Jargon BusterAs television technology progresses, there is a seemingly endless list of new terminology and jargon used. This can be difficult to keep up with for the normal consumer. To assist in making your purchasing decision easier, we have put together a guide for commonly used terms. This should help you understand all that you need to know when choosing your new TV. Aspect Ratio This Refers to the ratio of the picture with common names such as widescreen or letter box. It is the ratio of the pictures width relative to the height. The aspect ration of a HDTV is 16:9 whereas a standard TV is 4:3
Bit Rate
Bit Rate is measured by bits per a second or bps. This measures the rate at which data is transmitted. So the higher you find the Bit Rate or bps the better the sound quality and image.
Component video
This is a connector made up of 3 RCA jacks, usually red green and blue. The 3 jacks carry component video signals that conveys the picture information
Contrast Ratio Contrast ratio is a comparison of a screens whitest white and blackest black. A higher contrast ratio indicates that on screen colours will be more vibrant, and that the screen has the capability of replicating the most true to life colours within the colour spectrum.
EPG
EPG stands for Electronic Programme Guide. This is an onscreen display of channels and programme data. Usually comes as a now and next function along with a 7 day guide just like a “what’s on” TV guide
Full HD (1080p)
“Full HD” or “1080p” refers to the amount of lines of pixels on a screen ie. 1080 lines. A standard definition TV has 576 lines, and a standard HD TV has 720 lines. Only 1080p TV’s are able to display the highest quality of video output, such as that produced from a blu-ray player. 1080p is a “progressive scan”, in which all of the pixels are displayed at any one time, providing a sharper, smoother picture.
HD (High Definition)
High definition TV’s are capable of displaying pictures to a much higher quality than standard televisions. However, to achieve this the input to the TV must also be high definition. For TV viewing, this can be achieved by using a subscription service such as Sky HD, or the non-subscription service Freesat.
HDMI
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. This is a digital connection for video and audio data. They can be found on all HD Ready TVs, digital camcorders and dvd recorders plus many more devices that support HD. This method of connection has largely replaced the old “scart” cables, and is the best way of connecting HD devices. With a HDMI cable you can be sure to get the high quality video signal from your device to your TV to ensure true HD picture quality.
LCD TV
LCD stands for liquid crystal display. It is formed by hundreds of thousands of small lcd pixels that sit behind the TV screen. These pixels are charged through a fluorescent white backlight that sits behind the pixels. The light charges the pixels by sending an electric current and determines what colour should be shown, and the millions of tiny light variations make up the image that you see on your TV.
LED TV
Led stands for “Light Emitting Diode”, and is the latest TV technology that is taking the world by storm. The greatest benefit is the picture quality which has much higher contrast and colour saturation levels than LCD TV’s. The other benefit is the slimness of the TV, often being little more than an inch deep.
Parental Lock
Allows parents to “lock out” certain content and so that children cannot view unsuitable channels. Usually it is accessed by use of a pin number system
Pixels
Pixels are small dots on the screen. It is the pixels that form the picture on your screen that you see. As a basic principle, the more pixels the screen has, the better the picture quality. High-Definition TV’s have up to four times as many pixels as a standard definition TV.
Plasma TV
Plasma screens are different to LCD technology. Plasma screens use xenon and neon gas which fills thousands of tiny chambers. Plasma screens are actually made up of 2 screens of glass and the xenon and neon gas is placed between both of the screens. Behind the tiny chambers that are filled by the gas there are a series of red, blue and green phosphors. When electricity hits the plasma chambers, they emit invisible UV light, which then hits one of the coloured phosphors. This creates a visible image on the screen.
Scart
Scart is a type of connection and cabling used to carry video and audio signals, and is usually found at the back of TV’s, DVD recorders, PVR’s, and Home Cinema Systems. It is outdated technology now, and HDMI connection should always be used for the best quality connection.
True Movie 24p
24p is a feature that allows films to be viewed at 24 frames per second, as opposed to 25 frames per second on a normal TV. This means that films are viewed as the director had originally intended.
Viewing Angle
LCD screens were originally used as computer monitors, and as such were designed for head on viewing. Viewed at an angle these early screens lost much of their contrast and brightness. In response to this manufacturers are continually increasing viewing angles for LCD TV where the quality is retained. Viewing angles as high as 176 degrees are now being achieved.
As television technology progresses, there is a seemingly endless list of new terminology and jargon used. This can be difficult to keep up with for the normal consumer. To assist in making your purchasing decision easier, we have put together a guide for commonly used terms. This should help you understand all that you need to know when choosing your new TV.
|
Safe Shopping  Cards Accepted      
Featured Sony CMT-MX550i Mini Hi-Fi with Integrated iPod dock £229.99 £139.99 Save: 39% off  Panasonic DMP-BD75 Blu-Ray Player + FREE HDMI Lead £189.99 £69.99 Save: 63% off |
Copyright © 2013 District Electricals. Powered by Zen Cart
MG Trading UK Limited (06819062).All rights reserved