At EmpireDirect.co.uk , our aim is to provide you with as much information as possible so that your shopping experience is enjoyable and stress-free. Our Jargon Buster Guide is here to help you clarify any doubts you may have about technical details. Use these links to guide you:

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1

100hz
A 100Hz television scans the picture across the screen twice as fast as a conventional 50Hz set, producing a clearer picture with less flicker. This helps reduce the strain on the veiwer`s eyes which can be caused by watching a conventional 50Hz set for extended periods.
1080i
The 1080 refers to the number of vertical lines that make up the image (standard definition has 480). The 'I' means interlaced, I.e. the image is displayed over two screen updates
1080p
The 1080 refers to the number of vertical lines that make up the image (standard definition has 480). The 'p' means progressive scan, I.e. the whole of the image is displayed in one screen update
16:9
Provides a picture close to that of which you would see in the cinema. The Widescreen shape (16:9) allows a greater picture size to that of traditional (4:3) television when displaying modern films or DVD`s. Many digital channels now broadcast programmes in widescreen format.

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2

24Hz
A film's native frame rate is 24 frames per second and so any TV with this capability will reproduce a smoother, cinema style image
24p
A film's native frame rate is 24 frames per second and so any TV with this capability will reproduce a smoother, cinema style image

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4

4 Head
Provides increased picture quality to that of standard 2 head models, particularly during longplay playback.
4:3
Traditional television picture format found predominately on smaller compact televisions. Larger Televisions are now adopting the Widescreen picture format (16:9).

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6

6.1 Channel Input
Applies to amplifiers, receivers, Hifi`s and Surround Sound processors
Allows the connection of a Dolby Digital/DTS source such as a suitably equipped DVD player which handles the processing of the Dolby Digital / DTS signal itself.

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7

720p
The 720 refers to the number of vertical lines that make up the image (standard definition has 480). The 'p' means progressive scan, I.e. the whole of the image is displayed in one screen update

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A

A/D converter
Converts an analogue signal into a digital signal.
AAC
Advanced Audio Coding. An alternative technology to MP3.
AAD
Music recorded and mastered in analogue form (A), then converted digitally (D)
AC-3
The former name of Dolby Digital.
ADD
Music recorded in analogue form (A), then mastered and converted digitally (D)
AGARAS
Anti-Glare Anti-Reflection Anti-Static. A coating which actively suppresses reflected light
AIFF
An audio format developed by Apple Computers for storing high-quality sampled sound
AMDC
Advanced Monitor Deflection Control. Circuit that allows fast, stable switching between the various resoltions and timing modes of a monitor without disturbing transient distortion effects.
Anamorphic
A method of enhancing DVD discs to minimise the letterbox effect.
ANSI Lumen
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Lumens - Standard for measuring light output or brightness
APS
APS is a recent development and offers more variety in the type of shots you can take. APS cameras are usually smaller than their 35mm counterparts and are much easier to load film into.
ATRAC
Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding. A compression system designed to enable storage of large amounts of audio information with marginal loss of quality.
ATRAC3
A audio format devised by Sony and used on many of their portable players
Audio Dub
Facility found on some camcorders and video recorders that enables the user to record a different soundtrack to the one made on the original recording.
Auto creasecare
Ironing becomes that much easier with Auto Creasecare. It prevents excess creasing on any wash programme by gradually reducing the water temperature towards the end of the cycle
Auto Half Load
Auto Half Load automatically adjusts the water levels for any size of load to help save you time and money when washing smaller loads
Auto Set-up
Automatically tunes in all channels in the correct order on TVs and video recorders (BBC1 on Channel 1 etc) and on a VCR suggests solutions to common problems, such as "check aerial connected"
Auto Tuning
Automatically tunes in the channels that the aerial can receive. An advanced auto tuning system will sort the channels into a sensible order (i.e. BBC1 on channel 1, BBC2 on channel 2 etc.). When applied to HIFI`s an Auto Tuning system does the same for radio stations.
Automatic Focus
Applies to Camcorders and cameras. Simply means that the lens is focussed automatically on the subject. More advanced select several different areas of the picture to set the focus.
AVL
Automatic Volume Leveller. Minimises sudden changes in TV volume when commercials are transmitted

