Glossary - Panasonic SC-HT545W Operating Instructions Manual

Glossary

Decoder
A decoder restores the coded audio signals on DVDs to normal. This is
called decoding.
DivX
DivX is a popular media technology created by DivX, Inc. DivX media files
contain highly compressed video with high visual quality that maintains a
relatively small file size.
Dolby Digital
This is a method of coding digital signals developed by Dolby
Laboratories. Apart from stereo (2-channel) audio, these signals can also
be multi-channel audio. A large amount of audio information can be
recorded on one disc using this method.
DTS (Digital Theater Systems)
This surround system is used in many movie theaters around the world.
There is good separation between the channels, so realistic sound effects
are possible.
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is the difference between the lowest level of sound that
can be heard above the noise of the equipment and the highest level of
sound before distortion occurs.
Film and video
DVD-Videos are recorded using either film or video. This unit can
determine which type has been used, then uses the most suitable method
of progressive output.
Film: Recorded at 25 frames per second (PAL discs) or 24 frames per
second (NTSC discs). (NTSC discs recorded at 30 frames per
second as well).
Generally appropriate for motion picture films.
Video: Recorded at 25 frames/50 fields per second (PAL discs) or
30 frames/60 fields per second (NTSC discs). Generally
appropriate for TV drama programs or animation.
Frame still and field still
Frames are the still pictures that go together to make a moving picture.
There are about 30 frames shown each second.
One frame is made up of two fields. A regular television shows these
fields one after the other to create frames.
A still is shown when you pause a moving picture. A frame still is made up
of two alternating fields, so the picture may appear blurred, but overall
quality is high.
A field still is not blurred, but it has only half the information of a frame still
so picture quality is lower.
I/P/B
MPEG 2, the video compression standard adopted for use with
DVD-Video, codes frames using these 3 picture types.
I: Intra coded picture
This picture has the best quality and is the best to use when adjusting
the picture.
P: Predictive coded picture
This picture is calculated based on past I- or P-pictures.
B: Bidirectionally-predictive coded picture
This picture is calculated by comparing past and future I- and
P-pictures so it has the lowest volume of information.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
This is a system used for compressing/decoding color still pictures. If you
select JPEG as the storage system on digital cameras, etc., the data will
be compressed to 1/10–1/100 of its original size. The benefit of JPEG is
less deterioration in picture quality considering the degree of
compression.
Linear PCM (pulse code modulation)
These are uncompressed digital signals, similar to those found on CDs.
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3)
An audio compression method that compresses audio to approximately
one tenth of its size without any considerable loss of audio quality.
MPEG4
A compression system for use on mobile devices or a network, that allows
highly efficient recording at a low bit rate.
Playback control (PBC)
If a Video CD has playback control, you can select scenes and
information with menus.
Progressive/Interlaced
The PAL video signal standard has 576 interlaced (i) scan lines, whereas
progressive scanning, called 576p, uses twice the number of scan lines.
For the NTSC standard, these are called 480i and 480p respectively.
Using progressive output, you can enjoy the high-resolution video
recorded on media such as DVD-Video.
Your television must be compatible to enjoy progressive video.
Sampling frequency
Sampling is the process of converting the heights of sound wave (analog
signal) samples taken at set periods into digits (digital encoding).
Sampling frequency is the number of samples taken per second, so larger
numbers mean more faithful reproduction of the original sound.
TM
WMA (Windows Media Audio)
WMA is a compression format developed by Microsoft Corporation. It
achieves the same sound quality as MP3 with a file size that is smaller
than that of MP3.
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