Check out our Jargon Buster page for useful definitions on our latest products

Jargon Buster

A

ADSL Modem

This modem provides you with a fast and continuous Internet connection.

AV Socket

Ideal for those who want to use the TV to connect to a games console or a camcorder.

Auto Install
Automatically  sets the TV up when you first switch on.

Automatic Modes
Most SLR cameras have pre-set programmes for specific subjects such as portrait, sport or landscape. Select a programme and the camera will take over the exposure and focus settings to give you a professional result at the push of a button. 

B

Bass Boost
Add extra depth to your music for a fuller sound.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is the latest in low power radio technology to connect two electronic devices, without the need for cables. This can be achieved up to 100 metres apart without the need for those devices to be in line of sight, as they would have to be with infra-red.

Boom Mic
Handsfree mobile phone kits have a small microphone attached to the headset called a Boom Mic.

Built-in Flash-Camera
A built-in flash enables you to use the camera in varying light conditions. Many flashes also reduce the “red eye” effect.

C

CD
Compact Disc

CDR
Recordable CD offers Digital quality in a format that’s probably already in your home CD. When recording onto Recordable CDs there is no loss of sound as it exactly reproduces the sound and as with normal CDs there is no deterioration in sound quality over time.
Recordable Compact Disc also allows up 650Mb of data to be stored very cheaply on a Compact Disc.

Data is written to the CDR using a special CD writer, but once written, is permanently burned into the CD. If you need to be able to record, erase and re-record data, please see CDRW.

CDRW
Recordable and Re-writeable Compact Disc – this allows up to 650Mb of data to be stored very cheaply on a Compact Disc using a special CD writer. Unlike CDR, data can be written to the CDRW more than once.

Camcorder
A portable video recorder – can be digital (uses memory cards) or analogue (uses conventional video tape) – usually in smaller cartridge.

Card Readers - Cameras
Plug into your PC and insert memory card for quick and easy download of images from memory card to PC.

Cinema Quality Sound – DVDs
DVDs can give earth shaking digital surround sound playback that’s unbelievable. Digital sound can be separated into discrete channels, making full cinema surround sound, with stereo sound from your rear speakers, possible in your living room.

Complete with Subwoofer
A speaker that is designed solely to give you deep and powerful bass.

Creative control – Camera
More advanced photographers can set the focusing and exposure manually to control depth, motion or sharpness of the subject.

Crystal Clear Picture – DVDs
DVDs have 540 lines of resolution, which makes a crisper, sharper image than VHS, which rely on around 240

D

DVB- Digital Video Broadcasting
This is the transmission standard for digital television, a DVB digital tuner delivers a crystal clear picture, superb audio performance and interactive services in addition to the extra channels available. In a few years current analogue transmissions will cease and a digital tuner will be required. DVB, future proof TV.

DVD
Digital Versatile Disc. The most widely known DVD format is currently DVD-Video, the digital version of VHS, and designed for storing full-length movies on a single disc similar in size to a CD.

DVDs have 540 lines of resolution, which makes a crisper, sharper image than VHS, which rely on around 240

DVD playback
Connect the HiFi to a TV and start watching your collection of DVD movies.

Data card
Some digital mobile phones can be connected to a notebook computer to send and receive data and fax messages over a mobile phone network. Not all phones can do this. Even those that can normally require a data card to connect them to a computer. A few of the latest phones have the necessary electronics built in and require a cheap cable for the link.

Databack – Cameras
The databack facility records and prints the time and date of the photograph, which means you’ll never forget when the picture was taken.

Digital TV
Digital TV offers digital quality and sound:

• More channels to enjoy – and the numbers growing all the time.
• Interactive services – e-mail while you watch your favourite programmes and there are interactive games.
• No installation – subscribe today and you could be watching digital TV tonight – and its all through your existing aerial.

Digital Zoom
Enlargement of a selected area of the image using digital technology.

Digital camera card readers
Bypass using a computer to print! Simply insert your digital camera’s memory card into the slot and print.

