bring your vision to life. 3
LIVE PRODUCTIONS 2
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bring your vision to life. 3
LIVE PRODUCTIONS 2
VIRTUAL EVENTS2
FILM & TV2
3D DESIGN2
bring your vision to life. 3
LIVE PRODUCTIONS 2
VIRTUAL EVENTS2
FILM & TV2
3D DESIGN2
bring your vision to life. 3
LIVE PRODUCTIONS 2
VIRTUAL EVENTS2
FILM & TV2
3D DESIGN2
DESIGN STUDIO
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IKONIX Resource Hub
AV, crew, production, broadcast, lighting, LED, projection and virtual production terms explained in plain English for clients, agencies, venues and everyday people.
Use this as a client-friendly jargon translator, a crew reference, or a starting point for planning your next event, activation, installation, livestream or virtual production.
Showing all 204 terms.
Plain English: The lead audio engineer responsible for the main sound system, microphones, mixing console and overall sound quality.
What this means for you: They make sure speeches, music and performers are clear, balanced and at the right volume for the room.
Example: For a gala dinner, the A1 handles the lectern mic, playback, presenters, walk-up music and any live performers.
Plain English: The audio technician who supports the A1 by setting microphones, patching cables, checking RF and helping backstage or side-stage.
What this means for you: They help the show move quickly by getting microphones and audio gear ready before anyone walks on stage.
Example: An A2 might fit headset mics on presenters and check batteries before each session.
Plain English: Planning so people with different mobility, sensory or communication needs can participate safely and comfortably.
What this means for you: It improves guest experience and reduces avoidable barriers.
Example: Accessibility may include ramps, captions, hearing loops, clear signage and sightline planning.
Plain English: The passes or credentials that allow crew, suppliers, media or guests into specific event areas.
What this means for you: It keeps the right people in the right places and helps site security run smoothly.
Example: Crew may need accreditation to enter backstage, FOH or loading dock areas.
Plain English: Digital content layered over the real world, usually through a phone, tablet, headset or camera view.
What this means for you: It can make products, signage or activations more interactive and memorable.
Example: Guests might point a phone at a marker and see animated 3D content appear.
Plain English: The shape relationship between the width and height of a screen or piece of content.
What this means for you: Correct aspect ratio stops visuals looking stretched, squashed or cropped.
Example: A standard presentation is often 16:9, while a wide LED backdrop may need custom content.
Plain English: The control surface used to mix microphones, music, playback, instruments and other sound sources.
What this means for you: This is where the sound operator controls what the audience hears.
Example: At a conference, the audio console balances lectern mics, panel mics, walk-up music and video audio.
Plain English: The instruments and equipment used by performers, such as drum kits, guitar amps, keyboards and bass rigs.
What this means for you: If live music is part of the event, backline affects setup time, truck space and changeover speed.
Example: A festival may share one drum kit between acts to make turnarounds faster.
Plain English: Physical barriers used to separate audiences, protect equipment or create controlled zones.
What this means for you: They help with crowd safety, access control and equipment protection.
Example: A barricade may separate the crowd from FOH or the front of stage.
Plain English: A concentrated shaft of light, often made visible with haze.
What this means for you: Beam looks create dramatic aerial effects for concerts, launches and high-energy moments.
Example: Sharp beams sweeping over the crowd can make a reveal feel much bigger.
Plain English: A cue where stage or room lighting is turned off, usually for dramatic effect or scene change.
What this means for you: A clean blackout can hide changeovers and create anticipation.
Example: The room goes to blackout just before the hero product is revealed.
Plain English: A bright light aimed toward the audience for impact moments.
What this means for you: Blinders create energy, excitement and big crowd reactions when used carefully.
Example: Blinders might hit on the chorus of a live performance.
Plain English: An elevated work platform with an extendable arm used to reach high rigging, lighting or venue points.
What this means for you: It helps crew work safely at height when ladders are not appropriate.
Example: A boom lift may be used to focus projectors or hang banners in a large hall.
Plain English: An event or installation designed to get people interacting with a brand, product or message.
What this means for you: It turns passive audiences into active participants.
Example: A pop-up experience with LED, projection and interactive content can launch a new product.
Plain English: A smaller room used for workshops, smaller talks or side sessions during a larger event.
What this means for you: Each breakout room may need its own audio, screen, laptop input and support plan.
Example: A conference might run four breakout rooms after the keynote.
Plain English: A rigging arrangement that shares a suspended load between two or more points.
What this means for you: It helps place equipment where needed while managing load safely.
Example: A flown speaker hang may use a bridle when the ideal point is not directly above it.
Plain English: The capture and delivery of live video and audio for screens, stream, TV or remote audiences.
What this means for you: It lets people outside the room experience the event professionally.
Example: A conference can be broadcast to remote staff or stakeholders.
Plain English: The process of bringing equipment into a venue and setting up the event.
What this means for you: This is when the empty room becomes the finished event environment.
Example: A big gala may require a full-day bump-in for staging, lighting, audio, screens and styling.
Plain English: The process of removing equipment and returning the venue to its original state after the event.
What this means for you: A smooth bump-out protects the venue relationship and avoids overtime costs.
Example: After the final guest leaves, crew pack screens, lights, audio and staging back into trucks.
Plain English: Operating lighting live without a fixed cue list, often following music or stage action in real time.
What this means for you: It lets lighting respond to unpredictable performances or festival sets.
Example: A lighting operator may busk a DJ set by reacting to the music.
Plain English: Australian slang meaning something is broken, not working or finished.
What this means for you: If gear is cactus, it needs repair, replacement or a workaround.
Example: ‘That cable’s cactus’ means don’t use it.
