Glossary

Electronics glossary

203 definitions · page 3 of 4.

Midrange: The middle range of audio frequencies between approximately 500 and 4,000 Hz. This term is also used to denote the loudspeaker used for reproducing midrange frequencies.
Mode Display: Provides visual readout of current function (play, rewind, fast forward, pause and record) on the VCR display or on the TV screen.
Monitor Function: Allows you to switch back and forth from a TV program to VCR tape. When changing from VCR to TV, the VCR is automatically put in pause mode until you change back to VCR.
Monitor Output: With a Monitor Output, the output jack connects a receiver to the video input of a TV set. The receiver can then be used to switch between external video sources such as a VCR.
MP3: Stands for Moving Picture Experts Group 1, Audio Layer 3. This is an unsecured audio compression process or algorithm used to minimize time for the downloading of near-CD quality music and sound files from the internet.
MPEG2: Gets its name from the Motion Picture Experts Group, an international standards-setting panel. It is a video compression standard that enables more data to be packed onto DVD discs.
MTS (Multi-Channel Television Sound): Provides stereo broadcast reception for clean, crisp, virtually noise-free audio fidelity. Includes Dbx Noise Reduction system to optimize the soundtrack's full dynamic range.
Multi-ARAS CRT Coating: With Multi-ARAS CRT Coating, the flat, glass CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) faceplate is coated with layers of anti-reflective (AR) and anti-static (AS) compounds to minimize reflections and dust build-up on the TV screen.
Multi-Language Capability (Dialogue): This feature makes it easier for films to be distributed in multiple languages. The same DVD disc can contain soundtracks in up to 8 different languages.
Multi-Language Subtitles: DVD discs can contain up to 32 different languages for subtitles. Subtitle display can be switched on or off, and you can select the language of your choice from those recorded, by using the remote control.
Multi-Scan System: The Multi-Scan System is compatible with PC/Macintosh computer signals within a specific range. TVs with multi-scan system can process various signals.
Normal CD to Cassette Edit: The CD changer determines which tracks fit on each side of the tape and will stop after the last track.
On-Screen Menu Icons: Allow you to control a variety of settings via remote control, while helping in the recognition of player functions. There are three different menu screens: disc, player and scanning information.
On-Screen Programming (OSP): A display of the menu on the TV screen for purposes of programming a VCR. The menu displays time, channel, index and VCR mode.
Optimal CD to Cassette Edit: The CD changer calculates the number of tracks, in the best order, to optimize the use of available recording time.
Oversampling (CD players): Multiplying the sampling frequency (44.1kHz) in a CD player to a higher frequency to shift noise components above audible levels. This feature creates a gentler low pass filter with more musical characteristics. This process usually yields a data rate of…
Parental Lock: Many movies on DVD are available with variable ratings capability. According to your parental lock setting, the movie will skip over particular scenes, playing the version that you choose from among those available on the disc. This feature can be set by…
Peak Search: Allows the widest dynamic range possible from music recorded on CDs. This feature scans the disc for the highest peak to optimize the recording level on a cassette deck, before recording begins.
Phase: The relationship between different frequencies for the same sound (the relative position of two sound waves with respect to one another, measured in degrees). Sounds are said to be "in phase" if the positive and negative sections of the waveform are…
Portable DVD: A portable version of the DVD player that allows you to play DVD movies anywhere. The player's battery allows continuous play for up to three hours, and it comes with a credit-card sized remote that allows you to control all major DVD functions.
Precision Notch: Filter Acts at 3.58 MHz to separate the colour information from the light channel. TV models with a precision notch filter can achieve 330 lines of horizontal resolution from a RF antenna source.
Programmable On Off Timer: Allows you to program your TV set to turn itself on and off at a selected channel and at designated times every day. You can alert yourself to the start of a desired program by having the TV come on with sufficient volume to attract your attention, or you…
Progressive Scan Doubler: Used to display a full frame of video in 1/60th of a second. Essentially, it de-interlaces the incoming video signal and progressively scans the image. With progressive scanning, you generally won't see the horizontal scan lines that are sometimes visible in…
Projection TV Set (PTV): A term for a big screen TV that uses lenses to project video images on a screen. Rear projection models are one-piece. Front projection systems have a separate projector and screen.
Quick Set Record (QSR QTR XPR): A one-touch button that allows instant recording for 30, 60 or 90 minutes. This feature eliminates the need to use the programming mode.
Quick Set Record (QSR, QTR XPR): A one-touch button that allows instant recording for 30, 60 or 90 minutes. This feature eliminates the need to use the programming mode.
Quick Start: A refined start mechanism that results in less time spent waiting for the picture to appear on the screen.
Radial Faceplate CRT: With the radial faceplate CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), the radial faceplate picture tubes combined with a short-throw lens system permits the depth of certain projection TV cabinets to be reduced. The CRT's curved faceplate focuses the light beam in the centre of…
Real Time Counter: A digital tape counter in VCRs, DVDs, DVD/VCR combos and camcorders that indicates elapsed time in terms of actual hours, minutes and seconds.
Rear Channel Preamp Output: This feature allows you to connect the sound from the rear channel to a separate power amplifier, for more amplification or further processing.
Red Eye Reduction: Some cameras with red eye reduction have a small bright red light, located on the front of the camera, that turns on when the shutter button is first depressed. The eye's iris will close in response to this light, making the opening in the eye smaller. The…
Region Codes: Codes set for certain geographical regions. This feature was instigated by the movie industry so that you can only view the movie on DVD if it has been released in your geographical region.
