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Output Device
PAL (Phase Alternating
Line)
Passthrough
Personal Video Recorder
(PVR)
Pre-amplifier
Pre-amp Sound
Processing
Receiver
RF (Radio Frequency)
SACD (Super Audio CD)
Satellite Radio
SDTV Standard
Definition Television
A device that produces the sound or picture, for example, a TV
or speakers.
A video format that is used in the UK, and parts of Europe and
Asia.
A device that routes video or audio from one device to another
device.
Contains an internal recorder and player that records and plays
video without the use of a removable tape or disc. Typically PVRs
can pause, rewind, instantly replay, and play slow-motion for
live or recorded TV. Examples of PVR service providers are TiVo,
ReplayTV, UltimateTV, and Keen PM. Many satellite providers also
provide PVR services and have PVRs included in some of their
satellite receivers.
A control and switching component that may include
equalization functions.
Takes a small signal and amplifies it sufficiently to be fed into
the power amplifier for further amplification. A pre-amp includes
all of the controls for regulating tone, volume, and channel
balance. This task is known as sound processing.
Also referred to as a tuner or a stereo receiver. A receiver can be
any component that receives or tunes broadcast signals, or AM/
FM radio. Typically refers to the single component that includes
a preamplifier, surround processor, multi-channel amplifier, and
AM/FM tuner.
Used by some remote controls, to control devices because it
doesn’t have the same line-of-sight restrictions as IR (infrared)
signals.
A read-only optical audio disc aimed at providing much higher
quality of digital audio reproduction than the compact disc.
A service in the United States that provides digital programming
directly from satellites. Currently the 2 main providers for service
are XM and Sirrus.
One mode of operation of digital television where the
broadcaster transmits pictures with detail similar to, or slightly
better than, today’s analog television. Since the picture contains
less information, there is “room” in the digital signal multicast
broadcasting.