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B

Backlight Control
An exposure compensation used when a subject is lit from behind.
BBE
All music that is played back through a dynamic loudspeaker suffers some loss of fidelity or subtle distortions caused by the inherent characteristics of the loudspeaker itself. The BBE system - which originates in the professional recording industry - addresses these problems by compensating for phase and amplitude distortions. In effect it delivers the signal to the speaker in a form which reproduces the original (live) performance more fully and faithfully.
BD-Live
BD-Live allows the user to download content from the internet during playback of a disc, such as movie trailers
BD-R
Blu-Ray Recordable disc format that allows you to write your own data to the disc only once
BD-RE
Blu-Ray Re-writeable disc format that allows you to write your own data to the disc, erase and re-write again at a later time
BD-ROM
Blu-Ray Read Only Memory (I.e. you can't record your own data to the disc) optical disc format
Bitstream
A Process of converting digital data into analogue signals.
Blu-Ray
Blu-ray supercedes DVD as the latest High Definition format for storing large amounts of digital information (picture and sound)
Bluetooth
Technology that allows bluetooth enabled devices to communicate wirelessly.

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C

CCD
Charged Coupling Device. The digital camera equivalent of film, converts light into electrical current.
CD-R
CD-Recordable disc that can written on once only, but when finalised can be played on most CD players.
CD-RW
Re-writeable CD disc that can be written on over and over, can only be played back on some standard CD players.
CDR/RW Playback
A CD or DVD Player that can play back audio compact discs recorded on a CDR or CDRW recorder.
Character Generator
A function found on camcorders that enables the user to create titles and effects.
Circotherm
(NEFF Products) Ducted forced air system achieves lower cooking temperatures 50-190 C
CLI
Stands for Caller Line Identification - unless the caller has hidden their identity, a phone with this function will display the number calling you
Climate Class
(AEG Refridgeration) Range of ambient temperatures in which the appliances are intended to be used, and for which the required storage temperatures shall be fulfilled. SN 10 - 32ºC N 16 - 32ºC ST 18 - 38ºC
Co-Axial Cable
Used to send digital sound from a DVD player to an AV amplifier, or connect a CD player to the amplifier.
Coaxial
A digital audio cable / input / output capable of transmitting / receiving high quality audio
Colour Detail Enhancer
Corrects any colour detail lost in the transmission path
Common Interface
Allows connection of additional equipment for ugrades and servicing
CompactFlash
One of the several card storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save pictures from the camera`s memory to a portable storage device.
Component Video
Used to send very high quality signals from a DVD player to a Television. Higher quality than SCART but carries video signal only, a separate cable must be used to carry sound.
Composite Video
Standard video signal used to send pictures down a cable e.g. from a TV to a VCR or camcorder to a TV.
Compression
CD music is recorded in PCM which is non compressed and therefore requires more storage space. Compression formats such as MP3, ATRAC, AAC and WMA are used to reduce file size and increase the amount of music that can be stored.
Condenser
A condenser dryer requires no venting and instead cools the hot air back in to liquid form through the use of cool air and collects the water in a tray
CredaClean Liners
Oven liners effectively clean themselves during the cooking process, virtually eliminating oven cleaning.
CRT
Acronym for a Cathode Ray Tube, the heart of a TV, consisting of a phosphor panel and electron gun
Cylinder
Cylinder cleaners consist of a compact unit on wheels with a suction hose attached.

