Do You Know These Event Audio Visual Terms?

We get it. Audio visual terms can be confusing to someone who doesn’t talk about cables, projection, and sound technology every day.

When planning an event, the best providers help navigate the complexities of the multiple facets including audio visual, catering, and more.

However, there are some terms in audio visual that could help you find the best partner for the job, understand your budget, and plan a seamless event. Knowing some key terms can help take you from an audio visual beginner to event-tech savvy.

• IMAG- Short form for “image magnification,” referring to large-scale video projection to enable audience members seated at a great distance from the stage to see details of the performer’s body language and facial expressions that they may not be able to see with the naked eye from an audience member’s seat. Basically, IMAG takes the feed from cameras and projects it on screens.
• Projection mapping- It is also known as video mapping. Projection mapping is a projection technology that turns objects, often irregularly shaped, into display surfaces for video projection. The projection can be in the form of actual video, graphics, and more. It can turn an ordinary object into a moving piece of art.
• Rigging- Rigging sounds like it could refer to many things, but in audio visual, rigging refers to hanging hundreds to thousands of pounds above a space filled with people. It is not to be taken lightly. Truss, the metal structures that hold lights, projectors, and more, takes a great deal of skill to lift and hang. Cory’s is the only audio visual company in the state of Oklahoma with ETCP-certified riggers. Knowing if your audio visual partner has certifications can help ensure the safety of your event.
• Strike- Simply put, striking an event means to take down the audio visual, pack away the tables, and even fold up the stage. When someone refers to “striking the event” that is code (or jargon) for packing up!
• Gobo- A gobo is a physical stencil that is placed on a light to control the shape of the light. Logos, symbols, and initials are often shined on drapes, floors, and stages to give the event a customized touch.
• Aspect ratio- Aspect ratio is not necessarily about size, but about the shape of a screen. With screens getting wider and content becoming more and more widescreen format, it is no wonder that aspect ratios have changed over the years. Before the most common aspect ratio was 4:3. Now, the aspect ratio is typically 16:9. Keeping in mind the format of your screen, technology, and content going on the screens, will make your presentation look professional, unstretched, and properly-fitted.

With these terms in your vocabulary, it can help make planning events easier and even more fun. Partnering with an audio visual company focused on your goals and building solutions for reaching your goals can go a long way in the success of an event.

Let’s talk about your next event. Our team loves to bring visions to life.