Dolby Digital
Dolby digital brings cinema sound to your home. Sound is dived into 5 channels, 3 at the front (including one centre channel) and 2 at the rear to completely surround you with sound. You also get a sub-woofer to fill the room with bass.

Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Pro logic takes Nicam Stereo Sound and adds 3 extra speakers to create a true Cinema at Home system. Virtual surround sound creates a surround effect using your TV’s stereo speakers.
Dolby Pro Logic Surround
Dolby Pro Logic Surround sound uses 5 speakers to recreate the sound used in the cinema. 2 speakers for the front left and right sound, 2 speakers for the rear left and right sound and fifth central speaker for any dialogue.

Dual Recording Mode
Take a still image while shooting continuous motion video.

E

Exposures
The number of pictures on a film (usually 24 or 36)

F

Fastext
Use the coloured buttons on your remote control for easy instant access to Teletext pages

Fill-in-Flash – Cameras
This feature adds light when the background light is not strong enough and the subject is too dark, but it is less harsh than a full flash which can lead to photographs looking washed out and to excessive red-eye.

Film format
This identifies the type of film - different cameras require different formats. Examples include 35mm, 110mm or APS (for Advanced Photo System cameras).

Fixed Focus/Autofocus – Cameras
Basic camera models are fixed focus which is fine for general shots but compact cameras with autofocus produce sharper images automatically, as they measure the distance between the camera and the subject.

Flatscreen
Flatscreen improves picure definition and minimises screen reflection. From wherever you sit in the room the picture will not be distorted unlike ordinary screens.

Four Heads - Video Recorders
A four head video gives perfect freeze frame and long play playback. All Nicam stereo videos have at least 4 heads.

Frequency Range (Speakers)
For speakers the 'frequency range' is the audible range of the speakers(ie the range from the lowest note to the highest note which the speakers can reproduce) measured in Hertz (Hz).

G

GPRS (general packet radio service)
GPRS is a packet-based data transfer technology that provides increased capacity and higher data rates for quick access to the mobile internet. The so-called 2.5g technology promises data rates up to 114,000 bps.

Gb (Gigabyte)
A measure of computer data storage capacity and is approximately 1000Mb or 1 billion bytes. A conventional floppy disc has a storage capacity of 1.44Mb, a powerful PC hard drive may have a capacity of 250Gb or more.

H

HDTV
Conventional TVs use 625 lines but HDTV will use 720 or 1080 lines to create the picture. This increase in lines will result in vastly improved picture quality,clarity and colour definition.

Handsfree
Usually related to an accessory for a mobile phone, which enables you to use an earpiece to connect to and use your phone.
Hard Disk Drive
Essentially, this is your computer's memory. The hard disk usually contains the computer's system software and applications.

Headphone Socket
Allows you to connect a headphone set so you can watch TV without disturbing others.

I

ISO Override - Digital Cameras
Manual override enabling you to take a varied style of images from fast action to low light.

Image Stabiliser - Camcorders
Reduces camcorder shake and is especially useful when using the zoom.

Index Print APS Cameras
This feature allows you to view your developed film at a glance. Each image is printed on a quick-reference sheet to make ordering re-prints and enlargements easy!

Interpolation - Cameras
In-built software used to enhance image output quality.

J

Joysticks - games
Programmable buttons, hat switches, throttle control and force feedback technology make games feel real. Ideal for flight simulation games.

K

Keyboard Tutor
Some keyboards include a tutorial programme that teaches you how to play.

L

LCD
Large interface screen gives feedback on the wash or drying programme, what stage it is at, the time left to run, selected programme modifiers and the time delay countdown.

LCD Screen - Digital Cameras
The cameras Liquid Crystal Display screen can be used as a viewfinder as well as to immediately review your images.

LED
Displays ‘Time to End’ and time delay countdown.

LED Auto Programmer / Clock
A 24 hour clock that allows start and end cook times to be set.