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D

D/A Converter
Converts a Digital signal into an analogue signal.
DAB
Digital Audio Broadcasting. Can offer better and distortion free sound, most BBC stations and many independent stations now broadcast using this method as well as traditional radio.
Dab
DAC
Digital Analogue Converter. Converts the digital information on a compact disc to analogue format for playing through an amplifier.
Data
Generic term for any information used by a computer.
DBB
Dynamic Bass Boost. A system for bass enhancement in portable audio players
DDD
Music recorded, mastered and stored in digital form (D)
DECT
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone. Cordless telephone that provides near crystal clear audio quality sound.
Default
Used to return a product to manufacturer standard settings where these have been changed by the user.
Desktop PC
Standard non-portable PC, normally includes hard drive tower and additional monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Digital Coax
A digital audio cable / input / output capable of transmitting / receiving high quality audio
Digital Comb Filter
Clear separation of the combined colour and black and white signals, preventing smudging, vibrating edges and ensuring precise details
Digital Ready
Compatible with the switch over from analogue to Digital.
Digital Surround Processing
DSP: TV sound system which artificially creates surround sound effects on normal stereo or mono programmes or videos
Digital Zoom
Camera feature that involves enlarging the main part of an image to produce an image similar to that of a telephoto lens but with some loss in resolution.
DivX
A highly compressed video and audio format that uses approximately 15% of the space of a DVD Video whilst retaining a good level of quality
DNR
Digital Noise Reduction. A feature built into many TVs and other visual equipment designed to reduce picture grain.
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital is most commonly a six channel (although more channels are now possible) home cinema system. It consists of a front channel for on-screen dialogue, Left & right front stereo channels, Left & right rear surround effect channels and a subwoofer channel for dedicated Bass effects. It is the ultimate home cinema system which gives the best quality cinema experience from DVD`s.
Dolby HX Pro
Dolby HX Pro makes it possible to record loud musical passages with fewer high-frequency losses and less distortion.
Dolby Pro Logic II
An enhanced version of Dolby Pro Logic, uses sophisticated processing to produce a sound more like Dolby Digital.
Dolby Pro-Logic
Home Cinema surround sound format that consists of a front or centre channel for on-screen dialogue, front left and right channels and a rear surround channel to carry the rear surround effects.
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby TrueHD is a high definition audio format of Dolby Digital that is not compressed (and so no quality is lost). Found on some Blu-Ray discs
Download
The transferring of a file from a server onto a computer. Also refers to the transfer of data such as music and video files from a computer to a portable device.
DPI
Dots per inch. Relates to the resolution of a printer or video monitor, the higher the level the greater the image quality.
DSLR
Stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex - a high-end camera suitable for the enthusiastic amateur or professional where lenses are interchangeable and the camera gives the user lots of manual control
DTS
Digital Theatre System. An alternative to Dolby Digital, DTS encodes six-channel digital surround sound and is used in some cinemas and on some DVDs.
DTS-HD
DTS-HD is a high definition audio format that is not compressed (and so no quality is lost). Found on some Blu-Ray discs
DTT
Digital Terrestrial Television. The name given to digital broadcasts received through a standard TV aerial.
Dual Grill (Microwaves)
Microwave ovens – powerful grilling both from the top and bottom of the microwave.
DV
Digital Video. Recording format adopted on most camcorders, provides better images and sound quaility than traditional analogue formats such as 8mm and VHS-C.
DV-Out
Enables the camcorder to download still images to a home computer. Moving images can be downloaded with the appropriate software and hardware.
DVB
Digital Video Broadcasting. Used to indicate a signal that is received via a standard TV aerial in digital form as opposed to the traditional analogue broadcast format.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc
A digital video format that provides superior picture and sound quality to that of Video Cassette.
DVD-Audio
Audio Format which provides multi channel surround and high quality stereo sound.
DVD-R/DVD+R
Recordable DVD discs that can only be written to once. Some DVD recorders are compatible with DVD-R discs, some are compatible with DVD+R discs.
DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW
Different types of DVD disc that can be rewritten more than once. Check DVD recorder compatibility before purchase.
DVI
Digital Video Interface. A video connection that provides digital images between components.
Dynamic Quadra Focus
Technology on projection TVs which ensures clarity to the very edges of the screen
Dynamic Range
The distance between the quietest and loudest audible sounds.

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E

E.A.S.S
Electronic Anti-Shock System is designed to prevent skipping, by expanding the memory capacity.
Eco Mode
Turns off clock display when video recorder is on standby mode to reduce power comsumption
EMS
Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) is an adaptation of the Short Message Service (SMS) that allows users to send and receive ring tones and operator logos
Energy Rating
The energy rating offers consumers a standardised method of choosing the most efficient appliances which also give good performance.

The scale is from A - G. (A) represents a very high efficiency and (G) represents a less efficient performance.

Enhanced Intelligent Care
(Hotpoint Washers) As well as making constant checks on the machine`s performance it prevents you from selecting too high a temperature or too high a spin for the programme you have selected.
EPG
Electronic Programme Guide- On-screen programme guide offering programme listing and information source. Also provides guide to interactive services

