Your guide to HDTV - High Definition Television is Here
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HDTV

HDTV Glossary

5.1-Channel Surround System

A speaker setup that places one speaker above or below a television, two on either side of the display, and two beside or  behind the listener,  a subwoofer is to the front  of the listener thus creating a surround sound experience

7.1-Channel Surround System

A speaker setup that places one speaker above or below a television, two on either side of the display, two beside or just behind the listener (standard surround), and two behind the listener (surround back channels). A subwoofer is to the front left of the listener. A surround system creates a more immersive, and realistic viewing experience.

480i

480-line interlaced scan; the vertical resolution of standard-definition broadcasts, and the original resolution technology.

480p

480-line progressive scan; the vertical resolution of standard-definition and some enhanced-definition (ED) broadcasts. ".

720p

720-line progressive scan; the vertical resolution of some high-definition (HD) broadcasts.

1080i

1080-line interlaced scan; the vertical resolution of some high-definition (HD) broadcasts.

Analogue Tuner

A built-in television feature that decodes over-the-air (antenna-based) analogue signals. Is currently being replaced by new digital tuner which provides a much better picture and sound quality.

Atsc Hd Antenna

An antenna that receives over-the-air high-definition television signals..

Automatic Contrast Optimisation

Analyzes the brightness of scenes frame by frame and automatically adjusts contrast to maximize intense detail.

Blu-Ray Disc (BD)

A next-generation disc format developed specifically for recording and rewriting high-definition video, with enhanced storage capacity.

Cable CARD
A device built into new-generation televisions that allow digital cable reception without a set-top cable box.

Colour Wheel

A multicolour (either three-color or the newer seven-colour) spinning wheel through which light is passed to create and project an image in digital light processing televisions. Provides up to 16 million colour combinations on screen.  

De-Interlacing

A feature that improves picture quality, producing a film-like richness. Sixty frames per second are shown as opposed to the standard 30 frames per second.

Digital Tuner

A means of receiving digital television signals, can either be integrated into your TV or in the form of a separate set top box.

Electronic programme guide

An on screen display that shows updated program listings in chronological order.

HD DVD (High-Definition DVD)
A next-generation optical disc format developed for high-definition video recording and rewriting.

HDMI

(High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
A means of connecting HD inputs to your TV, SCART leads can’t accept HD signals. An HDMI cable combines video and audio into one digital interface for use with devices such as TVs and DVD players

HDCP

(High Definition Content Protection)
Encryption that prevents duplication of HD signals..

HDTV ATSC Tuner

An internal or external over-the-air tuner that receives high-definition television signals.

ntegrated HD

An HDTV that has a built-in high-definition receiver/tuner, which means it is ready to display HD straight out of the box

Interlaced (I) Scanning

A method of displaying images from a video signal on a television screen. With interlaced scanning, half the vertical lines (odd lines) on the screen are filled in first, then the other half (even lines) for a complete image. Isn’t as good at handling fast movement on screen as progressive scanning.

Optical Cable

A digital connector that carries information optically rather than electronically.

Over-The-Air HD

(Terrestrial HD)
HD programming that requires TV owners to have an HD antenna and HD-capable TV, and live in an area where digital television is broadcast.

Personal Video Recorder

A device that can record and play back television in digital format, some free view boxes come with PVR capability and allow for programs to be saved on a hard drive.

PIP

(Picture In Picture)
A television feature that allows you to view multiple TV channels simultaneously by creating one or more smaller displays within the larger television display.

POP

(Picture Outside Picture)
A television feature that allows you to view two or more (depending on the type of POP capability the set has) TV channels simultaneously by dividing the television display into halves.

Progressive (P) Scanning

Progressive scanning is a method of displaying images from the tuner into a display on a TV screen. Progressive scanning scan the vertical lines on a screen in sequence providing a quicker refresh and better tracking of movement.

SRS Dialog Clarity Enhancement

Audio Technology that enhances speech making movie and television dialogue crisper and more clearly articulated.

SRS Tru Surround XT

A system that can provide three-dimensional, high-definition audio technology  with as few as two speakers, creating the ultimate surround sound experience. Voices are more accurate, bass is richer, and sound is overall fuller and more dramatic.

SRS Wow

An audio technology that emphasizes voices and creates a real bass without the need to have a subwoofer.

Surround-Sound

Three-dimensional sound, usually created or amplified by the placement of multiple speakers throughout a room or home theater.

UHDV

(ultra high-definition video)
UHDV is the next-generation HD format developed in Japan. Its resolution is 16 times greater than standard HD video, but it requires large amounts of storage and a 450-inch diagonal screen to enjoy the benefits.

Wireless Audio

A speaker setup that can be plugged into a front connection as opposed to rear ports, speakers can be placed around the room without the use of wires.