Monday, 2 September 2013, 07:42 AM

Site: ExplorNet's Moodle Site Course: Getting Started with Digital Media (DM_START) Glossary: Digital Media Glossary

101.01

Animation

: A series of graphic images pieced together in a timed sequence to give the appearance of continuous movement.

Audio

:

Sound or the reproduction of sound. Audio frequency is a frequency capable of being perceived by the human ear.

Digital Media

:

the use of creative design and computer technology to combine forms of media to reach the audience in various ways

Graphics

: Visual representation of an idea or concept

Social Media

:

created and controlled by a community of users that interact using the Internet; examples include blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc.

Traditional Media

:

communication that was well-established before the Internet age; books, newspapers, magazines, etc.

Video

: any medium which displays moving images electronically

101.02

Commercial Digital Media

:

intended to persuade the audience to use or buy a product; examples include commercials, advertisements, and other marketing products

Educational Digital Media

:

uses digital media to interactively teach content or demonstrate a process; examples include online tutorials, descriptive animations, etc.

Entertainment Digital Media

:

intended to captivate an audience and keep them engaged; examples include digital art, movies, video games, music, etc.

News/Informational Digital Media

:

informs the audience about recent events and/or provides information about a topic; examples include news casts, online periodicals, etc.

Public Service Announcement (PSA) Digital Media

:

conveys an important message to the public (no specific audience); often instigates the public to take action or further educate themselves

102.01

Cyberbullying

:

when a person is threatened, harassed, humiliated, tormented, or otherwise targeted using the Internet, mobile phones, or other digital technology

Electrical Hazards

:

when electrical connections used by digital media equipment are not handled properly, it could result in electric shock, burn, or other injury

Ergonomics

:

designing the workplace to best fit the worker, reducing strain on the body and enhancing comfort during digital media creation

Identity Theft

:

when personal information (SSN, credit card number, passwords, etc.) is stolen and used to gain access to financial or personal accounts

Internet Addiction

:

a compulsive disorder that causes an unhealthy obsession with the Internet and other digital resources; examples include online gambling addiction, cybersex addiction, social media addiction, etc.

Online Hoax

:

a false claim that is spread through electronic means (email, social media, blogs, etc.); examples include chain letters, untrue accusations, etc.

Spam

:

unwanted emails (usually sent in a large volume) that advertise products or promote services that were not requested by the recipient

Tripping Hazards

:

when pieces of digital media equipment and their connecting cables are not managed properly, it could result in blocked walkway or tripping hazard

Virus/Malware

:

programs that are specifically designed to damage a computer when installed; can access personal information, corrupt files, and even erase the hard drive completely

102.02

Copyright

:

the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell or distribute the expression of an intellectual property (literature, design, audio, video, etc.)

Fair Use

:

a legal allowance of using a copyrighted material without permission from the owner, provided the circumstances are reasonable and do not make the material less profitable

Intellectual Property

:

original creations of the mind that can be protected by law; literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, images, names, etc.

Invasion of Privacy

:

intruding into someone’s personal space, using their image or likeness, or revealing information about them without their permission

Libel

:

a published (written or printed) false statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation or success

Plagiarism

: taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as your own

Slander

:

an oral (spoken) false statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation or success

Trademark

:

a mark (logo, symbol, word, phrase, etc.) legally registered or established by a company to represent a service or product; cannot be used without the permission of the owner

103.01

Balance

:

How design elements are arranged either horizontally or vertically on the canvas

Bitmap Graphic

: Use square pixels arranged in a grid that have assigned colors; Loses clarity when viewed up close or zoomed in; Also referred to as Raster Graphics

Black & White

: Uses only true black and true white

Brightness

: how light or dark a color appears; adding black or white changes a color's brightness

Color

: Helps identify objects in a design; creates visual flow in a design; communicates feelings and moods to the audience or viewer; and consists of hue, saturation, and brightness

Color Depth

:

The number of distinct colors a graphic is capable of displaying; Related to color mode

Complementary Colors

: Colors across from each other on the color wheel that work well together when used in a design

