Content inside DIV!
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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 viewer`s eyes which watching a conventional 50Hz set for extended periods can cause

16:9 (wide-screen)
Provides a picture close to that which you would see in the cinema. The Wide screen shape (16:9) displays a bigger picture than traditional (4:3) televisions when viewing modern films or DVD`s. Many digital channels now broadcast programmes in wide screen format.

Content inside DIV!
16:9(Wide-screen) Provides a picture close to that which you would see in the cinema.The Wide screen shape (16:9)displays a bigger picture than traditional(4:3)televisions when viewing moderm films or DVD's.Many digital channels now broadcast programmes in wide screen format.

Content inside DIV!
16:9(Wide-screen) Provides a picture close to that which you would see in the cinema.The Wide screen shape (16:9)displays a bigger picture than traditional(4:3)televisions when viewing moderm films or DVD's.Many digital channels now broadcast programmes in wide screen format.

Content inside DIV!

6.1 Channel Input
Allows amplifiers,receivers,Hifi's and Surround Sound procassors to be connected to a Dolby Digital/DTS source such as a suitably equipped DVD player which handles the processing of the Dolby Digital/DTS signal itself.

A/D converter
Converts an analogue signal into a digital signal.

AAC
Advanced Audio Coding.An alternative technologyto Mp3.

AAD
Music recorded and mastered in analogue from (A),then converted digitally(D)

AC-3
The format name of Dolby Digital

ADD
Music recorded in analogue form (A),then mastered and converted digitally(D)

AGARAS
Anti-Glare Anti-Reflection Anti-Static.A coating which actively suppresses reflected light

AMDC
Advanced Monitor Deflection control.Acircuit that allows fast,stable switching between the variouse resolutions and timing modes of a monitor whithout disturbing transient distortion effects.

Anamorphic
A method of enhancing DVD discs to minimise the letterbox effect.

ANSI Lumen
ANSI(American National Standareds Institute) Lumens-Standard for measuring light output or brightness

ATRAC
Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding.A compression system designed to enable the storage of large amounts of audio information with marginalloss of quality.

Auto Set-Up
Automatically tunes in all channels in the correct order on TVs and video recorders(BBC1 on channel 1 ect)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.BBC 1,BBC 2, on channel 2 etc.).when applied to HIFI's an Auto Tuning system does the same for radio stations.

AVL
Automatic Volume Leveller.Minimises sudden changes in TV volume when commercials are transmitted.

BBE
All music that is played back through a dynamic loudspeaker suffers some loss of fidelity or subtle distortions caused by the inherent characteristics of the loudspeaker itself. The BBE system - which originated in the professional recording industry - addresses these problems by compensating for phase and amplitude distortions. In effect it delivers the signal to the speaker in a form which reproduces the original (live) performance more fully and faithfully.

Bit stream
The process of converting digital data into analogue signals.

Bluetooth
Technology that allows bluetooth enabled devices to communicate wirelessly.

CCD
Charged Coupling Device.The digital camera equivalent of film,converts light into electrical current.

CD-R
CD-Recordable disc that can be written on once only,but when finalised can be played on most CD players.

CD-RW
Re-Writeable disc CD disc that can be written on over and over,but can only be played 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.

Clipping
The undesirable effect on a music signal which is caused by exceeding the amplifier's (or preamplfier's) signal handling capabilities.

Co-Axial Cable
Used to send digital sound from a DVD player to an AV amplifier, or connect a CD player to the amplifire.

Colour Detail Enhancer
Corrects any colour detail lost in the transmission path

Common Interface
Allows additional equipment to be connected for upgrades and servicing.

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 eg from a TV to a VCR or camcorder to a TV.

Compression
CD music is recorded in PCM which is non compressed and therefore requires more storage space.Compression formats such as MP3,ATRAC,AAC and WMA are used to reduce file size and increase the amount of music that can be stored.

CRT
Acronym for a cathode Ray Tube,the heart of a TV,consisting of a phosphor panel and electron gun.