Plain English: A document showing crew times, locations, contacts, roles and key logistics for the job.
What this means for you: It keeps everyone aligned before they arrive on site.
Example: A call sheet may list 7:00 am crew call, loading dock access and production contact details.
Plain English: Equipment or controls used to remotely adjust camera colour, exposure and image settings.
What this means for you: It helps all cameras look consistent instead of each shot looking different.
Example: A camera shader may adjust brightness when a presenter walks into stronger light.
Plain English: The person who calls camera shots and tells the vision mixer which source should be live.
What this means for you: They shape what the audience sees on screens or stream.
Example: The director may call, ‘Camera two close-up, ready two, take two.’
Plain English: Technology that tells the graphics system where a real camera is in 3D space.
What this means for you: It lets virtual backgrounds move correctly with the camera, making the scene feel real.
Example: In virtual production, the background shifts perspective as the camera moves.
Plain English: A powered lifting device used to raise truss, lighting, speakers or screens.
What this means for you: It allows heavy production elements to be lifted into place safely by qualified crew.
Example: A lighting truss may be built at floor level then lifted by chain motors.
Plain English: The time between acts, sessions or event segments when crew reset stage, audio, lighting or content.
What this means for you: Fast, well-planned changeovers keep the event running to schedule.
Example: A festival changeover might swap drum kits, mics and stage plots in 20 minutes.
Plain English: A theatre expression used to wish performers or crew good luck before a show.
What this means for you: It is part of backstage culture and usually said before performance time.
Example: ‘Chookas everyone’ means good luck, let’s have a great show.
Plain English: The process of removing a specific colour, usually green or blue, and replacing it with another image or environment.
What this means for you: It allows presenters or performers to appear in virtual locations.
Example: A presenter on green screen can appear inside a digital studio.
Plain English: The starting document or conversation that explains the goal, audience, budget, timeline and desired outcome.
What this means for you: A clear brief saves time and helps the team design the right solution.
Example: ‘We want a premium product reveal for 500 guests’ is the beginning of a useful brief.
Plain English: A measure of how warm or cool white light appears.
What this means for you: It affects how people, products and camera images look.
Example: Warm light can suit hospitality, while cooler light may suit corporate broadcast.
Plain English: Audio processing that controls loud peaks and evens out the sound level.
What this means for you: It keeps speech and music more consistent so sudden loud moments are less harsh.
Example: A presenter who speaks softly then suddenly laughs loudly can be managed with compression.
Plain English: A screen facing presenters so they can see slides, timers, notes or program content.
What this means for you: It helps presenters stay on track without turning around to look at the main screen.
Example: A keynote speaker may use a confidence monitor at the front of stage.
Plain English: The total digital area used to design and play visuals across screens, LED walls or projections.
What this means for you: It ensures content is made at the right size and shape for the actual event setup.
Example: A three-screen stage may use one wide content canvas across all displays.
Plain English: The design and production of videos, animations, graphics or digital visuals for the event.
What this means for you: Custom content makes the screens, projection or activation match your brand and story.
Example: A launch may need animated countdowns, logo reveals and product visuals.
Plain English: Time, budget or equipment kept aside for unexpected issues.
What this means for you: It protects the event when weather, approvals, freight or technical issues change the plan.
Example: A spare playback laptop is a technical contingency.
Plain English: The time crew are required to arrive and be ready to work.
What this means for you: Clear crew calls prevent late starts and rushed setup.
Example: ‘Crew call is 6:00 am’ means work starts early, not arrival at 6:15.
Plain English: A programmed or called action that happens at a specific moment in the show.
What this means for you: Cues make audio, lighting, vision and stage action happen together.
Example: Cue 12 might bring up a blue stage wash as the keynote speaker walks on.
Plain English: A common professional audio networking system that sends many channels of digital audio over network cables.
What this means for you: It reduces bulky cabling and helps audio systems connect cleanly across larger venues.
Example: A ballroom event might send audio from stage to FOH over Dante instead of long analogue multicore cables.
Plain English: An empty road case after the equipment inside has been set up.
What this means for you: Dead cases need somewhere to go so the venue stays clear and safe.
Example: A ballroom full of dead cases can block exits if storage is not planned.
Plain English: A suspended item hung directly from a point without active lifting during the show.
What this means for you: It is common for signs, decor, lights or smaller rigged items.
Example: A logo sign may be dead hung above a stage.
Plain English: The agreed items the production team will provide, such as renders, animations, show files, equipment or technical documents.
What this means for you: It makes expectations clear before work starts.
Example: Deliverables might include a 3D pre-vis, screen content, playback files and a final show record.
Plain English: A small device that connects instruments or laptops to a professional sound system cleanly and safely.
What this means for you: It helps avoid buzz, hum and weak audio when plugging in laptops, keyboards or guitars.
Example: A DI box is often used when a DJ or presenter plugs a laptop into the sound desk.
Plain English: A power distribution system that safely splits larger power supplies into usable outlets for equipment.
What this means for you: It ensures audio, lighting, LED and production gear receive the right power safely.
Example: Lighting may need a dedicated distro instead of running from random wall outlets.
Plain English: A standard control protocol used to control lighting fixtures and some special effects.
What this means for you: It lets lighting desks control colour, brightness, movement and effects across many fixtures.
Example: A moving light receives DMX instructions to pan, tilt and change colour.
Plain English: Australian slang for something messy, confusing or badly organised.
What this means for you: A clear plan avoids the job turning into a dog’s breakfast.
Example: A stage plot with no labels can become a dog’s breakfast for crew.
Plain English: A rehearsal that runs as close to the final show as possible, including presenters, cues, content and technical systems.
