By Emily Hobson, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Stream7
If you’ve ever sat in a production meeting and heard phrases like “RTMP feed,” “NDI workflow,” or “latency on the return feed,” you’re not alone. The world of event production has its own language, and for organisers, it can sometimes feel like you need a translator.
At Stream7, we get it. You shouldn’t have to be fluent in tech jargon to run a great event. So here’s our quick guide to what some of those commonly used terms actually mean – and how they impact your event.
Hybrid Events
An event that combines in-person and online audiences. For example, you might have delegates in a venue and others joining from home via a live stream. The aim is to create a consistent, engaging experience for everyone, wherever they are.
Virtual Events
A fully online event, usually hosted through a streaming platform, webinar system, or custom virtual venue. These became popular during lockdowns but are now part of most event strategies because they’re cost-effective and accessible.
Streaming
The process of sending live audio and video over the internet so remote viewers can watch in real time. A stable internet connection and professional setup ensure smooth, high-quality results.
RTMP
Short for Real-Time Messaging Protocol, this is the most common method used for live streaming. It’s a way of packaging video and audio so they can travel reliably across the internet in real time, getting your live content smoothly from the camera to your audience.
NDI
NDI (Network Device Interface) is a clever technology that lets video, audio, and control signals travel across standard computer networks instead of needing miles of video cables. It’s brilliant for flexible, space-saving event setups – plus, it can also carry power to the cameras!
Encoding
The process of converting video footage into a digital format suitable for streaming. The encoder compresses data so it travels smoothly without losing quality. Hardware and software encoders are both used depending on the event. Encoding is also used for lots of other things, such as sound.
Bitrate
Bitrate describes how much data is being sent each second during streaming. Higher bitrates mean better quality but require faster internet. Your technical team will balance quality and stability to suit your platform and audience.
Resolution
This refers to the sharpness or detail of your video, measured in pixels (like 720p, 1080p, or 4K). The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture – though it also needs more bandwidth.
Frame Rate
Measured in frames per second (fps), this defines how smooth your video appears. 25–30fps is typical for live events, while sports or fast-moving content might use 50–60fps for extra clarity.
Bonded Connectivity
Bonding combines multiple internet connections (such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and wired broadband) into one stronger, more reliable stream. It’s a safety net that keeps your live feed stable even if one connection drops out.
Redundancy
A fancy word for having backups – duplicate equipment, power, or internet. Redundancy ensures your event continues seamlessly even if something unexpected happens.
Vision Mixer / Switcher
The hub for video control. Technicians use it to switch between cameras and slides, and graphics during a live show, keeping everything visually seamless for the audience.
IMAG
Short for Image Magnification, this is the live video shown on large screens at your venue. It makes sure everyone, even those at the back, gets a close-up view of what’s happening on stage.
Multiview
A split-screen preview showing all camera feeds and graphics sources in one place. It helps the director and vision mixer keep track of every shot during live production.
Talkback / Comms
This is the private communication system connecting crew members during a show. It’s how your producer, camera ops, and engineers all stay in sync without shouting across the room.
Showcaller
The person who runs the event to time, giving cues for speakers, cameras, and lighting. Think of them as the stage manager and timekeeper rolled into one.
Lower Third
A graphic bar that appears at the bottom of the screen to show a speaker’s name, job title, or topic. It’s called a “lower third” because it typically covers that section of the frame.
Graphics Package
All the visual elements used during your event stream – lower thirds (speaker names), holding slides, countdowns, overlays, and branding. These ensure your event looks professional and consistent.
PIP (Picture-in-Picture)
A feature that lets you show multiple video sources at once, like a presenter in the corner while slides play full-screen. Great for webinars or panel discussions.
Audio Mix / Sound Desk
Where all your microphones and playback audio are balanced and controlled. A sound engineer ensures everything is crystal-clear, avoiding awkward mic feedback or unbalanced sound levels.
Playback
Any pre-recorded content played during a live event – such as intro videos, sponsor reels, or interviews. Playback content is usually queued and triggered live by the technical team.
Run of Show
Your event’s minute-by-minute schedule, including cues for speakers, videos, and transitions. It’s the roadmap your technical team follows to make sure everything happens at the right time.
Green Room
A holding area (physical or virtual) where presenters and speakers wait before going live. In online events, this can be a digital waiting room used for last-minute tech checks.
Switcher Feed / Program Feed
The final mixed output that’s sent to screens or streamed online. It’s what your audience actually sees – the polished version after cameras, slides, and graphics have been switched together.
Why it matters
Understanding the language behind your event production helps you make informed decisions – and ensures you’re getting the most from your technical team. When we say “we’ll run dual encoders with bonded connectivity,” what we really mean is “your stream will be rock-solid no matter what.”
At Stream7, we translate the tech so you can focus on the content. Whether it’s a simple webinar or a multi-day hybrid conference, our team handles the jargon, so you don’t have to.
Want to learn more?
If you’d like a jargon-free chat about how to make your next event run smoothly (and sound impressive in your next production meeting), give us a call or come and see us in person. We promise plain English, clear advice, and we’ve always got the kettle on.
Contact Details:
hello@stream7.co.uk
+44 (0)114 360 5060
Stream7.co.uk
C10 Alison Business Centre 39-40 Alison Crescent, Sheffield, S2 1AS.
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