Sony Vegas 6 Manual

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APPENDIX BGLOSSARY
APPENDIX
377
Glossary
A-Law
A companded compression algorithm for voice signals defined by the Geneva Recommendations (G.711). 
The G.711 recommendation defines A-Law as a method of encoding 16-bit PCM signals into a nonlinear 
8-bit format. The algorithm is commonly used in United States telecommunications. A-Law is very similar 
to µ-Law, however, each uses a slightly different coder and decoder.
Adaptive Delta Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM)
A method of compressing audio data. Although the theory for compression using ADPCM is standard, there 
are many different algorithms employed. For example, the ADPCM algorithm from Microsoft® is not 
compatible with the International Multimedia Association’s (IMA) approved ADPCM.
Aliasing
A type of distortion that occurs when digitally recording high frequencies with a low sample rate. For 
example, in a motion picture, when a car’s wheels appear to slowly spin backward while the car is quickly 
moving forward, you are seeing the effects of aliasing. Similarly, when you try to record a frequency greater 
than one-half of the sampling rate (the Nyquist Frequency), instead of hearing a high pitch, you may hear 
alias frequencies in the low end of the spectrum.
To prevent aliasing, an anti-aliasing filter is used to remove high-frequencies before recording. Once the 
sound has been recorded, aliasing distortion is impossible to remove without also removing other frequencies 
from the sound. This same anti-aliasing filter must be applied when resampling to a lower sample rate.
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
A process whereby the amplitude (loudness) of a sound is varied over time. When varied slowly, a tremolo 
effect occurs. If the frequency of modulation is high, many side frequencies are created which can strongly 
alter the timbre of a sound.
Analog
When discussing audio, this term refers to a method of reproducing a sound wave with voltage fluctuations 
that are analogous to the pressure fluctuations of the sound wave. This is different from digital recording in 
that these fluctuations are infinitely varying rather than discrete changes at sample time (see Quantization).
ASIO
ASIO (Audio Stream In/Out)™ is a low-latency driver model developed by Steinberg Media 
Technologies AG.
ASIO audio drivers are only supported in the full version of Vegas® software.
Attack
The attack of a sound is the initial portion of the sound. Percussive sounds (drums, piano, guitar plucks) are 
said to have a fast attack. This means that the sound reaches its maximum amplitude in a very short time. 
Sounds that slowly swell up in volume (soft strings and wind sounds) are said to have a slow attack.
B 
						

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GLOSSARYAPPENDIX B
Attenuation
A decrease in the level of an audio signal.
Audio Compression Manager (ACM)
The Audio Compression Manager from Microsoft® is a standard interface for audio compression and signal 
processing for Windows. The ACM can be used by Microsoft® Windows® programs to compress and 
decompress WAV files.
AV I
A file format of digital video. Vegas software allows you to open, edit and create new AVI files.
Bandwidth
Refers to the EQ plug-in that is built in. Each frequency band has a width associated with it that determines 
the range of frequencies that are affected by the EQ. An EQ band with a wide bandwidth affects a wider 
range of frequencies than one with a narrow bandwidth.
Bandwidth can also refers to the amount of data that can be transferred via a connection, such as a network 
or modem. For example, streaming media must be compressed due to the limited bandwidth of most Internet 
connections.
Beats Per Measure
In music theory, the time signature of a piece of music contains two pieces of information: the number of 
beats in each measure of music, and which note value gets one beat. This notion is used to determine the 
number of ticks to put on the ruler above the track view, and to determine the spacing when the ruler 
displays in measures and beats format.
Beats Per Minute (BPM)
In music theory, the tempo of a piece of music can be written as a number of beats in one minute. If the 
tempo is 60 BPM, a single beat occurs once every second. Lower BPM’s equal slower tempo, and vice versa.
Bit
A bit is the most elementary unit in digital systems. Its value can only be 1 or 0, corresponding to a voltage 
in an electronic circuit. Bits are used to represent values in the binary numbering system. As an example, the 
8-bit binary number 10011010 represents the unsigned value of 154 in the decimal system. In digital 
sampling (specifically the PCM format), a binary number is used to store individual sound levels, called 
samples.
