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Digital Jargon Buster

1
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 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.
2
24 bit/96Khz audio sampling - Digital stereo format used by DVD players to reproduce stereo sound.
3
3D PHONIC (JVC Televisions) - 3D Phonic is an alternative to multi-speaker Pro-Logic surround sound systems whereby the rear surround sound channel is simulated without the need for rear speakers. Although not as effective as True Pro-logic with external rear speakers it is an ideal version for those who wish to dispense with extra speakers and wires etc.
4
4 Head - Provides increased picture quality to that of standard 2 head models, particularly during longplay playback.

4:3 - Traditional television picture format found predominately on smaller compact televisions. Larger Televisions are now adopting the Widescreen picture format (16:9).
5
50hz Picture Scan - 50hz Picture Scanning. Scans the information at 50 cycles per second.
6
6.1 Channel Input - Applies to amplifiers, receivers, Hi-Fi`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.
7
7.1 Channel Surround (digital discrete: Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD) - Delivers seven audio channels and one LFE channel from an 8 channel source:
- Two channels for speakers at the front—left (L) and right (R).
- One channel for speaker at the center—center (C).
- Two channels for surround speakers at the sides—left surround (LS) and right surround (RS).[9]
- Two channels for surround speakers at the rear—left back (LB) and right back (RB).
- One low-frequency effects channel (LFE).
- Describes the Dolby Digital Plus discrete Surround system. Source media, usually Blu-Ray and sometimes HD DVD is often branded with "Dolby Digital Plus" and/or "DTS-HD" logos.
A
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.

AMDC - Advanced Monitor Deflection Control. Circuit that allows fast, stable switching between the various resolutions and timing modes of a monitor without disturbing transient distortion effects.

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

Aperture - Adjustable opening in the lens of a camcorder used to regulate how much light reaches the CCD image sensor.
APS - APS is a recent development and offers more variety in the type of shots you can take. APS cameras are usually smaller than their 35mm counterparts and are much easier to load film into.
Auto creasecare - Ironing becomes that much easier with Auto Creasecare. It prevents excess creasing on any wash program by gradually reducing the water temperature towards the end of the cycle.

Auto Half Load - Auto Half Load automatically adjusts the water levels for any size of load to help save you time and money when washing smaller loads.

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.

Automatic Focus - Applies to Camcorders and cameras. Simply means that the lens is focused automatically on the subject. More advanced select several different areas of the picture to set the focus.

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

Blu-Ray - Format for next generation recordable HD DVD that uses a shorter wave blue laser, supported by most major manufacturers. A single sided disc can hold 25GB of information.
C
CCD - A digital camera is very much like a camcorder. Rather than focusing the image of the scene you wish to record on film, a digital camera focuses the image onto a light-sensitive chip (CCD) which in turn converts the image into digital form.

CDR/RW Playback - A CD or DVD Player that can play back audio compact discs recorded on a CDR or CDRW recorder.

Circotherm - (NEFF Products) Ducted forced air system achieves lower cooking temperatures 50-190 C.

Climate Class - (AEG Refridgeration) Range of ambient temperatures in which the appliances are intended to be used, and for which the required storage temperatures shall be fulfilled. SN 10 - 32ºC N 16 - 32ºC ST 18 - 38ºC

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

Common Interface - Allows connection of additional equipment for ugrades and servicing.

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.

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.

Contrast Ratio - This is the measurement of the difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the darkest black. The higher the contrast ratio the better the picture quality.

CredaClean Liners - Oven liners effectively clean themselves during the cooking process, virtually eliminating oven cleaning.

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

Cylinder - Cylinder cleaners consist of a compact unit on wheels with a suction hose attached.
D
D/A Converter - Converts a Digital signal into an analogue signal.

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

DECT - Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone. Cordless telephone that provides near crystal clear audio quality sound.

Digital 8 - Digital high-resolution camcorder format found predominantly on Sony camcorders. It is backwards compatible with 8mm and Hi8 formats.

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. (see Camcorder specification for precise effects available).

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

Digital Tuner - a digital tuner will allow you to watch up to 40 digital Freeview TV channels with no monthly subscription or contract required. For more information on Freeview services visit www.freeview.co.uk.

Digital Zoom - As opposed to optical zoom, digital zoom electronically magnifies the image. This allows for greater magnification than optical zoom - unfortunately this can lead to degradation of the picture quality depending on the zoom used.

DIV-X – MPEG-4 Based compressed digital video format used for internet distribution of movies.

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 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 center channel for on-screen dialogue, front left and right channels and a rear surround channel to carry the rear surround effects.

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.

Dual Grill (Microwaves) - Microwave ovens – powerful grilling both from the top and bottom of the microwave.

DV Out - Enables the camcorder to download still images to a home computer. Moving images can be downloaded with the appropriate software and hardware.

DVD - Digital Versatile Disc A digital format that provides superior picture and sound quality to that of Video Cassette.

Dynamic Quadra Focus - Technology on projection TVs which ensures clarity to the very edges of the screen.
E
E.A.S.S. - Electronic Anti-Shock System is designed to prevent skipping, by expanding the memory capacity.

