Jargon Buster

A 100Hz television scans the picture across the screen twice as fast as a conventional 50Hz set, producing a clearer, less flickering picture. This helps reduce the strain on the veiwer`s eyes which can be caused by watching a conventional 50Hz set for extended periods .

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.

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.

Provides increased picture quality to that of standard 2 head models, particularly during longplay playback.

Traditional television picture format found predominately on smaller compact televisions. Larger Televisions are now adopting the Widescreen picture format (16:9).

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.

Analogue camcorder format which uses an 8mm cassette. The higher quality version is known as Hi-8.

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

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

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

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.

Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding. A compression system designed to enable storage of large amounts of audio information with marginal loss of quality.

Facility found on some camcorders and video recorders that enables the user to record a different soundtrack to the one made on the original recording.

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

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"

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Re-writeable CD disc that can be written on over and over, can only be played back on some standard CD players.

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

A function found on camcorders that enables the user to create titles and effects.

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

(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

Used to send digital sound from a DVD player to an AV amplifier, or connect a CD player to the amplifier.

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.

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.

Standard video signal used to send pictures down a cable e.g. from a TV to a VCR or camcorder to a TV.

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.

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

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

Cylinder cleaners consist of a compact unit on wheels with a suction hose attached.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

Camera feature that involves enlarging the main part of an image to produce an image similar to that of a telephoto lens but with some loss in resolution.

Digital Noise Reduction. A feature built into many TVs and other visual equipment designed to reduce picture grain.

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

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

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.

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.

Dots per inch. Relates to the resolution of a printer or video monitor, the higher the level the greater the image quality.

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.

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

Microwave ovens – powerful grilling both from the top and bottom of the microwave.

Digital Video. Recording format adopted on most camcorders, provides better images and sound quaility than traditional analogue formats such as 8mm and VHS-C.

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

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.

A digital format that provides superior picture and sound quality to that of Video Cassette.

Audio Format which provides multi channel surround and high quality stereo sound.

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.

Different types of DVD disc that can be rewritten more than once. Check DVD recorder compatibility before purchase.

Digital Video Interface. A video connection that provides digital images between components.

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

Electronic Anti-Shock System is designed to prevent skipping, by expanding the memory capacity.

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

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

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.

(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.

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

Electronic Programme Guide- On-screen programme guide offering programme listing and information source. Also provides guide to interactive services

A version of Teletext that uses coloured keys on the remote control as shortcuts to pages.

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.

Operating system and software used on a portable device. Some MP3 players provide firmware which is upgradeable and reasonably future proof.

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.

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

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

A graphics format, with built-in compression, for displaying pictures on a computer screen

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

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 (Global System for Mobile communication) is a digital mobile telephone system that is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world

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

High Definition Multimedia Interface. Allows full quality digital audio and video to be shared between equipment.

High Definition Television. Holds more than double the number of lines on a standard TV signal.

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

IEEE 1394 is a high-speed external port that is used to connect computer peripherals such as a digital camera to the lap. This allows budding cinematographers to quickly and easily transfer their footage from their digital video camera to the lap for editing. IEEE 1394 is also know as Firewire, iLink or simply 1394.

Television has a built-in ITV Digital decoder allowing the Television set to receive terrestrial digital channels without a set- 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.

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.

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.

(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 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.

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

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

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.

A file format that stores digital images enabling large data files to be stored and save memory space.

Correction for vertical or horizontal offset between a projector and the screen.

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

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

A small portable PC that has a keyboard and screen all built into one unit, also known as a notebook PC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Sony`s storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save data to a portable storage device.

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

Modulator/demodulator. Electronic device for sending digital information over audio or telecommunications networks, such as conection to the internet

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.

Motion Picture Experts Group. A method of compressing moving pictures to make them smaller thus making them easier to transfer and store.

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 ddedicated super woofer

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 is the acronym for Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex. This simply means that the sound that you hear is broadcast in digital stereo.

A small portable PC that has a keyboard and screen all built into one unit, also known as a lap.

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.

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

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.

This allows a very high connection to another digital device such as a CD/Minidisc recorder or Digital-capable amplifier.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Used to amplify signal sent from a turntable cartridge. Many amplifiers do not have built in phono stages and therefore a separate phono amp is required to produce sound from a turntable.

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.

Picture Element. A point of light that forms part of a video or photographic image.

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

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.

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

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.

An advanced method of viewing video images that provides better quality than traditional interlaced images.

A small connector found on a PC to connect a mouse or other PS/2 equipped component.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

This is the length of time it takes for the food temperature in the freezer to rise from -18&176;C to -9&176;C in the event of a powercut, with the door remaining closed.

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.

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

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

Carries picture signals only from a component to a TV. Superior to SCART or Composite connection but inferior to Component or RGB SCART. Carries picture only so a sepapate connection must be used for audio signals.

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

Used to navigate from one destination to another by using GPS satellite signals.

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

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

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.

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.

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 (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

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

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 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

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

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

Used on DVD-RAM recordable discs to enable watching the start of a programme before the recording has finished.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

System used on TVs to produce a surround sound without the use of additional speakers.

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.

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.

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.

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