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
(nOp,
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
1-
or P-pictures.
B:
Bidirectionally-predictive coded picture
This picture is calculated by comparing past and future
1-
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.
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.
-
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.
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.