.
Frame rate refers to the number of individual images displayed in a video per second. A higher frame rate produces a smoother video but requires greater processing power.
In AV production for events, FOH describes the area in a venue where the audience is located and where on-site AV technicians operate equipment during the event.
Gobos are frequently used in lighting design for corporate events. They’re metal or glass stencils that are placed in front of lighting fixtures to display a particular pattern or image onto a backdrop, ceiling, floor, or wall.
Among the many types of microphones used in AV event setups, handheld mics are some of the easiest to set up and use. Handheld microphones can be passed between presenters on stage, minimizing the complexity of the system and creating smooth transitions.
IMAG is the practice of capturing live video of a presenter or performer and projecting the video onto large screens so audience members can see them clearly, especially if they’re seated further from the stage.
A lavelier microphone (also known as a “clip mic” or “lav”) is a small, wearable microphone that can be clipped onto a speaker’s clothing. It’s usually placed somewhere near the chest or neck, such as on a lapel.
Latency is the amount of time it takes for a signal to travel to a desired output. High latency typically results in performance issues like buffering, un-synched audio, or delays (lag).
In the world of event AV, “load in” and “load out” simply refer to the setup and teardown phases of equipment management.
Luminance refers to the intensity or brightness of light emitted or reflected on a display, such as a screen, LED wall, or projector. It helps determine how vivid and bright an image or video will look to guests.
A mixer (or mixing console) is a control panel that allows users to combine and adjust several audio signals from multiple sources. It ensures all audio signals are equalized and shaped appropriately.
Projection mapping software is an innovative technology in AV systems. It uses projectors to display images or video onto irregularly shaped surfaces like stages, buildings, and sculptures without noticeable visual distortion.
In AV contexts, redundancy means having backup equipment and systems in place to prevent disruptions and reduce troubleshooting times.
Refresh rate refers to the number of times (usually per second) that a visual display like a monitor or TV screen updates the image it shows, measured in hertz (Hz). It’s especially important when you need to show dynamic visual content.
Resolution describes the number of pixels (dots of light) present on a display. It’s typically expressed as width x height. For example a full HD display is expressed as 1920 x 1080, meaning it contains 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.
Rigging is the process of installing and securing AV equipment like screens, projectors, speakers, lights, and trusses in event venues.
SDI is a professional AV transmission standard that delivers uncompressed audio and visual signals through coaxial or fiber optic cables. It’s used in a wide range of applications, from live broadcasting to security and surveillance.
In AV event setups, signal path describes the specific route that video, audio, or control signals travel from an original source to a final destination. In simple terms, it explains how information flows through the equipment setup. For example, a signal may originate from a laptop, move through switchers and video processors, and end up displayed on LED walls and monitors.
In AV production, SPL is a measurement of the pressure a sound wave exerts on the air, which impacts how loud it feels in our ears. It’s effectively the loudness of sound, expressed in decibels (dB).
A switcher is a device that takes audio and visual signals and directs them to various outputs such as screens, speakers, and projectors.
Throw distance describes the distance between a projector and the screen or other surface it’s projecting onto. It directly affects the size and image quality of the content.
As an event planner, it’s important to have a basic understanding of key AV terms. But you shouldn’t have to be a tech expert to put on a successful event. That’s where we come in. Catalyst is proud to serve clients around the globe by delivering top-notch AV support services for corporate events of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re planning a modern high-tech trade show, a week-long company retreat, or a global virtual webinar, we’ll handle the technical aspects of your event so you can focus on putting on a great show.
Contact us to learn more and set up a free consultation!
As an event planner, you have to be a jack of all trades. Because you’re juggling so many moving and interconnected parts, you need to know some basic information about every component of your event—from marketing and venue selection to catering and decorating. But even the most seasoned event planners often feel out of their depth when it comes to hyper-technical AV terminology.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. First of all, a good AV event company won’t talk in industry jargon. They’ll work with you to understand what you need in non-technical terms and help you understand everything you need to know.
But just in case, we’ve put together a glossary of key AV terms every event planner should know. We’ll give you their basic definitions, organized in alphabetical order. You can reference this list whenever you hear a term you’re not quite sure of.
Analog transmission refers to the process of transporting audio or video signals using continuous electrical waves as opposed to digital data. Examples of analog technologies include cassette tapes, vinyl records, or VHS tapes.
The aspect ratio of a screen or image refers to the proportional relationship between width and height. Aspect ratio is usually expressed as two numbers separated by a colon—for example 16:9.
AV is a term referring to technological systems that involve both sound and visual elements. It can describe everything from simple home-entertainment setups to complex professional systems used for corporate events, conferences, or broadcasting.
BOH describes the area in which tech is being operated outside the view of the audience. This may be in a separate room or behind a curtain and includes production elements such as control and management.
Bandwidth describes the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a connection or network in a given amount of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps):
Bandwidth affects audio and video quality as well as latency and buffering in AV contexts and livestreams.
A breakout room is any smaller space or room located separately within a larger venue that can be used to host breakout sessions like meetings or workshops. Breakout rooms can be physical rooms or separate video calls during a virtual event.