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F

Face Detection
Most cameras will focus on the closest object but those with face detection built in will scan for an image pattern that resembles the human face and focus on that
Fastext
A version of Teletext that uses coloured keys on the remote control as shortcuts to pages.
Firewire
Also known as firewire or i-link. This is a high speed data link for computers to communicate with devices such as Digital Video Cameras and MP3 players. It supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps.
Firmware
Operating system and software used on a portable device. Some MP3 players provide firmware which is upgradeable and reasonably future proof.
FLAC
An open source, free audio compression technique that does not degrade the quality of the sound
Flash Memory
A memory device that allows data to be added or erased unlimited amounts of time and retains the stored data even after power is cut to the device
Freesat
A digital satellite and subscription free service jointly developed by the BBC and ITV capable of receiving HD signals. Requires a capable receiver
Freeview
Digital TV with a huge range of Free-to-View channels. Available as a seperate unit or built-in to TVs and DVD Recorders
Frequency Response
Speakers & Headphones : -
The wider the range of the frequency response the better the range of sound from low bass (20Hz) upwards to High treble (20KHz). The human ear can generally perceive between the range of 20Hz-15KHz.
Frost Free
Non frost-free refridgeration usually requires manually defrosting after a certain amount of time. A Frost-Free product does not involve this often inconvenient task.
FSD
Stands for Flame Supervision Device - a safety feature that cuts off the supply of gas if the flame should go out for any reason
FTS
Favourite Track Selection. Allows you to programme a series of random tracks from a number of CDs into the permanent memory of a CD or CD-i player
Full HD
Full HD simply means that the equipment is capable of displaying 1080p High Definition content, currently the highest standard in the UK
Fuzzy logic
Fuzzy Logic is an adaptive system that optimises the user`s requirements by means of Artifical Intelligence/Expert System technologies.

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G

GAP
Stands for Generic Access Profile and telephones with this feature allows the user to add additional telephones to their base station
GB
A gigabyte is equal to 1000 megabytes.
GIF
A graphics format, with built-in compression, for displaying pictures on a computer screen
GPRS
With General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) you can enjoy a continuous wireless connection to data networks and access your favorite information and entertainment services. GPRS technology allows mobile phones to be used for sending and receiving data over an Internet Protocol (IP)-based network
Graphic Equaliser
An electronic device for adjusting the frequency response of an audio system, selectively altering the level of sound allowed in discreet frequency bands from bass to treble. Often accompanied by a dynamic LED display.
GSM
GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) is a digital mobile telephone system that is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world

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H

H.264
A compression technique offering superior image and video detail over older methods, so much so it's used to transmit High Definition content for many broadcasters
Hard Disk
A device used to permenantly store data whilst allowing the user to read, write and delete information. Generally high capacity devices allowing plenty of storage
HD Ready
a HD Ready television complies with the minimum standards set for equipment capable of receiving High Definition UK broadcasts
HDCD
High Definition Compatible Digital. A compact disc coding system that provides better quality of sound.
HDD
Stands for Hard Disk Drive - A device used to permenantly store data whilst allowing the user to read, write and delete information. Generally high capacity devices allowing plenty of storage
HDMI
High Definition Multimedia Interface. Allows full quality digital audio and video to be shared between equipment.
HDMI v1.3
The latest revision of the HDMI data transmission technology that doubles the capacity of data that can be transferred per second and allows for DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD
HDTV
High Definition Television. Holds more than double the number of lines on a standard TV signal.
HDTV
High Definition Television. Holds more than double the number of lines on a standard TV signal.
HEPA
Stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air - a type of air filter that removes 99.97% of all airborne pollutants of 0.3 microns or larger. Helps those whom suffer from related allergies
Hi-8
The high quality version of 8mm.
HSCSD
High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) is an enhancement of data services (Circuit Switched Data - CSD) of all current GSM networks. It allows you to access nonvoice services at 3 times faster, which means subscribers are able to send and receive data from their portable computers at a speed of up to 28.8 kbps

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I

I.Link
IEEE 1394 is a high-speed external port that is used to connect computer peripherals such as a digital camera to the laptop. This allows budding cinematographers to quickly and easily transfer their footage from their digital video camera to the laptop for editing. IEEE 1394 is also know as Firewire, iLink or simply 1394.
ID3
A tagging system that allows you to put music information such as artist, song title, album title and lyrics within your audio files
IDTV
Television has a built-in Digital decoder allowing the Television set to receive terrestrial digital channels without a set-top box. Free Channels include BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 , Channel 5. Picture and sound quality tends to be superior to that of Analogue due to a more robust signal.
IEEE1394
Also known as firewire or i-link. This is a high speed data link for computers to communicate with devices such as Digital Video Cameras. It supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps.
Image Stabiliser
Camcorder function that reduces picture shaking when filming. Optical stabilisers provide the highest level of picture quality, digital stabiliser use circuitry to reduce picture shake at the expense of some picture resolution.
Infobubble display
(Hotpoint products) Multi coloured Infobubble display offers visual program progress and fault diagnosis, so it`s easy to see what`s happening at any stage of the wash.
Intelligent Digital Servo
Intelligent Digital servo system reduces errors caused by dust etc. This system uses a microcomputer to monitor the signal, adjusting pickup tracking and focus, as well as spindle motor speed, to compensate for any problems.
Internal Storage
Used to indicate if a digital device has any internal memory that does not involve the use of removeable media such as a memory card.
Invar Mask
Displays purer whites on the TV screen
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network, a way of shifting digital information over existing telephone networks.
ISO
A measurement of a digital camera's imaging sensor's sensitivity. The higher the ISO capabilities the better the camera will be at taking photographs in low-light scenarios and fast moving images
iTunes
Apple's online Muic Store and Music Player where users can download single tracks or full albums at a cost and completely legally

