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Definition: Ken Burns effect


A documentary movie technique that zooms in and out of, or pans across, still images. Although the images are regular photos, the combination of slow zooming in and out and panning gives the appearance of motion and adds visual interest. Named after American documentary maker Ken Burns, Apple popularized the effect in the computer world with its iMovie software in 2003. Users can also choose the Ken Burns option when selecting a folder of their own photos to be used as a slide show on the Apple TV. See pan and Apple TV.