[ Glossary of terms ]
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2-channel: Left and right channels of a stereo system
3-2 pulldown: A conversion process for converting film speed to video speed. Video and film are shot at different frames-per-second speeds. This technique enables the set to show film without jitter. You may find it in a DVD player or TV set.
Amplifier: Provides the power to the speakers
Aspect ratio: The shape of a display screen. 4:3 is the older ratio for TV sets. 16:9 is the new standard for HDTV. In film, aspect ratios can be 1:85, 2:1, or 2:35.
Audio input: Ways of delivering audio input can be analog using an RCA connector, digital optical, toslink, or RCA digital, 75 OHM RCA cable, or AES-EBU.
Channel: Equal to one speaker output. For example, 2 channels equals stereo.
Dolby Digital: An advanced form of digital audio coding that makes it possible to store and transmit high-quality digital sound far more efficiently than was previously possible.
DTS: Digital theater sound
DVD: Digital versatile disc media is used for audio and video recording and playback
DVD-Audio: Multi-channel audio using a DVD disc
HDTV: High-definition TV
Interlaced: This is the traditional way, and still the most common one, for a TV display to scan visual information. It splits each frame into two fields and combines them as odd and even lines. A display notation of 1080i means the display uses interlaced scanning.
LCD Projector: Liquid crystal display technology in a projection TV
Line-doubling: Converts interlaced to progressive
Plasma Screen: Inert gas is trapped between two glass panels. The screen generates UV light by discharging the gas using electrodes. Red, green, and blue phosphors absorb these UV discharges and reradiate the energy as visible light to produce colors on the screen.
Pre-amplifier: System control unit for volume, source selection, and more
Processor: Decodes multi-channel audio information and directs it to the proper channel
Progressive scan: This method displays the full picture frame at the same time. Most computer monitors work this way, giving a sharper better-quality picture. A display notation of 1080p indicates it uses a progressive scan. In digital TVs, 480p is the minimum standard for high definition.
Receiver: Single unit that includes an amplifier, pre-amplifier, and tuner
Scaling: Takes multiple format resolutions and coverts it to another using an algorithm to match display device
Subwoofer: Dedicated speaker for bass information in the low base range and low-frequency energy (LFE) production, which is recorded as a separate track
Super Audio CD (SACD): Highest level of sound performance in a CD
Surround Sound: Multi-channel audio that enables listeners to hear sounds from different parts of the room
THX: Industry standard for theater sound. Equipment that displays the THX logo has met rigid performance requirements
Tuner: In audio, refers to the radio component. In video, the tuner allows you to select different channels
Tweeter: Speaker that reproduces higher frequency signals
Video input: Various types can be composite, component, RGB, VGA, SVGA, or S-video. They’re all different ways of taking the signal and delivering it to the monitor.
Watt: Measurement of power
Woofer: Larger speaker that reproduces low-frequency bass information