Digital Graphic

: Any image or design created or edited by a computer

Elements of Design

: Color; Line; Shape; Texture

Emphasis

: Center of interest in a design; Component of the design that is noticed first by the audience; Can create visual flow in a design

Formal Balance (Symmetrical)

: also known as symmetrical balance; design is exactly equal on both sides

Grayscale

: Uses true black, true white, and all shades of gray in between

Hue

: the name given to a color

Informal Balance (Asymmetrical)

:

also known as asymmetrical balance; both sides of the design are not equal, but are still balanced

Lightness/Brightness

:

How light or dark a color appears

Line

: Gives direction to a design and creates movement in a design

Pixel Per Inch (PPI)

: A measurement of the resolution of a scanned image.

Pixels

: The smallest addressable unit on a display screen.

Principles of Design

: Proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis, unity/harmony

Proportion

: A size relationship between components of a design

Raster Graphics

: Use square pixels arranged in a grid that have assigned colors; Loses clarity when viewed up close or zoomed in; Also referred to as Bitmap Graphic

Repetition

:

Center of interest in a design; Component of the design that is noticed first by the audience; Can create visual flow in a design

Resolution

:

Describes the clarity of Bitmap Graphics; Determined and defined by the number of Pixels Per Inch (PPI)

Rhythm

:

Creating the feeling of movement in a design; Generated through the repetition of lines, colors, shapes, and textures

Saturation

: The amount of hue used in a particular color

Shape

:

The form of an object; when lines enclose a space

Texture

: Combination of dots, lines, and colors used create the illusion of a surface appearance

True Color

: All possible color combinations

Unity/Harmony

: When all components of a design look as if they belong together; Achieved when the Elements and Principles of Design are used effectively

Vector Graphic

: Use mathematical formulas to define lines, points, curves, and other attributes. Does not lose clarity when viewed up close or zoomed in; Best type of graphic for printing in large scale

103.02

.GIF file format

:

- Indexed color format (256 colors)

- Supports simple transparency layer

- Can be used to create simple animation

.JPEG file format

:

- Most common graphic file format

- Full color graphic format (16.7 million colors)

- Relatively small file size

.PNG file format

:

- Supports advanced transparency

- Relatively average file size

- Can be interlaced, optimizing for internet use

.PSD file format

:

- Native file type used by Adobe® Photoshop

- Does not compress layers of a design, allowing for future editing

- Can only be opened and edited by Photoshop

.TGA file format

:

- Format most commonly used by digital scanners

- Full color format (16.7 million colors)

- Relatively large file size

.TIFF file format

:

- Versatile graphic file type that can use a variety of color formats

- Format that works best for desktop publishing or print work

- Can be stored electronically for a long time without degradation

Color Correction

:

Adjusting the color values of a graphic to make them appear more realistic or to meet the desired effect (ex : red eye correction or changing tint)

Cropping

:

Eliminating unwanted parts of a graphic

Draw

: create original graphics

Draw Program

:

Digital graphic editing program that creates and/or edits vector graphics (ex : Adobe®Illustrator)

Filters

:

Preset effects used to quickly adjust a graphic’s appearance

Gradient

:

A gradual change of color within a design component

Grids/Rulers

:

Measuring tools used to assist in the scaling, arranging, and spacing of design components

Import

: place an existing graphics onto canvas using a digital graphic editing software

Layer Styles

:

Preset effects applied to graphics and/or text within a design that add depth and dimension

Layering

:

Separating components of a design individually or into groups in order to make specific adjustments

Paint Program

: Digital graphic editing program that creates and/or edits bitmap graphics (ex : Adobe® Photoshop)

Scaling

:

Changing a graphic’s size dimensions (height and width)

Selection

:

Surrounding specific part(s) of a graphic to make individual adjustments

104.01

2D Animation

:

• Uses two dimensions of movement in animation • Has a flat look in appearance • Examples include cartoons like Family Guy and The Simpsons

3D Animation

:

• Uses three dimensions of movement • Has more depth and realistic appearance • Examples  include  video  games  like  Halo  or  Madden

Digital Animation

:

Creating the movement of graphic(s) and/or text

Frame-Based Animation

:

• A series of individual still frames that create the illusion of animation when viewed continuously • The graphic(s) in each frame have slight changes in position from the previous frame • Frame-based techniques are commonly used with digital photographs to create Stop Motion Animation

Path Animation

: Vector Animation

Stop Motion Animation

:

• cinematic process, or technique used to makes static objects appear as if they were moving • commonly used in claymation and puppet-based animation. • objects are brought to life by breaking up the figure's motion into increments and filming one frame of film per increment.

