Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L Ł M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Universal background being a one hundred percent saturation of the defined colour serves as a layer under text or illustrations. Apla is often a basic element forming a graphical space or graphical counterpoint for neighbouring elements. Unlike in plastic arts, in which it is understood as a universal black background applied using a free technique, in printing and DTP it is a background applied entirely using ink of any colour. The apla effect is determined as a uniform surface of print. Above all, apla is used in the process of creating graphic projects for compact discs, for example printing on the discs, covers or booklets. White apla plays a particularly important role in printing on CDs and DVDs. It covers the surface of the discs with silver (sometimes gold) and in this way imitates a white undercoat, necessary for the creation of multicoloured printing, according to the colour design.
Production APPLICATION
Software, which at GM Records ensures direct contact with and control over all production processes in the company. It provides the user with a complete set of information on the state of production, the stage at which individual orders can be found, and enables the same checking of individual production stages.
The system functions under the name iGMR, Autorski Zintegrowany System Zarządzania Przedsiębiorstwem (Integrated Authoring Business Management System). The structure of iGMR includes: a Contact Management Module, Production Management Module, Client Module, Purchase Management Module and Correspondence Management Module.
ASPECT RATIO
Picture ratio factor. It expresses in numbers the ratio of the width of a picture to its height, usually written in the format x:y, for example: the aspect ratio for a traditional television usually amounts to 4:3 (1.33:1), although 16:9 (1.78:1) format, used thus far mainly for High Definition receivers, is also frequently encountered. At GM Records, aspect ratio must be especially taken into consideration by the authoring department, before carrying out so-called processing of graphic material provided for pressing.
ASTRALON
Made of artificial foil material, the most characteristic quality of which is the behaviour of its physical property, alongside its high elasticity. It is resistant to light and chemical substances, smooth and easily washable. Thanks to its characteristics it is possible to draw temporary drawings on astralon and also to stick on impermanent materials. Astralon is used in printing as foil for large assembly sheets. At GM Records astralon is used in the print shop and screen printing.
AUDIT
The process of assessment of the business by an independent and unbiased institution or company. The aim of audit is to verify that the activities of the company and the processes involved are in accordance with the standards and norms in effect. The auditor’s assessment concerns not only past events but also those in the future. This process inspects compliance in the realisation of goals outlined by the audit organisation. The audit is responsible not only for the assessment of events, but also to recommend specific changes which are you lead to an improvement in the processes involved in the business. In relation to GM Records’ entry to the Anti-Piracy Compliance Program, external audit conducted in the scope of protecting intellectual property and replicated content will exist amongst others. Buremu Veritas Certification performs constant audit of the ISO system at GM Records. AUTHORING
The first stage in the process of pressing optical mediums. The stage consists of:
• Compression of pictures into mpeg format (mpeg2 for DVD and mpeg1 for VCD)
• Multi-channel sound production – at the request of the client (with mono or stereo sound using the 5.1 system)
• Compression of sound into many varied formats (e.g. DD, DTS, DTS-ES, LPCM)
• Creation of picture framing (animated or static menus)
• Potential recording of voice-over, dubbing or creation of subtitles
• Combining these elements in accordance with the client’s order
• Creation of a Master in accordance with the specifications of DVD Video
More about authoring…
BITMAP (also known as raster) GRAPHICS
Computer graphics which divides an image into a set of points of the same pixel size, arranged evenly into rows and columns. The colour of each pixel is defined separately. Images with RGB colour depth are frequently made up of coloured pixels defined by three bytes: one byte for the colour red, one for green and one for the colour blue. Typical raster file formats are divided into lossy – JPG and lossless – BMP.
BOOKLET
In the business of pressing optical mediums, the “books” attached to the disc are so defined. It usually contains particular information on the contents of the compact disc, the artist, lyrics etc. All types of information brochure are also popularly called booklets.
BITRATE
The amount of information in a unit of time used for the writing of pictures or sound. Bitrate is measured in bits per second – bps, or bytes per second – Bps. 8 bits/s = 1 byte/s. In popular use they are recorded in multiple ratios: kbit/s, Mbit/s, Gbit/s, kB/s, MB/s, (the notation also applied: kbps, Mbps, Gbps. etc.)