What this means for you: It reveals timing issues before the real audience is in the room.
Example: An awards night may run a dress rehearsal with stand-ins for winners.
Plain English: Hiring equipment without crew to operate, install or manage it.
What this means for you: It can be cheaper, but you need the right people to set up and run the gear safely.
Example: Hiring an LED screen without technicians is dry hire.
Plain English: Digital processing used to tune, route and protect audio systems.
What this means for you: It helps the sound system work properly for the venue instead of sounding harsh, muddy or uneven.
Example: DSP can tune speakers differently for a long ballroom compared with a small studio.
Plain English: A projection technique that overlaps and blends multiple projectors into one seamless image.
What this means for you: It allows very wide or large projected surfaces to look like one continuous picture.
Example: A ballroom wall might need three blended projectors to cover the full width.
Plain English: Information a screen sends to a source telling it what resolutions and formats it supports.
What this means for you: EDID problems can cause blank screens or wrong resolutions, so managing it keeps video stable.
Example: A laptop might output incorrectly if the LED processor reports the wrong EDID.
Plain English: A device or software that converts video and audio into a streamable format.
What this means for you: It is the bridge between the live production system and online viewers.
Example: The program feed goes into an encoder before streaming to a platform.
Plain English: Australian term for an insulated cooler used for drinks or food.
What this means for you: It may appear in crew or hospitality planning, but it is not a substitute for proper catering logistics.
Example: Crew might joke about the Esky after bump-out, but hydration during the job matters more.
Plain English: Equipment used to lift workers safely to height for rigging, lighting focus or access tasks.
What this means for you: It allows safer work at height when used by trained operators.
Example: Crew might use an EWP to reach a venue grid.
Plain English: An area closed off to keep people away from overhead work, moving equipment or other hazards.
What this means for you: It protects crew, venue staff and guests during risky tasks.
Example: No one should walk under a truss while it is being lifted.
Plain English: The unpleasant squeal or ringing that happens when a microphone picks up too much of the speaker sound and loops it back.
What this means for you: Good audio setup reduces embarrassing squeals during speeches and performances.
Example: Moving a presenter away from the speakers can help stop feedback.
Plain English: Heavy-duty cable used to supply power from the source to distribution equipment.
What this means for you: It affects where equipment can be placed and how much power is available.
Example: A generator may feed a distro through heavy feeder cable.
Plain English: A plan showing where stages, seating, screens, FOH, entries, bars, catering and other elements will go.
What this means for you: It helps avoid blocked sightlines, unsafe traffic flow and layout surprises.
Example: A floor plan confirms whether the LED wall blocks venue doors or sightlines.
Plain English: To suspend equipment above the stage or audience using approved rigging systems.
What this means for you: Flying gear can improve sightlines and save floor space, but it requires proper engineering and safety controls.
Example: Speakers, lighting truss and LED headers may be flown above stage.
Plain English: The audience-area position where sound, lighting or vision control is often placed so operators can see and hear the show properly.
What this means for you: This is the show’s mission control from the audience perspective.
Example: The FOH desk is often near the centre-rear of the room, not hidden backstage.
Plain English: Speakers or in-ear systems that let presenters, musicians or performers hear themselves and important cues on stage.
What this means for you: Without foldback, performers can lose timing or struggle to hear what is happening.
Example: A singer may need foldback to hear their vocals and the band clearly.
Plain English: A manually operated spotlight used to follow a performer, presenter or subject.
What this means for you: It keeps the important person visible even while they move around the stage.
Example: A followspot may track an award winner walking from the audience to stage.
Plain English: How many images are shown per second in video or camera output.
What this means for you: Matching frame rates helps avoid judder, flicker and sync issues.
Example: A livestream might run at 25 or 50 frames per second depending on the workflow.
Plain English: A soft-edged theatre light often used for stage washes and warm face light.
What this means for you: It gives a natural wash that works well for presenters, panels and stage looks.
Example: Fresnels can light a lectern without making the stage feel harsh.
Plain English: The part of a virtual scene rendered from the camera’s point of view in LED virtual production.
What this means for you: It makes the LED background look correct from the camera angle.
Example: Only the area the camera sees may be rendered in full perspective detail.
Plain English: The input level set for a microphone or audio source before it is mixed.
What this means for you: Good gain setting keeps sound clear without distortion or hiss.
Example: A quiet presenter may need more gain than someone with a strong stage voice.
Plain English: How loud a microphone can be turned up before it starts feeding back.
What this means for you: More gain before feedback means clearer speech at a comfortable volume.
Example: Headset mics usually need careful placement to maximise gain before feedback.
Plain English: A coloured filter placed in front of a light to change its colour.
What this means for you: It allows mood and brand colour to be added without changing the fixture.
Example: Blue gel can turn plain stage light into a cool corporate look.
Plain English: A temporary power source used when venue power is not available or not sufficient.
What this means for you: It keeps outdoor or remote events powered reliably when planned correctly.
Example: A festival site may use multiple generators for stage, vendors and site lighting.
Plain English: A metal or glass template placed inside a light to project a pattern, texture or logo.
What this means for you: It adds brand, texture or atmosphere without needing extra set pieces.
Example: A company logo can be projected onto a wall or stage floor using a gobo.
Plain English: A standard power outlet used for smaller equipment.
What this means for you: Not everything can safely run from a normal wall socket, especially large LED or lighting systems.
Example: A laptop charger can use a GPO; a large lighting rig usually cannot.
Plain English: Visual elements such as name straps, sponsor logos, title cards and lower thirds.
What this means for you: Graphics make the stream or screen output clearer and more polished.
Example: A lower third can show a speaker’s name and job title.