Bit Depth
The number of bits used to represent a single sample. Vegas software uses either 8, 16, or 24-bit samples. 
Higher values increase the quality of the playback and any recordings that you make. While 8-bit samples 
take up less memory (and hard disk space), they are inherently noisier than 16 or 24-bit samples.
Bus
A virtual pathway where signals from tracks and effects are mixed. A bus’s output can be a physical audio 
device in the computer from which the signal is heard.
Byte
Refers to a set of 8 bits. An 8-bit sample requires one byte of memory to store, while a 16-bit sample takes 
two bytes of memory to store. 
						

							APPENDIX BGLOSSARY
379
Clipboard
The Clipboard is where data that you have cut or copied in Vegas software is stored. You can then paste the 
data back into Vegas software at a different location, or paste it into other applications. Some data, such as 
audio, cannot be pasted into applications such as Microsoft Word or Notepad, but the text data from the 
Edit Details window can be pasted. This allows you to then print or format the data. The Video Preview 
window also lets you capture still frames to the Clipboard for use in any image editing program. For more 
information, see Understanding the Video Preview window on page 287.
Clipping
Clipping is what occurs when the amplitude of a sound is above the maximum allowed recording level. In 
digital systems, clipping is seen as a clamping of the data to a maximum value, such as 32,767 in 16-bit data. 
Clipping causes sound to distort.
Codec
An acronym for COmpressor/DECompressor. A codec is an computer algorithm that is used to compress 
video and audio data, shrinking file sizes and data rates.
Compositing
Compositing is the term used to describe the way separate video sources are mixed together. Overlay titles 
are composited onto a background video sequence.
Crossfade
Mixing two pieces of overlapping audio or video by fading one out as the other fades in.
Cutoff frequency
The cutoff frequency of a filter is the frequency at which the filter changes its response. For example, in a 
low-pass filter, frequencies greater than the cutoff frequency are attenuated while frequencies less than the 
cutoff frequency are not affected.
DC Offset
DC Offset occurs when hardware, such as a sound card, adds DC current to a recorded audio signal. This 
current causes the audio signal to alternate around a point above or below the normal -infinity dB (center) 
line in the sound file. To see if you have a DC offset present, you can zoom all the way into a sound file and 
see if it appears to be floating over the center line.
Decibel (dB)
A unit used to represent a ratio between two numbers using a logarithmic scale. For example, when 
comparing the numbers 14 and 7, you could say 14 is two times greater than the number 7; or you could say 
14 is 6 dB greater than the number 7. Where did we pull that 6 dB from? Engineers use the equation dB = 20 
x log (V1/V2) when comparing two instantaneous values. Decibels are commonly used when dealing with 
sound because the ear perceives loudness in a logarithmic scale.
In Vegas software, most measurements are given in decibels. For example, if you want to double the 
amplitude of a sound, you apply a 6 dB gain. A sample value of 32,767 (maximum positive sample value for 
16-bit sound) can be referred to as having a value of 0 dB. Likewise, a sample value of 16,384 can be referred 
to having a value of -6 dB.
Device Driver
A program that enables Microsoft Windows to connect different hardware and software. For example, a 
sound card device driver is used by Microsoft Windows software to control sound card recording and 
playback. 
						

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GLOSSARYAPPENDIX B
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
A general term describing anything that alters digital data. Signal processors have existed for a very long 
time (tone controls, distortion boxes, wah-wah pedals) in the analog (electrical) domain. Digital Signal 
Processors alter the data after it has been digitized by using a combination of programming and mathematical 
techniques. DSP techniques are used to perform many effects such as equalization and reverb simulation.
Since most DSP is performed with simple arithmetic operations (additions and multiplications), both your 
computer’s processor and specialized DSP chips can be used to perform any DSP operation. The difference is 
that DSP chips are optimized specifically for mathematical functions while your computer’s microprocessor is 
not. This results in a difference in processing speed.
