100hz
A 100Hz television scans the picture across the screen twice as fast as a conventional 50Hz set, producing a clearer, less flickering picture. This helps reduce the strain on the veiwer`s eyes which can be caused by watching a conventional 50Hz set for extended periods .
16:9
Provides a picture close to that of which you would see in the cinema. The Widescreen shape (16:9) allows a greater picture size to that of traditional (4:3) television when displaying modern films or DVD`s. Many digital channels now broadcast programmes in widescreen format.
4:3
Traditional television picture format found predominately on smaller compact televisions. Larger Televisions are now adopting the Widescreen picture format (16:9).
6.1 or 5.1 Channel Input
Applies to amplifiers, receivers, Hifi`s and Surround Sound processors
Allows the connection of a Dolby Digital/DTS source such as a suitably equipped DVD player which handles the processing of the Dolby Digital / DTS signal itself.
8mm
Analogue camcorder format which uses an 8mm cassette. The higher quality version is known as Hi-8.
A/D converter
Converts an analogue signal into a digital signal.
AGARAS
Anti-Glare Anti-Reflection Anti-Static. A coating which actively suppresses reflected light
Auto Set-up
Automatically tunes in all channels in the correct order on TVs and video recorders (BBC1 on Channel 1 etc) and on a VCR suggests solutions to common problems, such as "check aerial connected"
Auto Tuning
Automatically tunes in the channels that the aerial can receive. An advanced auto tuning system will sort the channels into a sensible order (i.e. BBC1 on channel 1, BBC2 on channel 2 etc.). When applied to HIFI`s an Auto Tuning system does the same for radio stations.
Backlight Control
An exposure compensation used when a subject is lit from behind.
Bluetooth
Technology that allows bluetooth enabled devices to communicate wirelessly.
CD-R
CD-Recordable disc that can written on once only, but when finalised can be played on most CD players.
CD-RW
Re-writeable CD disc that can be written on over and over, can only be played back on some standard CD players.
CDR/RW Playback
A CD or DVD Player that can play back audio compact discs recorded on a CDR or CDRW recorder.
Colour Detail Enhancer
Corrects any colour detail lost in the transmission path
CompactFlash
One of the several card storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save pictures from the camera`s memory to a portable storage device.
Component Video
Used to send very high quality signals from a DVD player to a Television. Higher quality than SCART but carries video signal only, a separate cable must be used to carry sound.
Composite Video
Standard video signal used to send pictures down a cable e.g. from a TV to a VCR or camcorder to a TV.
CRT
Acronym for a Cathode Ray Tube, the heart of a TV, consisting of a phosphor panel and electron gun
DAB
Digital Audio Broadcasting. Can offer better and distortion free sound, most BBC stations and many independent stations now broadcast using this method as well as traditional radio.
DECT
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone. Cordless telephone that provides near crystal clear audio quality sound.
Desktop PC
Standard non-portable PC, normally includes hard drive tower and additional monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Digital 8
Digital high-resolution camcorder format found predominantly on Sony camcorders.It is backwards compatible with 8mm and Hi8 formats.
Digital Zoom
Camera feature that involves enlarging the main part of an image to produce an image similar to that of a telephoto lens but with some loss in resolution.
DNR
Digital Noise Reduction. A feature built into many TVs and other visual equipment designed to reduce picture grain.
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital (5.1) is a six channel home cinema system. It consists of a front channel for on-screen dialogue, Left & right front stereo channels, Left & right rear surround effect channels and a subwoofer channel for dedicated Bass effects. It is the ultimate home cinema system which gives the best quality cinema experience from DVD`s.
Dolby Pro-Logic
Home Cinema surround sound format that consists of a front or center channel for on-screen dialogue, front left and right channels and a rear surround channel to carry the rear surround effects.
DPI
Dots per inch. Relates to the resolution of a printer or video monitor, the higher the level the greater the image quality.
DTS
Digital Theatre System. An alternative to Dolby Digital, DTS encodes six-channel digital surround sound and is used in some cinemas and on some DVDs.
DUPLEX
Addition: Duplex - Prints on both sides of paper
Change: KB - is 1024 bytes
Change: MB - 1024 KB
Change: GB - 1024 MB
DV
Digital Video. Recording format adopted on most camcorders, provides better images and sound quaility than traditional analogue formats such as 8mm and VHS-C.
DV Out
Enables the camcorder to download still images to a home computer. Moving images can be downloaded with the appropriate software and hardware.
DVB
Digital Video Broadcasting. Used to indicate a signal that is received via a standard TV aerial in digital form as opposed to the traditional analogue broadcast format.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc
A digital format that provides superior picture and sound quality to that of Video Cassette.
DVD-R/DVD+R
Recordable DVD discs that can only be written to once. Some DVD recorders are compatible with DVD-R discs, some are compatible with DVD+R discs.
DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW
Different types of DVD disc that can be rewritten more than once. Check DVD recorder compatibility before purchase.
