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Jargon Buster - Technology Terms Explained
With all technology there is a degree of 'Jargon'. In case you are not sure of some of the product feature 'jargon', we have provided a Jargon Buster to help explain those technical terms.
A-C, D-F, G-I, J-L, M-O, P-S, T-Z
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 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.
16:9 Format
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 DVDs.
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.
4:3 Format
Traditional television picture format found predominately on smaller compact televisions. Larger Televisions are now adopting the Widescreen picture format (16:9).
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.
Analogue Broadcast
Information (image, voice, text) transmission using continuous waveforms, for instance in current (non-digital) TV broadcasts.
Aperture
Adjustable opening in the lens of a camcorder used to regulate how much light reaches the CCD image sensor.
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).
Auto Creasecare
Ironing becomes that much easier with Auto Creasecare. It prevents excess creasing on any wash programme by gradually reducing the water temperature towards the end of the cycle.
Auto Focus
Adjusts the focus of the image automatically to bring the centre of interest into sharp focus.
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 Picture Size Adjustment
Automatically adjusts the format of the viewed picture, whether originally a Widescreen or conventional image, to suit the TV screen.
Auto Power Off
Automatically switches the power off after a set length of time without use.
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.
Automatic Flash
Camera senses when additional light is required and fires the built-in flash automatically.
Automatic Focus
Applies to Camcorders and cameras. Simply means that the lens is focussed automatically on the subject. More advanced select several different areas of the picture to set the focus.
AV Socket
Ideal for connecting either a games console or camcorder, directly to your TV set.
AVL
Automatic Volume Leveller. Minimises sudden changes in TV volume when commercials are transmitted.
B
Backward Compatibility
A DVD player will also play audio CD.
Bass Boost
Adds extra depth to music for a fuller sound.
Bandwidth
A range of frequencies used to transmit information such as picture and sound. For TV broadcasters, the FCC has allocated 6Mhz for each channel. For DTV, the maximum bit rate possible within the bandwidth is 19.4 Mbps, which is one HDTV channel. SDTV has a lower bit rate, therefore the bandwidth can accommodate more than one channel.
BBE
An audio system, which compensates for the loss of fidelity or subtle distortions caused by the characteristics of the loudspeaker. The system compensates for phase and amplitude distortions and reproduces the original (live) performance more faithfully.
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 10 metres apart without the need for those devices to be in line of sight, as they would have to be with infra-red.
Boot-up Speed
Time taken (in seconds) for the camera to be ready for use once switched on.
Brightness
Level of luminance, or quantity of light emitted from the image area, measured in ANSI lumens.
Burst Mode
Allows a rapid succession of shots by holding down the shutter release, ideal for shooting subjects in motion. Images are usually at lower resolution than a single shot.
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.
Climate Class
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 upgrades and servicing.
Compact Flash
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.
Copy Protection System
Protects software or movies subject to copyright from illegal duplication.
Clean 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/A Converter
Converts the digital signal into analogue signal.
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.
Dark Tint
Treatment of the front panel of the CRT to absorb ambient light, enhance black reproduction and provide increased contrast.
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 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 Picture Processing
Digital processes which improve TV picture quality, brightness and colour.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
E
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.
EPG
Electronic Programme Guide- On-screen programme guide offering programme listing and information source. Also provides guide to interactive services.
F
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.
Firmware
Operating system and software used on a portable device, such as an MP3 player. Some MP3 players provide firmware which is upgradeable.
Freeview
Free digital service providing up to 30 free digital TV and radio channels plus interactive services, via terrestrial aerial.
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
Continually monitors conditions inside the washing machine, and adjusts itself to ensure the best wash results. A typical fuzzy logic machine will control the main wash, the water intake, water temperature, wash time, rinse performance and spin speed.
GIF
A graphics format, with built-in compression, 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.
H
HD-DVD - High-Definition Digital Video Disc
Several formats have been proposed for these high-capacity DVD's, including Blu-ray.
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface. USB-like digital video connectivity standard designed as a successor to DVI; can transmit both uncompressed digital audio and video signals; protected by HDCP digital copy protection.
HD Ready TV (High Definition Ready 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 television.
The formats used in HDTV are:
720p - 1280x720 pixels progressive
1080i - 1920x1080 pixels interlaced
1080p - 1920x1080 pixels progressive
"Interlaced" or "progressive" refers to the scanning system. In the larger HDTV sets, interlaced can produce some flickering. Progressive scan will provide a much clearer picture on the larger TV sets. Please note, an HDTV transmission is required for the television set to show programmes with the improved picture and sound quality.
