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Use the links below to 'home-in' to the word/jargon that you require.
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- 1080i
1,080 lines of vertical resolution (1080 horizontal scan lines) while the letter i stands for interlaced.Most HD broadcasts are in 1080i.
- 1080p
1,080 lines of vertical resolution (1080 horizontal scan lines) while the letter p stands for progressive scan (meaning the image is not interlaced).
- 16:9
Refers to a wide screen. 16:9 is the ratio of width to height of the screen on a High Definition TV (HDTV) set. It provides a wider rectangle compared to the 4:3 ratio of standard TV sets and most computer monitors
- Accessories
Including batteries, chargers and cases we carry only top quality camcorder accessories from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- Advanced 3D Colour Management
Effective Colour Correction Without Affecting Colour Balance
- Amperage
Amount of electrical current transferred from one component to another.This specification is often important when considering the amplifier - loudspeaker interface.
- Amplifier
The engine of a sound system, powering the speakers.
- Anti-Reflection Filter
A filter that widely diffuses the light that reaches the panel, greatly reducing glare. You enjoy comfortably viewing of images that are warm-looking and virtually glare-free.
- Articulating
Wall Mounts make use of swivel arms to render the LCD unit flush with the wall-and out of the way-when not in use. Pulled out, this mounting device allows you to turn the display 120° to either side and as much as 10° up or down.
- Aspect ratio
Ratio of a picture's width to its height.Typical television aspect ratio is 4:3, while wide screen formats provide greater width of the viewing area.
- Auto set up
Automatic tuning feature which will scan for and store all available stations. Make sure the aerial is plugged in first!
- Av receiver
Usually integrated with an amplifier, an AV receiver receives and decodes sound signals to be sent to the amplifier and speakers. Found in home theatre systems.
- Bipole
Bi-directional loudspeaker with zero degrees of phase difference between its front and rear acoustical output.
- Blu-ray
New High Definition disc & player format. A Blu-Ray disc holds up to 50GB of information, enough for a full movie in 1080p High Definition resolution, or up to 23 hours of standard definition video.
- Brightness
Measured in candela per square metre. One candela is roughly equivalent to the light given off by one candle. High brightness is desirable in viewing locations with high ambient light levels.
- CAB
This means that the TV comes with a Cabinet Stand included
- Camcorder Accessories
Including batteries, chargers and cases we carry only top quality camcorder accessories from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- CD
Compact Disc. Disc for storing digital data, usually music, but also data files. Developed by Philips and Sony, and launched in 1982.
- Center channel loudspeaker
Single loudspeaker which sits in front or on top of a television screen which reproduces the dialog of a movie in a surround sound system .
- Combi
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) based TVs with an integrated VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) Player, taking up less overall space.
- Compact disc player
Digital source component which reads and converts the binary information from a compact disc into an analog signal which is then fed to the rest of a hi-fi system.
- Compact disc transport
Component which reads the binary information from a compact disc and sends this bitstream into an external device for analog conversion.(Commonly used with a digital-to-analog converter )
- Component video
High quality video connection. Even better than RGB SCART, Component video splits picture signals into their component Red, Green and Blue colours. A separate audio connection is required.
- Composite-video
Basic video connection, often used to connect camcorders or games consoles to a TV. Carries a composite of colour and brightness picture signals. A separate audio connection is required.
- Contrast ratio
The ratio of the luminosity of the brightest colour to the darkest colour in the display. High contrast ratio is desirable, but does not determine picture quality on its own.
- Crossover
Frequency dividing electrical network which splits an incoming audio signal into ranges best suited to a loudspeaker's various drive elements.
- CRT
Cathode Ray Tube. The original television technology, often referred to as 'tube' television. First launched in 1922, now being superceded by LCD and Plasma technology.
- Dab
Digital Audio Broadcast. Found in many new radios, giving crystal clear reception without the need for retuning. DAB radio's often include FM reception too.
- DAB Radio
Moving into the digital age with DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) Radio. Benefits include more stations, no hiss and future ready for data broadcasts.
- Differential amplification
Method of amplifying a signal whereby the output signal is a function of the difference between two input signals
- Digital
Computer Hard Disk based system for digital playback, recording and editing offering excellent picture and sound quality with fast program skipping.
- Digital 8
Digital Camcorder tape format that uses the same cassettes as analogue Hi8 (a higher quality version of the 8mm video tape format).