Vector Animation

:

Uses computer generated formulas to make objects in the animation move along a path; utilizes tweens between keyframes; result is a relatively smaller file size with clearer images and smoother movement than frame-based animation

104.02

.FLA file format

:

• Native project file used by Adobe® Flash • Preserves the project’s layers, scenes, and library for future editing • Can only be opened or edited by Flash

.FLV file format

:

• Video format that uses the Adobe® Flash Player code for playback • Standard format for embedded video on the Internet

.MOV file format

:

• Converts an animation to a video file • Can be imported and edited by a video editing software • Used for television broadcasting

.SWF file format

:

• Standard animation format for use on the Internet • Can support frame-based or vector animation • Supports ActionScript coding, allowing for user interactivity • Relatively small file size

2D Animation Software

:

Animates relatively simple drawings or graphics on a 2-D canvas (ex : Adobe®Flash)

3D Animation Software

:

Animates complex, life-like 3D models that interact with an artificial environment (ex : Cinema4D, 3D Studio Max, or Maya)

Alpha /Opacity

:

Transparency value of object in animation; normally used to make an object gradually fade in or fade out

Anchor Point

:

Rotation axis of an animated spinning object

Animated .GIF file format

:

• Supports only frame-based animation • Simplest way to display short animation clips • Only animation format that cannot play audio

Frame

:

Still image that creates animation when viewed in succession

Keyframe

:

Specified place in the animation where change occurs

Library

:

Collection of graphics, audio, and video files utilized in a particular animation project

Motion Tween

: Used to make an object smoothly transition from a defined starting position to a defined ending position

Scene

:

Used to separate different parts of an animation to make editing and playback easier to organize

Shape Tween

: Used to make an object gradually morph or change shape

Storyboard

: use to determine sequence of events in the animation and provide client with a visual representation of ideas

Symbol

:

An object stored in the library of a project that can be quickly accessed and used repeatedly throughout the animation

Tween

:

Animation process that occurs between keyframes

105.01

Channel Number

: The amount of individual audio channels used during playback

Digital Audio

:

Sound that has been captured, created, or edited electronically by a computer

Monaural

:

All sources of audio play out of one single channel

Sampling

: Used to convert analog audio sources to digital format by reproducing a sound wave by recording many fragments of it.

Stereophonic

:

Audio sources can be separated into two different channels (left and right)

Streaming Audio

:

• Transmitting audio files that can begin playing over the Internet as the remaining data is still being downloaded • Creates little to no wait time to begin hearing the audio file • Example websites that use streaming audio technology include Pandora, Spotify, Grooveshark, etc.

Surround Sound

:

Multiple audio channels; usually 5-7 separate channels

105.02

.AAC file format

:

• Standard file format for apple® computers • Higher quality sound than .MP3, although it uses a similar compression • Designed to be the successor to the .MP3

.MIDI file format

:

• Musical instrument digital interface • Standard file format used by digital instruments (keyboards, guitars, etc.) • Contains information about musical notes

.MP3 file format

:

• most popular audio file format • standard for downloading and storing music files • relatively small file size

.WAV file format

:

• standard file format for PCs • native sound format within the Windows environment • common audio file format found on the Internet

.WMA file format

:

• Microsoft format that uses encoding process similar to .MP3 • can be compressed variable sizes to match different bandwidths • commonly used for streaming audio files

Adjust Track Levels

: Increasing or decreasing the volume of individual tracks to ensure all tracks are audible and blend well together

Audio Capturing Software

:

Used to capture audio from the original source and import into the editing software

Audio Editing Software

:

Used to manipulate audio clips and add the desired tracks and effects to convey the intended message

