Playback: meaning, definitions and examples

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playback

[ˈpleɪˌbæk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

music

The action of reproducing a recorded sound or video.

Synonyms

recording, replay, reproduction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
playback	Used to describe the action of playing back pre-recorded audio or video material. During the meeting, Jane asked for a playback of the previous session's recording to clarify a point
reproduction	Often used in contexts discussing the duplication or replication of media or documents, usually accurately and sometimes used in scientific contexts. The museum displayed a reproduction of the ancient manuscript for visitors to examine closely
replay	Typically used for repeating the playing of a segment of audio or video, especially in sports and media to review the action. The referee requested a replay to determine whether the ball crossed the line
recording	Refers to the actual audio or video material that has been captured or the process of capturing it. The recording of the concert will be available online for those who missed it live

Examples of usage

The playback of the song was crystal clear.
She adjusted the playback volume on the device.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

The process of playing back previously recorded material.

Synonyms

recap, replay, review.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
playback	Used when referring to the act of playing recorded audio or video at a later time. She used the playback feature to listen to her voice message again The playback of the concert will start at 8 PM
review	Used when examining or assessing something in detail, often for feedback or evaluation purposes. She decided to review her notes before the exam The product received a positive review from customers
replay	Used to watch or listen to something again, often immediately after the first time. This can be used in contexts like watching sports moments again or listening to a part of a song again. Could you replay that song? I missed the beginning The referee asked for a replay to check the decision
recap	Used to summarize and review the main points or events that have happened, often in a meeting, TV show, or sports game. Here's a quick recap of yesterday’s meeting The news show provided a recap of the big game

Examples of usage

The playback feature allows you to review your recordings.
He used the playback function to listen to the meeting again.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

film

The showing of a film or video.

Synonyms

projection, screening, showing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
playback	Usually used in the context of audio or video recordings, when someone wants to listen or watch the recorded material again. Let's do a playback of the song to hear if it's mixed well. We need to review the playback of the security footage.
screening	Used mainly for showing movies or films, especially in formal or special viewings such as film festivals, premieres, or private events. We were invited to the screening of the new documentary. They are having a special screening of a classic movie at the theater tonight.
showing	This is a more general term for displaying movies, films, or TV shows, often used to refer to the times when these are available to watch. The next showing of the movie is at 7 p.m. We missed the first showing but there will be another in an hour.
projection	Refers to displaying images or videos on a larger surface such as a screen or wall, often using a projector in a professional or educational setting. The teacher used a projection to show the class the map of ancient Rome. The conference room is equipped with equipment for projection of presentation slides.

Examples of usage

The playback of the movie was interrupted by technical issues.
The director was not satisfied with the playback quality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word combines 'play,' meaning to perform or show, and 'back,' indicating a return to a previous state.
Originally, the term started gaining traction in the audio industry during the late 1950s with the rise of magnetic tape recordings.
It shares roots with terms from the early days of theatre and performance, where actors would revisit scenes.

Technology

In modern technology, playback features allow users to experience content on various devices, from smartphones to smart TVs.
Streaming services rely heavily on playback functions, allowing users to pause, rewind, or skip through content at their convenience.
In video games, playback can refer to reviewing gameplay footage to analyze performance or enjoy key moments.

Cultural Significance

In music, the playback of a song can evoke nostalgia, allowing listeners to relive moments associated with specific tracks.
Playback events like concerts or shows capture a moment in time, enabling audiences to experience performances they may have missed.
Film festivals often showcase playback screenings, giving fans a chance to revisit classic films in a communal setting.

Psychology

Replaying favorite songs or movies can trigger emotional responses, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Research shows that individuals may experience increased pleasure from replaying media they love compared to unfamiliar content.
The concept of playback can also apply to memory; recalling past events often feels like a mental playback of experiences.

Literature

In narratives, the idea of 'playback' can be used metaphorically to explore themes of memory and reflection.
Writers often play back moments of nostalgia through characters’ conversations or internal thoughts, enriching the story.
Many literary works incorporate fragmented timelines, allowing readers to experience a sort of playback of events.

Translations

Translations of the word "playback" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reprodução

reprodução de áudio
reprodução de vídeo

🇮🇳 प्लेबैक

🇩🇪 Wiedergabe

🇮🇩 pemutaran

🇺🇦 відтворення

🇵🇱 odtwarzanie

🇯🇵 再生 (さいせい)

🇫🇷 lecture

🇪🇸 reproducción

reproducción de audio
reproducción de video

🇹🇷 oynatma

🇰🇷 재생

🇸🇦 تشغيل

🇨🇿 přehrávání

🇸🇰 prehrávanie

🇨🇳 播放 (bòfàng)

🇸🇮 predvajanje

🇮🇸 spilun

🇰🇿 ойнау

🇬🇪 გადახვევა

🇦🇿 oynatma

🇲🇽 reproducción

reproducción de audio
reproducción de video