Technology - Electrics

100hz

A 100Hz television scans the picture across the screen twice as fast as a conventional 50Hz set, producing a clearer, flicker free picture. This reduces eye strain, which can be caused by watching a conventional 50Hz set for extended periods .

100Hz DFS Active Mode

Enhanced picture scan system which minimises large area flicker and reduces line jitter during action scenes

100Hz Dynamic Frame Scan

An enhanced picture scan system which minimises large area flicker and additionally reduces line jitter. This makes the whole picture more stable with smoother motion and generally greater clarity

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 DVD`s.

2 Way Speakers

2 individual speaker drivers, one for bass and one for treble. This improves overall sound quality.

24 bit/96Khz audio sampling

Digital stereo format used by DVD players to reproduce stereo sound.

3 Way Speakers

3 individual speaker drivers, one for bass, one for mid-range and one for treble. This provides a superior sound quality.

3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction)

Ensures superior picture quality by "cleaning" images and reducing picture "noise". Particularly useful for older movies where the source master has picture noise

3D PHONIC

Is an alternative to Pro-Logic surround sound, where the surround sound is simulated without rear speakers. It's not as effective as Pro-logic with external rear speakers but is ideal for those who wish to dispense with extra speakers and wires.

3D Spatialiser

A variable phase delay creates an enhanced three dimensional audio image which adds depth and richness to a stereo soundtrack

4 Head

Refers to the number of playback heads on a VCR. A 4 head system provides increased picture quality to that of standard 2 head models, particularly during long play, slow motion, pause and frame advance modes

4 Heads (video recorders)

A four head video gives perfect freeze frame and long play playback.

4:3 Format

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

6.1 Channel Input

Applies to amplifiers, receivers, Hifi`s and Surround Sound processors. Allows the connection of a Dolby Digital/DTS source such as a suitably equipped DVD player which handles the processing of the Dolby Digital / DTS signal itself.

8mm

Format for analogue camcorders which use an 8mm cassette. A higher quality version available is the Hi-8.

A

A/D converter

Converts an analogue signal into a digital signal.

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is at the core of the MPEG-4 specifications and is the new audio codec of choice for Internet, wireless, and digital broadcast arenas. AAC provides I higher standard of audio quality than the older MP3 format.

Advanced Auto Set-up

Automatically tunes in all the channels in the correct order for both the TV and the VCR on combi sets

Advanced One-touch Record

A button on the video recorder that tells it to start recording immediately and sets the recording time in half-hourly increments

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.

Analogue Broadcast

Information (image, voice, text) transmission using continuous waveforms, for instance in current (non-digital) TV broadcasts

ANSI

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.

Aspect Ratio

Screen shapes are defined by the relationship between width and height of a TV screen. A conventional TV set is 4:3 (four units wide by three units high), a Widescreen set is 16:9 (16 units wide by nine units high)

Audio Dubbing

For adding soundtracks such as narration or music to previously recorded material on stereo video tape. Useful when editing camcorder material

Auto Clock Checking

Automatically sets the date and time on video recorders and checks it daily at 8am. Also automatically corrects for British Summer Time or after a power cut

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 Head Cleaner

Cleans the head cylinder automatically every time a tape is loaded or unloaded or when 'stop' is pressed

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 Set-up

Automatically tunes in all channels in the correct order on TVs and video recorders (BBC1 on Channel 1 etc) and on a VCR suggests solutions to common problems, such as 'Check aerial connected'

Auto Tuning

Automatically tunes in the channels that the aerial can receive. Advanced auto tuning system will sort the channels into an order (i.e. BBC1, BBC2 etc.). When applied to Hifi`s an Auto Tuning system does the same for radio stations.

Auto-Seeking RF Output

Automatically finds a free channel for the RF signal that has no interference, ensuring the best available reception (i.e. Channel 5 interference)

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

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

Black Stripe Screen

Improves contrast on rear projection sets by reducing reflection by 50%

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.

Circotherm

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

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

Co-axial Audio Terminal

Enables digital audio connection between a DVD player and decoder or digital play-back equipment such as Toshiba's Dolby Digital TVs

Colour Detail Enhancer

Corrects any colour detail lost in the transmission path

Common Interface

Allows connection of additional equipment for upgrades 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

The purest form of video signal as used in professional display devices.