DirectX Application Programming Interface
A set of interfaces designed by Microsoft for multimedia development. A DirectX® plug-in, such as the Sony 
Media Software Noise Reduction™ DirectX plug-in, uses the DirectX Media Streaming Services (DMSS) 
API. Because DMSS is a standard API, a DirectX plug-in can be used in any application that supports 
DMSS.
Dithering
The practice of adding noise to a signal to mask quantization noise (see also Noise Shaping).
Drag and Drop
A quick way to perform certain operations using the mouse. To drag and drop, you click and hold a 
highlighted selection, drag it (hold the left-mouse button down and move the mouse) and drop it (let go of 
the mouse button) at another position on the screen.
Dynamic Range
The difference between the maximum and minimum signal levels. It can refer to a musical performance 
(high volume vs. low volume signals) or to electrical equipment (peak level before distortion vs. noise floor). 
For example, orchestral music has a wide dynamic range, while thrash metal has a very small (always loud) 
range.
Emphasis
A rudimentary noise reduction process that involves a boost in the high frequencies during the recording of 
the CD and a complimentary cut in the same frequencies during the playback of the CD. The result reduces 
high frequency noise without disrupting the natural frequency response of the source material. If the 
emphasis flag is set for a track, any CD player that has a de-emphasis circuit will impart the high frequency 
cut on the track. Be aware that Vegas software cannot impart the pre-emphasis boost on a track; it can only 
set the emphasis flag.
Endian (Little and Big)
Little and Big Endian describe the ordering of multi-byte data that is used by a computer’s microprocessor. 
Little Endian specifies that data is stored in a low to high-byte format; this ordering is used by the Intel® 
microprocessors. Big Endian specifies that data is stored in a high to low-byte format; this ordering is used by 
the Motorola® microprocessors. 
Envelopes (Audio and Video)
Envelopes, as used by Vegas software, are a way of automating the change of a certain parameter over time. 
In the case of volume, you can create a fade out (which requires a change over time) by adding an envelope 
and creating an extra point to the line that indicates where the fade starts. Next, you pull the end point of 
the envelope down to -inf. For more information, see Working with track envelopes on page 163. 
						

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Equalization (EQ)
The process by which certain frequency bands are raised or lowered in level. EQ has various uses. The most 
common use in Vegas software is to simply adjust the subjective timbrel qualities of a sound.
Event
Media files that have been dragged onto the timeline in Vegas software are referred to as events. An event is 
actually a window into a media file and is a reference, or pointer, to the file. It can display all or part of a 
media file and can be edited without altering the source media (nondestructive). 
Field Order
Video that is displayed on a television is interlaced. This means that every frame of video is actually 
composed of two fields, each of which is made up of half of the lines that make the final frame. These two 
fields are woven together in alternate lines, but which of the two fields is displayed first (the field order) can 
be important. You can set the field order for video in the Project Properties dialog or, when rendering a 
project, in the Custom Template dialog. For more information, see Interlacing and field order on page 371.
File Format
A file format specifies the way in which data is stored on your floppy disks or hard drive. In Windows for 
example, the most common audio file format is the Microsoft WAV format. However, Vegas software can 
read and write to many other file formats so you can maintain compatibility with other software and 
hardware configurations.
Frame Rate (Audio)
Audio uses frame rates only for the purposes of synching to video or other audio.
Frame Rate (Video)
The speed at which individual images in the video are displayed on the screen. A faster frame rate results in 
smoother motion in the video. However, more times than not, frame rate is associated with SMPTE standard 
frame rates for video: 29.97 for NTSC (used in US, North and Central America, parts of South America, 
and Japan), 25 for PAL (used in many parts of the world, including Europe and much of Asia), or 24 for film. 
Frequency Spectrum
The frequency spectrum of a signal refers to its range of frequencies. In audio, the frequency range is basically 
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The frequency spectrum sometimes refers to the distribution of these frequencies. For 
example, bass-heavy sounds have a large frequency content in the low end (20 Hz - 200 Hz) of the spectrum.
Hertz (Hz)
The unit of measurement for frequency or cycles per second (CPS).
Insertion Point
The insertion point (also referred to as the cursor position) is analogous to the cursor in a word processor. It 
is where pasted data is placed or other data is inserted, depending on the operation. The insertion point 
appears as a vertical flashing black line and can be moved by clicking the left mouse button anywhere in the 
timeline. 