A confidence monitor (also commonly referred to as a DSM) is a screen placed at the front of the stage facing the presenter. These monitors are placed in discreet areas so the speaker can see them without turning around.
Contrast ratio is the measurement that describes the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black on a digital display.
Compression means reducing the size of audio or video files by removing unnecessary or redundant data. It can allow for easier file storage and transmission, especially in low-bandwidth contexts.
In AV systems, crosstalk describes any undesired interference that occurs when a signal from one audio or video channel leaks into another. It usually sounds like a faint echo from someone else’s microphone or a ghost-like overlay in a video feed.
A cue is a predetermined signal (visual, auditory, or both) that triggers a specific action. It helps ensure that tech-related elements are on-time and in-synch.
A display port is a simple term for a digital display interface that’s used to connect a video source (such as a media player or computer) to a display (like a monitor, TV, or projector).
Digital audio is an audio signal that has been converted to a digitized file, allowing it to be transmitted and processed through digital channels.
An encoder is a device that takes a raw visual and/or audio signal and compresses it into a digital format suitable for transmission to a designated output.
Feedback refers to that high-pitched sound that you hear when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and re-amplifies it, creating a loop. It’s one of the most common and irritating audio issues in the world of AV event production.
Frame rate refers to the number of individual images displayed in a video per second. A higher frame rate produces a smoother video but requires greater processing power.
In AV production for events, FOH describes the area in a venue where the audience is located and where on-site AV technicians operate equipment during the event.
Gobos are frequently used in lighting design for corporate events. They’re metal or glass stencils that are placed in front of lighting fixtures to display a particular pattern or image onto a backdrop, ceiling, floor, or wall.
Among the many types of microphones used in AV event setups, handheld mics are some of the easiest to set up and use. Handheld microphones can be passed between presenters on stage, minimizing the complexity of the system and creating smooth transitions.
IMAG is the practice of capturing live video of a presenter or performer and projecting the video onto large screens so audience members can see them clearly, especially if they’re seated further from the stage.
A lavelier microphone (also known as a “clip mic” or “lav”) is a small, wearable microphone that can be clipped onto a speaker’s clothing. It’s usually placed somewhere near the chest or neck, such as on a lapel.
Latency is the amount of time it takes for a signal to travel to a desired output. High latency typically results in performance issues like buffering, un-synched audio, or delays (lag).
In the world of event AV, “load in” and “load out” simply refer to the setup and teardown phases of equipment management.
Luminance refers to the intensity or brightness of light emitted or reflected on a display, such as a screen, LED wall, or projector. It helps determine how vivid and bright an image or video will look to guests.
A mixer (or mixing console) is a control panel that allows users to combine and adjust several audio signals from multiple sources. It ensures all audio signals are equalized and shaped appropriately.
Projection mapping software is an innovative technology in AV systems. It uses projectors to display images or video onto irregularly shaped surfaces like stages, buildings, and sculptures without noticeable visual distortion.
In AV contexts, redundancy means having backup equipment and systems in place to prevent disruptions and reduce troubleshooting times.
Refresh rate refers to the number of times (usually per second) that a visual display like a monitor or TV screen updates the image it shows, measured in hertz (Hz). It’s especially important when you need to show dynamic visual content.
Resolution describes the number of pixels (dots of light) present on a display. It’s typically expressed as width x height. For example a full HD display is expressed as 1920 x 1080, meaning it contains 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.
Rigging is the process of installing and securing AV equipment like screens, projectors, speakers, lights, and trusses in event venues.
SDI is a professional AV transmission standard that delivers uncompressed audio and visual signals through coaxial or fiber optic cables. It’s used in a wide range of applications, from live broadcasting to security and surveillance.
In AV event setups, signal path describes the specific route that video, audio, or control signals travel from an original source to a final destination. In simple terms, it explains how information flows through the equipment setup. For example, a signal may originate from a laptop, move through switchers and video processors, and end up displayed on LED walls and monitors.
In AV production, SPL is a measurement of the pressure a sound wave exerts on the air, which impacts how loud it feels in our ears. It’s effectively the loudness of sound, expressed in decibels (dB).
A switcher is a device that takes audio and visual signals and directs them to various outputs such as screens, speakers, and projectors.
Throw distance describes the distance between a projector and the screen or other surface it’s projecting onto. It directly affects the size and image quality of the content.
As an event planner, it’s important to have a basic understanding of key AV terms. But you shouldn’t have to be a tech expert to put on a successful event. That’s where we come in. Catalyst is proud to serve clients around the globe by delivering top-notch AV support services for corporate events of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re planning a modern high-tech trade show, a week-long company retreat, or a global virtual webinar, we’ll handle the technical aspects of your event so you can focus on putting on a great show.
Contact us to learn more and set up a free consultation!
Are you planning a shareholder meeting, conference, product launch, trade show, or other type of major event? You need to make sure the production value matches the quality of your event’s content. Working with a reliable, proven leader in audio visual event production like Catalyst ensures your event runs smoothly, exceeds the expectations of your audience, and has the impact you want.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about our services, and tell us about your event.
We work events both nationally and internationally. No matter where you are, Catalyst can come to you.
(818) 818-6117
info@thecatalystcompanies.com