D/A Converter
Converts a digital signal into an analogue signal.

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.

DAC
Digital Analogue Converter. Converts the digital information on a compact disc to analogue format for playing through an amplifier.

Data
Generic term for any information used by a computer.

Decibel (dB)
A logarithmic unit of measure commonly used to gauge relative volume in terms of dB SPL (decibels of Sound Pressure Level). The bel is unit of measure representing the logarithmic equivalent of two powers, and a decibel equals one-tenth of a bel.

Decoder
A device that restores a signal to its original form after it has been encoded.

DBB
Dynamic Bass Boost. A system for bass enhancement in portable audio players.

DDD
Music recorded, mastered and stored in digital form (D).

Default
Used to return a product to manufacturer standard settings where these have been changed by the user.

Desktop PC
Standard non-portable PC, normally includes hard drive tower and additional monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Digital
Any kind of analogue information (speech, pictures, text, etc.) can be scanned and transformed into binary digits.

Digital Comb Filter
Clear separation of the combined colour and black and white signals, preventing smudging, vibrating edges and ensuring precise details.

Digital Surround Processing
DSP: TV sound system which artificially creates surround sound effects on normal stereo or mono programmes or videos.

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 sub woofer channel for dedicated Bass effects. It is the ultimate home cinema system and gives the best quality cinema experience from DVD`s.

Dolby HX Pro
Dolby HX Pro makes it possible to record loud musical passages with fewer high-frequency losses and less distortion.

Dolby Pro Logic II
An enhanced version of Dolby Pro Logic, uses sophisticated processing to produce a sound more like Dolby Digital.

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.

Download
The transferring of a file from a server onto a computer. Also refers to the transfer of data such as music and video files from a computer to a portable device.

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 DVD's.

DTT
Digital Terrestrial Television. The name given to digital broadcasts received through a standard TV aerial.

DV
Digital Video. Recording format adopted on most camcorders, provides better images and sound quality 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 picture and sound quality superior to that of video cassette.

DVD-Audio
Audio format which provides multi-channel surround and high quality stereo sound.

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 Quadra Focus
Technology on projection TVs which ensures clarity to the very edges of the screen

Dynamic Range
The distance between the quietest and loudest audible sounds.

Eco Mode
Turns off clock display when video recorder is on standby mode to reduce power consumption.

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.

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.

FTS
Favourite Track Selection. Allows you to programme a series of random tracks from a number of CDs into the permanent memory of a CD or CD-i player

Fuzzy Logic
Fuzzy Logic is an adaptive system that optimises the user`s requirements by means of Artificial Intelligence/Expert System technologies.

GB
A gigabyte is equal to 1000 megabytes.

GIF
A graphics format, with built-incompression, for displaying pictures on a computer screen.

Graphic Equaliser
An electronic device for adjusting the frequency response of an audio system, selectively altering the level of sound allowed in discreet frequency bands from bass to treble. Often accompanied by a dynamic LED display.

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

HDCD
High Definition Compatible Digital. A compact disc coding system that provides better quality of sound than traditional coding.

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.

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 transfer their footage quickly and easily from digital video cameras to 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.

Interface
An interface is a connection between electronic devices. Examples: SCART, RS250, SCSI

Intelligent Digital Servo
Intelligent Digital servo system reduces errors caused by dust etc. This system uses a microcomputer to monitor the signal, adjusting pickup tracking and focus, and spindle motor speed, to compensate for any problems.

Internal Storage
Used to indicate if a digital device has any internal memory that does not involve the use of removable media such as a memory card.

Invar Mask
Displays purer whites on the TV screen

Infrared Light (or IR)
A portion of the light spectrum invisible to the naked eye and the most popular method of transmitting codes via line-of-sight from a hand-held remote control.

IR Sensors
These devices receive the infrared codes from your hand-held remotes and convert them to data pulses.

