You can also make use of the Jargon Buster when you are looking at a product and are left confused about the terms used. See below for details on how to use this feature.
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1080i |
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It's all in the resolution! Put simply, the more pixels a TV has, the better the picture will be. A 1080 HD Ready TV has around 2 million pixels, where as a standard 720 HD Ready TV only has around 1 million pixels
A 1080i TV uses 1080 horizontal lines displayed interlaced
TVs using an Interlaced scanning system to create the image on your screen display each odd line of the picture followed by each even line, which can cause a flickering effect. Although you will see a vastly improved image compared with standard 720 HD, this interlaced system can cause a flickering effect. However, this slight loss of image quality is reflected in the price of 1080i models, as they are often a little cheaper than Full HD 1080p TVs |
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1080p |
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It's all in the resolution! Put simply, the more pixels a TV has, the better the picture will be. A 1080 HD Ready TV has around 2 million pixels, where as a standard 720 HD Ready TV only has around 1 million pixels
A 1080p TV uses 1080 horizontal lines displayed progressively and is the highest quality High Definition format available.
When a Progressive scanning system is used, every line is displayed simultaneously so you can enjoy an astonishingly clear, smooth picture, free from flickering and jagged edges. This is showcased particularly well when watching fast moving sports, movies and games. 1080p HD Ready TVs are often referred to as 1080p Full HD |
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24 FPS Processing |
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24 Frames Per Second processing - 24 frames per second' film can be displayed on screen with no conversion, thus retaining more of the original image. |
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Analogue |
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Analogue is the standard way television programming has been transmitted and recorded and is not suitable for use after the Digtal Switchover without the aid of a Freeview box
Analogue also refers to 'Analogue tuner' A traditional radio tuner without automatic search, preset, digital readout or station information features |
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Bluetooth (relating to Computing) |
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A wireless technology that allows computers and other electronic gadgets like mobile phones to talk to each other without wires. Limited by short distance range. |
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Brightness |
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Brightness is the measurement of what impact and how vibrant the colours are. It's measured in cd/m2, which is the equivalent to the number of candles required to power that image. Basically the higher the number the better |
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Built In (relating to Domestic Appliances) |
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A built in (also called fully integrated) appliance is installed (private installation must be arranged) 'into' the kitchen units and can be hidden by a false cabinet door matching the rest of your kitchen. |
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CD-R/RW Compatible |
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CD-R's are CD copies or compilations made using a CD writer. Most CD players play them. CD-RWs are rewritable CDs, which can be recorded on to again and again. If you intend to make and listen to your own CD copies, you need to make sure that your CD player will play these formats |
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Child Lock |
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Prevents children playing with buttons from altering any options or programmes you have chosen |
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Cold Fill Only |
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Indicates that a washing machine or a dishwasher only fills from the cold water supply and heats the water internally to the correct temperature. |
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Contrast ratio |
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The measurement of range between the brightest and darkest points on a TV screen. A high contrast ratio gives you a great looking, rich, deep picture with excellent shadow details. |
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This mainly refers to the internal capacity of refrigeration appliances in cubic feet so you can compare the storage space available |
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DAB |
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DAB - Digital Audio Broadcasting, uses the latest digital transmitting methods giving you CD quality sound from your favourite radio stations.
DAB also has the ability to transmit data in far greater detail than current RDS tuners. With DAB it's possible to display scrolling text of the radio station or the program currently playing, graphics and even images of the CD cover of the track you are listening to. Some features are not available on all DAB receivers.
