Technology / Television (TV) Glossary

Mixer: A machine that blends various sound sources.

Mode Of Production: An aesthetic style of shooting that relies upon a particular technology and is governed by a certain economic system. Television's two principal modes of production are single-camera and mul . . . View Full Definition

Mode Of Representation: Manner in which a nonnarrative television program depicts historical reality and addresses itself to the viewer about that version of reality: modes include expository, interactive, observat . . . View Full Definition

Modem: Modulator/demodulator. A device that transforms a typical two-level computer signal into a form suitable for transmission over a telephone line. Also does the reverse--transforms an encoded . . . View Full Definition

Motion-Caption Device: A system by which the movement of three-dimensional objects or humans is traced by a computer.

Motivation: In narrative structure, a catalyst that starts the story's progression--a reason for the story to begin (usually a character's lack or desire).

Movie Of The Week (MOW): Industry shorthand for any film produced specifically for television and not shown initially in theaters.

Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG): It refers to a set of standards as defined up by the Moving Pictures Experts Group, and that defines the digital signal compression technology used among others, by digital satellite TV syst . . . View Full Definition

Mpeg2: Compression standards for moving images and audio set by the Motion Pictures Expert Group (MPEG), an international committee of industry experts. MPEG-2 is the basis for digital television t . . . View Full Definition

Mpeg4: This newer version of MPEG compression is used for delivering high-definition local programming in some markets. Receiving this programming requires the use of an MPEG4-compatible receiver. . . . View Full Definition

Multi-Satellite Dish: It is often necessary for consumers to use a multi-satellite TV system, such as the directv Oval 5 LNB Slimeline Dish or DISH Networks DISH 1000. This would normally be required to access pr . . . View Full Definition

Multi-Switch (Or Multi-Satellite Switch Or Matrix-Switch): If you want to hook up more receivers than your dish can accommodate, you can use a multiswitch to split up the satellite feed without compromising signal quality. Some multiswitches allow y . . . View Full Definition

Multi-Track Recording: In the sound editing process, recordings are digitally or electronically divided into four (or many more) separate tracks. On each is a sound category (dialogue, music, effects) separated fo . . . View Full Definition

Multicasting: The ability to send more than one program or data service within the allotted channel spectrum. Digital channels can squeeze up to four channels into their spectrum. For example, WCET will s . . . View Full Definition

Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDS): A multichannel video program distributor is an entity such as a cable operator, a BRS/EBS provider, a direct broadcast satellite service, a television receive-only satellite program distribu . . . View Full Definition

Multiple-Camera Production: A mode of production unique to television wherein two or more cameras are used to record the scene, enabling simultaneous and/or post-production editing. The mode used in most sitcoms and al . . . View Full Definition

Multiscan Monitor: Monitors that are capable of displaying a range of resolutions or graphics standards having different horizontal and vertical frequencies.

Music Television: Generally refers to a system, such as a cable or satellite service (e.g., MTV, CMT), through which musical broadcast material is delivered.

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