Plain English: A backstage room where presenters, performers or VIPs wait before going on stage.
What this means for you: It gives talent a private space to prepare and keeps backstage organised.
Example: Panel speakers may gather in the green room before their session.
Plain English: A green backdrop used so the background can be replaced digitally in video production.
What this means for you: It is flexible, but lighting and keying need to be done properly to look clean.
Example: A speaker can be recorded against green screen and placed into a branded virtual set.
Plain English: A freestanding structure that supports equipment from the floor rather than from venue roof points.
What this means for you: It can be useful when the venue cannot support overhead rigging.
Example: An outdoor stage may use ground support to hold lighting and LED screens.
Plain English: A solid surface suitable for vehicles, generators, lifts or temporary structures.
What this means for you: It affects where trucks, EWPs, containers or outdoor production gear can be placed.
Example: A generator may need level hardstand rather than soft grass.
Plain English: A fine atmospheric effect that makes light beams visible in the air.
What this means for you: It gives lighting more depth and makes a room feel more immersive.
Example: Concert lighting looks much stronger when a light haze is in the room.
Plain English: A common cable connection for laptops, media players and displays.
What this means for you: It is useful but less rugged over long distances than professional video connections.
Example: A presenter laptop often connects by HDMI, then gets converted for the main system.
Plain English: A location where people wait before entering stage, camera or event space.
What this means for you: It helps stage managers cue people on at the right time.
Example: Award winners might be held side-stage before walking out.
Plain English: A visual effect that makes a person, object or graphic appear dimensional or floating.
What this means for you: It creates a futuristic, high-impact moment for launches, installations and performances.
Example: A product can appear as a floating holographic-style reveal before the physical item is shown.
Plain English: The technical or operations staff provided by the venue.
What this means for you: They know the venue rules, loading dock, power and built-in systems.
Example: A theatre may require its house crew to operate certain rigging or lighting systems.
Plain English: The venue’s general audience lighting, separate from stage lighting.
What this means for you: House lights are controlled for audience entry, speeches, transitions and exits.
Example: House lights may dim when the show starts and come up for meal service.
Plain English: An event designed for both people in the room and people watching remotely.
What this means for you: It needs planning for cameras, audio, screen content, interaction and online delivery.
Example: A town hall can have a live audience in Brisbane and remote viewers across Australia.
Plain English: Live camera images shown on large screens so people further back can see presenters or performers clearly.
What this means for you: It makes big rooms feel closer and improves visibility for the audience.
Example: At a concert, close-ups of the singer appear on the side screens.
Plain English: Earphones used by performers to hear a customised monitor mix instead of relying on stage wedges.
What this means for you: They keep stage volume down and help performers hear accurately.
Example: A vocalist might hear their voice, backing track and click in their IEMs.
Plain English: A recording of an individual camera or source, separate from the final switched program feed.
What this means for you: It gives editors more options after the event.
Example: A panel discussion may record each camera ISO plus the main program output.
Plain English: A camera mounted on an arm that creates sweeping, elevated camera moves.
What this means for you: It adds cinematic motion and scale to live shots.
Example: A jib can sweep over a crowd during a festival opening.
Plain English: A projection adjustment used when a projector is not square to the surface, causing a trapezoid-shaped image.
What this means for you: It can fix minor alignment, but proper projector placement gives better image quality.
Example: A projector placed too high or off-centre may need keystone correction.
Plain English: The time delay between something happening live and being seen or heard elsewhere.
What this means for you: Low latency matters when remote guests, live Q&A or interactive moments are involved.
Example: A remote presenter may feel awkward if stream latency causes delayed responses.
Plain English: Hardware that takes video signals and maps them correctly onto an LED wall.
What this means for you: It makes sure the right pixels appear in the right place with stable signal and correct scaling.
Example: A processor turns a laptop or media server feed into the mapped image on the wall.
Plain English: A film or broadcast environment surrounded by LED screens showing real-time digital backgrounds.
What this means for you: It can replace locations, green screen or set builds with controllable digital environments.
Example: A car scene can be filmed with moving road visuals on an LED volume.
Plain English: A large video screen built from modular LED panels.
What this means for you: It gives bright, flexible visuals for stages, launches, exhibitions and outdoor events.
Example: An LED wall can replace a printed backdrop and become dynamic show content.
Plain English: A speaker system made from multiple speaker boxes arranged to cover a large audience area evenly.
What this means for you: It helps deliver consistent sound to the front, middle and back of a venue or festival site.
Example: Large outdoor concerts often use left and right line arrays beside the stage.
Plain English: A quick test of every microphone, instrument and audio source before rehearsal or show time.
What this means for you: It catches problems before the audience enters the room.
Example: The crew may call, ‘Kick drum, snare, vocal one,’ during a line check.
Plain English: The maximum load a rigging point, truss, motor or structure is designed to safely support.
What this means for you: It determines whether equipment can be safely hung or must be redesigned.
Example: A roof point must be rated before hanging a large LED screen from it.
Plain English: The venue access point where trucks unload equipment.
What this means for you: Good dock access saves time and labour; poor access can increase costs.
Example: A hotel loading dock may have strict times and height limits.
Plain English: A graphic placed in the lower part of the screen, usually showing a speaker’s name, title or topic.
What this means for you: It helps audiences identify people and understand context quickly.
Example: A webcast might show ‘Sarah Nguyen — CEO’ as she begins speaking.
Plain English: A measurement used to describe projector brightness.
What this means for you: Higher brightness is important for large images, ambient light and outdoor-style environments.
Example: A dim projector in a bright room will look washed out no matter how good the content is.
Plain English: A measurement of how much light lands on a surface.
