1080i and 1080p resolution
The number 1080 refers to the number of vertical lines of the screen. 1080i interlaces the picture (only showing every other line, so in fact half the resolution), whereas 1080p is full HD TV which uses all 1080 lines to achieve a far superior resolution more suitable to fast moving video games and sports broadcasts.
Component video
Transfers video in either one or two cables.
Composite Video
This is an old technology that combines analogue signals for light and colour in one cable.
Contrast
The difference between the darkest and lightest possible to be shown. A higher contrast creates a better picture (e.g. 1:1000 is better than 1:500)
D-sub
See VGA
Dolby Prologic
Dual channel sound system which divides the sound into four channels (right, left, centre and back).
Dolby Digital
A newer version of Dolby Prologic, but with separate back channels (stereo). Usually described as a 5.1 sound system (right, left, centre, back right, back left) and sub woofer (hence the 0.1) for deep bass.
DVI
An abbreviation of Digital Visual Interface, which is a standard connection for flat screen monitors and a lot of LCD TV’s. Support HDTV resolution.
EPG
Electronic Programming Guide. On screen TV-guide of current and upcoming programs.
HDMI
Abbreviation of High Definition Multimedia Interface. Transfers both uncompressed video and sound and will probably replace SCART as a universal multimedia interface. It supports the highest HD resolutions.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. Most common flat screen TV technology (same as in laptops)
Plasma
Competing technique for flat screen TV’s. Was the first technique to allow really large flat screens, but is becoming more frequently replaced by LCD.
Progressive Scan
A technique to produce a high quality picture with great detail and motion. Draws the whole picture frame at once.
PVR
Personal Video Recorder. Has a hard drive which automatically records current program so you can pause, rewind and fast forward live TV.
Resolution
How many pixels or lines that are shown on the screen, usually in a width*height format e.g. 1024 x 768. A higher resolution produces a more detailed picture. For High Definition TV’s resolution is often referred to by the number of vertical lines (e.g. 720 or 1080, for 1280*720 and 1920*1080 respectively).
Response time / Latency
How fast each pixel is updated (change colour). It is important to have a fast response time for video games to avoid “ghosting” where a quick movement may otherwise leave a trail of the old picture.
SCART-video/audio
And old European standard that combines audio and video. SCART can be used to connect different home electronics equipments such as VHS, DVD, Video games and Television. It is limited to standard TV resolution.
VGA
Abbreviation of Video graphics array (also known as d-sub), long been the standard connection for video monitors.
Widescreen
Old TV’s have the proportion 4:3, whereas newer TV’s has 16:9 which gives a more movie like experience and allows movies to be shown in their original format without clipping.
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