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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, flicker free picture. This reduces eye strain,which can be caused by watching a conventional 50Hz set for extended periods.
100Hz DFS Active Mode Enhanced picture scan system which minimises large area flicker and reduces line jitter during action scenes.
100Hz Dynamic Frame Scan An enhanced picture scan system which minimises large area flicker and additionally reduces line jitter. This makes the whole picture more stable with smoother motion and generally greater clarity.
2 Way Speakers 2 individual speaker drivers, one for bass and one for treble. This improves overall sound quality.
24 bit/96Khz audio sampling Digital stereo format used by DVD players to reproduce stereo sound.
3 Way Speakers 3 individual speaker drivers, one for bass, one for mid-range and one for treble. This provides a superior sound quality.
3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) Ensures superior picture quality by "cleaning" images and reducing picture "noise". Particularly useful for older movies where the source master has picture noise.
3D PHONIC Is an alternative to Pro-Logic surround sound, where the surround sound is simulated without rear speakers. It's not as effective as Pro-logic with external rear speakers but is ideal for those who wish to dispense with extra speakers and wires.
3D Spatialiser A variable phase delay creates an enhanced three dimensional audio image which adds depth and richness to a stereo soundtrack.
4 Head Refers to the number of playback heads on a VCR. A 4 head system provides increased picture quality to that of standard 2 head models, particularly during long play, slow motion, pause and frame advance modes.
4 Heads (video recorders) A four head video gives perfect freeze frame and long play playback.
4:3 Format Traditional television picture format found predominately on smaller compact televisions. Larger Televisions are now adopting the Widescreen picture format (16:9).
6.1 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.
A
A/D converter Converts an analogue signal into a digital signal.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is at the core of the MPEG-4 specifications and is the new audio codec of choice for Internet, wireless, and digital broadcast arenas. AAC provides I higher standard of audio quality than the older MP3 format.
Advanced Auto Set-up Automatically tunes in all the channels in the correct order for both the TV and the VCR on combi sets.
Advanced One-touch Record A button on the video recorder that tells it to start recording immediately and sets the recording time in half-hourly increments.
Analogue Broadcast Information (image, voice, text) transmission using continuous waveforms, for instance in current (non-digital) TV broadcasts.
Aspect Ratio Screen shapes are defined by the relationship between width and height of a TV screen. A conventional TV set is 4:3 (four units wide by three units high), a Widescreen set is 16:9 (16 units wide by nine units high).
Audio Dubbing For adding soundtracks such as narration or music to previously recorded material on stereo video tape. Useful when editing camcorder material.
Auto Picture Size Adjustment Automatically adjusts the format of the viewed picture, whether originally a Widescreen or conventional image, to suit the TV screen.
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. Advanced auto tuning system will sort the channels into an order (i.e. BBC1, BBC2 etc.). When applied to Hifi`s an Auto Tuning system does the same for radio stations.
AV Socket Ideal for connecting either a games console or camcorder, directly to your TV set.
B
Bass Boost Adds extra depth to music for a fuller sound.
Bit The smallest segment of a digital code.
Bit rate Speed at which data is read and processed from the source disc.
Bluetooth Bluetooth technology is used to connect two electronic devices, without the need for cables. This can be achieved up to 100 metres apart without the need for those devices to be in line of sight, as they would have to be with infra-red.
Brightness Level of luminance, or quantity of light emitted from the image area, measured in ANSI lumens.
C
CCD A small light-sensitive chip, made up of millions of sensors, which converts an image into digital form rather than focusing the image on to film .The sensors are known as pixels and the more pixels on the sensor, the better the final image.
CDR/RW Playback A CD or DVD Player that can play back audio compact discs recorded on a CDR or CDRW recorder.
Co-axial Audio Terminal Enables digital audio connection between a DVD player and decoder or digital play-back equipment such as Toshiba's Dolby Digital TVs.
Colour Detail Enhancer Corrects any colour detail lost in the transmission path.
Component Video The purest form of video signal as used in professional display devices.
Component Video Input Typically found on professional broadcasting equipment, now available on TVs and DVD players. This type of connection has the same quality as RGB but additionally allows the brightness and contrast of the picture to be adjusted to suit room conditions.
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.
Compressed Resolution Most projectors automatically accept images that are of greater resolution than the native (true) resolution of the projector. Images are scaled to fit the native resolution of the projector, which may result in some loss of image quality.
CRT Acronym for a Cathode Ray Tube, the heart of a TV, consisting of a phosphor panel and electron gun.
D
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) DAB Radio receives broadcasts transmitted in a digital signal. Digital broadcasts improve your listening experience, by removing background noise which occur on traditional analogue radio broadcasts. Many national and local radio stations now transmit their programmes using this method.
Decoder The tuner in a digital set.
Digital Auto Tracking Automatically checks the tracking when a video tape starts playing and adjusts if necessary.
Digital Broadcast Data transmission using continuous stream of binary codes (0s and 1s). More compact than the older analogue system so far more information (e.g. TV channels) may be transmitted within the same bandwidth.
