character generator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist Term)Technical, Media Production
Quick answer
What does “character generator” mean?
A hardware device or software application that produces, overlays, and manipulates text and graphics (typically titles, credits, and lower-thirds) on a video signal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hardware device or software application that produces, overlays, and manipulates text and graphics (typically titles, credits, and lower-thirds) on a video signal.
More broadly, any digital tool or algorithm that creates textual or symbolic strings according to predefined rules, including use in computing, games, and digital art.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'colour' vs 'color' in the interface).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in broadcast contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside professional video, computing, and gaming circles.
Grammar
How to Use “character generator” in a Sentence
[Verb] + character generator: operate/use/connect a character generator.Character generator + [verb]: The character generator overlays the score.Preposition + character generator: The text from the character generator was blurry.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “character generator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to character-generate the lower third for the interview.
- The system can character-generate in real time.
American English
- We need to CG the lower third for the interview.
- The software character-generates the credits automatically.
adverb
British English
- The text was added character-generator-style.
- The name appeared character-generator-quick.
American English
- The text was added CG-style.
- The name appeared CG-fast.
adjective
British English
- The character-generator function is on the main board.
- It was a character-generator effect.
American English
- The CG function is on the main board.
- It was a CG effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in video production companies for creating presentation titles.
Academic
Referenced in media studies, film, and television production courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in broadcast engineering, live video production, and some software development (e.g., random character/string generators).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “character generator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “character generator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “character generator”
- Confusing it with a 'character creator' in video games. Using 'character' in the personality sense (e.g., 'a generator for story characters').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'CGI' typically refers to Computer-Generated Imagery for 3D animation and visual effects. A character generator is specifically for text and 2D graphics overlays.
Yes. While traditionally a hardware device, many software applications (like those in video editing suites or live streaming software) now perform the same function and are called software character generators.
It generates 'characters' in the typographic sense—individual letters, numbers, and symbols—not in the sense of a person in a story.
No. It is a specialised term relevant only to those working in video production, broadcasting, or specific computing fields.
A hardware device or software application that produces, overlays, and manipulates text and graphics (typically titles, credits, and lower-thirds) on a video signal.
Character generator is usually technical, media production in register.
Character generator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkær.ək.tə ˈdʒen.ə.reɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker.ək.tɚ ˈdʒen.ə.reɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a machine that GENERATES CHARACTERS (like letters and numbers) to put on your TV screen.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL AS ARTISAN (The device crafts and places text onto the visual canvas).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a character generator?