Chapter 15

audio conferencing

a conference between two or more sites using only voice transmissions

amplifier

a device that enable sound signals to be intensified

computer projection panel (LCD)

a device that projects the image on a computer monitor onto a screen. the self contained unit, which contains liquid crystal display panel, light source, and lens, works with both pc and mac computers and dvd, vcr, and digital HDTV signals

fast fold screen

a large screen with a frame. the legs of this screen are attached at the sides to allow the screen to be folded down into a small case for storage (some fast-fold screens are also suspended about the viewing area) most popular of large viewing screens, available in sizes up to 30 feet high

lavaliere microphone

a microphone that hangs around the neck, leaving the hands free. also cal a lapel, neck, or pendant microphone

unidirectional microphone

a microphone that picks up sounds from only one direction. used for speeches, it is different from omni-directional devices, which pick up sound from all directions

reader board

a sign, either printed or displayed on a video screen, that lists the times and locations of a groups events

profile spots

adjustable spotlights used to light lecterns, signs, and areas that need a tightly focused pool of light

virtual conferencing

any meeting at which people at two or more distant locations are linked using video, audio, and data for two way communication via satellite communications or the internet. parties see and hear each other via tv screens or computer monitors and audio speakers

safelock stand

audiovisual equipment stand with four adjustable telescoping legs

laser pointers

compact instruments consisting of a visible light laser. used for pointing out features on a projected visual display

audiographic conferencing

conference that combines visual capabilities with voice transmissions

in house contractor

contractor retained by a facility to provide on site services as needed. in some cases planners ae not required to use their services, but may be charged a surcharge or facility fee for using outside contractors to provide the same service

dissolve unit

device that activates fade-in and fade out slides, can be used with several projectors. used to create a "seamless" slide presentation

monitor

device used to view a video or computer image

receivers

devices that convert electric currents or waves into visible or audible signals. similar to a monitor, but with poorer picture quality

keystoning

distortion of a projected image, the image is wider on the top and narrower on the bottom. tilting the top of the screen can correct the problem, and many data projectors allow the operator to tilt the lens to correct keystoning

xenon bulbs

extremely high intensity lamps that are replacing carbon arc light sources in follow spots and long distance projectors

roving microphone

hand microphone, with or without cord, that can be moved easily through an audience to take questions

DLP projector (digital light projection)

high-end projector with extremely high light (up to 15,000 lumens) and scan output. most commonly used for very large screen and room applications

flip charts

large pads on tripod stand. used by speakers for illustrations and drawings

ambient light

level of illumination from natural lighting sources already existing in an environment

intelligent lighting

lighting instruments that can be computer-controlled to move light around the room and project color and patterns on screens, scenery, walls, or the floor

floodlights

lights designed to provide general illumination

standing microphone

microphone attached to a metal stand placed on the floor. can be adjusted for angle and height. also called a floor microphone

table microphone

microphone attached to a small stand placed on a table, desk, or lectern

carousel projector

most popular 2" by 2" (35 mm) slide projector. projects images from slides in mounts measuring 2 by 2 inches, presorted in round trays

follow-spots

movable lights used to highlight the speaker or performance

rearview projection

movie, slide, or computer image projected from a projector positioned behind the screen onto the back of a screen placed between the viewer and the projector. also called back projection

web conferencing

multiple participants take part in an online, real time meeting

translucent rear-projection screen

plastic screen with a special gray coating that allows images to be projected from behind the screen and viewed by the audience in front

skirting

pleated or ruffled draping used on audiovisual stands and stagings. also used to drape buffet, reception, and head tables for food and bev functions

tripod screen

portable projection screen with three folding legs and a pull up surface supported by a rod on the back. usually not larger than 10-12 feet

easel

portable three legged stand with a rack that is used to hold signs, boards, posters, charts, cork boards, magnetic boards, or other objects

gobo patterns

possibly derived from "go between", gobos are metal plates perforated with a pattern of holes to produce a projected image or outline, such as a corporate logo, when placed in front of a light (more sophisticated gobos rotate to create moving patterns) gobos can also be made of glass that contains colored patterns

overhead projector

projects a transparency onto a screen. speakers can write on transparencies as they are projected

multimedia

refers to the use of two or more audiovisual devices for a presentation

mixer board

regulates the sound from multiple microphones. also called a sound board

matte surface screen

screen having a flat or matt white finish that does not reflect as effectively as a glass-bead screen but can be viewed from virtually all front angles

glass-beaded screen

screen on which the surface is covered with tiny glass beads that reflect a bright image back at the audience but have a narrow viewing angle

lenticular screen

screen with a silver-colored finish that has brighter reflective characteristics than a matte screen and a wider viewing angle than a beaded screen

digital signs

signage that features electronic displays rather than printed copy

computer data projector

similar to LCD panels used with an overhead projector, except it is a self-contained unit and uses its own light source to project the computer image onto the screen

cordless/wireless microphone

small, portable microphone that operates without any direct electrical connection. often used when take questions or comments from the audience

simultaneous interpretation

the interpretation of the presentation into another language while the speech is in progress

video satellite conferencing

two way, full motion, full color, interactive electronic form of communication. various transmission technologies can be used to link groups of people at two or more communications for face-to-face meetings, seminars, or conferences