BLU-RAY DISC (BD)
New generation medium, created by the Blu-ray Disc Association – an association of the largest concerns in the consumer electronics industry, i.e. Sony, Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Matsushita, Pioneer, Phillips, Samsung, Sharp, TDK and Thomson. The format was created with the aim of allowing the recording, pressing and playing of video at the standard of High Definition. The Blu-ray disc allows recording of data five-times greater than a DVD. In the case of a single-sided BD, the disc can be recorded with up to 25 GB of data, and in the case of a double-sided disc up to 50 GB. The increase in capacity of the medium is thanks to the application of blue laser technology, which enables denser recording of information on a medium of the same surface area as, for example, a DVD.
CASSETTE TAPE
Destined to be played back on tape recorders, created by Philips in 1963. The width of tape is 3,81 cm, and tape speed is 4,76 cm/s. The popular medium is usually met in two versions, C60 – two sides with the possibility to record 30 minutes on each side, and C90 – two sides, 45 minutes each. Tape’s magnetic mediums may be ferric, chromic, ferrochromic or metal. Cassette tape had been one of the most popular audio medium until the popularization if compact discs.
CD-AUDIO (Compact Disc Digital Audio)
CD format serving the digital recording of sound. It allows the introduction of two-channel phonographic material, in such a way that the sound recorded on the disc is divided into tracks (a maximum of 99), thanks to which there exists the possibility to choose them according to track without the necessity to rewind/fast-forward, as was the case with magnetic cassettes. CD-Audio conventionally enables recording of up to 74 minutes in PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) format (technology converting sound to digital format).
A credit card-sized multimedia card, also known as the CD Business Card. Both texts and multimedia presentations containing information on the firm’s data or staff can be stored on it.
CD-EXTRA
Format for recording CDs, being a combination of CD-ROM and CD-Audio. On this it is possible to simultaneously store sound (just like an audio CD) and computer data (non-text), meaning for example pictures or film. In CD Extra mode we firstly record audio tracks (tracks 1 - …), storing computer information on those remaining. Thanks to this the medium is recognised by CD-ROM readers as an audio disc. Original music discs familiar on shop shelves, expanded to include multimedia extras, can serve as an example of this.
CD-ROM (Compact Disc–Read Only Memory)
CD format with digitally pressed information, serving only to be read by the beam of an optical laser. While music in digital form is recorded on CD Audio, on CD-ROM it is also possible to record other information (computer data) through a file system. The format was established in 1984 on the initiative of the companies Phillips and Sony, who proposed the specification Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), currently known as Yellow Book, which is an expansion of Red Book (the defined specification for CD Audio). Additional codes correcting errors are recorded on a CD-ROM, which means that the amount of data it is possible to record is smaller than on CD-Audio. The capacity of CD-ROM is approx. 700 MB.
Recordable compact disc enabling single-use writing, multiple-use reading of data – WORM (Write Once Read Many). The polycarbonate from which the CD-R is produced has a spiral groove guiding the laser beam in the course of reading or writing data. CD-Rs can possess a capacity from approx. 650 to approx. 900 MB.
Recordable disc enabling multiple writing and recording of the data stored on it. It is made from an artificial layer and a layer of aluminium, being a metal alloy which reflects light. Its special physical characteristics mean that the laser beam can make it transparent or light absorbent. Thanks to the fact that this layer can pass from one state to the other, writing on a CD-RW is called phase-changeable recording (it is completely reversible – the disc can be “cleaned”).
Type of CD of a non-standard size, used mainly for marketing-promotional purposes. The principles of writing data do not differ from those popularly used in CDs, there being however greater freedom in choice of size (e.g. a Christmas tree, car etc.).
Format for writing a digital stream – on a CD, the predecessor of the DVD. Introduced to the market in 1993. Up to 70 minutes of film can be written to the disc by the use of compression -1. VCD is played both by a computer CD-ROM drive and by the majority of DVD players.
A ring found on the side of a disc read by the laser. It is found around the disc’s hole. An inscription in a small font can be placed on the centring, most frequently the serial of production, bar code and the logo of the client and the press which pressed the given disc.
CODEC
Programme responsible for coding (transforming) multimedia files. Codecs serve as encoders and decoders of data. In other words, thanks to codecs we can save data in specific formats and compress files, which makes their size much smaller.
COMPRESSION
Process of reduction of space where data is recorded. It reduces the size of information on a disc/medium, which results in lower “weight” of the file. Data is compressed with the use of popular programmes like for example WinRAR. There are two types of compression: lossless – after unpacking the file is identical to the original, and lossy – with loss of the part of the information, used for example in compression of music files (eg MP3) and photographic files (eg JPEG).
