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Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
A method of programming in which every element in a program is self-contained, having within itself all the data and instructions that operate on that data and that are appropriate for that object. One element transmits a message to another, and the recipient of that message carries out the instruction. OOP is generally more flexible or adaptable than standard programming.
OCR
Acronym for Optical Character Reader or Optical Character Recognition.
OHM
The electrical unit of resistance, transmitting a current of 1 amp when subjected to a potential difference of 1 volt. Represented by Z or "horseshoe shape".
Optical Character Reader or Optical Character Recognition
A device or method that reads characters as images and converts them into text to be used in a computer. This can also be done through software.
Optical Memory
A generic term used to describe technology that deals with information storage devices that use light usually in the form of a laser, to record, read, and decode data.
Optical Read-Only Memory (OROM)
A 5.25-inch laser-encoded optical memory storage medium, used primarily to store digital data, as opposed to video data, which features a concentric circular format and constant angular velocity (CAV). OROMs have a faster access time than that of a CD-ROM disk, but with about half the storage space (250 megabytes for an OROM disc compared to 500 megabytes for CD-ROM disc).
OS/2
Acronym for Operating System /2. A high-level, multi-tasking operating environment developed by IBM and Microsoft for the PS/2 line of PCs.
Oscilloscope
A test device that allows measurement of electronic signals by displaying the waveform on a CRT.
Output
The product of an operation by a device going to some external destination, such as another device, a video screen, image or hard copy. The signal derived from any audio or video device. The physical connection that delivers the result of what the device does, such as a signal. In A/V industry output is often used (erroneously) as a verb. (i.e., "This device outputs composite video.")
Overhead Projector
In ancient history, overhead projectors were used to give presentations. They involved static pages of see-through "paper" on which black images were printed. Historians suggest ancient presenters even used marking pens to write on these transparent pages.
Overlay
The capability to superimpose computer-generated graphics and/or text on motion or still video.
Overscan
Deliberate scanning in a television set or monitor in which the active display area of the CRT is filled with slightly less than the complete video image. This enables the physical edges of the display device to become the picture's boarders rather than the blanking portions of the signal. The result of the TV scan lines exceeding the boundaries of the display screen.
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