IR Repeater System
An infrared repeater system allows the user to receive, transmit, and output infrared commands to A/V components located in another room or behind closed doors. A basic system consists of four main components: IR Sensors, IR Cable, IR Main System Units, and IR Flashers.

ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network, a way of shifting digital information over existing telephone networks.

Jog/Shuttle
Used on VCR's and occasionally DVD's. The jog dial gives frame-by-frame advance while the shuttle allows variable speed picture search in both Fast Forward and Rewind modes.

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 1000 bytes.

Kbps
Kilobits per second. Used as a measure of datatransmission rates.

Keystone
Correction for vertical or horizontal offset between aprojector and the screen.

LA
Local Area Network. A way of connecting several computers enabling them to share data.

LANC edit
System for editing from camcorders. Uses a 2.5mm jack plug connection between camcorder and VCR

Laptop
A small portable PC that has a keyboard and screen all in 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
Compression extends the length of the recording/ playing time of videos beyond that of standard recording/ playing time of the tape cassette.

Lossy
Compression formats such as MP3 are classed as lossy. This means the compression system removes certain frequencies from the original signal which can lead to an audible loss of sound quality.

Manual Focus
This is often provided on cameras and camcorders to allow the user to override the camera`s auto focus system.

MB
A megabyte is equal to 1000 kilobytes.

Megapixel
One million pixels, used to measure camera resolution, the greater the figure the better the image resolution.

Megatext
Near instant access to up to 500 pages of text stored in the TVs memory

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 connection 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.

MPEG2 5.1 Surround
Alternative digital audio system to Dolby Digital available on some DVD discs, delivering six independent channels of sound: stereo front left and right,centre dialogue and stereo rear channels, plus dedicated super woofer.

Next View
NexT view is an extremely comprehensive Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which gives viewers a complete overview of available TV programmes in a simple, easy-to-follow way.

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 Audio Terminal
Enables digital audio signals to be sent from digital sources such as DVD and laser disc players to digital play-back equipment such as Dolby Digital TVs, via a fibre-optic connection.

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 the loss of quality that occurs when electronically magnifying the image (Digital Zoom). Most modern digital camcorders have an optical zoom up to about 20x –which then switches to digital zoom of up to 800 x .

OSD
On Screen Display - graphic displays which appear on the TV screen to guide through the various settings and controls.

PAL
TV broadcast system used in the UK and some other countries

Parental Lock
Allows parents to lock out certain content so that children cannot see unsuitable channels - commonly using a PIN number system for access to locked channels.

Pay TV
Encrypted TV programmes, which can only be accessed by subscribers, using entitled smeared cards of the broadcasters. Generally Pay TV is distinguished into two categories:

1. Pay per Channel
Customers subscribe on a monthly basis a package of TV-channels.

2. Pay per View
Customers pay for viewing one single movie or e.g. sport event which is selected individually from the TV channels. The smeared card registers the access to the programme in order to charge the customer for the selected service.

PAL
Phase Alternation Line

A colour TV system, developed in Germany, which is used in most of Europe, Africa, Australia, and South America. Pal produces interlaced 625 line, 25 frame/s pictures.

PCM
Pulse Code Modulation. This is the uncompressed format used by a CD player and provides sonically superior performance to any compressed format such as MP3.

PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. Term used to describe any small, electronic organiser.

PDC
PDC (Programme Delivery Control) is a method of controlling video cassette recorders so that rescheduled or delayed programmes are recorded in their entirety. PDC, also known as StarText and VPS, is a European TV standard.

Peak Power Output
The maximum power output a hifi system/amplifier can achieve, lasting only for a short period of time (i.e. a peak) - see also RMS and Watts per channel.

Phono Cable
Used to send analogue sound from one component to another.

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.

Pixel Plus
Noise reduction system used by Philips to produce sharper and grain free images on TV sets.

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.

Pre amp out
A line level (standard) output that can be fed into a separate amplifier.

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.