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

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.

Enhanced Intelligent Care - (Hotpoint Washers) As well as making constant checks on the machine`s performance it prevents you from selecting too high a temperature or too high a spin for the programme you have selected.

EON - Extended Other Networks. Enables the In-Car tuner to follow a radio stations strongest signal whilst on the move.

EPG - Electronic Programme Guide. On-screen programme guide offering programme listing and information source. Also provides guide to interactive services.
F
Fastext - A version of Teletext that uses coloured keys on the remote control as shortcuts to pages.

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 refrigeration usually requires manually defrosting after a certain amount of time. A Frost-Free product does not involve this often inconvenient task.

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 Artifical Intelligence/Expert System technologies.
G
GIF - A graphics format, with built-in compression, for displaying pictures on a computer screen.

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.

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.
H
Hi8 - Higher resolution version of the 8mm camcorder format which provides a high-quality image with up to 400 lines of horizontal picture resolution.

HDD – Hard Disc Drive. Device that uses a computer hard drive to store compressed digital audio and video signals.

HSCSD - High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) is an enhancement of data services (Circuit Switched Data - CSD) of all current GSM networks. It allows you to access nonvoice services at 3 times faster, which means subscribers are able to send and receive data from their portable computers at a speed of up to 28.8 kbps.

HDTV - High Definition Television – A high quality image with 720 progressive or 1080 interlaced active (top to bottom) scan lines. HDTV offers reduced motion artefacts (i.e. ghosting, dot crawl), and offers 5.1 independent channels of CD quality stereo surround sound.

HDMI - HDMI is a digital connection which carries sound and picture signals from peripheral devices (like a DVD Recorder or Home Cinema) to your TV. If you want to watch high definition programmes (i.e. from a Blu-ray Player, Playstation3 or Sky H D Box) you will need to use the HDMI connection.

HD Ready - HD Ready TV sets have a minimum horizontal resolution of 720 lines which means that they are capable of displaying high definition TV signals (like those from your Sky HD Box or Playstation3).
I
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 - An image stabiliser is a device for steadying the picture and reducing camera shake when using a camcorder, especially on a high zoom level. There are two types ; electronic and optical image stabilisations - optical tends to be the better system, but being mechanically based, is more expensive.

Infobubble display - (Hotpoint products) Multi coloured Infobubble display offers visual program progress and fault diagnosis, so it`s easy to see what`s happening at any stage of the wash.

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, as well as spindle motor speed, to compensate for any problems.

Invar Mask - Displays purer whites on the TV screen.

ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network, a way of shifting digital information over existing telephone networks.
J
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.
L
LANC edit - System for editing from camcorders. Uses a 2.5mm jack plug connection between camcorder and VCR.

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

MDLP - Mini Disc Long Play - similar to long play on video recorders this allows double the recording/playback time for Compatible minidisc players

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.

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.

MOSFET - Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect-Transistor.

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.

MPEG2 5.1 Surround - Alternative digital audio system to Dolby Diital 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.

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
N
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.

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.

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.
O
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 Connection - An Optical connection is a fibre optic connector that is use d for transferring digital audio signals (such as dolby digital) from a source device, like a DVD or Blu-ray player. The optical connector is a high quality alternative to the traditional red and white audio connectors.

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 screen to guide through the various settings and controls.
P
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.

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 of a hifi system/amplifier can acheive, lasting only for a short period of time (i.e. a peak) - see also RMS and Watts per channel.

Pixel Resolution - Pixel resolution measures the number of vertical lines by the e number of horizontal lines which can be displayed by the T V. A TV with a higher pixel resolution will have more pixels on screen making images appear sharper and clearer.

Powerstream(tm) - Provides increased agitation mid wash, driving the water and powder through the load for brilliant results. This is a trademark for Hotpoint products.

Preamp 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.
R
R600a - R600a is a HFC and CFC free refrigerant, providing the most environmentally friendly refrigerant available. It is extremely energy efficient.

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 user to program unit to interrupt with news and traffic bulletins.

RGB - RGB enabled Scart connectors provide better picture quality than a standard Scart connector as they break the picture signal down in to its red, green and blue components. This maintains a higher picture quality whilst the signal is sent between your DVD and TV.

Rising Time - This is the length of time it takes for the food temperature in the freezer to rise from -18°C to -9°C in the event of a powercut, with the door remaining closed.

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
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 - 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

SyncML - SyncML is the open standard that drives data mobility by establishing a common language for communications between devices, applications and networks. The foundation of the SyncML open standard, SyncML Data Sync (SyncML DS) ensures a consistent set of data that is always available on any device or application, any time. SyncML Device Management (SyncML DM) enables OTA administration of devices and applications, simplifying configuration, updates and support.
T
T-Bass - Applies to Aiwa Hifi`s: - A Bass boosting system.

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

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
Upright vacuum - Upright vacuum cleaners are tall all-in-one units designed for pushing along the floor.

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
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 - allows for easy Video Plus recording of satellite channels once initial set-up has been completed.

VPS - VPS 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 PDC, is a European TV standard.
W
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.

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.