For more detailed information of the possibilities of DAB, please visit [URL=www.bbc.co.uk/dab TEXT=the BBC’s digital radio information site.] |
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Delay Timer |
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This allows you to pre-set the start of a cycle on washers, dishwashers and tumble dryers. This means you can take advantage of a cheaper electricity rate during the night or set it for a time that's more convenient for you. |
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Digital Comb filter |
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This separates combined colour and black and white picture information to provide a sharp picture |
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Digital Effects |
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There is a wide range of digital effects available on camcorders and cameras. Depending on the features of a specific model, these can be used to adjust pictures, change colours or blend different images together. |
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Digital Tuner |
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NOT to be confused with Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), a digital tuner automatically searches for available channels, shows the frequency or name of the radio station you are listening to, and usually allows you to preset stations |
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Digital Zoom |
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Digital zoom allows you to enlarge the image by increasing the size of the pixels. Not as effective as an optical zoom, but it allows you to zoom in on a section of your picture after it has been taken. The downside with digital zoom is the further you zoom in the poorer the picture becomes. |
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Dolby Digital |
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A sound technology that delivers five separate channels of sound (left, right, centre, rear left, rear right), plus a sixth channel devoted to bass. Dolby Digital 5.1 is now available from DVDs, Sky Digital's Sky+ boxes, PlayStation and the Xbox. |
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Dolby Pro Logic |
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Dolby Pro Logic II technology processes any high quality stereo (two-channel) movie and music audio into five playback channels of full-bandwidth surround sound. A matrix surround decoding technology, Dolby Pro Logic II detects the directional cues that occur naturally in stereo content and uses these elements to create a five-channel surround sound playback experience. It's ideally suited for home theater systems, PCs, game consoles, and multichannel in-car audio systems (as Dolby Pro Logic II Surround). |
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Drying Performance |
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An indication of how effective a dishwasher is at drying. The rating is from 'A' to 'G' with 'A' offering the best performance. |
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DTS |
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Digital Theatrical Surround. 5.1 channel home cinema digital surround system - similar to Dolby Digital. This uses 5 speakers and a subwoofer to give all round stereo sound, making you think you're at the movies. |
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DV Input |
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This type of a connection is typically used to connect a digital device, such as a digital camcorder, to your DVD recorder. You can then record your home movies onto DVD |
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DV Output |
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Enables a camera or camcorder to download still images and movies to a PC. The PC must have a Firewire input to allow this. |
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DVD Audio |
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Similar to SACD, DVD-Audio is a new high-end format used to store more digital data on a disc. Like SACD the disc must be played back on a compatible CD/DVD player. |
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DVD Camcorder |
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These camcorders record straight onto a disc slightly smaller than a standard DVD. You can play it back on your DVD player immediately. |
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DVI (relating to Computing) |
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Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a digital connection type used mainly for Computer monitors and the latest range of flat screen LCD and Plasma televisions. Because this connection is digital it offers fantastic image quality |
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Energy Rating |
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Energy ratings are measured in a scale of G-A, A being the most energy efficient. Some appliances have surpassed the criteria they need to gain an A rating and we are starting to see A+ and even A++ rated appliances which use even less energy |
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Fastext |
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A quicker way of accessing Teletext pages by using four coloured buttons on the remote control. |
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Freeview |
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<img src="http://www.freeview.co.uk/img/logoFreeview.gif" alt="Freeview" />
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<p>Freeview is a service providing over 40 free digital TV channels and over 20 digital radio stations plus interactive services all for a one-off payment and no subscription.*</p>
<p>It is broadcast from transmitters and received via a rooftop aerial (aerial upgrade maybe necessary.)</p>
<p>There are 3 easy ways to access Freeview. Simply purchase a Freeview Set Top Box, a Digital TV with Freeview built-in or a Digital TV Recorder. (Look for Freeview Playback recorders which allow you to pause, record and rewind live TV plus load of other great features.)</p>
<p>* Subject to coverage. Visit <a href="http://www.freeview.co.uk" target="_blank">www.freeview.co.uk</a> for further information.</p> |
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Freeview Playback |
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<img src="http://www.freeview.co.uk/img/FVPBlogo.gif" alt="Freeview" />
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<p>Freeview Playback Digital TV Recorders give you access to over 40 free channels that you can pause, record and rewind for a one off payment and no subscription.</p>
<p>Check out these great functions:</p>
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<li>8 Day on Screen TV Guide</li>
<li>One touch recording (no need for tapes)</li>
<li>Series recording (record a whole series at the touch of a button)*</li>
<li>Pause live TV to not miss a second</li>
<li>Watch one channel and record another</li>
<p>*Marked products only</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.freeview.co.uk">www.freeview.co.uk</a> for further information</p> |
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GB |
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Gigabyte. It refers to hard drive capacity i.e. how much you can store on it. One GB is equal to 1024MB (megabytes). |
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GPS |
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Global positioning system. A network of 24 satellites that orbit the earth to provide accurate positioning and navigation. GPS is the technology behind Sat Nav |
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Halogen |
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An electric heating element found in hobs. Halogen hobs give a level of controllability close to a gas hob and they heat up extremely quickly.
