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GLOSSARY TO TELEVISION TERMS
51
Aspect Ratio * The proportions of a rectangular display
screen. NTSC television has a 4:3 ratio; HDTV is 16:9.
Audio/Video Inputs * Located on the rear of the TV
these connectors (RCA phono type plug) are used for
the input of audio and video signals. Designed for use
with VCRs (or other accessories) in order to receive
higher picture resolution and offer sound connection
options.
Coaxial Cable * A single solid antenna wire normally
matched with a metal plug (F-type) end connector that
screws (or pushes) directly onto a 75 Ohm input found
on the Television or VCR.
Display * An on screen message or graphics that help
the user operate and adjust TV feature controls. See On
Screen Displays (OSD).
HDTV * High Definition Television which offers
approximately twice the vertical/horizontal resolution of
NTSC video, and sound quality approaching that of
compact disc. (Usually taken to mean a picture of 1920
x 1080 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio.)
Identify* Method by which a remote control searches
and finds an operating code for another product (such as
a VCR or Cable Converter). Once the code has been
"identified" then the TV remote can operate and send
commands to the other product.
LED * Light Emitting Diode or indicator.
Menu * An on-screen listing of feature controls shown
on the TV screen that are made available for user
adjustments.
Multichannel Television Sound (MTS) * The
broadcast standard that allows for stereo sound to be
transmitted with the TV picture.
NTSC * National Television Standards Committee
format devised for TV broadcasting signals in the 1940s
(525 lines; 30Hz.)
On Screen Displays (OSD) * Refers to the wording or
messages generated by the TV to help the user with
specific feature controls (color adjustment,
programming, etc.).
Picture -In-Picture (PIP) * Term used when two
pictures are shown on the TV screen at the same time.
The smaller PIP picture is supplied by a VCR (or other
tuner/video playback source). The PIP picture can also
be moved and swapped with the TV's main screen
picture.
Programming * The procedure of adding or deleting
channel numbers into the TV’s memory circuits. In this
way the TV “remembers’’ only the locally available or
desired channel numbers and skips over any unwanted
channel numbers.
Remote Sensor Window * A window or opening found
on the TV control panel through which infrared remote
control command signals are received.
RGB * Red, Green, Blue color component inputs used
for connection purposes with personal computers (PCs)
and other high definition video devices.
RF * Radio Frequency or modulated signal design used
as the carrier for television broadcasts.
Second Audio Program (SAP) * Another or additional
audio channel provided for in the Multichannel
Television Sound (MTS) broadcast standard. A
monaural soundtrack included within the recorded or
video signal (usually containing a second language
translation for the displayed programming.)
Status * Allows the user to quickly confirm what
channel number is currently being viewed. Status can
also be used to clear the TV of on-screen displays or
information (rather than waiting for the displays to
“time out” or automatically disappear from the screen).
SVGA * Super Video Graphics Array
S-Video Input * Allows direct connection of high-
resolution video sources, such as a Super VHS
videocassette recorder, Laser Disc player, etc. Provides
improved picture resolution, sharpness, and clarity.
Twin Lead Wire * The more commonly used name for
the two strand 300 Ohm antenna wire used with many
indoor and outdoor antenna systems. In many cases this
type of antenna wire requires an additional adapter (or
balun) in order to connect to the 75 Ohm Input
terminals designed into the more recent Televisions and
VCRs.
Variable Audio Output * An adjustable audio output
which allows for volume variations at the source.
VGA * Video Graphics Array