Component Video Input

Typically found on professional broadcasting equipment, now available on TVs and DVD players. This type of connection has the same quality as RGB but additionally allows the brightness and contrast of the picture to be adjusted to suit room conditions

Composite Video

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

Compressed Resolution

Most projectors automatically accept images that are of greater resolution than the native (true) resolution of the projector. Images are scaled to fit the native resolution of the projector, which may result in some loss of image quality

Conditional Access Interface

Allows TV to be upgraded to receive Pay TV terrestrial channels (smart card required)

Copy Protection System

Protects software or movies subject to copyright from illegal duplication

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 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 Auto Tracking

Automatically checks the tracking when a video tape starts playing and adjusts if necessary

Digital Broadcast

Data transmission using continuous stream of binary codes (0s and 1s). More compact than the older analogue system so far more information (e.g. TV channels) may be transmitted within the same bandwidth

Digital Comb Filter

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

Digital Effects

A range of screen effects built in to the camcorder that allow various mixes, wipes, image stabilizing and digital zooms. (see Camcorder specification for precise effects available).

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

A new technology for presenting video and computer pictures using a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)

Digital Picture Processing

Digital processes which improve TV picture quality, brightness and colour

Digital Ready

Technology which enables all Toshiba TVs to receive digital terrestrial or satellite broadcasts when connected to an appropriate digital decoder box

Digital Surround Processing (DSP)

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

Digital Theatre System

Alternative system of encoding six channel digital surround sound, used in some cinemas and on some DVD discs

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 3 Stereo

Uses front left, centre and right speakers of a home cinema TV to create an enhanced sound stage without using rear speakers

Dolby Digital

Is a six channel home cinema system. It consists of a front channel for on-screen dialogue, Left & right front stereo channels, Left & right rear surround effect channels and a subwoofer channel for dedicated Bass effects.

Dolby HX Pro

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

Dolby Pro Logic

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

Dolby Pro Logic II

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

DTS

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

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.

DVD Audio

New audio format, which provides high-quality sound reproduction, outdoing conventional CD in terms of both range and 'emotional' depth .

DVI (Digital Video Interface)

A video connection that provides digital images between components.

Dynamic Quadra Focus

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

Dynamic Range

The distance between the quietest and loudest audible sounds.

Dynamic Upgrade System

Easy upgrade of the operating system (firmware) with a special system disc which is simply 'played' in the normal way

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 consumption

Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)

Simple but comprehensive on-screen menu offering previews of what is on now and next, reminders, and the ability to control certain VCRs

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 Audio Mode (EAM)

Allows different audio channels on DVD to be enhanced separately, i.e. dialogue or surround sound

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.

Enhanced Video Amplifier

Ensures superior picture quality by making whites even whiter

EPG

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

F

Face Flat

Horizontally and vertically flat tube technology which offers a wider viewing angle and reduced reflection

Fastext

An enhanced version of Teletext, which enables quick access to key TV text pages using the red, green, yellow and blue buttons on the remote control

Firmware

Operating system and software used on a portable device, such as an MP3 player. Some MP3 players provide firmware which is upgradeable.

Flatscreen

Flatscreen improves picure definition and minimises screen reflection. Also, flatscreens reduce picture distortion when viewed from an angle, unlike the more traditional curved screen television.

Focal Length

Distance from the surface of a lens to its focal point

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.

G

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

HDCD

(High Definition Compatible Digital) Improves CD audio of compatible CDs by introducing increased dynamic range giving a more accurate rendition of the original soundtrack

HDTV (High Definition Television)

High Definition Television displays a picture with a much higher resolution than a standard television set, dramatically improving the picture quality. This is achieved by an increased number of lines, of which the displayed picture is made up of . HDTV also gives greater sound clarity than standard televison.The formats used in HDTV are:

720p - 1280x720 pixels progressive

1080i - 1920x1080 pixels interlaced

1080p - 1920x1080 pixels progressive

"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.

