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