Digital Comb Filter Clear separation of the combined colour and black and white signals, preventing smudging, vibrating edges and ensuring precise details.
Digital Effects A range of screen effects built in to the camcorder that allow various mixes, wipes, image stabilizing and digital zooms.
Digital Surround Processing (DSP) TV sound system which artificially creates surround sound effects on normal stereo or mono programmes or videos.
Display Dimmer Dims or turns off the front panel display.
DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) A feature built into many TVs and other visual equipment designed to reduce picture grain.
Dolby 3 Stereo Uses front left, centre and right speakers of a home cinema TV to create an enhanced sound stage without using rear speakers.
Dolby Digital 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.
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 Home Cinema surround sound format that consists of a front or centre channel for on-screen dialogue, front left and right channels and a rear surround channel to carry the rear surround effects.
Dolby Pro Logic II An enhanced version of Dolby Pro Logic, uses sophisticated processing to produce a sound more like Dolby Digital.
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.
DV Out Enables the camcorder to download still images to a home computer. Moving images can be downloaded with the appropriate software and hardware.
DTV Digital Television.
DVD Digital Versatile Disc. A digital format that provides superior picture and sound quality to that of Video Cassette.
DVD Audio New audio format, which provides high-quality sound reproduction, outdoing conventional CD in terms of both range and 'emotional' depth.
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.
E
Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) Simple but comprehensive on-screen menu offering previews of what is on now and next, reminders, and the ability to control certain VCRs.
Enhanced Audio Mode (EAM) Allows different audio channels on DVD to be enhanced separately, i.e. dialogue or surround sound.
Enhanced Video Amplifier Ensures superior picture quality by making whites even whiter.
F
Face Flat Horizontally and vertically flat tube technology which offers a wider viewing angle and reduced reflection.
Fastext An enhanced version of Teletext, which enables quick access to key TV text pages using the red, green, yellow and blue buttons on the remote control.
Flatscreen Flatscreen improves picure definition and minimises screen reflection. Also, flatscreens reduce picture distortion when viewed from an angle, unlike the more traditional curved screen television.
Freeview Free digital service providing up to 30 free digital TV and radio channels plus interactive services, via terrestrial aerial.
Frequency Response 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.
G
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.
H
HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) Improves CD audio of compatible CDs by introducing increased dynamic range giving a more accurate rendition of the original soundtrack.
HDMI The High-Definition Multi-media Interface (HDMI) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV).
HDTV (High Definition Television) High Definition Television displays a picture with a much higher resolution than a standard television set, dramatically improving the picture quality. This is achieved by an increased number of lines, of which the displayed picture is made up of . HDTV also gives greater sound clarity than standard televison.The formats used in HDTV are:
- 720p-1280x720 pixels progressive
- 1080i-1920x1080 pixels interlaced
- 1080p-1920x1080 pixels progressive
Hyper Anti-Alias Filter Ensures crystal clear picture quality by generating 540 horizontal line resolution at 54MHz.
I
IDTV Television has a built-in ITV Digital decoder allowing the Television set to receive terrestrial digital channels without a set-top box. Picture and sound quality tends to be superior to that of Analogue due to a more robust signal.
Invar Mask Displays purer whites on the TV screen.
J
Jog and 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.
L
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Panel for presenting digital images.
LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Used in Dolby Digital and Dolby DTS 5.1. soundtracks. LFE is specifically designed to process low frequency sounds through a dedicated bass channel.
Long play A system that allows a video recorder to extend the length of the recording/ playing time beyond that of standard playing time of the tape cassette. It can effectively Double the recording length of blank tapes with minor loss of picture quality.
Luminous Remote Luminous buttons on a remote control for easy operation in a darkened.
M
Mega Resolution Parallel DAC Achieves an unprecedented dynamic range above 120dB.
Megatext Near instant access to up to 500 pages of text stored in the TV's memory.
Multi-brand Remote Control Operates most makes of TV in addition to the VCR.
Multi-standard tuner Able to display images from all world broadcast standards (PAL, SECAM, NTSC).
Multi-standard video playback Able to display images from PAL, SECAM, NTSC video players.
Multiple Language Tracks Up to eight different language soundtracks may be recorded on a single disc and up to 32 different language subtitles (software dependent). Nearly all DVD's carry English subtitles.
N
Neo Multi-bit Delta Sigma D/A Converter Achieves a combined total harmonic distortion and noise of less than 0.0008%, and a dynamic range of above 117dB with 24-bit audio sources.
NextView NextView 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.
NextView Link Sets the channels on the VCR in the same order as the TV, allowing you to record what you are watching without having to change channels on the VCR.
NICAM NICAM is the acronym for Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex. It refers to a Sound broadcasting system capable of delivering CD-quality digital stereo sound or mono sound, and of carrying a Dolby Surround soundtrack.
No Signal Power Off Turns the TV to standby after a station stops broadcasting.