- Digital audio tape
Digital audio format stored in binary form on a small cassette.Music can be recorded digitally with this format (some restrictions do apply to prevent excessive duplication).
- Digital Still Camera
Photos are captured electronically and stored on the camera’s memory card. A built in colour LCD screen allows viewing of the photo during and after shooting.
- Digital tuner
Tuner capable of receiving and decoding digital video or audio transmissions. Improved picture & sound quality compared to analogue tuners.
- Digital tv
Also known as iDTV (integrated digital television) - a television with a digital freeview receiver built in. Benefits include wider range of programmes to access and improved picture and sound quality.
- Digital Video
Refers to the capturing, manipulation and storage of video in digital formats. Formats include DV (Digital Video) Cassette and SD Memory Cards.
- Digital zoom
Crops and enlarges an image to reproduce the effect of a longer zoom lens, but with a loss in resolution and image quality.
- Digital-to-analog converter
Popularly known as a D-A converter, this device accepts an incoming digital bitstream and converts it to an analog electronic signal.
- Dipole
Bi-directional loudspeaker with 180 degrees of phase difference between its front and rear acoustical output.
- Direct view television
Television which uses a cathode ray tube (CRT) to display a picture.
- Discman
Portable CD (Compact Disc) player with small lightweight earphones. Some models feature MP3 playback from files burnt onto CD.
- Displayable Colours
The number of colours visible on the screen.
- Dolby digital
Digital multi-channel surround sound. Usually 5.1 surround sound, with five independent channels of sound for front left & right, centre, and rear left & right speakers. The .1 refers to a dedicated subwoofer channel.
- Dolby Digital AC-3
Surround sound standard from Dolby Laboratories which incorporates six discrete channels of information for the playback of video soundtracks.
- Dolby Pro Logic
Surround sound standard from Dolby Laboratories for the playback of movie soundtracks in the home.The system utilizes five loudspeakers - two main, two rear , and a center and a decoder to properly steer the signal to its appropriate channel.
- DTS decoding
Digital Theatre System. Alternative to Dolby Digital surround sound, thought by some to provide slightly better surround sound quality. Only available from DVD discs bearing the DTS logo.
- DVD Camcorder
Record directly onto DVD and play back directly on your compatible DVD player at home.
- DVD Players
Sound and picture quality is superb and navigation is quick and easy scene to scene. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) films often have extra features and footage.
- DVD recorder
Rapidly replacing the VHS video recorder. Uses a blank DVD instead of a tape cassette, resulting in better quality recordings with greater longevity.
- DVD Recorders
Record digitally to DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) from both analogue and digital sources. The resultant DVDs can also be played and edited on a computer.
- DVD Systems
Music Systems featuring an integrated DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) Player minimizing on space and maximizing on features. Often with multiple speakers.
- DVD/VCR
Comprising a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) Player and VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) housed within a single unit which takes up less overall space.
- DVI
Digital Video Interface. Alternative to the HDMI connection, DVI carries High Definition picture signals, but requires a separate audio connection. HDMI - DVI adaptor leads are available.
- Dynamic loudspeaker
Loudspeaker which uses conventional cone and dome drive elements exclusively.
- Editing Decks
Advanced editing features are used to manipulate video and sound footage. Input and Output sockets cater for the connection of external equipment.
- Efficiency
Ratio of a loudspeaker's acoustical output to a given electrical input.A loudspeaker's sound pressure level is measured in decibels.
- Electrostatic loudspeaker
Planar loudspeaker which incorporates a charged transducer suspended between two oppositely charged electrodes.
- EPG
Electronic Programme Guide. Gives full programme listings for all available channels up to eight days in advance.
- Fastext
Teletext feature allowing shortcuts to related text pages by pressing the coloured buttons on your remote.
- Flat Wall Mounts
allow you to maximize the space-saving benefits of plasma technology. This option is generally the least expensive, and it adds just under two inches to the monitor's total depth.
- Freeview
Free to air digital television service offering channels, radio stations and interactive services from the BBC, Sky and others. Accessed via a set-top box or a television with a digital freeview receiver built in.
- Freeview Box
Allows the connection to 'Freeview' services offering a greater variety of Digital TV and Radio Channels together with Interactive Services.
- Frequency response
Measurement of an audible signal's amplitude and phase characteristics relative to a given, absolute level.
