Other Information
46 Chapter 4
Glossary
Antenna A device used to send or receive electromagnetic waves through the air. In television, an antenna can be alternative to
cable service but does not receive cable channels such as CNN.
Audio Input Used to connect line-level stereo coming from a VCR, laserdisc player and other components. Audio inputs are also
vital parts of audio/video receivers, sound processors, and audio components in general.
Auto Channel Search A TV’s ability to automatically tune or program stations that are used by broadcasters and skip those left
unused.
Black Level The level of black in the picture, sometimes referred to brightness. The black level control is adjusted to compensate
for ambient room light.
Channel Block Allows users to affix security codes to certain channels; typically used by parents to prevent children from viewing
“adult” channels. Channels are blocked and unblocked using the TV’s set’s wireless remote control.
Closed Captioning Dialogue or other text appearing on a TV screen. This feature for the hearing-impaired is now legally mandated
on all TV sets 13 inches or larger.
Coaxial Cable Round antenna wire consisting of a central inner conductor and a cylindrical outer conductor. Used for most video
connections, especially by cable companies. Carries both picture and sound for all available channels.
Contrast The range in brightness between the darkest and brightest areas in a picture.
FCC Federal Communications Commission
On-Screen Display Method of showing TV control status (Channel, Time, Parental Controls, etc.) within the picture area.
Parental Controls Allows you to program the TV so that children cannot see certain programs, channels or use the front panel
controls.
Video Input Used to connect the incoming picture portion from an audio/video source. Provides higher picture quality than RF
connection because video and audio are separated.