DVI
Digital Video Interface. A video connection that provides digital images between components.
Dynamic Range
The distance between the quietest and loudest audible sounds.
EMS
Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) is an adaptation of the Short Message Service (SMS) that allows users to send and receive ring tones and operator logos
Energy Rating
The energy rating offers consumers a standardised method of choosing the most efficient appliances which also give good performance.
The scale is from A - G. (A) represents a very high efficiency and (G) represents a less efficient performance.
EPG
Electronic Programme Guide- On-screen programme guide offering programme listing and information source. Also provides guide to interactive services
Fastext
A version of Teletext that uses coloured keys on the remote control as shortcuts to pages.
Firewire
Also known as firewire or i-link. This is a high speed data link for computers to communicate with devices such as Digital Video Cameras and MP3 players. It supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps.
Firmware
Operating system and software used on a portable device. Some MP3 players provide firmware which is upgradeable and reasonably future proof.
Frequency Response
Speakers & Headphones : -
The wider the range of the frequency response the better the range of sound from low bass (20Hz) upwards to High treble (20KHz). The human ear can generally perceive between the range of 20Hz-15KHz.
Frost Free
Non frost-free refridgeration usually requires manually defrosting after a certain amount of time. A Frost-Free product does not involve this often inconvenient task.
GB
A gigabyte is equal to 1024 megabytes.
GPRS
With General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) you can enjoy a continuous wireless connection to data networks and access your favorite information and entertainment services. GPRS technology allows mobile phones to be used for sending and receiving data over an Internet Protocol (IP)-based network
GSM
GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) is a digital mobile telephone system that is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world
HDMI
High Definition Multimedia Interface. Allows full quality digital audio and video to be shared between equipment.
HDTV
High Definition Television. Holds more than double the number of lines on a standard TV signal.
Hi-8
The high quality version of 8mm.
I.Link
IEEE 1394 is a high-speed external port that is used to connect computer peripherals such as a digital camera to the laptop. This allows budding cinematographers to quickly and easily transfer their footage from their digital video camera to the laptop for editing. IEEE 1394 is also know as Firewire, iLink or simply 1394.
IDTV
Television has a built-in ITV Digital decoder allowing the Television set to receive terrestrial digital channels without a set-top box. Free Channels include BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 , Channel 5. Picture and sound quality tends to be superior to that of Analogue due to a more robust signal.
IEEE1394
Also known as firewire or i-link. This is a high speed data link for computers to communicate with devices such as Digital Video Cameras. It supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps.
Image Stabiliser
Camcorder function that reduces picture shaking when filming. Optical stabilisers provide the highest level of picture quality, digital stabiliser use circuitry to reduce picture shake at the expense of some picture resolution.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network, a way of shifting digital information over existing telephone networks.
JPEG
A file format that stores digital images enabling large data files to be stored and save memory space.
KB
A kilobyte is equal to 1024 bytes.
Kbps
Kilobits per second. Used as a measure of data transmission rates.
Keystone
Correction for vertical or horizontal offset between a projector and the screen.
LAN
Local Area Network. A way of connecting several computers enabling them to share data.
Laptop
A small portable PC that has a keyboard and screen all built into one unit, also known as a notebook PC.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. Flat display technology which is more energy efficient than a standard CRT. LCD products are increasing in demand due to their light weight and positioning flexibility in comparison to traditional CRT sets.
LFE
Low Frequency Effects. Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks feature a dedicated bass channel (.1) specifically to cater for and process low frequency sounds and add emphasis and depth to soundtracks.
Long play
Using compression the video player is able to extend the length of the recording/ playing time beyond that of standard recording/ playing time of the tape cassette.
MB
A megabyte is equal to 1024 kilobytes.
Megapixel
One million pixels, used to measure camera resolution, the greater the figure the better the image resolution.
Memory Stick
Sony`s storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save data to a portable storage device.
Minidisc
Optical Disc format for recording music.
MMS
MMS (Multi-media Messaging Services) allows mobile phone users to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message
Modem
Modulator/demodulator. Electronic device for sending digital information over audio or telecommunications networks, such as conection to the internet
MP3
Shorthand for MPEG Audio Layer 3, a set of standards for storing and compressing digital audio files. Essentially MP3 takes a CD file, and compresses the sound to a much smaller file by removing the bits that the human ear cannot actually detect.
MPEG
Motion Picture Experts Group. A method of compressing moving pictures to make them smaller thus making them easier to transfer and store.
MPEG2
Motion Picture Experts Group.The compression standard for digital video.
Multi Media Messaging
MMS (Multi-media Messaging Services) allows mobile phone users to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message
NICAM
NICAM is the acronym for Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex. This simply means that the sound that you hear is broadcast in digital stereo.
Notebook PC
A small portable PC that has a keyboard and screen all built into one unit, also known as a laptop.
NTSC
American and Japanese Television picture format. Any TV with this capability can receive NTSC signals from VCR or DVD. Video Recorders with this function allow playback of NTSC video tapes.