- Fridge / Freezer
The most used appliance in the home today we carry ranges from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- Front av
Audio/Video input sockets found on the front of a television or recording device. Usually includes composite video and s-vhs connections, with RCA audio inputs, for connecting camcorders, games consoles.
- Front Projection
Cinema at home! Project large images from your projector onto your screen... Size? You choose.
- Front projection television
Television which forms an image by projecting a picture from in front of a screen.
- Full HD
A variant of HD-ready TV with a higher than usual screen resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.
- Furniture
To house your equipment we carry furniture with practical features and stylish design from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- Hard drive
Sometimes referred to as Hard Disc. Data storage device used in some PVR's and DVD recorders, with storage capacity shown in gigabytes (GB).
- HD Ready
Able to receive and display High Definition content to deliver a picture with over 4 times more detail than standard broadcasts.
- HDMI
Is a standard for video interfacing, with a bandwidth of up to 5 gigabytes, which means it can easily support all HDTV standards. To find out more Click Here
- Hi-Fi Accessories
Including headphones, earphones and microphones we carry only top quality hi-fi accessories from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- Hi-Fi Systems
High fidelity sound system featuring Playback/Recording devices such as Radio, CD, DVD, Mini Disc, MP3 and Tape Player/Recorder with separate speakers.
- High definition
New standard for picture displays. Guarantees a minimum of 720 horizontal lines of image resolution, providing greater picture clarity. HDMI or DVI connection required for HD capabilities.
- Home Theatre Systems
Recreating the dramatic sound effects of the Cinema experience using multiple speakers and a dedicated amplifier no ordinary TV set alone can provide.
- Horn loading
Acoustical effect achieved by placing the diaphragm of a driver element at the throat of a horn, producing a driver of greater efficiency.
- Hybrid loudspeaker
Loudspeaker which utilizes both dynamic and planar components.
- I link
Also known as Firewire or IEEE 1394. Digital interface connection, used commonly on camcorders to connect to data storage devices such as DVD recorders.
- Integrated amplifier
Single unit containing both a preamplifier and a power amplifier .
- Integrated Digital
Widescreen CRTVs with an integrated ‘Freeview’ set top box to save space and deliver true digital pictures.
- Jpeg
Joint Photographics Expert Group. Compression format for picture files, used for storing photographic files.
- LCD
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for the best in flat screen technology. Ideal for wall mounting.
- LCD projection television
Front projection television which projects liquid crystal display pixels from a single lens onto a screen.
- Leads
Making a huge difference to the sound and picture quality we carry a vast range of leads from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- LED
A term used by Samsung to describe their line of LCD (liquid crystal display) TVs that utilize LED backlighting instead of the standard Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (LCD-CCFL) used in most LCD televisions.
- Line doubler
Electronic device meant to enhance a video picture by doubling the number of broadcasted lines per frame.
- Line stage preamplifier
Stage of a preamplifier which accommodates all sources other than a turntable .
- Magnetic planar loudspeaker
Planar loudspeaker employing a large panel transducer onto which a copper wire has been attached, thus acting as a distributed voice coil across the surface.
- Megapixels
1 million pixels, or picture elements. The higher the number of pixels, the sharper the picture quality.
- Micro MV
‘Micro’ cassettes have allowed the miniaturization of the Camcorder using compression technology. Great features and small enough to fit in a coat pocket.
- Midrange
Drive element in a loudspeaker responsible for reproducing the midband of an audible signal, typically operating anywhere between 350 Hz and 3 kHz.Also refers to those specific frequencies as well.
- MiniDisc
Uses compression technology to create up to 80-minutes of sound, small enough to fit on a rewritable disc measuring 2.5” Sq. making the format highly portable.
- Moving coil cartridge
Phono cartridge which produces a signal by moving a small coil assembly (in response to a stylus' motion in a record groove) within a fixed magnetic field.
- Moving magnet cartridge
Phono cartridge which produces a signal by moving a small permanent magnet (in response to a stylus' motion in a record groove) between a fixed coil assembly.
- MP3
Mostly associated with downloaded music from the Internet, MP3 players are portable and allow a vast storage for compressed music data.
- Mpeg
Moving Picture Experts Group. Compression format for audio or video files, used to reduce file size for compact storage and quick access.
- Multi Region
The ability of a DVD Player to play DVD discs purchased from other countries such as the US (as well as the UK).