Halogen elements are also found in heaters with the same fast heat and controllability |
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Hard Disc (relating to Computing) |
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Usually part and parcel of the hard drive, this is the actual optical disc where the computer stores its operating system, programs and files. Normally measured in Gigabytes. The higher the number, the more information can be stored. Hard discs and drives can also be portable and carried from one computer to another for transferring huge amounts of data. |
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Hard drive |
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This is where your device stores all its data and files. This includes everything from the programmes you run to photos, music and videos |
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HD Ready |
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HD means High Definition and refers to the technologies that give TVs a clearer and sharper picture. HD ready means that the TV is able to accept and display HDTV programming. It needs to be connected to an HD source and will have HDMI or DVI terminals so they can get the HDTV signal. |
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HDMI |
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HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface is a digital interface that allows you to connect your TV to High Definition sources such as SkyHD, Blu-ray players and games consoles. Choosing a TV with more than one HDMI socket will allow you to easily connect your TV to multiple High Definition Equipment. It is worthwhile investing in high quality HDMI leads so that none of the High Definition information is lost between sources |
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Ice & Water dispenser |
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A function found mostly in side-by-side food centres. There is an attached dispenser that releases chilled water and even crushed or cubed ice. |
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Image Stabiliser |
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Used on a camcorder to improve recording quality by cutting out hand shake or small movments while recording. |
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Integrated Tuner (relating to Televisions) |
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The Tv's tuner is built into the set. Some flat screen Tv's may come with or require an additional box that houses the Tuner and input sockets. Tv's with an Integrated Tuner do not require this additional box. |
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Internet |
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The glue that holds the World wide web (WWW) together. The Web is a collection of web sites/Pages. The internet connects them all together, and allows you to send and receive emails and files that do not constitute part of the WWW (web). |
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LCD |
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Liquid crystal display (LCD) screens come to life when light from behind the screen is shone through the screen's matrix of tiny coloured liquid crystal cells. Signals control each cell, letting varying amounts of colour through, and a picture is built up. |
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Long Play |
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Increases the available recording time on a tape by slowing the tape to half speed, i.e. a 4hr tape will allow recordings of up to 8hrs. Some drop in quality may be evident. |
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Media Player (relating to Computing) |
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A software application designed to play multimedia applications like music or videos. |
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Memory |
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Refers to storage capacity. Often measured in MB or GB. A GB is 1000 MB. The larger the memory capacity the larger the amount of data you can store, whether that be music, images or other data |
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Movie Mode |
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Some cameras allow you to take short movies with sound in AVI, MOV or MPEG format. |
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MP3 (relating to Computing) |
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A files format for compressing and storing songs. This is the most common type of file format and is compatible on most MP3 players |
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MP3 Compatible |
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Some players allow you to listen to CDs containing MP3s, highly compressed digital music files often used when downloading music from the Internet. |
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Mpeg |
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Moving Picture Experts Group. MPEG is a file format for digital video and audio files. |
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MPEG Movie |
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A compressed video format ideal for storage and viewing on a PC and small enough to attach to an email. Most digital cameras only have the facility to record clips of a few seconds. Picture quality and frame rate depend on the quality of the camera. |
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Multi function oven |
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A Multi function oven offers a variety of functions that give you complete flexibility. Models vary but features may include fan cooking, conventional cooking, defrost, various grill options, top or bottom heat, rotisserie and even steam cooking |
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Network (relating to Computing) |
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Any number of computers connected together. |
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NICAM |
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A method of receiving stereo sound signals from TV broadcasts. NICAM video recorders will also record the stereo sound for playback through a NICAM stereo TV or audio system. |
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NTSC |
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NTSC playback Will allow the playback of recording obtained from the USA. |
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Optical Digital Output |
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Using this connection, you can supply a digital signal from a DVD or CD player to a receiver or a MD recorder using a fibre optic link. Improved quality over copper cable connection. |
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Optical Zoom |
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Both analogue and digital camcorders as well as most cameras use optical zoom, which magnifies an image by physically increasing the optic length of the lens. Optical zooms retain image quality but are usually unavailable beyond x24 magnification (on camcorders, much less on cameras). Most digital camcorders therefore also use digital zoom, which simply enlarges a portion of the image with a corresponding decrease in image quality. Optical zoom is therefore the more important feature to look for. |
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Parental Lock |
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This allows parents to select a pin number on selected channels or product features to stop children watching unsuitable material or altering the settings. |
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PC (relating to Computing) |
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Personal Computer.