Inverse telecine
Telecine is the process of converting 24 fps (cinema) source to 30 fps video (television) by adding pulldown 
fields. Inverse telecine, then, is the process of converting 30 fps (television) video to 24 fps (cinema) by 
removing pulldown. 
						

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GLOSSARYAPPENDIX B
Markers
Saved locations in the sound file. Markers can be displayed in the Trimmer window for sound files that 
contain them, but more often, markers and regions are used at the project level to mark locations or sections 
in the project. 
Media Control Interface (MCI)
A standard way for Microsoft Windows programs t o communicate with multimedia devices like sound cards 
and CD players. If a device has a MCI device driver, it can easily be controlled by most multimedia Microsoft 
Windows software.
Media File
A media file, or multimedia file, is any image, audio or video file on a computer. In Vegas software, you can 
browse for these files in the Explorer window. You can drag media files to the timeline or insert them into 
the Project Media window. Media files that have been dragged to the timeline are referred to as events. 
MIDI Clock
A MIDI device specific timing reference. It is not absolute time like MIDI timecode (MTC); instead, it is a 
tempo-dependent number of ticks per quarter note. MIDI clock is convenient for synchronizing devices that 
need to do tempo changes mid-song.
MIDI Port
A MIDI Port is the physical MIDI connection on a piece of MIDI gear. This port can be a MIDI in, out or 
through. Your computer must have a MIDI port to output MIDI timecode to an external device or to receive 
MIDI timecode from an external device.
MIDI Timecode (MTC)
MTC is an addendum to the MIDI 1.0 Specification and provides a way to specify absolute time for 
synchronizing MIDI-capable applications. Basically, it is a MIDI representation of SMPTE timecode.
Mix
The process of combining multiple audio events and effects into a final output. The analogous process of 
combining video events together is called compositing.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
A standard language of control messages that provides for communication between any MIDI compliant 
devices. Anything from synthesizers to lights to stage equipment can be controlled via MIDI. Vegas software 
utilizes MIDI for synchronization purposes.
Noise-shaping
Noise-shaping is a technique that can minimize the audibility of quantization noise by shifting its frequency 
spectrum. For example, in 44,100 Hz audio, quantization noise is shifted towards the Nyquist Frequency of 
22,050 Hz. See also Dithering.
Nondestructive Editing
A type of editing used by Vegas software that involves a pointer-based system of keeping track of edits. 
When you delete a section of audio in a nondestructive system, the audio on disk is not actually deleted. 
Instead, a set of pointers is established to tell the program to play the active sections during playback.
Nonlinear Editing (NLE)
A method of editing video non-sequentially or in random order. Editing video in Vegas software is nonlinear 
as opposed to editing video tape, which is linear. 
						

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Normalize
Refers to raising the volume so that the highest level sample in the file reaches a user-defined level. Use this 
function to make sure you are fully utilizing the dynamic range available to you.
Nyquist Frequency
The Nyquist Frequency (or Nyquist Rate) is one-half of the sample rate and represents the highest frequency 
that can be recorded using the sample rate without aliasing. For example, the Nyquist Frequency of 44,100 
Hz is 22,050 Hz. Any frequencies higher than 22,050 Hz produce aliasing distortion in the sample if an anti-
aliasing filter is not used while recording.
OPT Plug-In
A plug-in that uses Open Plug-in Technology (OPT) standard from Yamaha™. OPT plug-ins provide tools 
for working with MIDI such as edit views, effect processors and filters, arpeggiators, and real-time panel 
automation.
Pan
To place a mono or stereo sound source perceptually between two or more speakers.
Peak File (.sfk)
Vegas software displays the waveform of audio files graphically on a computer monitor. This visual 
information must be generated by Vegas software when the audio file is opened and can take a few seconds. 
Vegas software then saves this information as a peak file (.sfk). This file stores the information for displaying 
waveform information so that opening a file is almost instantaneous. The peak file is stored in the directory 
in which the file resides and has an .sfk extension. If the peak file is not in the same directory as the file, or is 
deleted, Vegas software regenerates it the next time you open the file.
