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GB 37
Network
A number of digital channels transmitted from one
source. Grouped under separate headings in the chan-
nel 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.
Parental Access code
A four-digit code stored in the Mediamaster. Used to
lock the Mediamaster.
PCMCIA
Personal Computer Memory Card International Associa-
tion. The Common Interface slot follows this standard.
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 (known as HF in some countries).
SERIAL RS 232
A serial communication standard data port.
Satellite dish
A dish-shaped antenna (reflector) to receive signals from
a satellite. The dish focuses the signals into the LNB.
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
Is a company that collects a number of programms/serv-
ices 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
Size of the digital package transmission
SW
Software. Programme code.
TS
Transport stream.
VCR
Video Cassette Recorder.
Access
Authorisation to use the coding system to purchase /
order TV programmes.
AGC
Automatic Gain Control.
Audio system
With digital satellite reception, the sound is transmitted
in packages and is selected either in a special audio mode
or pre-selected by using the installation set-up. This
makes it possible to select between several different lan-
guages in a film. The number of choices is dependent on
what is available in the signal.
CA
Conditional Access. A system to control subscriber ac-
cess to services, programmes and events.
CA module
A device for the decoding of scrambled signals.
Common Interface
Describes a DVB standard hardware and software archi-
tecture for Conditional Access systems.
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 easily among the large number of
channels provided by digital technology, in order to se-
lect the service 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. Signals in the GHz range are often called micro-
waves.
LNB (low-noise block converter) or LNBF
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.
Mediamaster
A unit that converts the digital satellite signals into audio
and video signals. The audio and video signal can be sent
to the TV set either via SCART or via RF (modulator out-
put).
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.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS