Glossary - Panasonic SC-HT340 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 fi les contain highly compressed video with high
visual quality that maintains a relatively small fi le 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 fi lm 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 fi lms.
Video: Recorded at 25 frames/50 fi elds per second (PAL
discs) or 30 frames/60 fi elds per second (NTSC
discs). Generally appropriate for TV drama programs
or animation.
Frame still and fi eld 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 fi elds. A regular television
shows these fi elds 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 fi elds, so the picture may
appear blurred, but overall quality is high.
A fi eld 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 benefi t 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 effi cient 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
For Southeast Asia, Thailand, the Middle East,
South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
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 fi le size that is smaller than that of MP3.
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