Lens Quality SLR
These camera lenses are of a very high quality which produce a professional result. Plus, because lenses are interchangeable, you can switch between different focal lengths to create a range of effects – a telephoto lens magnifies a distant subject, and a wide angled lens allows you to get more into the photograph.

Lux Low Light - Camcorders
A low lux rating means your camcorder can be used in dark conditions.

M

MP3
MP3 is the latest thing in the world of digital music technology. Simply put, MP3 is a file format that allows sounds to be compressed and stored digitally. Because of this, music can be downloaded from the internet onto a PC much more quickly than would otherwise be the case. The compression process works mainly by removing noise that is outside the range of human hearing so loss of quality is minimised.

MP3-CD/ WMA-CD
Playback music from a CD with MP3/ WMA music format

MPEG
Stands for 'Moving Picture Experts Group'. MPEG is a computer file format (usually digital video and audio files) which reduces the space needed to store the information.

MPEG4
MPEG-4 is a more efficient means of compressing the data that is sent to a TV than MPEG-2. Sometimes MPEG-4 is referred to as H.264. Sky's HD box uses MPEG-4

Mb (megabyte)
A megabyte (Mb) is a measure of computer data storage capacity and is approximately a million bytes. Conventional floppy discs have a capacity of 1.44 Mb.

Micro Hi-Fi Systems
Micro Systems are defined by their amazingly compact size, so are ideal for places where space is at a premium, like most kitchens and bedrooms. The best micros give a large and punchy sound and can come very well equipped with features such as remote control, a graphic equaliser, a single CD player, and of course, a pair of speakers. They often come as one single unit and are quick and simple to set up and use making it great for every member of the family. Many come with a built in timer and clock, so are ideal for the bedroom, replacing the need for a radio alarm clock.

Mid-Roll Change - APS Cameras
Many APS cameras have the facility to remove a partly used film and then replace later without wasting any frames of film. This feature is useful if you want to change the speed of your film to suit different conditions.

Modem
Modem stands for Modulator-Demodulator. It is a device for transforming a digital signal from your PC into an analogue signal which can travel down a normal telephone line. A modem at the other end reconverts this signal back to digital. Having a modem in your laptop computer allows you take advantage of email and the Internet via a compatible mobile phone or telephone line. Most laptops are internet ready with built-in modems.

Motion Picture Recording
Allows you to record a clip of moving image directly onto the memory card to review, download to PC or e-mail.

Multi Camera Angle Facility
This means you can choose to view the action on-screen from a choice of camera angles, rather than the fixed cinema version. This facility is not available from all DVDs.

Multi-format playback
Playback music in CD-R/ CD-RW format that you’ve burnt on your PC

N

Nicam Stereo
Nicam is the transmission system for the reception of Hi-Fi sound on your TV or Video.

O

Objective lens: - Binoculars
The larger the size of the objective lens, the more light is allowed into the binoculars resulting in a brighter, sharper image.

Optical Zoom
Image magnification without the loss of optical quality.

P

PCI Card
An adaptor card that allows your computer to connect to a network

Parental Lock (DVD)
Allows discretionary 'locking' of software using a code so that undesirable or inappropriate sections are automatically skipped (software dependent).

Personal CD Players
Personal CD players allow you to listen to digital quality music wherever you are. Look out for the latest anti-shock technology which lets you listen on the move without the music missing a beat. Plus listen to your favourite music while travelling in your car with 'in-car kits' .

Picture Effects - Digital Cameras
Add your own effects to your images such as Black and White, Sepia and Borders.
Picture Quality
Most convential TV's are 50hz. A 100hz TV scans the picture twice as fast, making the picture more steady, clearer and sharper making watching TV much more easier on the eye.

Picture and Text
View one channel on the left hand side while checking the Teletext of that channel on the right.

Picture in Picture
Allows you to display another channel as a small picture in the corner of your screen while viewing the channel of your choice.

Pixel Resolution - Digital Cameras
Image quality is determined by the pixel resolution. The higher the pixel resolution (shown in millions), the better the quality of the image.

Plug & Play
Plug & Play will detect and automatically update your system files when adding new hardware to your PC.

