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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Access
Authorisation to use the coding system to purchase /
order TV programmes.
AGC
Automatic Gain Control.
CA
Conditional Access. A system to control subscriber ac-
cess to services, programmes and events.
DVB
The Digital Video Broadcast group was created to estab-
lish a technical framework for the introduction of digital
video broadcasting systems.
EPG
Electronic Programme Guide. A software that enables
viewers to navigate among the large number of channels
provided by digital technology, in order to select the serv-
ice they desire.
FEC
Forward Error Correction. Correction of faulty bits in the
received signal.
GHz
The prefix giga means billion, and Hertz means cycles per
second.
LNB (low-noise block converter)
An electronic unit mounted on the satellite dish. It re-
ceives the signals reflected by the dish and converts
them to signals that can be used by the Mediamaster.
L.O.
Local oscillator part of the LNB. It converts from the sat-
ellite frequency down to a frequency acceptable for the
Mediamaster.
MHz
The prefix mega means million, and Hertz means cycles
per second.
MPEG
Moving Picture Experts Group. Body established by the
International Standards Organisation to provide the ba-
sis for a picture coding and compression system.
Network
A number of digital channels transmitted from one
source. Grouped under separate headings in the channel
list.
Parental control
A feature that allows parents to "lock" programmes that
they consider unsuitable for children. A "locked" chan-
nel or programme can only be "unlocked" with the spe-
cial parental access code.
GB 34
Parental Access code
A four-digit code stored in the Mediamaster. Used to
lock the Mediamaster.
PCR
Program Clock Reference.
PIN code
Personal Identification Number. A four-digit code stored
in the Smartcard. For PPV (Pay Per View) or other serv-
ices together with the subscription.
Polarization
Polarization allows several programmes to be fit into the
same frequency band. The signals from a satellite are
transmitted either with linear (vertical or horizontal) po-
larization or circular (right or left) polarization.
RF
Radio frequency.
SERIAL RS 232
A serial communication standard data port.
SCART
A 21-pin connector used for connection of the
Mediamaster,VCR and TV. Also named Euroconnector
or Peritel connector.
Scrambled satellite TV programme
Some satellite TV programmes are transmitted in scram-
bled form. A Smartcard, and possibly a CA module, will
be needed to view such programmes.
Service provider
A company, e.g. Viasat, that collects a number of pro-
grammes/services and distributes them to customers.
SNR
Signal to Noice Ratio. Signal quality measure.
S/PDIF
Sony/Philips digital interface format. Digital audio output.
Symbol rate
The speed of the digital transmission
SW
Software. Programme code.
TS
Transport stream.
VCR
Video Cassette Recorder.
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