Hi-brite Screen

Technology that ensures excellent contrast and uniform brightness on rear projection TV screens

Hi8

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

Hyper Anti-Alias Filter

Ensures crystal clear picture quality by generating 540 horizontal line resolution at 54MHz

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

IDTV

Television has a built-in ITV Digital decoder allowing the Television set to receive terrestrial digital channels without a set-top box. Picture and sound quality tends to be superior to that of Analogue due to a more robust signal.

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 Expert Software

Software package supplied with the camera to allow capture and editing of images on PC or Mac

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

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.

Intelligent Long Play

Automatically switches to long play if there isn't enough tape left to complete the recording in standard play mode

Invar Mask

Displays purer whites on the TV screen

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.

J

Jog and Shuttle

Used on VCR`s and occasionally DVD`s. The jog dial gives frame-by-frame advance while the shuttle allows variable speed picture search in both Fast Forward and Rewind modes.

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

LANC edit

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

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

Panel for presenting digital images

LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

Used in Dolby Digital and Dolby DTS 5.1. soundtracks. LFE is specifically designed to process low frequency sounds through a dedicated bass channel.

Long play

A system that allows a video recorder to extend the length of the recording/ playing time beyond that of standard playing time of the tape cassette. It can effectively Double the recording length of blank tapes with minor loss of picture quality

Luminous Remote

Luminous buttons on a remote control for easy operation in a darkened room

M

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

MDLP

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

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 qoted is equal to one million pixels.

Megatext

Near instant access to up to 500 pages of text stored in the TV's memory

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

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

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.

MPEG2 5.1 Surround

Alternative digital audio system to Dolby Digital available on some DVD discs, delivering six independent channels of sound: stereo front left and right, centre dialogue and stereo rear channels, plus dedicated sub woofer

Multi-brand Remote Control

Operates most makes of TV in addition to the VCR

Multi-standard tuner

Able to display images from all world broadcast standards (PAL, SECAM, NTSC)

Multi-standard video playback

Able to display images from PAL, SECAM, NTSC video players

Multiple 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)

Multiple Language Tracks

Up to eight different language soundtracks may be recorded on a single disc and up to 32 different language subtitles (software dependent). Nearly all DVD's carry English subtitles

N

Neo Multi-bit Delta Sigma D/A Converter

Achieves a combined total harmonic distortion and noise of less than 0.0008%, and a dynamic range of above 117dB with 24-bit audio sources

NextView

NextView is an extremely comprehensive Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which gives viewers a complete overview of available TV programmes in a simple, easy-to-follow way.

NextView Link

Sets the channels on the VCR in the same order as the TV, allowing you to record what you are watching without having to change channels on the VCR

NICAM

NICAM is the acronym for Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex. It refers to a Sound broadcasting system capable of delivering CD-quality digital stereo sound or mono sound, and of carrying a Dolby Surround soundtrack

No Signal Power Off

Turns the TV to standby after a station stops broadcasting

NTSC

American and Japanese Television picture format. Any TV with this capability can receive NTSC signals from VCR or DVD. Video Recorders with this function allow playback of NTSC video tapes.

NTSC Playback on PAL TV

Technology built into a Toshiba video recorder that enables NTSC tapes to be viewed on most PAL TVs

NTSC Video Playback

Technology built into a TV which enables NTSC tapes to be viewed when played back on an NTSC video recorder

O

Off Timer

Enables the TV to switch to standby mode at a pre-determined time

On-screen Programming

Manual programming feature used when setting the timer if you don't have VideoPlus codes to hand

One-touch Record

Starts recording immediately at the touch of a button

Optical Audio Terminal

Enables digital audio signals to be sent from digital sources such as DVD and laser disc players to digital play-back equipment such as Dolby Digital TVs, via a fibre-optic connection

Optical Digital Out

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

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.

P

PAL

TV broadcast system used in the UK and some other countries

PAL I

TV broadcast system used in the UK and some other countries

Panel Lock

Locks the controls on the TV to prevent changes to settings

Parental Lock

Allows parents to "lock" out certain content so that children cannot see unsuitable channels - commonly using a PIN number system for access to locked channels.