What this means for you: It matters for camera quality, safety and whether people can comfortably read or move around.
Example: A broadcast interview needs enough lux on faces to look clean on camera.
Plain English: Industry shorthand for lighting or the lighting department.
What this means for you: When someone says ‘LX is ready,’ they mean the lighting team or system is ready.
Example: Production may ask, ‘Is LX happy with the stage look?’ before doors open.
Plain English: A professional digital audio format used to move many channels of audio between devices.
What this means for you: It helps large shows connect consoles, recorders and broadcast systems efficiently.
Example: A broadcast truck might receive a multi-channel MADI feed from the audio console.
Plain English: A temporary covered structure used for outdoor events, hospitality, backstage or activations.
What this means for you: It adds weather protection but needs planning for power, lighting, flooring and access.
Example: A brand activation may use a marquee for registration and product demos.
Plain English: Hiding parts of a video or projection so content only appears where intended.
What this means for you: It makes mapped visuals look clean and avoids spill onto unwanted surfaces.
Example: Projection on a building may be masked so windows or edges are treated correctly.
Plain English: A powerful computer system that plays, maps, syncs and controls video content across screens, LED walls and projection surfaces.
What this means for you: It keeps complex visuals timed, aligned and reliable during the show.
Example: A media server can run projection mapping, LED content and show cues together.
Plain English: The way a person holds, wears or speaks into a microphone.
What this means for you: Even the best audio system sounds poor if the microphone is too far away or pointed badly.
Example: A handheld mic should usually stay close to the mouth, not down near the chest.
Plain English: Technology that blends real and digital elements so they appear to interact.
What this means for you: It can create more immersive presentations, broadcasts or activations.
Example: A presenter might appear to interact with a 3D product model on screen.
Plain English: The area where stage monitor mixes are controlled, often side-stage for concerts.
What this means for you: It allows performers to get the sound they need on stage without interrupting FOH mixing.
Example: A band may ask monitor world for more vocal in their wedges.
Plain English: Recording human or object movement and applying it to digital characters or 3D elements.
What this means for you: It allows live or recorded movement to drive animated content.
Example: A performer’s movement can control an animated avatar in real time.
Plain English: Animated text, logos, shapes and visual elements used in video, screens and live content.
What this means for you: It makes presentations and screens feel polished rather than static.
Example: An animated sponsor loop can play on LED screens before the main show.
Plain English: A lighting fixture that can move, change colour, create gobos and produce different beam shapes via control desk.
What this means for you: It adds movement, drama and flexibility without physically moving lights around.
Example: Moving heads can switch from soft stage wash to sharp aerial beams during a reveal.
Plain English: A video-over-network technology used to send video signals across standard network infrastructure.
What this means for you: It can simplify video routing for streams, screens and production systems.
Example: A remote camera feed might be sent to a switcher using NDI.
Plain English: A person who runs a specific technical system during the event.
What this means for you: Operators make sure the plan actually happens live.
Example: There may be separate audio, lighting, playback and vision operators.
Plain English: Another term for dismantling and removing event equipment after the event.
What this means for you: Pack-down timing affects labour, venue booking and truck scheduling.
Example: Some venues require pack-down to finish before midnight.
Plain English: A simple stage light commonly used for washes, colour and general coverage.
What this means for you: It is a reliable, straightforward light for stages, walls and ambience.
Example: A row of par cans can colour a backdrop for a corporate dinner.
Plain English: The way objects appear to shift relative to each other when the camera or viewer moves.
What this means for you: Correct parallax makes virtual production backgrounds feel more realistic.
Example: A tracked camera on an LED volume creates parallax as it moves sideways.
Plain English: The process of connecting inputs and outputs so the right signal reaches the right device or channel.
What this means for you: Correct patching means every microphone, laptop and playback source appears where the operator expects it.
Example: ‘Patch the lectern mic to channel one’ means connect it to the first console input.
Plain English: Formal approval required for certain activities, locations, structures, noise, road closures or public events.
What this means for you: Permits can affect timelines, layouts and what is legally allowed.
Example: An outdoor activation may need council approval before bump-in.
Plain English: Controlling individual lights or pixels so they act like a low-resolution video surface.
What this means for you: It lets lighting and video blend together for more immersive effects.
Example: LED strips around a set can chase in sync with screen content.
Plain English: The distance between individual LED pixels on an LED wall, measured in millimetres.
What this means for you: Lower pixel pitch usually means sharper detail up close, but it can cost more.
Example: A 1.9mm wall suits close-up conference viewing better than a 5.9mm outdoor screen.
Plain English: The controlled playing of videos, audio, graphics or show content during an event.
What this means for you: Reliable playback stops awkward pauses, wrong videos or mistimed content.
Example: Awards videos are often fired by a playback operator on cue.
Plain English: A certified location where loads can be attached or suspended.
What this means for you: Available points affect where screens, lights and speakers can be placed.
Example: A ballroom may have fixed rigging points with specific weight limits.
Plain English: A planned location where power is made available for equipment, vendors or production systems.
What this means for you: It prevents last-minute extension lead chaos.
Example: A site map may show power drops for FOH, stage, catering and signage.
Plain English: Safety equipment such as hi-vis, hard hats, gloves, harnesses, safety glasses or steel-cap boots.
What this means for you: It helps keep crew safe and may be mandatory on site.
Example: A venue may require PPE during bump-in and bump-out.
Plain English: A digital preview of how an event, stage, installation or shot will look before it is built.
What this means for you: It helps clients approve ideas and reduces surprises on site.
Example: A projection mapping show can be pre-visualised on a 3D model of the building.
Plain English: Preview is the source prepared next; program is the source currently live to screens or stream.