CSS (Content Scrambling System)
Security system licensed by the DVD Copy Control Association, which protects the contents of DVDs against copy onto other discs or hard disks. CSS is a Content Scrambling System, in which every scene (independent video stream) of a film (video title set – VTS) can be coded with the use of a unique key. The disc key and scene key (one per VTS) are recorded in encrypted form. They are then decoded in the decoder and the de-scrambled information is used. Other information separate from the audio/video is not encrypted. The keys can be unique to each DVD title and are already encrypted through the author’s CSS licence at the point of preparation of the discs. We favour two means of protection: full, in which the entire cycle of protection is performed in the Authoring Department, and part, in which the encryption key is added during the recording of the material in the Mastering Department.
CMYK
Colour model, using four component colours: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. It is applied in colour printing in typography. In CMYK, colours other than the basic ones are obtained through mixing the four initial colours in proportions of between 0% and 100% using a method layer application.
CROMALIN (chromalin, kromalin)
The name popularly applied in typography to the system of colour proofing, which can take the form of analogue prints, exposed with the use of plates or digital printing. The original cromolin was the trade name of the company DuPont’s colour proofing system.
ENCODING
The process of transforming information written in one format to another. The opposite operation is called decoding.
In Authoring, encoding is the process of analysis and saving of an image into a required (compressed) form. This can be saving an image into MPEG2 format, for example from BETACAM film. The image is coded into MPEG2 at that time.
ENHANCED DVD
DVD format does not have influence over the means of recording the discs, nor over their capacity, but creates new opportunities. Thanks to Enhanced DVD, additional information can be placed on the disc, e.g. internet addresses or electronic keys enabling the receipt of access to web pages, for example containing additional data on the theme of the film. Devices operating to this standard are not only capable of playing DVDs, but also displaying web pages and exchanging data with other devices. Thanks to the new DVD format, it is possible to record selected references to web pages in the player’s memory and use chargeable film and music services.
Source: kinodomowe
ELECTROPACKING
Automatic packaging of the product using specialist machines.
The process of hand- or machine-folding, the bending of the sheet with the aim of using a desired insert format for example for DVD boxes, newspapers, leaflets or general folds. Folding is single or multiple, occurring in any proportion and in different directions. Each folded part of the sheet is a break and after folding creates a new edge.
The process of hand- or machine-folding, the bending of the sheet with the aim of using a desired insert format for example for DVD boxes, newspapers, leaflets or general folds. Folding is single or multiple, occurring in any proportion and in different directions. Each folded part of the sheet is a break and after folding creates a new edge.
Glass disc prepared during the second stage of the optical medium pressing process – mastering, on which is created the template from which the discs are then created.
Trade catalogue focussing on information on the theme of the suppliers of content, equipment, technological solutions, producers of DVDs, CDs and other units closely connected with the optical mediums market. Since 20 years ago it has appeared annually, published by One to One.
HDCP
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection – a program with the aim of protecting digital contents and controlling the digital contents of streams of audio-visual material broadcast to the High Definition standard.
Format of medium which aspires to the title of successor to the DVD. HD DVD is similar to its rival Blu-Ray, using blue laser technology, thanks to which a capacity of even 60 GB can be attained.High Definition Multimedia Interface – a connection enabling the transmission of uncompressed digital sound and image signal. It guarantees a lack of distortion and disruption. High Definition Multimedia Interface is used in HD televisions, guaranteeing compatibility with equipment serving the receipt of the HD signal.
Source: Leksykon Komputer Świata (Computer World Lexicon)
Digital television of very high image and sound quality. HDTV uses MPEG-2 compression and has a 16:9 image format.
A popular name for home systems which play back sound and images, which provide an acoustic and visual impression comparable with movie projection in screening rooms. Home cinema includes a DVD player and a sound system based on such systems as Dolby Digital or DTS.
Palmtop, miniature electronic notebook fitting in the palm of a human hand.
Unit of measuring frequency, describing the number of signal oscillations per second.
Association of computer equipment manufacturers. The group created a wireless data transmission system with the use of infrared radiation, which makes it possible to, among others, transfer files between computers, between computers and mobile phones, and allows access to the resources of wired networks.
International Federation of the Phonographic Industry – it has 1400 members from over 70 countries and industry organizations from 48 countries.
Original Integrated Company Management System, created especially for GM Records. The programme was adapted for the specific activity of the company. It supports management of the production process and all the company’s resources. iGMR was also created as a tool for communication with clients who, through the Client Module, are able to control the state and the stage of carrying out their order.
Photographic film image. The effect of motion in film is achieved by fast changing of the images. Fluidity is reached with the speed of 25 frames a second.
