Glossary
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The purpose of this glossary is to
provide a short definition for the terms that are used on
Consoletrainer.com. We are constantly adding to this as we create new
tutorials and resources.
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Content
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When talking about media
servers, CONTENT would be the images (stills or movies) that are played
through the server. Stock Content is content that was
provided by the manufacturer for use with the media server (and usually
means you are free to use it on any show without any additional
copyright requests). Custom Content is content generated by
the user/designer/video designer/programer specifically for a show and
loaded on to the server.
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Crossover Cable
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This is a special ethernet
cable that is not the same as a non-crossover cable. If you
look closely at the connectors of a crossover cable, you will see 8
tiny, colored wires running to pins inside the connector. In
a crossover cable, two of the colored wires are reversed on one of the
connectors. Literally- they have been "crossed over."
See our Networking Cable
Basics page to learn more about this.
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DHCP
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Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol. A DHCP server can deliver and
assign
IP addresses and Subnets to other computers (or consoles) on a network.
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DMX
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"Digital MultiPlex."
DMX is a control protocol that was standardized by USITT.
DMX as a protocol allows for 512 channels of control per
universe. Each channel has a value range of 0-255.
DMX is transmitted over a DMX cable that uses a 5-pin XLR connector
(older builds of DMX cable used a 3-pin XLR adaptor- but this cable is
NOT the same as microphone cable).
You can learn more about DMX by visiting USITT's website: http://www.usitt.org/standards/DMX512_FAQ.html
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HTP
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Stands for "Highest Takes
Precendence." Like LTP, this is a priority control on most
tracking consoles. HTP normally applies to parameters related
to Intensity only.
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IDE HDD
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"Integated Device Electronics"
Hard Disk Drive. IDE refers to the type of connection used on
this device.
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Litho
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A
glass gobo. The pattern is lithographed on to a special
dichroic
glass and then processed with several types of coating that allow
maximum light transmission without reflection. When properly
cared for, Lithos can last a very long time because they will not burn
out like a metal gobo will. Lithos also allow for color and
much
more higher resolution than a traditional metal gobo.
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LTP
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A priority level term in
tracking consoles that means "Latest Takes Precendence." (or
"Last Takes Precendence") For
example- if you were playing cue in List 12 that took all of your
lights to BLUE, and then you played a cue in List 6 that takes your
lights to RED, then your lights would become red because you played the
RED cue last.
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MIDI
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Stands
for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI can be used
to transmit timecode, MIDI Show Control, and MIDI Notes. MIDI
is not something that is being used solely by the lighting industry-
but also for audio purposes, architectural control systems, etc.
MIDI is sent over a special 5 pin MIDI cable- this is not the
same as the 5 pin cable used for DMX. A picture of a MIDI
cable can be found below.
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MSC /
MIDI Show Control
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MSC
is a protocol used to send commands between various pieces of
equipment. In the lighting world, this is often used when you
want to set up a backup console. Connecting a MIDI cable
between master and slave consoles (and correctly enabling MSC on both
desks) can allow the master console to send commands (like "GO") to the
slave console. Most, but not all, console manufacturers allow
for MSC. |
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Non-Crossover Cable
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See "Patch Cable."
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Patch Cable
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This ethernet
cable that is not the same as a crossover cable. If
you
look closely at the connectors of a patch (non-crossover) cable, you
will see 8
tiny, colored wires running to pins inside the connector. In
a non-crossover cable, the wires should read the same order from left
to right on both connectors.
See
our Networking Cable
Basics page to learn more about these.
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Redundancy
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In
the console world- redundancy usually refers to a back-up console
system. An identical second set of your complete control
system (console,
networked devices, DMX output devices, timecode devices, etc) would be
a redundant system. The redundant system (sometimes called
the
back-up console) may be controlled via MSC or by networking from the
main console.
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RFU
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Remote
Focus Device. This piece of hardware would be an extension of
your console that would allow you to control some or all of your
console's programming from a location away from the console (but
usually still in the same building). Modern lighting consoles
(like Wholehog and grandMA) allow you to do this either wired or
wirelessly on some sort of computer device like a laptop or PDA.
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SATA HDD
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"Serial Advanced Technoogy
Attachment" Hard Disk Drive.
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Timecode
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A stamp placed on an audio or
video track (or sometimes it just comes from a timecode generator) that
can be outputted via a variety of mediums. There's Midi and SMPTE
timecode are two widely used formats. Timecode can be delivered via a
midi cable or XLR cable. Timecode is normally used for
synching show control devices together (lighting consoles, audio and
video controls, set cues and more).
Timecode "stamps' are easy to read.
Here's an example:
1/58/40.23
would be read as 1 Hour, 58 minutes, 40 seconds and 23 frames.
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Visualizer
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A program that allows you to
control virtual lighting equipment in a computerized rendering of your
stage/rig. They normally require you to create your stage in
a program like Vectorworks or Cad which can be imported into the
Visualizer. Many Visualizers allow for outboard connectivity
to a lighting console via a DMX-to-USB converter box or over a network.
Popular visualizers include ESP Vision, Wysiwyg, MSD, grandMA
3D and more.
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WAP
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Wireless
Access Point. A piece of hardware that is connected to your
wired
network (hub, switch or router) that sends the same information
wirelessly. They normally do not distribute TCP/IP settings.
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