What this means for you: It reduces mistakes by letting operators check content before the audience sees it.
Example: The next camera shot is checked in preview before being taken to program.
Plain English: The creative and technical design of the event environment, including staging, screens, lighting, content and audience experience.
What this means for you: It connects the look, feel and technology into one cohesive experience.
Example: A production design might combine LED walls, lighting, scenic pieces and content style.
Plain English: The person responsible for coordinating technical departments, suppliers, schedule and production delivery.
What this means for you: They keep all the moving parts organised so the event can run properly.
Example: The production manager coordinates AV, staging, rigging, venue access and crew calls.
Plain English: A sharp-edged spotlight used for controlled beams, gobos, podiums and precise lighting areas.
What this means for you: It lights exactly what needs to be seen without spilling everywhere.
Example: A profile can light the lectern while keeping the screen clean.
Plain English: Using projectors and mapping software to fit visuals onto buildings, stages, objects or unusual surfaces.
What this means for you: It can turn ordinary surfaces into animated, immersive experiences without building huge physical sets.
Example: A building façade can appear to move, crack open or transform through mapped visuals.
Plain English: The distance a projector needs from the surface to create the required image size.
What this means for you: Throw affects room layout, rigging, sightlines and whether projection is practical.
Example: A short-throw lens may be needed when there is not much space between projector and screen.
Plain English: A remote-controlled camera that can pan, tilt and zoom without an operator standing behind it.
What this means for you: It can cover rooms discreetly and reduce crew footprint.
Example: A PTZ camera can capture a panel from the back of the room.
Plain English: Insurance that covers certain claims if people or property are harmed in connection with the event or supplier work.
What this means for you: Venues and councils often require it before suppliers can work on site.
Example: A venue may ask for a certificate of currency before bump-in.
Plain English: Australian slang for the people attending the event.
What this means for you: Everything ultimately needs to work for the punters in the room.
Example: ‘The punters at the back need to see the screen’ means sightlines need checking.
Plain English: A popular show-control and playback tool used for audio, video and cue-based theatre or event playback.
What this means for you: It helps cues fire in the right order at the right moment.
Example: A awards night may use QLab for walk-up music, stings and video playback.
Plain English: A production call meaning the room is quiet enough to begin recording, filming or a live cue.
What this means for you: It stops audio from being ruined by chatter, tools or background noise.
Example: A crew member may call ‘quiet achieved’ before the camera rolls.
Plain English: A safety device that cuts power when it detects certain electrical faults.
What this means for you: It helps protect people from electric shock.
Example: Outdoor event power should be protected by appropriate RCDs.
Plain English: How often a display refreshes its image each second.
What this means for you: Higher or correctly matched refresh rates help screens look smoother, especially on camera.
Example: LED refresh rate matters when the wall is being filmed for broadcast.
Plain English: A still image or video generated from a 3D design or animation file.
What this means for you: It lets you see the proposed design before anything is built.
Example: A client may approve a render of the stage look before production starts.
Plain English: A group of computers used to process demanding animation or 3D rendering faster.
What this means for you: It helps complex visual content get produced on schedule.
Example: A high-resolution dome animation may need a render farm to finish in time.
Plain English: The number of pixels used to make up an image or screen output.
What this means for you: Correct resolution keeps text sharp and visuals clean.
Example: A custom LED wall may not be exactly 1920 x 1080, so content may need a custom resolution.
Plain English: The wireless signal used by radio microphones, in-ear monitors and comms systems.
What this means for you: Proper RF management avoids dropouts, crackles and dead microphones during the show.
Example: A large conference with many headset mics needs planned RF coordination.
Plain English: A formal question raised when more detail is needed to finish a design, quote or technical plan.
What this means for you: It keeps assumptions from becoming costly mistakes.
Example: A supplier might issue an RFI asking where three-phase power is available.
Plain English: A document that lists an artist’s or presenter’s technical, staging and hospitality requirements.
What this means for you: It helps suppliers prepare the right gear, setup and support before the event.
Example: A tech rider may specify microphone types, stage size and monitor needs.
Plain English: A qualified person who installs and manages suspended equipment and rigging systems.
What this means for you: They are essential when equipment goes overhead.
Example: Riggers hang truss, motors, speakers and LED support structures.
Plain English: A technical plan showing what will be hung, where it will hang and how loads are distributed.
What this means for you: It helps venues and engineers approve the setup before install.
Example: A rigging plot may show truss lines, motors, points and load weights.
Plain English: A document or process that identifies hazards and controls for the work or event.
What this means for you: It reduces the chance of incidents and helps satisfy venue or council requirements.
Example: Working at height, electrical power and crowd movement may all appear in a risk assessment.
Plain English: A common protocol used to send live video from an encoder to a streaming platform.
What this means for you: It is often part of getting a livestream from the venue to the internet.
Example: A stream key and RTMP address are usually needed before going live.
Plain English: A detailed timeline of what happens during the event, including timings, speakers, performances and cues.
What this means for you: It is the shared roadmap for the show.
Example: A run sheet might show doors at 6:00, welcome at 6:45, awards at 8:00 and finale at 9:30.
Plain English: A device that converts or resizes a video signal to match a display or system.
What this means for you: It helps laptops, cameras and screens talk to each other properly.
Example: A scaler can turn a laptop feed into the right format for an LED processor.
Plain English: The agreed boundaries of what is included in a project.
What this means for you: Clear scope prevents confusion, missed expectations and surprise costs.
Example: Adding an extra screen or new animation after approval may be a scope change.
Plain English: A professional video signal commonly used for cameras, switchers and long cable runs.
