Aspect Ratio
The display size of the image as it apears on a computer screen, such at 720x480.

Bit Rate
The compression rate used to encode a videotape. The higher the number the greater the amount of 'information' used and therefore the better the image, but the larger the file. Related to 'aspect ratio'. See www.coastal.com/digitized for examples.

Codec
A term that stands for compression/decompression. It refers to the process of compressing a digital file (for transport) and then decompressing the file (for playback); in that way it refers to the various brands or formats of compression, such as Windows Media, Real Media, Quicktime, MPEG and more.

Digital File Format
The specific "brand" used to create a video-based training product captured for playback on a computer using Windows Media.

Digitization
The process of digitizing - turning an analog product, such as video tape, into a digital file; same as 'encoding'.

DRM / RM / Rights management
Digital Rights Management - the industry expression of the process for applying security and licensing rights to a digital file.

Encoding
The computer process that converts a videotape product into a digital file; same as 'digitization'.

Encryption
The process and result of applying a layer of protection around a digital file, much like a chain might be wrapped around a treasure chest and padlocked. You must have the key to open the padlock before you can access the treasure.

FTP
File Transfer Protocol - a process for sending a file through the internet, or allowing it to be retrieved by the customer from an Internet-based computer.

License
This is the permission to access a digital file for installation and viewing. Once installed or acessed, the 'license rights' then apply. Think of the 'license' as the envelope, and the 'license rights' as the contents of the envelop - you must first receive and open the envelop before you can review the contents. A license is required for each PC that wishes to play a file.

License Key Server
An Internet-based computer that mantains the license and license rights information for all customers and products. It is the computer that licensed files will access in order to download the license rights for that product.

License Rights
The specific terms of use allowed for a specific file and a specific customer, delivered by the license; example - 100 views; 30 days - in this example once either term is met, no additional access is permitted.

Media Players
These are the viewers installed on PCs that alow for the playback of digital files. In the case of Windows Media Player, the player is also responsible for maintaining the licensing data.

Resolution
Similar to 'aspect ratio', it refers to the size/quality of the image display. The 'larger' the file, the more system resources required, but better quality is the result.

Streaming
The process of downloading a file to a users PC while they are viewing it. A streaming file downloads a certain percentage of the file, 20% for example, and then begins to play, allowing the remaing portion to download while the viewer is watching. Streaming files are not saved on the users system, unlike a normal 'download'.

Windows Media 9 Player
This is a video/audio playback device, supplied as a free component by Microsoft.