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J

Jog/Shuttle
Used on VCR`s and occasionally DVD`s. The jog dial gives frame-by-frame advance while the shuttle allows variable speed picture search in both Fast Forward and Rewind modes.
JPEG
A file format that stores digital images enabling large data files to be stored and save memory space.

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K

KB
A kilobyte is equal to 1000 bytes.
Kbps
Kilobits per second. Used as a measure of data transmission rates.
Keystone
Correction for vertical or horizontal offset between a projector and the screen.

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L

LAN
Local Area Network. A way of connecting several computers enabling them to share data.
LANC edit
System for editing from camcorders. Uses a 2.5mm jack plug connection between camcorder and VCR
Laptop
A small portable PC that has a keyboard and screen all built into one unit, also known as a notebook PC.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. Flat display technology which is more energy efficient than a standard CRT. LCD products are increasing in demand due to their light weight and positioning flexibility in comparison to traditional CRT sets.
LED
Stands for Light Emitting Diode. Used in many electronic devices to communicate messages to the end user
LFE
Low Frequency Effects. Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks feature a dedicated bass channel (.1) specifically to cater for and process low frequency sounds and add emphasis and depth to soundtracks.
Long play
Using compression the video player is able to extend the length of the recording/ playing time beyond that of standard recording/ playing time of the tape cassette.
Lossy
Compression formats such as MP3 are classed as lossy. This means the compression system removes certain frequencies from the original signal which can lead to an audible loss of sound quality.
LPG
Stands for Liquid Petroleum Gas - a type of fuel consisting primarily of propane, propylene, butane and butylene in various mixtures. Stored as a liquid by increasing pressure
Lumens
A measurement of light output over a surface of one square foot

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M

Manual Focus
This is often provided on cameras and camcorders to allow the user to overide the camera`s auto focus system.
MB
A megabyte is equal to 1000 kilobytes.
MDLP
Mini Disc Long Play - similar to long play on video recorders this allows double the recording/playback time for Compatible minidisc players
Megapixel
One million pixels, used to measure camera resolution, the greater the figure the better the image resolution.
Megatext
Near instant access to up to 500 pages of text stored in the TVs memory
Memory Stick
Sony`s storage systems that uses a plug-in cartridge in order to save data to a portable storage device.
Minidisc
Optical Disc format for recording music.
MMS
MMS (Multi-media Messaging Services) allows mobile phone users to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message
Modem
Modulator/demodulator. Electronic device for sending digital information over audio or telecommunications networks, such as conection to the internet
MOSFET
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect-Transistor.
MP3
Shorthand for MPEG Audio Layer 3, a set of standards for storing and compressing digital audio files. Essentially MP3 takes a CD file, and compresses the sound to a much smaller file by removing the bits that the human ear cannot actually detect.
MPEG
Motion Picture Experts Group. A method of compressing moving pictures to make them smaller thus making them easier to transfer and store.
MPEG2
Motion Picture Experts Group.The compression standard for digital video.
MPEG2 5.1 Surround
Alternative digital audio system to Dolby Diital available on some DVD discs, delivering six independent channels of sound: stereo front left and right,centre dialogue and stereo rear channels, plus ddedicated super woofer
MPEG4
Stands for Moving Picture Experts Group version 4. A compression technique for making digital audio and video smaller in size
Multi Media Messaging
MMS (Multi-media Messaging Services) allows mobile phone users to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message

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N

NextView
NexTView is an extremely comprehensive Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which gives viewers a complete overview of available TV programmes in a simple, easy-to-follow way.
NICAM
NICAM is the acronym for Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex. This simply means that the sound that you hear is broadcast in digital stereo.
Notebook PC
A small portable PC that has a keyboard and screen all built into one uni