What this means for you: It is more reliable than HDMI for many live event and broadcast setups.
Example: A camera feed might run over SDI from the stage to the vision mixer.
Plain English: The time crew need to be in position and ready for the live show.
What this means for you: It separates setup time from actual live operation time.
Example: Doors may open at 6:00 pm, but show call for operators might be 5:30 pm.
Plain English: The path a signal takes from source to destination, such as laptop to switcher to processor to screen.
What this means for you: Clear signal flow makes troubleshooting faster when something goes wrong.
Example: If the screen is black, crew trace the signal flow step by step.
Plain English: Common electrical power used for smaller equipment and standard outlets.
What this means for you: Fine for light loads, but larger AV systems may need three-phase power.
Example: A small PA and laptop setup may run from single-phase power.
Plain English: A map showing key event areas such as stage, FOH, entrances, power, vendors, toilets, emergency access and crew zones.
What this means for you: It helps everyone understand how the event site works before setup begins.
Example: A festival site map may show stage, FOH, generators, first aid and loading routes.
Plain English: A visit to the venue or location before the event to check access, power, rigging, sightlines and logistics.
What this means for you: It catches practical problems early.
Example: A site visit may reveal that the loading dock lift is too small for LED cases.
Plain English: A multi-channel cable or box that carries many audio signals between stage and the mixing position.
What this means for you: It keeps cabling tidy and makes setup faster.
Example: Instead of running 20 separate microphone cables to FOH, crew may use a snake.
Plain English: A rehearsal or test where the audio crew checks levels, monitors, microphones and overall sound before doors open.
What this means for you: It prevents avoidable problems and gives presenters or performers confidence.
Example: A CEO keynote may need a short soundcheck for headset, lectern mic and video audio.
Plain English: Australian slang for an electrician.
What this means for you: Sparkies handle electrical work and power safety, which should not be improvised by unqualified crew.
Example: ‘Get the sparky to check the distro’ means involve the qualified electrical person.
Plain English: Australian slang for very early in the morning.
What this means for you: Events often start early because bump-in needs to finish before guests arrive.
Example: ‘Bump-in is at sparrow’s fart’ means the crew call is painfully early.
Plain English: A measurement of loudness, usually in decibels.
What this means for you: It helps keep events loud enough to be engaging but not uncomfortable or unsafe.
Example: A festival mix will usually run much louder than a breakfast panel session.
Plain English: A focused light used to highlight a person, object or area.
What this means for you: It draws attention to the important moment on stage.
Example: A tight spot may highlight a product during a launch.
Plain English: Australian slang for taking a quick look at something.
What this means for you: A squiz can catch obvious issues before they become bigger problems.
Example: ‘Can you have a squiz at the run sheet?’ means please check it quickly.
Plain English: A box on or near the stage where microphones and audio sources plug in before being sent to the console.
What this means for you: It keeps stage cabling organised and makes troubleshooting easier.
Example: All presenter mics might plug into a stage box behind the lectern.
Plain English: The person coordinating backstage movement, presenters, performers and show timing.
What this means for you: They keep the stage from becoming chaotic.
Example: The stage manager cues speakers on and off and confirms when the next act is ready.
Plain English: A diagram showing where performers, instruments, microphones and stage equipment need to be placed.
What this means for you: It helps crew set the stage correctly before performers arrive.
Example: A band’s stage plot might show drum riser, guitar amps, keyboard position and vocal mics.
Plain English: Formal agreement from the people who need to approve creative, budget, safety, branding or technical plans.
What this means for you: It keeps projects moving and avoids last-minute reversals.
Example: Brand, legal and venue teams may all need to approve a large public activation.
Plain English: A camera stabilisation system that allows smooth movement while walking or roaming.
What this means for you: It creates polished moving shots without shaky footage.
Example: A steadicam operator can follow performers through a crowd.
Plain English: A sequence of sketches or frames showing how a video, animation or show moment will unfold.
What this means for you: It helps everyone understand the story before production begins.
Example: A launch reveal storyboard might show countdown, logo animation, product reveal and final hero look.
Plain English: A light that flashes rapidly for high-impact moments.
What this means for you: Used carefully, it can add energy; used poorly, it can be uncomfortable and may need audience warnings.
Example: A strobe may be used during a concert drop, not during a formal speech.
Plain English: A speaker designed for low-frequency sound such as bass, kick drum and cinematic impact.
What this means for you: Subs make music, launches and reveals feel bigger and more powerful.
Example: A product reveal sting can feel more dramatic with properly tuned subwoofers.
Plain English: The device used to select between cameras, videos, graphics and other visual sources.
What this means for you: It controls what appears on the screen, stream or recording at any moment.
Example: The switcher cuts from the wide camera to a close-up during a speech.
Plain English: A safety document describing how high-risk work will be carried out safely.
What this means for you: Venues often request SWMS before crew can start certain tasks.
Example: Rigging, EWP operation and electrical work may require SWMS.
Plain English: The inspection and labelling of electrical equipment to confirm it has been checked for safety.
What this means for you: Venues often require tagged equipment before it can be plugged in.
Example: Power leads, distros and appliances may need current test tags.
Plain English: A communication system that lets crew speak to each other during setup and show operation.
What this means for you: It keeps cues coordinated without people shouting across the venue.
Example: The show caller can tell lighting, audio and vision when the next cue is coming.
Plain English: A light or signal that shows which camera is live or about to go live.
What this means for you: It helps camera operators and presenters know where attention should go.
Example: When camera two’s tally light is red, that camera is live.
Plain English: The person overseeing technical design, integration and delivery across departments.
What this means for you: They make sure the technical approach is possible, safe and aligned with the creative goal.