The mode of communication between the programme and its user determined by the programme’s author. There are two types of interface – graphic (the most commonly used in programmes) and text (eg in MS-DOS).
Source: Leksykon Komputer Świat (Computer World Lexicon)
International Organization for Standardization, international non-governmental organization determining standards of work and equipment which apply all over the world. The aim of the organization is to determine quality standards through marking goods and services with individual ISO marks which are explicitly identified internationally.
J
Programming language created by Netscape and Sun Microsystems. It is often used in creating websites. One of the advantages of the programme is the possibility to open the materials created in it with the use of different equipment (computers, telephones) and different operating systems.
Programming language created by Netscape, used most often in internet sites. The most common use of this language is ensuring interaction (through control of correctness of forms or building navigation elements).
Plastic packaging for discs, one of the most common type met in retail stores. May have transparent or black tray.
JOINT STEREO
Standard of recording compressed stereo sound based on analysis of the number of sound channels. When the same sound is send from two channels a codec records them in the size required for recording just one of them. Thanks to this feature the amount of data necessary for recording a piece is reduced.
Entity formed in 2002, its aim is to stimulate development of video coding.
The most popular format of recording graphic files. JPEG records 24-bit colour with accuracy, omitting (through compression) details not visible to human eye. Thanks to compression the files are comparatively small.
Hierarchic system of recording files on CD-R with names up to 64 characters. The system allows the use of all special characters, including Polish letters. Joliet was created by Microsoft and finds application in Windows system.
First colour television set manufactured in Poland. It was produced by the WZT plant. Television sets were made entirely of semiconductors (diodes, transistors, integrated circuits) produced in Poland. For those days, Jowisz was marked with high reliability.
LAMINATION
The process relying on covering the print surface with plastic wrap (most commonly artificial material). This serves to protect the product against mechanical effects, increases the aesthetic value and enables the grouping of two or more products. In typography, lamination is a type of typographic lamination. It can take place under heat or cold, in which case such wrap is called self-adhesive laminate, coated with glue which is activated by pressure. Depending on the need, lamination can be single- or double-sided, and the wrap itself can be matt or gloss.
LASER
An acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is one-colour light with high level of energy. In disc players or recorders, a low power semiconductor laser diodes are used. The light concentrated into a thin beam thanks to a special lens allows reading data recorded on CD or DVD and HD DVD.
This is the set composition of a given publication which allows the reader to work with large amounts of information. From the advertising point of view it is the space designated for advertisement or press publication of a given company.
Wyświetlacz ciekłokrystaliczny. Technologia wykorzystywana przy budowie monitorów komputerowych, telewizorów, a także wyświetlaczy w telefonach komórkowych, aparatach cyfrowych czy kamerach wideo. Budowa wyświetlaczy LCD jest oparta na zjawisku blokowania światła poprzez kontrolowanie jego przepuszczalności i nieprzepuszczalności przez cząsteczki w postaci ciekłokrystalicznej.
Part of recordable disc where information about session number, place where it begins and ends and the amount of free space for possible subsequent recordings is saved. This area takes about 9 MB on a disc.
Marking of the end of recording session on a recordable disc, done usually at the end of the process of disc burning.
Subwoofer, emits sounds of frequencies from 10 Hz up to 120 Hz.
One of GM Records’ departments where manufactured discs are encased in any packaging available on the market. Packing may be mechanical (machine set consisting of envelope-making machines, packing machines and foil wrapping machines) or manual (applies to unusual orders).
QUALITY CONTROL
One of GM Records’ departments. The first pressed discs go to the quality control department. The department tests individual copies in terms of conformity with accepted standards, so the clients receive the highest quality product.
Digital QUALITY
Commonly understood as high quality. In terms of sound, the digital quality of CDs specifies a sampling frequency at 44.1 kHz and signal resolution at 16 bit. It is not, however, tantamount to high quality, as with low standard source recordings even those parameters do not guarantee high quality.
Active SPEAKERS
Set of speakers equipped with an amplifier, powered by mains electricity, and not by the output of a specific piece of equipment.
Passive SPEAKERS
Speakers without inbuilt amplifier. They work using the strength of the internal signal strength of an item of equipment, for example a computer, player, television.
VIDEO CASSETTE
Cassette with magnetic tape for recording and playing back sound and images with the use of a video player. The first video cassette was developed and produced by JVC in the mid- seventies. In 1976 a popular standard VHS (Video Home System) was created and it also became a synonym for video cassette.