Live Video Production Jargon Buster: Understand the Tech Behind a Broadcast Quality Event

Live video production comes with a lot of technical language. Cameras, encoders, signals, protocols and workflows can stack up fast, especially in multi camera livestreams and outside broadcast setups.

This guide explains the terms you will hear in production meetings so you can plan with confidence and understand what happens behind the scenes. It is written by the team at oXyFire, specialists in broadcast style livestreaming, hybrid events and outside broadcast.

Why Live Video Production Has Its Own Language

Live events move quickly. There are cameras to switch, graphics to cue, remote guests to integrate and streams that need to stay rock solid no matter what. Technical terms exist because they make communication faster and clearer when the clock is ticking.

This jargon buster helps you understand the essentials so you can brief crews clearly, choose the right services and feel completely in control of your production.

Camera Chain

The complete route from the camera head to the vision mixer. This includes the lens, camera body, CCU, fibre back and tally. A consistent camera chain ensures your show looks unified.

CCU (Camera Control Unit)

A backstage unit that allows the engineer to shade and match cameras. This keeps colour, exposure and contrast aligned across your entire event.

Tally

The red light on a camera that tells the operator they are live. Tally keeps presenters aware and prevents awkward on screen moments.

Vision Mixer or Switcher

The device used to choose which camera, slide, graphic or VT goes live. It is the control centre of any multi camera production.

Program Feed

The final output of the show that the audience sees. Program feeds go to livestream platforms, venue screens or broadcast networks.

Preview Feed

The shot lined up ready to go next. Directors use preview to confirm framing and timing before cutting it live.

Multiview

A single screen showing all camera feeds, graphics, playback and program. It allows the director to monitor everything at once.

Return Feed

A video feed sent back to presenters or crew. Presenters use returns to see slides or remote guests. Camera operators use returns to stay aligned with the show.

Remote Contribution

Bringing presenters or guests into your live event from anywhere in the world. We use SRT, LiveU and HaiVision StreamHub to make contributions stable and broadcast ready.

SRT (Secure Reliable Transport)

A modern streaming protocol that delivers high quality video over challenging networks. Ideal for remote guests and inter venue links.

RTMP

A widely used protocol for sending livestreams to platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo. Reliable and well supported.

NDI

A network based method for sending video, audio and control signals over standard network cabling. Great for flexible multi camera venue setups.

Bonded Connectivity

A technique that combines multiple internet sources such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi and fibre into one stable data path. Bonding reduces the risk of stream failure.

Encoding

The process of turning camera feeds into a digital livestream. We use hardware encoders such as LiveU and HaiVision to ensure stable, low latency streams.

Latency

The slight delay that occurs during live streaming. Low latency is essential for events where remote guests interact with people in the room.

ISO Recording

Recording each camera feed separately. ISO recordings make post event editing easier and allow content to be repurposed.

VT or Playback

Pre recorded videos such as openers, sponsor reels or interviews that play during a live show.

Talkback or Comms

The communication system linking the director, camera operators, graphics, showcaller and engineers. Clear comms keep the production running smoothly.

Showcaller

The person who runs the schedule and cues each part of the show. They work with the director and technical team to keep everything on time.

IMAG

Image magnification. Cameras are displayed on large screens in the venue so the audience can see close up shots of the stage.

Waveform and Vectorscope

Tools used by engineers to monitor exposure and colour accurately. These ensure a consistent and polished look across all cameras.

Graphics Engine

Software used to generate live graphics such as lower thirds, titles and overlays. Broadcast engines such as CasparCG create animations and brand visuals in real time.

Sync

Ensuring all cameras and audio sources operate in perfect alignment. Sync prevents glitches and ensures smooth cuts during the show.

Why Understanding the Jargon Helps You Deliver Better Events

When you know the basics, you can communicate clearly with your technical team, make stronger decisions and avoid misunderstandings in the middle of a live event. You will also get more out of your production because you understand what is possible and how it is achieved.

At oXyFire, our job is to make live video production feel smooth, predictable and enjoyable. We handle the technical stress so you can focus on your message and your audience.

Ready for a jargon free chat?

If you want help planning a livestream, hybrid event or multi camera production, get in touch. We are always happy to explain things clearly and make your event feel effortless.