PS2
Abbreviation for the Sony Playstation 2

PPV
Pay Per View.
Customers pay for viewing a single movie or sport event which is selected individually from the TV channels. A smeared card registers the access to the programme in order to charge the customer for the selected service.

NOT AVAILABLE

RAM
Random Access Memory - this is the working memory used by a computer to process data.

Random/Repeat Play
Applies to CD Players. The disc can be set to play tracks in a random order or to repeat either one track or all tracks.

RDS
Radio Data System. Enables digital display of Radio network information on FM stations including radio station titles. Also allows users to program the unit to interrupt with news and traffic bulletins.

Region 2
The standard coding for DVD recordings sold in the UK. US manufactured discs are coded Region 1 and therefore to view both UK and US discs a DVD player must be adapted to be multi-regional.

Receiver (or Stereo Receiver)
An audio component featuring a built-in pre amp, tuner, and amplification circuitry.

Removeable Media
Memory cards that are used to store data and files. These include, Compact Flash, Smart Media, Memory Stick and SD.

RF (or Radio Frequency)
A wireless method of transmitting information on any frequency within the electro-magnetic spectrum.

RGB
Transmission system that splits the Red, Green and Blue signal to provide a clearer and more defined picture.

RMS
Root Mean Square - commonly used when measuring the power output of a hifi system, the RMS figure is quoted by most manufacturers to give a more realistic indication of the system`s power output than the peak power output.

S-VHS
Super VHS is a higher quality video cassette format giving better picture resolution than a standard VHS tape.

S-VHSC
Super VHSC is a higher quality video camcorder cassette format giving better picture resolution than a standard VHSC tape.

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 separate connection must be used for audio signals.

SACD
Super Audio Compact Disc - a higher quality CD format giving improved sound quality.

Sampling Rate
Indicates the speed a digital recorder or player samples a signal.

SCART
A SCART cable carries the video, audio and system control signals, to and from the VCR, TV , Games Console or other equipment.

SCAVEM
Scan Velocity Modulation. Electronic function that gives a dramatic improvement in picture quality

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.

SECAM
Tv broadcast system used in France and some other countries. Only multi-standard TV`s can receive these signals in the UK - normal TV sets for this country can only receive the PAL standard used here.

Set Top Box
A Set Top Box is a device, which enables the owner of an analogue TV set to receive digital TV signals.

Sleep Timer
Function that allows the unit to turn itself off after a set period of time.Usually applies to TVs and Hifi's.

Smart Card
Personal viewing card supplied and activated by the digital broadcaster that when inserted in to a decoder box or integrated TV allows access to digital programming

Spectrum Analyser
Visual display of sound output in various frequency bands.

Strontium
Precious metal used for very strong magnets in loudspeakers. Allows a compact design and high-quality sound reproduction

sub woofer
Used for the reproduction of low sound frequencies, typically from 20Hz to 200Hz. Whether in the car or at home, the sub woofer 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.

T-Bass
Applies to Aiwa Hifi`s:
-A Bass boosting system.

Throw Ratio
The relationship of the distance between projector and screen and the diagonal size of the image created.

THX
Lucas film set of standards for Dolby pro logic equipment that ensures THX approved surround sound.

Time slip Recording
Used on DVD-RAM recordable discs to enable a viewer to watch the start of a programme before the recording has finished.

Tweeter
Part of a loudspeaker or separate speaker that generates treble sounds.

Twin Tray
Two disc trays allowing any combination of DVD, CD or Video CD to be placed in the player at one time

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

V-SENSOR
The V-Sensor prevents wasted tape and blank recordings. It automatically interrupts recording if no sound is detected for four seconds, then resumes recording when somebody starts speaking again.

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 - 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.

VOD
Video On Demand
Term properly describing movie service, but now generally referring to all types of on-demand services where viewers are able to order and see a given program of an individual basis at the time specified.

WAP
Wireless Application Protocol : The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is an open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless devices to access and interact with information and services easily and 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 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.

NOT AVAILABLE

Zoom Lens
Variable focal lens that lets the user zoom in or out on subject