What is the difference between an OVA and an OAV?


I've heard the terms OVA and OAV used interchangeably with one another, but is
there a distinct difference between the two?

Do the definitions differ in Japan versus overseas? Where did the two acronyms
originate?




**OVA and OAV are synonymous.** The reason for having two acronyms is
historical; currently, both Japan and English-speaking countries use "OVA" as
the official designation.

According to the [Japanese Wikipedia](http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/OVA) (rough
translation):

> In the early days, "OAV" (short for "original animation video") was often
> used as well, but "AV" and "Adult Video" were easily confused, and could be
> easily mistaken for "Audio/Visual", so it gradually became less common.

The [English Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_video_animation)
sums this up slightly more succinctly:

> Original video animation, abbreviated as OVA media (and sometimes as OAV,
> original animated video, by English-speakers, though it was mistaken for
> "Original Adult Video"), are animated films and series made specially for
> release in home-video formats.

Basically, the media was initially dubbed "OAV" for " **o** riginal **a**
nimated **v** ideo". However, because of the term "adult video" (which implies
pornography or mature material), and the ability to be easily confused with
the common film/animation term "audio/visual", the last two letters were
switched to form OVA ( **o** riginal **v** ideo **a** nimation).




**OVA and OAV are synonymous.** The reason for having two acronyms is
historical; currently, both Japan and English-speaking countries use "OVA" as
the official designation.

According to the [Japanese Wikipedia](http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/OVA) (rough
translation):

> In the early days, "OAV" (short for "original animation video") was often
> used as well, but "AV" and "Adult Video" were easily confused, and could be
> easily mistaken for "Audio/Visual", so it gradually became less common.

The [English Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_video_animation)
sums this up slightly more succinctly:

> Original video animation, abbreviated as OVA media (and sometimes as OAV,
> original animated video, by English-speakers, though it was mistaken for
> "Original Adult Video"), are animated films and series made specially for
> release in home-video formats.

Basically, the media was initially dubbed "OAV" for " **o** riginal **a**
nimated **v** ideo". However, because of the term "adult video" (which implies
pornography or mature material), and the ability to be easily confused with
the common film/animation term "audio/visual", the last two letters were
switched to form OVA ( **o** riginal **v** ideo **a** nimation).

