Sony Vegas 6 Manual

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APPENDIX BGLOSSARY
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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....

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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...

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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...

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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...

APPENDIX BGLOSSARY
381
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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...