If you are new to the family entertainment industry, you may find yourself running into new terminology. Check out the glossary below of industry jargon you might expect to hear.
General Terminology
Area of Sport Activity (ASA) – In the context of a laser tag arena, a raised play area, such as a ramp or full walk under area.
BEC – Bowling Entertainment Center
FEC – Family Entertainment Center
Heads Up Display (HUD) – Graphic display used to conveniently and quickly share updated status and information.
Laser – Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. CyberBlast uses lasers to help players see where they are aiming during gameplay.
Marshall/Referee/Game Master – Laser tag attendant who instructs players on gameplay and rules, and ensures everyone has a great time.
Pack– Laser Tag Vest & Phaser worn during a game of laser tag; also vest, blaster, phaser, etc.
Point Of Sale (POS) – Kiosk or counter server that is used to receive and record payments, and control access to games.
Throughput – The rate at which guests can use attractions.
Technical Terminology
Digital Multiplex (DMX)- Industry standard protocol for controlling special effect lighting such as fog, strobes, LEDs, fire, and other effect lights. CyberBlast bases feature a DMX output to control special effects based on a variety of triggers such as points accrued, targets hit, and sensors touched.
Digital Rights Management (DRM) – DRM applications require that the user always be connected to the internet or check-in at predetermined intervals in order to operate. The CyberBlast software does not use DRM and does not require license fees, codes, or internet access for operation.
Infrared (IR) – Invisible light- CyberBlast equipment uses IR waves to determine when a player has been tagged and who they were tagged by.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP) – A modern battery chemistry with a longer cycle life and increased safety compared to older and more widely used Lithium Cobalt(LCO), NiCd, NiMH, and Lead-acid batteries
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) – Can be used to allow communication between lighting and special effect systems.
NC/NO Relay– Normally Closed / Normally Open Relay. Low-voltage output used to switch sounds and motion effects. CyberBlast Targets feature a relay allowing for animatronic and local audio triggers upon being tagged.
Near Field Communication / Radio Frequency Identification (NFC/RFID) – Protocol used to transmit small data packets at close range between two devices. CyberWeb’s online achievement system uses RFID tags for member login.
Power Over Ethernet (POE) – Protocol for transmitting both data and power using a single ethernet cable.
RJ-45/ Cat5/6 / Ethernet – Industry standard wiring used in most networking applications. CyberBlast uses ethernet wiring for Access Points, Projector Targets, Trivia Stations, and Server Connections.
Ultraviolet (UV) – Blacklight used to make specially made UV reactive paints glow in the dark. Helps to create vivid theming and imagery in a low light environment, ideal for laser tag.
