383

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 22,050 Hz produce aliasing distortion in the sample if an anti- aliasing filter is not used while recording.

OPT Plug-In

A plug-in that uses Open Plug-in Technology (OPT) standard from Yamaha™. OPT plug-ins provide tools for working with MIDI such as edit views, effect processors and filters, arpeggiators, and real-time panel automation.

Pan

To place a mono or stereo sound source perceptually between two or more speakers.

Peak File (.sfk)

Vegas software displays the waveform of audio files graphically on a computer monitor. This visual information must be generated by Vegas software when the audio file is opened and can take a few seconds. Vegas software then saves this information as a peak file (.sfk). This file stores the information for displaying waveform information so that opening a file is almost instantaneous. The peak file is stored in the directory in which the file resides and has an .sfk extension. If the peak file is not in the same directory as the file, or is deleted, Vegas software regenerates it the next time you open the file.

Pixel Aspect Ratio

Computers display pixels as squares: 1.0. Televisions display individual pixels as rectangles: 0.9091

(NTSC DV, D1), 1.0926 (PAL DV, D1), or other rectangular variations. Using the wrong pixel aspect ratio can result in distortions or stretching of the video. You can set the pixel aspect ratio in the Project Properties dialog or, when rendering, in the Custom Template dialog. You should choose the aspect ratio based on the final movie’s destination. Consult your hardware manual if you are in doubt about the appropriate ratio. The pixel aspect ratio is unrelated to the frame’s aspect ratio.

Plug-In

An effect that can be added to the product to enhance the feature set. Vegas software supports DirectX compatible plug-ins. The built-in EQ, Compression and Dithering effects are also considered plug-ins because they work in other DirectX-compatible applications.

Plug-In Chain

Plug-ins can be strung together into a chain so that the output of one effect feeds into the input of another. This allows for complex effects that couldn’t otherwise be created.

Pre-roll/Post-roll

Pre-roll is the amount of time elapsed before an event occurs. Post-roll is the amount of time after the event. The time selection defines the pre- and post-roll when recording into a selected event.

Preset

A snapshot of the current settings in a plug-in. Presets are created and named so that you can easily get back to a sound or look that you have previously created.

APPENDIX B

GLOSSARY