TOP
I
Icon On-screen Display (OSD)
On-screen menus illustrated by icons, to enable simple operation of equipment and guide you through various setting and programming functions.
Image Resize
Allows instant switch between aspect ratios, to suit image source format, e.g. Widescreen or 4:3.
Image Size
Dependent on how far the projector is from a screen. Size can be measured diagonally or horizontally across the image.
Image Stabiliser
A device for steadying the picture and reducing camera shake when using a camcorder. There are two types ; electronic and optical image stabilisations - optical tends to be the better system, but being mechanically based, is more expensive.
Index Search
Makes it easy to find the beginning of any item recorded on a video tape.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network, a way of shifting digital information over existing telephone networks.
ISO Override
Allows you to capture a varied style of digital images, from fast action to low light.
JPEG
A format used when storing digital images. Allows large files to be stored, whilst saving memory space.
K
Keystone Correction
Adjusts the length of the top and bottom of the image, to counter distortion caused when the projected image is not perpendicular to the screen.
L
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
An LCD television or monitor uses liquid crystals that act as "shutters" within the television screen. An LCD television has thousands of small light sources at the rear of the display. A layer of cells containing the liquid crystals is placed between the light sources and the display screen. When the liquid crystal cells are electrified with current, the crystals align and block any light from shining through, or scatter allowing the light to shine through to the screen. LCD monitors typically only display video signals in a progressive scan format. LCD monitors do not use phosphors and are not susceptible to screen burn.
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 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.
Macro Mode
Allows camera to focus on subject very close to the camera's lens, usually within 30cm.
Manual Focus
This is often provided on cameras and camcorders to allow the user to override the camera's auto focus system.
Manual Zoom
Lens can be adjusted by hand to alter the size of the image on screen without having to move the projector.
Media Window
Divides the screen into two with text in one half and the current programme in the other.
Mega Resolution Parallel DAC
Achieves an unprecedented dynamic range above 120dB.
Megapixel
Megapixels are used to measure camera resolution. More megapixels will mean better picture quality. Each megapixel quoted is equal to one million pixels.
Memory Stick
Sony's storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save data to a portable storage device.
Microfilter
Process which dramatically increases contrast, brightness and colour reproduction.
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
MPEG was defined by the Moving Picture Experts Group, who designed the Emmy award winning standards known as MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. MPEG-4 is the next-generation, global multimedia standard, delivering professional-quality audio and video streams over a wide range of bandwidths, from cell phone to broadband and beyond.
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).
Multiple Camera Angles
Scenes shot from up to nine different camera angles at the director's discretion may be stored and viewed on DVD (software dependent).
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.
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 Toshiba video recorder that enables NTSC tapes to be viewed on most PAL TVs.
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.
One-Touch Record
Starts recording immediately at the touch of a button.
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
Enlarges an image by moving two lenses. Creating a closer image without loss of quality, which occurs when electronically magnifying the image (Digital Zoom). Most cameras/ camcorders have an Optical Zoom, which can be further enlarged by a Digital Zoom.
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.
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.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
Used to describe any small personal electronic organiser, such as a palmtop.
Peak Power Output
The maximum power output of 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.
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.
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.
Projection Distance
Distance from the projector to the screen.
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.
Red-Eye Reduction
The camera shoots a small burst of light prior to the main flash which helps to contract the pupils and reduce the appearance of red pupils when using a flash.
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 'Multi-region' 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.
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
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.
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.
Self-Timer
Sets a 10 second delay between the pressing of the button and the opening of the shutter so that the photographer can be part of the picture.
Set-Top Box, "STB" (also: Decoder, Receiver, Tuner)
A unit similar to today's cable boxes, which is capable of receiving and decoding DTV broadcasts. A DTV 'Certified' STB can receive all (18) ATSC DTV formats, (including HDTV) and provide a displayable picture.
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.
SmartMedia
Removable card storage medium available with up to 120Mb storage space to boost camera's memory, i.e. the number of pictures it can store before being downloaded.
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 subwoofer is critical for filling out the "low end" of the audible spectrum, as well as ground pounding bass.
T-Bass
Applies to Hifi`s: - A Bass boosting system.
Text Sub-Page Memory
Allows you to move through text sub-pages at your own speed using the remote control.
Tweeter
Part of a loudspeaker or separate speaker that generates treble sounds.
U
UHP Lamp
Type of bulb used to light the projected image. Typical lamp life is up to 2000 hours.
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.
Visible Screen Size
Measured in centimetres diagonally across the screen.
W
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).
Z
Zoom Lens
Allows the camera user to zoom in or out on the subject, to produce different picture aspects.
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