Pixel Aspect Ratio
Computers display pixels as squares: 1.0. Televisions display individual pixels as rectangles: 0.9091 
(NTSC DV, D1), 1.0926 (PAL DV, D1), or other rectangular variations. Using the wrong pixel aspect ratio 
can result in distortions or stretching of the video. You can set the pixel aspect ratio in the Project Properties 
dialog or, when rendering, in the Custom Template dialog. You should choose the aspect ratio based on the 
final movie’s destination. Consult your hardware manual if you are in doubt about the appropriate ratio. The 
pixel aspect ratio is unrelated to the frame’s aspect ratio.
Plug-In
An effect that can be added to the product to enhance the feature set. Vegas software supports DirectX 
compatible plug-ins. The built-in EQ, Compression and Dithering effects are also considered plug-ins 
because they work in other DirectX-compatible applications.
Plug-In Chain
Plug-ins can be strung together into a chain so that the output of one effect feeds into the input of another. 
This allows for complex effects that couldn’t otherwise be created.
Pre-roll/Post-roll
Pre-roll is the amount of time elapsed before an event occurs. Post-roll is the amount of time after the event. 
The time selection defines the pre- and post-roll when recording into a selected event.
Preset
A snapshot of the current settings in a plug-in. Presets are created and named so that you can easily get back 
to a sound or look that you have previously created. 
						

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GLOSSARYAPPENDIX B
A preset calls up a bulk setting of a function in Vegas software. If you like the way you tweaked that EQ, but 
do not want to have to spend the time getting it back for later use, save it as a preset. Presets appear in the 
top of plug-in windows in Vegas software.
Pulldown
In telecine conversion, fields are added to convert 24 fps film to 30 fps video.
In 2-3 pulldown, for example, the first frame is scanned into two fields, the second frame is scanned into 
three fields, and so on for the duration of the film. 2-3 pulldown is the standard for NTSC broadcasts of 24p 
material. Use 2-3 pulldown when printing to tape, but not when you intend to use the rendered video in 
Vegas software. Removing 2-3 pulldown is inefficient because the pulldown fields that are created for frame 
3 span two frames:
Use 2-3-3-2 pulldown when you plan to use your rendered video in Vegas software as source media. When 
removing 2-3-3-2 pulldown, Vegas software simply discards frame three and merges the pulldown fields in 
the remaining frames:
Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
PCM is the most common direct binary representation of a level of an uncompressed audio signal. This 
method of coding yields the highest fidelity possible when using digital storage.
Punch-In
Punching-in during recording means automatically starting and stopping recording at user-specified times. In 
Vegas software, shorter events can be punched into longer ones.
Quadraphonic
A mixing implementation that allows for four discrete audio channels. These are usually routed to two front 
speakers and two back speakers to create immersive audio mixes.
Quantization (Audio)
The process by which measurements are rounded to discrete values. Specifically with respect to audio, 
quantization is a function of the analog-to-digital conversion process. The continuous variation of the 
voltages of a analog audio signal are quantized to discrete amplitude values represented by digital, binary 
numbers. The number of bits available to describe these values determines the resolution or accuracy of 
quantization. For example, if you have 8-bit analog-to-digital converters, the varying analog voltage must be 
quantized to 1 of 256 discrete values; a 16-bit converter has 65,536 values. Quantization is to level as 
sampling rate is to time.
24 fps film (top) and resulting NTSC video with 2-3 pulldown fields (bottom)
24 fps film (top) and resulting NTSC video with 2-3-2-2 pulldown fields (bottom) 
						

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Quantization Noise
A result of describing an analog signal in discrete digital terms (see Quantization). This noise is most easily 
heard in low resolution digital sounds that have low bit depths and is similar to a hiss while the audio is 
playing. It becomes more apparent when the signal is at low levels, such as when doing a fade out. See also 
Dithering.
Quantizing (MIDI)
The correction of rhythms to align with selected note lengths or beats in a MIDI sequence.