Audio Effects

:

Adjustments to audio clips used to change the original sound in order to reach the desired outcome

Audio Panning

:

When audio is played through separate audio channels (left or right); can only be used with stereo audio

Background Audio

:

Music and/or sounds used together with a voiceover (usually at a lower volume) to add interest and depth to an audio production

Clip

:

A section of recorded sound used to create an audio production

Crossfade

: A gradual volume transition from one audio clip to another

Distortion

:

Sound interference that occurs when audio levels are too high and causes the signal to over-modulate or lose clarity

Fade

:

A gradual change of volume used to change between clips of audio

Fade Up and Down (In and Out)

: Gradually increasing or decreasing the volume of an audio clip

Loop

:

Used to make a particular section of audio repeat

Master Level

: Used to control the overall output volume of an audio production

Over-Modulation

: sound interference that occurs during recording when audio levels are too high and causes the signal to distort or lose clarity

Track

:

Separate layers of audio used to make individual adjustments to clips

Trim/Splice

:

Starting and stopping audio clips at a defined point in the recording

Voiceover

:

A voice recording used to convey a message to the audience

VU Meter(Volume Units Meter)

:

A visual representation of the audio volume level; used to ensure all audio clips are at the same level and not too loud

106.01

Aspect Ratio

:

ratio of a video screen’s height dimension and width dimension; common ratios are standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9)

Digital Video

:

Moving images that have been captured, created, or edited electronically by a computer

Frame Rate

:

Speed at which video frames appears on a screen; Measured by F.P.S. (frames per second)

Interlaced

: Displays half of the video picture at a time (odd lines, then evens); alternates too quickly for human eye to notice

NTSC (National Television System Committee)

: Used in North America and many other parts of the Western Hemisphere

PAL (Phase Alternating Line)

:

Used by China and many other parts of the Eastern Hemisphere

Progressive

: Displays the entire video picture at all times; method used by all current HDTVs; greatly reduces any flickering of picture

Scanning Method

:

Method by which video picture appears on a screen

SECAM (Sequential Color with Memory)

:

Used primarily by France, Northern Africa, and Russia

Streaming Video

:

• Transmitting video files that can begin playing over the Internet as the remaining data is still being downloaded • Creates little to no wait time to begin viewing the video file • Example websites that use streaming video technology include YouTube, Hulu, Vimeo, UStream, etc.

106.02

.AVI

: standard video format for Microsoft PCs

.MPEG-2 file format

:

• Created by the Motion Picture Expert Group • Standard format for DVDs

.MPEG-4 file format

:

• Created by the Motion Picture Expert Group • Standard format for Blu-Ray Discs (better quality than MPEG-2)

.PRPROJ file format

:

• Native file format used by Adobe®Premiere Pro • Preserves bin, timeline, and layers for future editing • Can only be opened and edited by Premiere Pro

Close-Up Shot

:

Shows a particular part of a subject with more detail (ex: framing a single actor from waist-up during a drama production

Crane

: The camera physically moves vertically (up or down) in front of the subject

Dolly

:

The camera physically moves toward or away from the subject to make it appear closer or further away

Extreme Close-Up Shot

:

Used to single out a particular part of a subject with extreme detail (ex: framing a single actor’s face during a drama production)

Focus

:

Adjusting the camera’s lens settings to make the footage of the subject clear and not blurry

High-Angle Shot

:

When camera location is above normal eye-level compared to the subject (makes the subject appear small, weak, inferior, or scared)

Iris

:

Adjusting the camera’s lens settings to allow the appropriate amount of light into the camera to make colors and lighting appear as realistic as possible

Low-Angle Shot

:

When camera location is below normal eye-level compared to the subject (makes the subject appear tall, powerful, dominating, or scary)

Medium Shot

:

Shows a part of the subject with more detail while still giving an impression of the location/environment (ex : framing a single actor during a drama production)

Pan

:

Horizontally pivoting the camera left or right; physical location of the camera does not change

Rule of Thirds

:

Mentally dividing the frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically (similar to a tic-tac-toe board); subject should occupy two-thirds of the frame