S-Video Input Jack: The 4-pin S-video input jack allows you to connect a DBS (Dolby Digital) system or DVD player directly to the luminance and chrominance circuits of the TV set. By keeping colour and luminance information separate, cross-colour interference is virtually…
SACD: Receivers that are DVD-Audio/SACD ready enable an outboard digital decoder to be added to the system. A receiver is considered "future compatible" if it offers 6.1 channel outputs that can be used with a DVD-Audio/SACD player.
SDTV Compatible: Televisions that are SDTV (Standard TV) compatible enable you to hook up digital component video inputs (Y, Pr, Pb) to the unit for viewing of standard definition programming broadcast in either 480i or 480p formats. In order to view SDTV programming, the TV…
Set-And-Forget Digital Recording Level: Since a digital compact cassette recorder (DCC) can receive pure digital signals from CD players or other digital sources via coaxial and fibre optic digital inputs, there is no need to adjust an incoming record level for these sources.
Short Wavelength Red Laser: Supplies the shorter wavelength needed to match the tiny DVD pits. The laser has a noise reduction function to suppress interference and it exhibits stable oscillation at high temperature (60 degrees Celsius).
Shuffle Play: The CD player will play the songs from one CD in a random order. Some CD players offer another type of shuffle play, where the songs from all the CDs in the deck are played in random order.
Shutter Speeds: Variable speeds at which the camcorder captures images. The faster the speed, the less blurred the playback image will be. Ideal for sporting events where slow motion or stop action is important.
Signal to Noise Ratio: A comparison between signal and noise levels measured in decibels. A ratio of wanted signal to unwanted noise. This ratio is abbreviated as S/N.
Simulated Stereo Surround Mode: With the Simulated Stereo Surround Mode, one of several different modes in audio receivers and systems shape sound to more closely resemble a live performance. Simulated settings provide a simulated spatial surround sound when playing mono source material.
Solid State Sensor: The use of chip technology (MOS or Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor and CCD or Charged Couple Device) to produce images. Pixels are the individual sensors making up the solid state device.
Spatial Sound: Gives a wider stereo effect in some tabletop systems. This feature is especially handy for listening to music from monaural sources and making the sound stage seem wider when listening to the system in a small room.
Spatializer 3D Stereo: A stereo enhancement technology that creates an enveloping, "three-dimensional" surround sound listening experience from just two speakers.
Spatially Equalized Speaker (SES): System This system places the speakers inside acoustic chambers. The sound resonates through an acoustically matched baffle system, and projects through thin grilles on either side of the TV screen. This system allows for the use of larger speakers…
Split-Screen Display: Lets you view two programs at once by dividing the screen down the middle. Each program is shown at full height, with one program on the left side and the other on the right. The feature is similar to picture-in-picture, but at a much larger size. Audio is…
SQPB (S-VHS Quasi Playback S-VHS ET): Allows a TV/VCR combo to play tapes recorded in S-VHS format. Although the feature does not produce S-VHS resolution, it allows playback of otherwise incompatible Super VHS tapes.
Stadium Surround Mode: One of several different modes in audio receivers and systems to shape sound to more closely resemble a live performance. Stadium Mode recreates the reverberation and open air atmosphere of a rock concert or sporting event when playing stereo (but not mono)…
Stereo Audio: Plays hi-fi/stereo rental tapes and records stereo TV broadcasts when used with a stereo TV or decoder using two sound tracks at the top edge of the videotape.
Stereo Headphone Jack: Allows you to connect optional stereo headphones to the unit, so you can listen to your favourite TV shows without disturbing others or hear TV audio in an unusually noisy environment. The mini-jack configuration accepts either 8-ohm or 16-ohm mini-plug…
Stereo SAP Reception with dbx Noise Reduction: This feature has a built-in stereo decoder that can receive both TV stereo and separate audio program (SAP) telecasts where available. A dbx noise reduction system helps provide clear, crisp sound with proper stereo separation.
Subwoofer: A speaker that is dedicated to reproducing the lowest octaves on a soundtrack. Powered subwoofers include their own amplification, while passive models must be driven by external amplification. Most powered subwoofers include crossover circuitry that blends…
Super Invar Shadow Mask: Achieves a breakthrough level of picture quality on a flat screen. By applying the optimal amount of vertical tension to the shadow mask inside the panel, this feature overcomes the colour shift problem common with conventional flat CRTs. It also raises the…
Super-VHS ET Recording: Super-VHS ET (expanded technology) recording allows recording of S-VHS signals on ordinary VHS tape. This expands the benefits of S-VHS to a larger audience. VHS-C tapes are widely available at a lower cost.
Surround Output Level: Allows adjustment of the rear speaker level relative to the front speaker level according to viewing location and individual preference.
Surround Sound: An audio reproduction system using four or more speakers to simulate the three-dimensional effect of a live music performance or a cinematic environment. With surround sound, the phase of the original sound is delayed from a two-channel source, creating a…
Surround Sound (home theatre): Surround sound is the basis of a home theatre. It is created by a surround sound processor, multi-channel amplification and five or six speakers. Surround sound envelopes the viewer/listener with sound, includes special effects and simulates the ambience of…
Surround Sound Modes: A feature of A/V receivers that simulates the ambience of various sound environments with preset configurations for jazz, rock, concert and stadium.
Surround Speakers (Surrounds): The two speakers in a home theatre system that are placed in the rear of the room or to the sides of the primary seating position. They are critical in producing surround sound.
Synchro Edit: Allows you to activate play/record functions of two units simultaneously. This requires two units that can utilize a synchro cord (optional with most VCRs). This is a useful editing feature.