Shopping - Electrical

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 veiwer`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.

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).

6

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.

8

8mm

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

A

A/D converter

Converts an analogue signal into a digital signal.

AAC

Advanced Audio Coding. An alternative technology to MP3.

AAD

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

AC-3

The former name of Dolby Digital.

ADD

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

AGARAS

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

AMDC

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

Anamorphic

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

ANSI Lumen

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

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.

ATRAC

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

Audio Dub

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.

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 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 focussed 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

Backlight Control

An exposure compensation used when a subject is lit from behind.

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.

Bitstream

A Process of converting digital data into analogue signals.

Bluetooth

Technology that allows bluetooth enabled devices to communicate wirelessly.

C

CCD

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

CD-R

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

CD-RW

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

CDR/RW Playback

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

Character Generator

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

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

Co-Axial Cable

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

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.

Component Video

Used to send very high quality signals from a DVD player to a Television. Higher quality than SCART but carries video signal only, a separate cable must be used to carry sound.

Composite Video

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

Compression

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

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.

DAB

Digital Audio Broadcasting. Can offer better and distortion free sound, most BBC stations and many independent stations now broadcast using this method as well as traditional radio.

DAC

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

Data

Generic term for any information used by a computer.

DBB

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

DDD

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

DECT

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

Default

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

Desktop PC

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

Digital 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 Zoom

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.

DNR

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

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital (5.1) is a six channel home cinema system. It consists of a front channel for on-screen dialogue, Left & right front stereo channels, Left & right rear surround effect channels and a 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 II

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

Dolby Pro-Logic

Home Cinema surround sound format that consists of a front or center channel for on-screen dialogue, front left and right channels and a rear surround channel to carry the rear surround effects.

Download

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

DPI

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

DTS

Digital Theatre System. An alternative to Dolby Digital, DTS encodes six-channel digital surround sound and is used in some cinemas and on some DVDs.

DTT

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

Dual Grill (Microwaves)

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

DV

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

DV Out

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

DVB

Digital Video Broadcasting. Used to indicate a signal that is received via a standard TV aerial in digital form as opposed to the traditional analogue broadcast format.

DVD

Digital Versatile Disc

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

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DVD-Audio

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

DVD-R/DVD+R

Recordable DVD discs that can only be written to once. Some DVD recorders are compatible with DVD-R discs, some are compatible with DVD+R discs.

DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW

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

DVI

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

Dynamic Quadra Focus

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

Dynamic Range

The distance between the quietest and loudest audible sounds.

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.

Firewire

Also known as firewire or i-link. This is a high speed data link for computers to communicate with devices such as Digital Video Cameras and MP3 players. It supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps.

Firmware

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

Frequency Response

Speakers & Headphones : -

The wider the range of the frequency response the better the range of sound from low bass (20Hz) upwards to High treble (20KHz). The human ear can generally perceive between the range of 20Hz-15KHz.

Frost Free

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.

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

GB

A gigabyte is equal to 1000 megabytes.

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

HDCD

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

HDMI

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

HDTV

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

Hi-8

The high quality version of 8mm.

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

I

I.Link

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.

IDTV

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.

IEEE1394

Also known as firewire or i-link. This is a high speed data link for computers to communicate with devices such as Digital Video Cameras. It supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps.

Image Stabiliser

Camcorder function that reduces picture shaking when filming. Optical stabilisers provide the highest level of picture quality, digital stabiliser use circuitry to reduce picture shake at the expense of some picture resolution.

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.

Internal Storage

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.

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.

JPEG

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

K

KB

A kilobyte is equal to 1000 bytes.

Kbps

Kilobits per second. Used as a measure of data transmission rates.

Keystone

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

L

LAN

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

LANC edit

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

Lap

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

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display. Flat display technology which is more energy efficient than a standard CRT. LCD products are increasing in demand due to their light weight and positioning flexibility in comparison to traditional CRT sets.

LFE

Low Frequency Effects. Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks feature a dedicated bass channel (.1) specifically to cater for and process low frequency sounds and add emphasis and depth to soundtracks.

Long play

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.

Lossy

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

M

Manual Focus

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

MB

A megabyte is equal to 1000 kilobytes.

MDLP

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

Megapixel

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

Megatext

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

Memory Stick

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

MemoryStick

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

Minidisc

Optical Disc format for recording music.

MMS

MMS (Multi-media Messaging Services) allows mobile phone users to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message

Modem

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

MPEG

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

MPEG2

Motion Picture Experts Group.The compression standard for digital video.

MPEG2 5.1 Surround

Alternative digital audio system to Dolby 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

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.

Notebook PC

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

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 Cable

Used to carry digital sound from a DVD player to an AV amplifier. Can also be used to connect a CD player or Minidisc player to an amplifier.

Optical Digital Out

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

Optical Zoom

Creates a zoomed in picture by physically moving two lenses. Creates a closer image without 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 scrren 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.

PCM

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

PDA

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

PDC

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

Peak Power Output

The maximum power output 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.

Phono Cable

Used to send analogue sound from one component to another.

Phono Stage

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.

Picture in Picture

Facility on TVs to view more than one channel within smaller windows on the TV, can also be used to display picture and text where indicated.

Pixel

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

Pixel Plus

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

Plasma

Technology that uses electrical impulses that react with gases contained to produce pixels. Plasma televisions are increasing in demand due to their light weight and positioning flexibility as opposed to traditional CRT television sets.

Plug and Play

Generic term for any equipment that can be used without a complicated set up.

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.

Progressive Scan

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

PS/2

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

PS2

Abbreviation for the Sony Playstation 2

R

r600a

R600a is a HFC and CFC free refridgerant, 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.

Region 2

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.

Removeable Media

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

RGB

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

Rising Time

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.

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

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.

SACD

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

Sampling Rate

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

Satellite Navigation

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

SCART

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

SCAVEM

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

SD Card

One of the several card storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save pictures from the camera`s memory to a portable storage device.

SECAM

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

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.

SVGA

Super Video Graphics Array. A display resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.

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.

Throw Ratio

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

THX

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

Timeslip Recording

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

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.

Virtual Dolby

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

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.

Wi-Fi

Standard used for wireless computer networking.

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.

X

XGA

Extended Graphics Array. A display resolution of 1024x768 pixels.

Z

Zoom Lens

Variable focal lens that lets the user zoom in or out on subjects.

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