Your computer, consisting of all its internal and external components. |
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PDA |
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Personal digital assistant. A handheld electronic computer with many useful features like a diary, calendar, alarm clock, and often the ability to create or view documents that can be transferred to a PC. |
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Pictbridge |
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PictBridge is a new standard for direct USB printing from digital cameras and some camcorders to the printer without needing a computer. |
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Pixel Plus (relating to Televisions) |
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A display technology available from Philips. Offers improved clarity and definition to the picture. |
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Pixels |
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Images on a digital camera or camcorder are made up of pixels, the higher the number of pixels in an image, the higher the picture quality. All digital cameras and camcorders have a CCD (charge-coupled device), a light-sensing device that 'sees' the image in pixel form, similar to the way a TV displays an image. Ultimately picture quality also depends on the lens quality and the electronics used to process the image. |
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Place settings |
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This refers to a dishwashers capacity. A place setting is typically defined as 1 dinner plate, 1 soup plate, 1 dessert plate, 1 tea cup and 1 saucer, 1 tumbler, 1 knife, 1 fork, 1 soup spoon, 1 teaspoon and 1 dessert spoon |
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Power Output |
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The wattage rating of an amplifier tells you how much power it can handle without being damaged. This relates to the power rating of the speakers. |
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Processor (relating to Computing) |
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This is the 'brain' of a PC. In general terms, the faster the processor, the faster the PC will work. The speed of a processor is measured in GigaHertz (GHz). |
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Quartz grill |
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A standard microwave grill that gives even heat distribution. |
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RAM |
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Random Access Memory. An area of memory that the computer uses to buffer information to the main processor. The amount of RAM installed can greatly affect the speed of a computer. Generally, the higher the RAM the better the performance. RAM normally plugs into the motherboard and does not require any advanced configuration. Can be written to and read from. RDS This stands for Radio Data System, and is a function of a radio tuner. It supplies you with information such as the name of the radio station you're listening to, and also provides automatic tuning, which is particularly useful if you're in an area with weak radio signals. This function can also alert you to traffic and news bulletins |
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RDS |
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This stands for Radio Data System, and is a function of a radio tuner. It supplies you with information such as the name of the radio station you're listening to, and also provides automatic tuning, which is particularly useful if you're in an area with weak radio signals. This function can also alert you to traffic and news bulletins. |
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Rechargeable |
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A portable electrical item that is able to store power internally and can be 'recharged' from the mains when it runs out of power. Rechargeable items cost less to run as they eliminate the need for replacement batteries. |
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Red Eye Reduction |
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A special flash mode where a pre-flash or a series of low-powered flashes are emitted before the main flash goes off to expose the picture. This helps eliminate red-eye. |
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Resolution |
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It's all in the resolution! Put simply, the more pixels a TV has, the better the picture will be. A 1080 HD Ready TV has around 2 million pixels, where as a standard 720 HD Ready TV only has around 1 million pixels
You'll see a TV's resolution displayed like this: 1366 x 768. This tells you how many lines make up the picture on your TV screen. The first number is the number of lines that run vertically along the screen, the second is the number of lines that run horizontally. |
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Response Time |
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Response time is basically the amount of time it takes for a liquid crystal cell to go from active (black) to inactive (white) and back to active (black) again. It is measured in milliseconds or (ms). Lower numbers mean faster transitions (eg. 16 ms is faster than 25 ms). A good response time starts at around 25-30 ms. Some newer model LCD TVs have response times as fast as 16 ms. |
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RMS |
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This tells you the total power of an amplifier at a constant volume, e.g. some Hi-fi's display a high power output, but they can only keep to this volume (with a clear sound) for a certain length of time. |
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SACD |
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Super Audio Compact Disc, is a new high-end audio format that offers improved sound quality over normal CDs. The new disc format holds more digital information than a standard CD and must be read by a compatible CD/DVD player. |
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Scart |
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An almost universal method of connecting A/V equipment together. Such as a DVD or VCR to a TV. While still a current and effective connection method, HDMI is preferable when connecting High Definition equipment |
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Self Timer |
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Allows you to delay a camera from taking a picture so you can be included in the photograph. Some camcorders also have this facility. |