Tilt

:

Vertically pivoting the camera up or down; physical location of the camera does not change

Truck

:

The camera physically moves horizontally (left or right) in front of the subject; can be in a linear or arched direction

Video Capturing Software

:

Used to capture video from the camera media and import into the editing software

Video Editing Software

:

Used to manipulate video footage and add the desired effects to convey the intended message

White Balance

:

Adjusting the camera’s color settings to match true white; results in all other colors becoming balanced

Wide Shot

:

Shows subject and location/environment in its entirety (ex : framing entire stage of drama production)

Zoom

: Uses the mechanics of the camera’s lens to make the subject appear closer or further away; physical location of the camera does not change

107.01

FTP(File Transfer Protocol)

: Method by which data and files are transferred over the Internet

Image Map

:

A single graphic that is divided into sections and linked to different locations

Internet Browsers

:

• Computer programs that read and interpret web design code to display a web page to the user • Example browsers include Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.

Navigation

:

The method by which a user accesses all the pages and information a website; should be easy to understand and use effectively

Page Layout

:

A way of organizing information on a web page; ensures the information on a page can be easily located

Rollover

:

Feature that indicates interactivity to the user; normally causes a component of a web page to visually change when the user’s cursor hovers over it

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

: involves designing websites with the intention of helping search engines best discover, organize, and retrieve the information

Search Engines

: Websites that organize and retrieve information located on the Internet

URL(Universal Resource Locator)

:

The written address of a page on the Internet

Web Design

: Creating web pages to be viewed on the Internet

Web Form

: An interactive feature that allows a user to submit information

107.02

Alternative Text

:

textual descriptions of graphics and other design components on a web page; also aids in search engine optimization

C.S.S.

:

• Cascading Style Sheets • Separates layout and design features (color scheme, fonts, menu styles, etc.) from the actual content of the website • Easiest way to make site-wide design changes • CSS file combines with HTML file to create a well-designed website • Common format of downloadable templates found on the Interne

External Server

: used to host website and make it accessible by Internet users

Flash

:

• Uses Adobe® Flash interface to create websites • Commonly used to create Internet games and advertisements • Animation, audio, and video capability allow for enhanced design features • ActionScript code is used to create links and other interactive features

Graphics Optimization

:

designing and exporting graphics with the specific purpose of using it on a website; allows for quicker loading times

H.T.M.L.

:

• Hyper Text Markup Language • most commonly used web design language • written using “tags” that a web browser uses to interpret the code and generate the content on the webpages • tags denote structured elements like headings, paragraphs, lists, etc. • can be used to embed scripts from other web design languages

Hyperlinks

:

Clickable connections between pages of a website or between a website and other external sites

Internet Connection

: for transferring website to external server

JavaScript

:

• Multi-platform language that is used to create standalone “applets” • Uses object-oriented programming, allowing for reusability on different projects with different variables • Good language for adding user interactivity and enhanced interfaces • Uses client-side scripting that processes all requests on the user’s machine, which is quicker and more secure

P.H.P.

:

• Hypertext Preprocessor (formally Personal Home Page) • Server-side web development that connects an HTML file to a database of information, allowing for dynamic websites and enhanced user interactivity • Uses a PHP processor module that reads the code and generates the website for the end-user

Root Folder

:

A central location of storage for every file involved in designing a website; allows the website to be portable from computer to computer

Software / Web Design Language Decisions

:

While a particular web design project could use a few different languages to be created, certain web design languages have specialized uses that would work best for a given task or process

Tags

:

Hidden keyword(s) assigned to web page components that assist search engines in finding and organizing the information on the website

Template

: a pre-determined wireframe that can be quickly downloaded and utilized

Text Editor for Code

:

simple text editing program used to write or edit web design code; does not show a visual (ex: WordPad)

Visual Editor

: also known as W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G.

W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. (What You See Is What You Get)

:

design software that manipulates components of the web page without writing or editing code also known as a Visual Editor (ex: Adobe® Dreamweaver)

Wireframe (Skeleton)

:

A visual guide to how a web page will organize the content; assists in the arrangement and scaling of design components