PCM (Pulse Code Modulation)

This is the uncompressed music format used by a CD player. This format provides a far greater sound quality than any compressed music file, such as MP3

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

Used to describe any small personal electronic organiser, such as a palmtop.

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 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

Pixel Plus

Designed by Philips, the Pixel Plus processor increases the number of lines, and the number of pixels in the TV picture. This results in clearer and sharper pictures, every time.

Pixel Plus II

The latest version of Philips Pixel Plus system. This further enhances a TV's picture quality, improving both still and moving images. This also boasts improved colour reproduction, resulting in the finest colour details and superior picture balance.

Pixels

Individual dots used to create an image. The greater the number of pixels in an image, the higher the resolution and better the quality

Plasma

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

Plug and Play

Refers to items which are easy to install, and have no complicated set up requirements.

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.

Programme Delivery Control (PDC)

Responds to a broadcast signal which ensures that recording begins only when the programme actually starts and stops when the programme ends. Not available on satellite or digital broadcasts

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.

Re-set Speed

Minimum time taken (in seconds) for the camera to process and store a captured image, then re-set for the next shot

Rear Projection

TV technology for super screen TVs in which the red, green and blue of TV images are projected onto a mirror which reflects the picture onto the rear of the viewing screen

Rear Speakers

Dedicated speakers set behind the viewer to carry the surround sound channel (s) from a Dolby Pro-Logic or Dolby Digital source

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 'Multiregion' DVD player, or a DVD player which is designed to play DVD's for that specific region.

Resolution

Display quality defined by the number of individual dots (pixels) used to create an image. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the image quality

RF

Aerial-type connection between a video recorder and TV

RGB / S-video Connection

Ensure the highest quality video playback

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.

S-Video Input

Connection method for high quality video transfer (S-video) used with S-VHS video recorders, camcorders, DVD players etc.

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.

SCART

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

SCART socket

21-pin cable connector which enables high-quality pictures and stereo sound (including Dolby Pro-Logic soundtracks) to be sent between different AV equipment

SCAVEM

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

SECAM

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

Selectable Picture

Three pre-set and one user-adjustable setting for picture colour, brightness and contrast, selected at the press of a button

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

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.

Super Anti-Alias Filter

Ensures crystal clear, sharp images, by generating 540 horizontal line resolution at 27MHz

Super Scene Control

A process which improves TV picture contrast

SVGA

Specific display resolution using 800 horizontal pixels and 600 vertical pixels, presenting an image composed from a total of 480,000 individual dots

SXGA

Specific display resolution using 1280 horizontal pixels and 1024 vertical pixels, presenting an image composed from a total of 1,310,720 individual dots

T

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

Time Slip Recording

Where a DVD recorder allows you to start watching a programme, before the actual recording process has finished. (Applies to DVD-RAM recordable discs)

Tweeter

Part of a loudspeaker or separate speaker that generates treble sounds.

Twin Tray

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

U

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

UXGA

Specific display resolution using 1600 horizontal pixels and 1200 vertical pixels, presenting an image composed from a total of 1,920,000 individual dots

V

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

Variable Roaming Zoom

1.5, 2.5 or 3.5 times magnification of the on screen image that allows you to zoom in and move around the picture

VHS

Tape format used for video recorders

VideoPlus

A system designed to easily program a Video to Record TV programmes, using numerical codes, which are shown in most TV listings pages.

VideoPlus Deluxe

As for VideoPlus, but will also control selected brands of analogue cable and satellite set top boxes as well as with normal, terrestrial TV. Sky Digiboxes and selected ONdigital set top boxes may also be controlled

Visible Screen Size

Measured in centimetres diagonally across the screen

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

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.

Widescreen (16:9)

Cinema-style picture format, also used to describe 'wide' TV screens (16 units wide by 9 units high)

Widescreen Signalling

Switches a Widescreen TV to 16:9 mode whenever a corresponding signal is detected from either a broadcast (line23) or a VCR or a DVD player (SCART pin 8 level sensing)

X

XGA

Specific display resolution using 1024 horizontal pixels and 768 vertical pixels, presenting an image composed from a total of 786,432 individual dots

Z

Zoom Lens

Allows the camera user to zoom in or out on the subject, to produce different picture aspects.

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