Example: A TD may coordinate how LED, cameras, lighting and media servers work together.
Plain English: A rehearsal focused on technical cues rather than full performance polish.
What this means for you: It lets operators test timing, transitions and systems before the event goes live.
Example: Crew may rehearse only the opening, walk-ons and reveal moments.
Plain English: A screen system that displays a script for a presenter while they look toward camera.
What this means for you: It helps speakers deliver polished messages without memorising everything.
Example: A CEO address may use a teleprompter to keep delivery smooth.
Plain English: A visual surface applied to a 3D model to make it look like metal, fabric, concrete, glass or another material.
What this means for you: It makes 3D renders and virtual environments look more believable.
Example: A digital product model may use a brushed metal texture.
Plain English: A larger power supply used for equipment with higher electrical demand.
What this means for you: Large lighting rigs, LED walls and production systems often need it.
Example: An outdoor LED wall may require three-phase supply from a distro or generator.
Plain English: A strap or system that prevents tools from falling when people work at height.
What this means for you: It protects people and equipment below overhead work.
Example: A spanner used on a truss should be tethered when working above others.
Plain English: Measuring the position and movement of a camera, person or object in real time.
What this means for you: It allows digital content to respond accurately to live movement.
Example: A tracked object can trigger visuals as it moves through a space.
Plain English: The planned order equipment is loaded into a truck.
What this means for you: A smart truck pack makes bump-in and bump-out faster and safer.
Example: Gear needed first at the venue should not be buried at the back of the truck.
Plain English: A metal framework used to support lights, speakers, screens, scenic elements or banners.
What this means for you: It creates the structure needed to hang or position production equipment.
Example: A stage may have a truss arch holding lights and LED panels.
Plain English: A group of DMX control channels used to manage lighting fixtures.
What this means for you: Large lighting rigs may need multiple universes to control everything properly.
Example: A big festival rig can use many universes for moving lights and LED pixels.
Plain English: A real-time 3D creation platform often used for virtual production, interactive content and live visual environments.
What this means for you: It allows digital worlds to respond live instead of waiting for long render times.
Example: A virtual studio background can be rendered live in Unreal Engine.
Plain English: The process of laying out a 3D model’s surface so textures can be applied correctly.
What this means for you: It helps digital objects look clean and not distorted.
Example: A 3D logo needs UV mapping before branded textures wrap around it properly.
Plain English: A requested change that sits outside the original scope, budget or timeline.
What this means for you: It keeps project changes transparent and fairly costed.
Example: Adding a new animated opener two days before the event may be a variation.
Plain English: A briefing or process that explains venue rules, safety requirements and access procedures before crew start work.
What this means for you: It ensures everyone understands the site expectations.
Example: Crew may complete an online induction before entering a major venue.
Plain English: The person operating the switcher and cutting between cameras, playback and graphics.
What this means for you: They make the live screen or stream output feel intentional and professional.
Example: The vision mixer takes the wide shot, then cuts to the presenter close-up.
Plain English: A device that manages video inputs and outputs for large screens, projection systems or complex display layouts.
What this means for you: It lets multiple sources and screens be managed cleanly during the show.
Example: A processor can route cameras, playback and graphics to different screens.
Plain English: Recording a person or object as a three-dimensional digital asset.
What this means for you: It allows real people or performances to appear in immersive or interactive digital experiences.
Example: A performer can be captured and placed into an AR experience.
Plain English: A fully digital environment experienced through a headset or immersive display system.
What this means for you: It lets people enter a simulated space for training, storytelling, product demos or experiences.
Example: Guests can explore a virtual venue before it is physically built.
Plain English: Industry shorthand for pre-recorded video content, even when no tape is involved.
What this means for you: It is a common way to refer to videos that need to be played during a show.
Example: ‘Roll VT’ means play the prepared video now.
Plain English: A broad, even layer of light over a stage, wall or area.
What this means for you: It helps people and set pieces look clean and visible.
Example: A warm wash over a stage makes a panel discussion feel polished.
Plain English: Signs and visual cues that help guests find entrances, amenities, seating, exits and event zones.
What this means for you: Good wayfinding reduces confusion and improves the guest experience.
Example: Large venues need clear signs to registration, bathrooms and breakout rooms.
Plain English: A pause in work or show activity caused by unsafe weather such as lightning, wind or heavy rain.
What this means for you: It protects people, equipment and temporary structures.
Example: An outdoor screen lift may stop during high wind until conditions improve.
Plain English: A live or scheduled event video delivered over the internet.
What this means for you: It expands the event beyond the physical room.
Example: A company update can be webcast to staff in different offices.
Plain English: Hiring equipment with crew included to deliver, install, operate or manage it.
What this means for you: It is usually better for complex AV because experienced operators are included.
Example: LED wall wet hire includes the screen plus technicians to build and operate it.
Plain English: A rating that indicates the maximum load equipment should safely carry under specified conditions.
What this means for you: It is critical when hanging anything above people or expensive equipment.
Example: Crew check WLL before choosing shackles, slings or motors.
Plain English: Practical lights used by crew during setup, rehearsal and pack-down, not part of the show look.
What this means for you: They keep the site safe while people are building or removing equipment.
Example: Work lights are turned off before the event look begins.
Plain English: A common professional audio connector used for microphones and balanced audio signals.
What this means for you: It is one of the standard cable types used to connect microphones reliably.
Example: Most handheld microphones connect to the sound system using XLR.
Plain English: A broad term covering technologies that blend real and digital worlds, including AR, VR and mixed reality.
What this means for you: It creates immersive experiences that go beyond standard screens.
Example: A broadcast may use XR to put a presenter inside a virtual set.