Print Resolution
This is measured in DPI. The higher the DPI, the better the quality of your photo.

Processors
This is really the 'brain' of a PC and is a key factor in deciding which PC is right for you. In general terms, the faster the processor, the faster the PC will work which is especially important for surfing the Internet or for games. The speed of a processor is measured in GigaHertz (GHz).

Programmed AE Modes - Camcorders
Set modes for different situations (eg sport), your camcorder will then focus automatically for best results.

R

Region Code - DVD
Playback management system making discs specific to a particular region. The UK is within region code 2, so only region 2 or region-free discs will play on UK DVD players.

Remote Control
Operate your TV from the comfort of you sofa. Remote controls are also available on some PCs.

Removable Memory - Digital Cameras
Record and store digital still images on a removable memory card, then download to a PC via card reader or cable.

Router
This takes the wireless signal from your computer and sends it to other devices or the Internet

S

SCART Socket
A Scart connector is a 21 pin electrical lead that connects one audio-visual product with another (e.g. a television and a video recorder). Essential when linking stereo video and stereo TV.

SD RAM/RAM
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory increases the number of instructions a computer can perform at any one time. For example, the more ram you have, the more applications can be run at the same time.

SLR
Single Lens Reflex Cameras use a single lens for both viewfinding and image capture. A prism diverts the image coming through the lens from the viewfinder to the film at the instant the shutter is depressed. SLRs give ultimate picture quality, with total creative control.

Self-Timer - Cameras
Why shouldn't you be in the photograph? With a self-timer you can be, so you don't miss out!

Sleep Timer
Set the TV to switch itself off.

Steering Wheels - games
Programmable buttons, gear paddles and non-slip pedals provide control, while force feedback technology lets you feel every bump and slide.

Super VHS (SVHS)
SVHS records more lines of infomation (400 against 240 for VHS) to create a superior picture than VHS is able to. A higher quality tape is needed for SVHS. You can play VHS tapes on SVHS players, but not SVHS on VHS players.

Surround sound
Get surround sound from this HiFi for a full on cinema experience

T

Three - Way speakers
Three speaker drivers for bass, mid range & treble working in harmony for top sound

Time Delay
Allows you to delay the start of the wash or dry programme for up to 24 hours.

Time Saver
Saves up to 1/3 of the wash time on selected programmes.

Time to End
A countdown of time remaining in the programme.

Twin Tuners - Video Recorders
Twin tuners allow you to watch one channel and record another - eg you can now watch football on BBC, while you record Coronation Street on ITV.

Two - Way speakers
Two speakers drivers one for bass and another for treble give you better sound quality

U

USB (Universal Serial Bus)
USB is a form of HOT PLUG AND PLAY, the system allows you to add or remove peripherals via the USB socket/s, without the need to turn off or restart your PC.

USB - Digital Cameras
Ultra fast, plug and play download of your images from camera to PC.

V

Videoplus
Recording system which greatly simplifies the process of programming a video recorder to record a particular TV show, by entering codes found in most TV guides instead of entering start time,start date,end time and end date.

Virtual surround sound
By boucing sound off the walls you get the cinema surround sound experience

W

Wattage / Watts
Wattage / Watts refers to an amount of electrical power. The higher the wattage, the more power a product consumes.

Widescreen TV
Widescreen TVs are the ideal choice for the digital revolution. With screens of similar shape to a cinema screen, you’ll watch films just as the director intended. The widescreen format is being increasingly adopted by TV programme makers too, and with many digital broadcasts showing in widescreen, these TVs are the format for the future.

Wireless Connectivity
Connecting to your home network without the need for wires! A home network consists of a group of linked computers, printers, and scanners etc.

Z

Zoom Lens - Cameras
A zoom lens lets you get close in on the action without moving at all. The longer the zoom, e.g. 38-140mm, the closer you get.

Zoom Microphone - Camcorders
Picks up sound from a subject you are zooming in on.

x CD changer
Play up to x CDs non-stop for hours of continuous music. Ideal for parties.