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.
NTSC Playback on PAL TV Technology built into a video recorder that enables NTSC tapes to be viewed on most PAL TVs.
NTSC Video Playback Technology built into a TV which enables NTSC tapes to be viewed when played back on an NTSC video recorder.
O
Off Timer Enables the TV to switch to standby mode at a pre-determined time.
On-screen Programming Manual programming feature used when setting the timer if you don't have VideoPlus codes to hand.
One-touch Record Starts recording immediately at the touch of a button.
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 Digital Out This allows a very high connection to another digital device such as a CD/Minidisc recorder or Digital-capable amplifier.
OSD On Screen Display - graphic displays which appear on the TV screen to guide through the various settings and controls.
P
PAL TV broadcast system used in the UK and some other countries.
PAL I TV broadcast system used in the UK and some other countries.
Panel Lock Locks the controls on the TV to prevent changes to settings.
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.
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) This is the uncompressed music format used by a CD player. This format provides a far greater sound quality than any compressed music file, such as MP3.
Picture and Text Allows you to view your TV programme on one half of the screen, while on the other half, you can display teletext pages.
Picture in Picture A facility on some TV sets to view other stations, in a smaller box in the corner of the screen, whilst still being able to watch your originally chosen channel in full size.
Picture Size Adjustment Adjusts the format of the picture to suit the TV Screen.
PIN Personal Identification Number - A code or password that allows the user to lock or restrict access to certain programmes or applications.
Pixel Plus Designed by Philips, the Pixel Plus processor increases the number of lines, and the number of pixels in the TV picture. This results in clearer and sharper pictures, every time
Pixel Plus II The latest version of Philips Pixel Plus system. This further enhances a TV's picture quality, improving both still and moving images. This also boasts improved colour reproduction, resulting in the finest colour details and superior picture balance.
Pixels Individual dots used to create an image. The greater the number of pixels in an image, the higher the resolution and better the quality.
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 Refers to items which are easy to install, and have no complicated set up requirements.
Preamp out A line level (standard) output that can be fed into a separate amplifier.
Progressive Scan Scans individual picture lines in sequence rather than alternately, maximising the clarity of digital images from DVD and enhancing NTSC software playback
R
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.
Rear Speakers Dedicated speakers set behind the viewer to carry the surround sound channel (s) from a Dolby Pro-Logic or Dolby Digital source.
Regional Code Playback management system making discs specific to a particular region. The UK is within region code 2, so only region 2 or region free discs will play on UK DVD players. If you wish to play DVD's produced for other locations such as USA or Japan, You will need a 'Multiregion' DVD player, or a DVD player which is designed to play DVD's for that specific region.
Resolution Display quality defined by the number of individual dots (pixels) used to create an image. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the image quality.
RF Aerial-type connection between a video recorder and TV.
RGB / S-video Connection Ensure the highest quality video playback.
S
S-VHS Super VHS is a higher quality video cassette format giving better picture resolution than a standard VHS tape.
S-video This is a high quality connection standard for products which utilise S-VHS, S-VHSC, Hi8 or other higher quality picture formats. It gives better results than standard composite video connection.
S-Video Input Connection method for high quality video transfer (S-video) used with S-VHS video recorders, camcorders, DVD players etc.
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.
SCART socket 21-pin cable connector which enables high-quality pictures and stereo sound (including Dolby Pro-Logic soundtracks) to be sent between different AV equipment
SCAVEM Scan Velocity Modulation. Electronic function that gives a dramatic improvement in picture quality.
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.
Selectable Picture Three pre-set and one user-adjustable setting for picture colour, brightness and contrast, selected at the press of a button.
Sleep Timer Function that allows the unit to turn itself off after a set period of time.
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.
Sub Woofer 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.
Super Anti-Alias Filter Ensures crystal clear, sharp images, by generating 540 horizontal line resolution at 27MHz.
Super Scene Control A process which improves TV picture contrast.
SVGA Specific display resolution using 800 horizontal pixels and 600 vertical pixels, presenting an image composed from a total of 480,000 individual dots.
SXGA Specific display resolution using 1280 horizontal pixels and 1024 vertical pixels, presenting an image composed from a total of 1,310,720 individual dots.
T
Text Sub-page Memory Allows you to move through text sub-pages at your own speed using the remote control.
Time Slip Recording Where a DVD recorder allows you to start watching a programme, before the actual recording process has finished (Applies to DVD-RAM recordable discs).
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.
U
UXGA Specific display resolution using 1600 horizontal pixels and 1200 vertical pixels, presenting an image composed from a total of 1,920,000 individual dots.
V
VHS Tape format used for video recorders.
VideoPlus A system designed to easily program a Video to Record TV programmes, using numerical codes, which are shown in most TV listings pages.
VideoPlus Deluxe As for VideoPlus, but will also control selected brands of analogue cable and satellite set top boxes as well as with normal, terrestrial TV. Sky Digiboxes and selected set top boxes may
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