Backlash:
is an error present in a pan tilt head due to the play in the mechanical components like gears, pulleys etc. This results in the Pan Tilt head not stopping instantaneously. This error is critical in pre set PTZ cameras and is measured in degrees.

Balanced cable:
is a type of cable in which the signal is divided over a pair of cables and travels in opposing polarity. This reduces interference allowing transmission over longer distances.

Bandwidth:
is the range of frequencies that pass through an electrical/electronic amplifying, processing or transmission unit without attenuation or loss.

Barrel distortion:
is a distortion in the monitor due to non uniform scanning which causes the image to bulge outwards like a barrel.

Beam angle:
is the angular beam width of a conical beam of light and is measured in degrees.

Blanking pulse:
is a black pulse added during the fly back period to make the video signal invisible on the screen.

BNC connector:
is a type of connector used to interconnect two coaxial cables or connect a cable with other CCTV components.

Bridging switcher:
is a type of sequential switcher which has two outputs. The sequencing output sequences all the camera inputs whereas the other output is a spot output where any camera can be called up for extended viewing.

Brightness:
represents the intensity of illumination of the reproduced picture.

Brightness Control:
is a control in the monitor which does not change the amplitude of the video signal but increases or decreases the illumination of the phosphors on the screen.

Broadcast camera:
is a high quality camera using three CCD chips. It is used extensively in the professional broadcasting industry.