Quantizing (Video)
Limiting all editing to frame boundaries. For more information, see Quantizing to frames on page 125.
Red Book specification
The Red Book defines the specifications of every audio compact disc in every music store throughout the 
world. Red Book specifications define not only the information within the disc (digital audio recorded at 
44.1 kHz), but also the disc size itself and the way in which the audio is arranged. 
Region
A subsection of a sound file denoted by a start and end point. You can define any number of regions in a 
sound file.
Rendering
The process by which Vegas software saves the project to a specific file format like AVI or WMA.
Resample
The act of recalculating samples in a sound file at a different rate than the file was originally recorded. If an 
audio file is resampled at a lower rate, Vegas software decreases sample points. As a result, the file size and 
the frequency range are reduced. When resampling to a higher sample rate, Vegas software interpolates extra 
sample points in the sound file. This increases the size of the sound file but does not increase the quality. 
When down-sampling, one must be aware of aliasing (see Aliasing). Vegas software automatically resamples 
all audio to the project’s sample rate.
Ripple; Ripple Editing
A type of editing where events are moved out of the way to make room for newly inserted events as opposed 
to simply being overwritten. When a one minute event is ripple inserted into a project, the duration of a 
project lengthens by one minute. If ripple editing is turned off, the same operation would not affect the 
overall duration of the project.
Roll
Originally, a conventional studio typically had two source decks that were used to play back video to a final 
destination or output deck. These two source decks were commonly referred to as the A and B rolls. In Vegas 
software, a video track can be configured to display an A and a B roll, which appear as sub-tracks. The 
concept is extended further in Vegas software to include a transition roll between the A and B rolls. For more 
information, see Understanding track layers on page 270.
Ruler
The ruler is the area above the tracks that shows the horizontal axis units. 
						

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GLOSSARYAPPENDIX B
Sample
The word sample is used in many different (and often confusing) ways when talking about digital sound. 
Here are some of the different meanings:
 A discrete point in time which a sound signal is divided into when digitizing. For example, an audio CD-
ROM contains 44,100 samples per second. Each sample is really only a number that contains the 
amplitude value of a waveform measured over time.
 A sound that has been recorded in a digital format; used by musicians who make short recordings of 
musical instruments to be used for composition and performance of music or sound effects. These 
recordings are called samples. In this manual, we try to use sound file instead of sample whenever referring 
to a digital recording.
 The act of recording sound digitally (i.e., to sample an instrument) means to digitize and store it.
Sample Rate
The sample rate (also referred to as the sampling rate or sampling frequency) is the number of samples per 
second used to store a sound. High sample rates, such as 44,100 Hz provide higher fidelity than lower sample 
rates, such as 11,025 Hz. However, more storage space is required when using higher sample rates. Sampling 
rate is to time as quantization is to level.
Sample Size
See Bit Depth.
Sample Value
The sample value (also referred to as sample amplitude) is the number stored by a single sample. In 16-bit 
audio, these values range from -32768 to 32767. In 8-bit audio, they range from -128 to 127. The maximum 
allowed sample value is often referred to as 100% or 0 dB.
.sfap0
Sony Media Software audio proxy file. For more information, see Audio proxy files (.sfap0) on page 371.
.sfk
See Peak File.
Shortcut Menu
A context-sensitive menu that appears when you right-click certain areas of the screen. The functions 
available in the shortcut menu depend on the object being clicked on as well as the state of the program. As 
with any menu, you can select an item from the shortcut menu to perform an operation. Shortcut menus are 
used frequently in Vegas software for quick access to many commands. An example of a shortcut menu can 
be found by right-clicking any event along the timeline.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a measurement of the difference between a recorded signal and noise 
levels. A high SNR is always the goal.
The maximum signal-to-noise ratio of digital audio is determined by the number of bits per sample. In 16-bit 
audio, the signal to noise ratio is 96 dB, while in 8-bit audio, the ratio is 48 dB. However, in practice, this 
SNR is never achieved, especially when using low-end electronics.
Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)
A standard interface protocol for connecting devices to your computer. The SCSI bus can accept up to seven 
devices at a time including CD-ROM drives, hard drives and samplers.