100Hz/120Hz: A technique that calculates fluid motion and introduces extra frames of video calculated from the predicted motion of the previous and later frames. Used to give fast moving images a more realistic look on flat panel displays.
Ambient light sensor: A sensor built into the TV that automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the screen as light levels change in the room surrounding the TV. A TV with an ambient light sensor will adjust the TV as the curtains are closed or when changing the mood lighting of a room from overhead to up lamp..
Aspect ratio: The ratio of image width to image height.
Auto tuning: Will automatically tune in the channels that an aerial can receive.
Auto label: Identifies and labels the pre-set channels.
BBE: Reduces distortion in the sound signal.
Brightness: The higher the brightness ratio the more vibrant the picture will appear.
Component lead: Sometimes referred to as a YPbPr cable and consists of three cables carrying red, green and blue colour information.
Composite lead: A cable carrying a combined video signal of colour and brightness, bettered by S-Video, RGB Scart, Component and High Definition cables.
Digital comb filter: Separates combined colour and black and white picture information to provide a sharp
picture.
Fastext: Updated version of Teletext that uses coloured keys on a remote as shortcuts to particular pages.
Freeview: A free digital service offering over 30 channels through an integrated digital television or a separate set top box.
Full HD: A resolution 6 times higher than standard TV (1920x1080 compared to 720x576). The highest resolution used by High Definition Optical Media such as Blu-Ray Disk or HD-DVD. Not used as a TV broadcast resolution.
HDTV: High definition television.
IDTV: A TV with an integrated digital tuner.
Multi system TV tuner: Will allow the television to be viewed in some other countries.
NICAM: (Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex) Digital stereo sound.
NTSC: Compatible with American TV and video recordings.
PAL (Phase Alternative Line): The television system used in most European Countries.
Parental Lock: Parents may lock out unsuitable content for children.
Picture in picture (PIP and PAP): On screen features that allow programmes to be viewed simultaneously (One full screen, the other in a smaller window). Some TVs also have PAP (sometimes known as PBP or P&P), this means Picture Alongside Picture where the screen is divided in two by a vertical line. One half of the screen displays one input and the other half an alternative input. This is commonly used to mix a PC desktop or security camera with a TV signal.
Pixels: 'picture elements', Each little white dot that build together to give a full frame of information. Each white dot is comprised of three smaller coloured dots of red, green and blue. Each of these coloured dots is referred to as a sub-pixel. A Full HD TV set will have 1920 x 1080 pixels and just over 6.2 million sub pixels.
Power output: The amount of energy produced by a component.
Progressive scan: All horizontal lines of the frame are shown in one go. So will deliver a superior picture from a DVD or video player.
RMS (Root Mean Square): Often used to measure the power output of a device. Will provide a realistic measure of the output rather than the peak.
SCART (Syndicat francais des Constructeurs d'Appareils): A connector that transfers pictures and sound to the TV.
SECAM: The television system used in France.
Sleep timer: Will allow a TV to turn itself off after a set amount of time.
SRS TruSurround sound: The effect of Dolby Surround Sound using only the two front speakers.
Subwoofer: A speaker that reproduces very low frequencies.
S-video: A high quality video connection cable.
TFT (Thin Film Transistor): LCD technology where each pixel has its own transistor switch. This results in sharper looking colours.
Visible screen size: The diagonal measurement in cm from one corner of the screen to the other.