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Semi Integrated |
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A semi integrated appliance is built into the kitchen cabinets and is concealed with a 3/4 size door that covers all but the control panel. |
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Sensor drying |
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Found in tumble dryers or washer dryers. The laundry's moisture levels are constantly monitored and automatically stops when your clothes are dry, ensuring very precise drying results |
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Sleep Timer |
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This allows you to tell your TV or other product to turn itself off at a time you choose. e.g. if you wish to fall asleep watching TV you can request it to turn off shortly after. |
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Software (relating to computing) |
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Programs that run on your computer. Like a game, or your internet browser for example is classed as software |
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Speakers |
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However good your system, you won't make the most of it unless you have good speakers. Speaker prices and sizes vary enormously, from small portable speakers for personal stereos or computers, through to floor-standing, full-frequency monsters that are out of the price range of most people. Bigger is not necessarily better though and it's worth considering the volume at which you plan to play music. Some speakers play full, rich sounds at quite low volumes while others actually need to be played loud.
More important than wattage when deciding on a pair of speakers is the frequency-response, which typically varies from +/- .5 dB to +/- 3 dB the lower the number, the more accurate the sound. Another important specification is the frequency range covered. Expensive models can cover 20-20,000 Hz, but most consumer models cover 45-20,000, the lower the frequency range starts, the more effective the bass. But for most people the overall frequency balance and consistent sound quality over the full range is more important than simply having a heavy bass. Low-cost speakers offering deep bass will usually do so at the expense of mid-range frequencies, which may not be a problem if you listen principally to rock and dance music. |
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Special Dyson direct delivery (relating to CR02 Flowcheck) |
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A special service incorporating, Delivery, Installation (to existing plumbing), removal of your old machine, removal of packaging.
A short demonstration of your newly installed appliance is also included. |
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Spin Performance |
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The rating of how much water a spin drier extracts from your laundry.
The rating is from 'A' to 'G' with 'A' being the best performance. |
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SRS WOW |
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Enhanced 3-dimensional sound from stereo speakers |
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Surround Sound |
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This refers to the way the sound seems to 'surround' the listener. This is done by the using three + channels and speakers to create directional and enveloping sound. Generally it's sound from the left, right and back instead of the standard sound from the front left and front right speakers. |
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TFT |
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Thin Film Transistor - A type of display technology that produces a clear detailed picture. |
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USB (relating to computing) |
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Universal Serial Bus, a method of connecting computer accessories such as digital cameras and printers to a PC. It is quickly becoming an industry standard connection method due to its simplicity and speed.
Most new PC’s will include USB ports, however older computers can be upgraded to accept USB connections if not supplied as standard. |
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Viewing Angle |
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The viewing angle is the maximum side angle from which the viewer can see the screen clearly. |
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Visible Screen |
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Visible screen size
The diagonal measurement in inches or cm from one corner of the screen to the other.
(Please note all sizes are approximate and supplied by the manufacturer.) |
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Wash Capacity |
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How much dry laundry can be washed in one load, measured in KG |
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Wash Performance |
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The rating of how well a cleaning appliance cleans - Clothes in the case of a Washing Machine - or - Dishes in the case of a Dishwasher -. The rating is from 'A' to 'G' with 'A' being the best performance. |
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Watts (relating to Audio, Amplifiers) |
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Indicates how powerful an appliance or A/V Equipment is. Generally speaking, the higher the wattage (watts) the better the performance |
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Widescreen |
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Also known as a 16:9 ratio screen, it offers the viewer a picture similar in shape to a cinema screen, being wider than a normal TV screen. A normal 'squarer' TV screen is 4:3 ratio. |
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Windows (relating to computing) |
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Microsofts computer operating system. Different versions are avaiable aimed at Home or comercial users. Without an easy to use operating system, using a computer would require advanced technical knowledge |
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Zoom |
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Offers you the ability to progressively enlarge a section of an image. Good for viewing detail up-close. |
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