- Multi Window
PIP (Picture in Picture) Allows a smaller window to be viewed within a larger one/ PAP (Picture and Picture) Allows two windows to be opened at the same time
- Multimedia
Get a Home Entertainment System in your pocket with these devices, which use an internal Hard Disk Drive and screen to play and record Movies.
- Nicam
Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex. Stereo sound from a television broadcast.
- Nicam 4:3
These CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) based TVs feature NICAM (Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex) stereo and 4:3 ratio favoured by most broadcasters.
- NTSC
Video standard primarily broadcast the United States and Japan which produces 525 lines of video per frame, at a rate of 30 frames per second.
- Optical zoom
Magnifies the target image without any loss of resolution.
- PAL
European television standard developed in Germany which broadcasts 625 lines per frame, at a rate of 25 frames per second.
- Pause and rewind
Handy feature on some DAB radios. Allows you to pause or rewind the broadcast, and recommence where you left off without missing anything!
- Pc input
VGA / 15 pin d-sub connection for linking a laptop or PC to a television display. Often found on LCD or Plasma televisions.
- PED
This means that the TV comes with a Pedestal Stand Included
- Phono preamplifier
The amplification stage into which the output of a turntable is fed.This device is often part of a preamplifier , though not always.
- Pixel
Short for "picture element", where "pix" is an abbreviation of "picture". More pixels usually means a sharper picture.
- Planar loudspeaker
Loudspeaker which produces sound by vibrating a thin, flat transducer, commonly suspended between electrodes or magnets, in response to a signal.
- Plasma
Flat screen technology powered by gas plasma. To deliver crisp, clear images. Ideal for wall mounting.
- Portable DV Walkman
Offering playback, dubbing & basic editing capabilities in a compact unit utilizing DV (Digital Video) and Digital 8 tapes. Some have an integral LCD Screen.
- Portable DVD
Viewing a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) on the move is easy with this Compact DVD player with built-in LCD screen. Featuring an internal power source.
- Portable Hi-Fi
Portable unit combining various audio components with an internal amplifier, speaker system and handle powered by mains electricity and battery.
- Power amplifier
Electronic device which increases the power of an incoming low level signal to accomodate the power requirements of a loudspeaker
- Power output
Used in reference to amplifiers. The Power Output rating indicates the wattage supplied to the speakers by the amplifier. Higher power output usually means greater volume and improved sound quality.
- Preamplifier
Control center of an audio/video system.Source component switching is done here, as well as volume and balance control.This component generally has some degree of signal amplification associated with it.
- Progressive scan
Denoted by 'p' after the number of lines, ie 720p. Draws each line of the picture in sequence, as opposed to interlaced scan which draws odd lines in one frame, followed by even lines in the next.
- Rds
Radio Data System. Found on many FM radios, RDS allows information such as station name, programme title or time to be shown on the radio display screen.
- Rear channel loudspeaker
Loudspeaker pair which sits beside or behind the listener in a surround sound system .These speakers reproduce ambient information as well as soundtrack special effects.
- Rear Projection
The cost effective alternative to plasma for large images.
- Rear projection television
Television which forms an image by projecting a picture from behind a screen.
- Receiver
Single unit containing a preamplifier , a power amplifier , and a tuner .
- Remote Controls
We carry a host of universal remote control devices to suit your needs from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- Resolution
In this context, image resolution. Refers to the number of pixels making up the whole image. The higher the number of pixels, the better the resolution.
- RGB
Red, Green, Blue. Found in Scart connections, RGB splits the picture into its component colours to reduce signal loss and improve picture quality. DVD / Digital box will usually require setting up to output RGB to a television.
- Ribbon loudspeaker
Planar Loudspeaker with drive elements consisting of thin foil transducers placed between the pole elements of a large magnet.
- Rms
Root Mean Square. The standard measurement of Watts power output from an amplifier/speaker system.
- S-video
Video connection. A step up in quality from Composite Video, S-VHS seperates the picture signal into brightness and colour. A separate audio connection is required.
- Safety glass
Glass with increased strength. If broken, will shatter into small square pieces to minimise risk of injury.
- Satellite Navigation
Never get lost again. Satellite Navigation systems can track your position and provide accurate directions to a given location graphically and verbally.
- Scaling DVD
DVD player which 'upscales' DVD images from the native 480 horizontal lines of picture to 720 / 1080 lines by artificially creating extra lines. Produces sharper image ideal for HD Ready televisions.
