Glossary - Panasonic SC-PT670 Operating Instructions Manual

Glossary

Decoder
A decoder restores the coded audio signals on DVDs to normal. This is
called decoding.
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 5.1-channel sound.
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.
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 TV 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.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
HDMI is a next-generation digital interface for consumer electronic
products. Unlike conventional connections, it transmits uncompressed
digital video and audio signals on a single cable. This unit supports high-
definition video output (720p, 1080i, 1080p) from the HDMI AV OUT
terminal. To enjoy high-definition video, a high-definition compatible TV is
required.
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.
EST. 1924
Selecting fine audio equipment such as the
unit you've just purchased is only the start of
your musical enjoyment. Now it's time to
consider how you can maximize the fun and
excitement your equipment offers. This
manufacturer and the Electronic Industries
Association's Consumer Electronics Group
want you to get the most out of your
equipment by playing it at a safe level. One
that lets the sound come through loud and
clear without annoying blaring or distortion
—and, most importantly, without affecting
your sensitive hearing.
4
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
This is a system used for compressing/decoding color still pictures. 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.
Playback control (PBC)
If a Video CD has playback control, you can select scenes and
information with menus.
Progressive/Interlaced
NTSC, the video signal standard, has 480 interlaced (i) scan lines,
whereas progressive scanning uses twice the number of scan lines. This
is called 480p.
Using progressive output, you can enjoy the high-resolution video
recorded on media such as DVD-Video.
Your TV 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.
WMA
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.
Listening caution
We recommend that you avoid prolonged
exposure to excessive noise.
Sound can be deceiving. Over time your
hearing "comfort level" adapts to higher
volumes of sound. So what sounds "normal"
can actually be loud and harmful to your
hearing.
Guard against this by setting your equipment
at a safe level BEFORE your hearing adapts.
To establish a safe level:
≥ Start your volume control at a low setting.
≥ Slowly increase the sound until you can
hear it comfortably and clearly, and without
distortion.
Once you have established a comfortable
sound level:
≥ Set the dial and leave it there.
Taking a minute to do this now will help to
prevent hearing damage or loss in the future.
After all, we want you listening for a lifetime.