Optical Cable
Used to carry digital sound from a DVD player to an AV amplifier. Can also be used to connect a CD player or Minidisc player to an amplifier.
Optical Digital Out
This allows a very high connection to another digital device such as a CD/Minidisc recorder or Digital-capable amplifier.
Optical Zoom
Creates a zoomed in picture by physically moving two lenses. Creates a closer image without any loss of quality as occurs when electronically magnifying the image (Digital Zoom). Most modern digital camcorders have an optical zoom up to about 20x - digital zoom of up to 800 x then takes over.
OSD
On Screen Display - graphic displays which appear on the TV scrren to guide through the various settings and controls.
PAL
TV broadcast system used in the UK and some other countries
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. Term used to describe any small, electronic organiser.
Picture in Picture
Facility on TVs to view more than one channel within smaller windows on the TV, can also be used to display picture and text where indicated.
Pixel
Picture Element. A point of light that forms part of a video or photographic image.
Plasma
Technology that uses electrical impulses that react with gases contained to produce pixels. Plasma televisions are increasing in demand due to their light weight and positioning flexibility as opposed to traditional CRT television sets.
Plug and Play
Generic term for any equipment that can be used without a complicated set up.
PPM
Pages Per Minute
Processor
The processor or CPU is the heart of a computing device. It performs all the calculations and operations on data. Processors are commonly rated in MHz or GHz, a measurement which refers to their speed - the higher the MHz/GHz the faster the speed.
Progressive Scan
An advanced method of viewing video images that provides better quality than traditional interlaced images.
PS/2
A small connector found on a PC to connect a mouse or other PS/2 equipped component.
RAM
Random Access Memory - this is the working memory used by a computer to process data.
Removeable Media
Memory cards that are used to store data and files. These include, Compact Flash, Smart Media, Memory Stick and SD.
RGB
Transmission system that splits the Red, Green and Blue signal to provide a clearer and more defined picture.
S-Video
Carries picture signals only from a component to a TV. Superior to SCART or Composite connection but inferior to Component or RGB SCART. Carries picture only so a sepapate connection must be used for audio signals.
Satellite Navigation
Used to navigate from one destination to another by using GPS satellite signals.
SCART
A SCART cable carries the video, audio and system control signals, to and from the VCR, TV , Games Console or other equipment.
SD Card
One of the several card storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save pictures from the camera`s memory to a portable storage device.
SMS
SMS (Short Message Service) is a service for sending messages of up to 160 characters (224 characters if using a 5-bit mode) to mobile phones that use Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication
subwoofer
Used for the reproduction of low sound frequencies, typically from 20Hz to 200Hz. Whether in the car or at home, the subwoofer is critical for filling out the "low end" of the audible spectrum, as well as ground pounding bass.
SVGA
Super Video Graphics Array. A display resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.
Tri-band
A Tri-Band phone is capable of being used in a large part of the world - not only the uk but also most of Europe, It can connect to GSM 900 / GSM 1800 & GSM 1900 networks
USB
Universal Serial Bus. Unlike serial connectors it can be plugged in without having to restart the computer. Found on an increasing number of digital cameras for downloading pictures to a PC or Mac
Video Plus
A fast and easy way of setting up the video to record a TV programme. Simply type in the number next to the programme in the TV guide and the rest is done for you.
Video Plus deluxe brings together VideoPlus and Satellite control - allows for easy Video Plus recording of satellite channels once initial set-up has been completed.
Virtual Dolby
System used on TVs to produce a surround sound without the use of additional speakers.
VESA/VESA compliant
VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) is a trade association that sets industry-wide standards to govern the mounting systems used for flat panel TFT/LCD/Plasma displays. VESA compliance allows a monitor to be attached to a third party mount. VESA approves two standard mounting configurations, monitors conforming to the VESA® FPMPMI standard should have a square hole arrangement spaced apart by either 75mm or 100mm. Some larger monitors/plasma screens have the new 100mm x 200mm, 200mm x 200mm or 400mm x 600mm interface. Check your monitor to see if it’s VESA-compliant before selecting a mount. A 75mm VESA interface requires a 96mm square flat area on the rear of the monitor. A 100mm VESA interface requires a 120mm square flat area on the rear of the monitor.
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol : The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is an open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless devices to easily access and interact with information and services instantly.
Watts per channel
This is a measure of the power output of a system or loudspeakers. It can be quoted in a number of ways - see also RMS and Peak Power Output.
Wi-Fi
Standard used for wireless computer networking.
Widescreen
Provides a picture close to that of which you would see in the cinema. The Widescreen shape (16:9) allows a greater picture size to that of traditional (4:3) television when displaying modern films or DVD`s. Many digital channels now broadcast in widescreen format.
XGA
Extended Graphics Array. A display resolution of 1024x768 pixels.
Zoom Lens
Variable focal lens that lets the user zoom in or out on subjects.
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