- Scanning rate
Number of lines produced by a television per second, as it scans its picture onto a screen.Measured in Hz.
- Scart
21 Pin connection. The standard connection for audio-visual devices, SCART carries picture and sound signals via a single lead.
- SD Card Slot
This means that you can insert a SD card into your TV and display the contents on the screen. For example, Photo's from your digital camera.
- Separate Components
For the more experienced user, looking for the ultimate musical experience. Each part can be replaced or added to without changing the whole system.
- Single ended amplfication
Method of amplifying a signal whereby one side of the input and output amplifying devices are connected to ground
- Sleep timer
Press the button before you doze off! The sleep timer will automatically switch the unit off after a period of time.
- Speakers
Device for converting the electrical signal from an amplifier back into sound waves, most commonly by vibrating a paper cone enclosed within a cabinet.
- Storage Media
Including tapes and mini discs we carry only top quality storage media from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- Sub-Pixel Controller
Smooth images
- Subwoofer
Woofer large enough to produce frequencies from 20 or 30 Hz to 80 or 100 Hz, typically housed in its own enclosure.
- SVHS
Using Super VHS (Video Home System) tapes this analogue based system can offer over 400 lines of resolution compared to 250 lines for normal VHS.
- Television Accessories
Including swivel and fixed position wall brackets we carry only top quality TV accessories from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and value.
- THX
Set of minimum technical standards established to improve the reproduction of movie soundtracks in theaters and homes.
- Tilt Wall Mounts
enable you to place your TV above eye level, keeping it out of the way though readily viewable from anywhere in the room. This mounting option is typically used to install LCD
- Tonearm
Piece which acts as the support mechanism for a phono cartridge.This is the physical interface between the cartridge and the turntable chassis.
- Top up tv
Subscription TV service available via a freeview box or television with a card slot. See www.topuptv.com for more details.
- Transistor
A semiconductor device (usually made of silicon) used in electronic circuit.Common uses include signal amplification and voltage rectification.
- Transmission line
Loudspeaker which contains a large, folded acoustical pipe into which the rear output of a driver element is effectively terminated.
- Tuner
A separate AM/FM radio which is fed into a preamplifier .
- Turntable
Used for the playback of long playing records, this unit rotates records at a constant speed so that an attached phono cartridge can extract a musical signal.Must be used with a tonearm and cartridge to comprise a complete playback system.
- Tweeter
Drive unit in a loudspeaker responsible for reproducing the higher frequencies of an audible signal, typically active above 3 kHz.
- Twin digital tuner
Two digital freeview tuners built in. Allows viewing of one channel while recording another, or two channles to be viewed at once in 'Picture In Picture' mode.
- USB
Universal Serial Bus. Common connection on computers, now available on some television and recorders to allow software downloads or playback from media storage devices.
- VCR
Video recorder that uses cassettes containing magnetic tape to record audio and video from a television broadcast so it can be played back later.
- VCR/DVD
Comprising a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) Player housed within a single unit which takes up less overall space.
- VHS
Video Home System. A recording and playback standard for VCR's introduced by JVC in 1976.
- Video+
Convenient system for programming a recording device. Enter a VideoPlus code, found alongside programme listings, into the recorder, and channel number, start and finish times are set automatically.Wall mountable
- Viera Link
Multiple AV devices can be controlled using only the Viera Remote control
- Viewing Angle
The angle at which the TV can be viewed without picture quality being affected.
- Walkman
Popular pocket-sized cassette player, sometimes featuring an integral radio, with small lightweight earphones.
- WALL
This means that the TV comes with Wall Brackets to Hang the set to a wall.
- Watt
Power specification stating the amount of energy dissipated in one second.This term is commonly associated with power amplifiers .
- Wide screen
Any video software or hardware which has an aspect ratio wider than 4:3 (which is the typical television ratio).Wide screen formats are meant to reproduce the original aspect ratio of a movie as viewed in a theater.
- Widescreen
With a picture ratio (16:9) close to that of cinema screens these CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) based TVs take advantage of widescreen DVD films & digital channels.
- Wireless
Without wires! In home cinema, wireless rear speakers receive audio signals via infrared or RF transmissions, eliminating the need for cables trailing from the front to the rear of the room.
- Woofer
Drive element in a loudspeaker responsible for reproducing the lower (and sometimes midband) portion of an audio signal, ideally operating from 1 kHz down, depending on its size.
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