1080i
1080i is a shorthand name for a category of video modes. The number 1080 stands for 1080 lines of vertical resolution, while the letter i stands for interlaced or non-progressive scan. 1080i is a high-definition television (HDTV) video mode. The term usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a horizontal resolution of 1920 pixels and a frame resolution of 1920 × 1080 or about 2.07 million pixels.1080i has poorer quality compared to 1080p.

1080p
1080p is the shorthand name for a category of display resolutions. The number “1080″ represents 1,080 lines of vertical resolution, while the letter p stands for progressive scan (meaning the image is not interlaced). 1080p is considered an HDTV video mode. The term usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a horizontal resolution of 1920 pixels. This creates a frame resolution of 1920×1080, or 2,073,600 pixels in total.1080p is better in quality compared to 1080i.

5.1
Theatrical film 5.1 surround formats include Dolby Digital, DTS, and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS).5.1 is a surround sound setup that consists of five speakers that emit five audio channels–center, right, left, and surround sound right and left–and one subwoofer speaker that emits a low-frequency sound.

6.1
6.1 is a surround sound setup that consists of six speakers that emit six audio channels–center, right, left, and surround sound right and left, and rear–and one subwoofer speaker that emits a low-frequency sound. 7.1 surround formats include Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES

7.1
7.1 is a surround sound setup that consists of seven speakers which emit seven audio channels–center, right, left, and surround sound right and left, and two in the rear–and one subwoofer speaker that emits a low-frequency sound. 7.1 surround formats include Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD

Aliasing
Aliasing is a term that generally means that one variable or some reference, when changed, has an indirect (usually unexpected) effect on some other data Aliasing is when unwanted distortions or artifacts occur after an image is interlaced–that is, taken apart and displayed in pieces. Various methods called anti-aliasing have been developed to improve the image.

Anti-aliasing
Anti-aliasing is the technique of minimizing the distortion artifacts and flaws known as aliasing when representing a high-resolution signal at a lower resolution by blurring or smoothing the image. Anti-aliasing is used in digital photography, computer graphics, digital audio, and many other domains.

Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of an image is its width divided by height. Standard definition has an aspect ratio of 4:3 and displays video in full screen, as opposed to high definition which has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and displays images in widescreen.

BD
Blu-ray Disc

BD+
BD+ is an anti-copying technology. It is a Virtual Machine-based technology dedicated to the Blu-ray Disc Format. It was developed by Cryptography Research Inc. and is based on their Self-Protecting Digital Content concept. BD+ played an important role in the format war between Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. Several studios have cited Blu-ray Disc’s adoption of the BD+ as the reason they supported Blu-ray Disc over HD DVD

BD Live
BD Live adds network connectivity to the list of mandatory functions and increases mandatory local storage capability to 1 GB. The first BD Live titles (War and Saw IV) were released by Lionsgate in January 2008, despite the fact that no players existed to play the web-enhanced content. The PlayStation 3 will become Blu-ray Profile 2.0 compliant as early as April, taking full advantage of the system’s Ethernet and WiFi connectivity and hard drive storage space

BD-5
BD-5 is a red laser DVD with Blu-ray Disc contents on it. Capacity 5GB.

BD-25
BD-25 is a Blu-ray disc with 25GB of storage capacity.

BD-50
BD-50 is a Blu-ray disc with 50GB of storage capacity.

BD-9
BD-9 is a red laser dual layer DVD with Blu-ray Disc contents on it. Capacity 9GB.

BDA
The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is the industry consortium that develops and licenses Blu-ray Disc technology and is responsible for establishing format standards and promoting business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc. The BDA is a group of consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers from all over the world and is divided into three levels of membership: the Board of Directors, the Contributors, and the General Members

Bitstream
A bytestream is a series of bytes, typically of 8 bits each, which can be regarded as a special case of a bitstream. Bitstream is a way of transmitting information from one place to another. The Bitstream ‘style’ of data transmission sends “compressed” information (data that has been previously ‘packaged’, or squashed down to save space) to an audio receiver. That receiver must then de-compress (or “decode”) the data before it can be ‘read’ and played by the receiver as sound.

Bonus View
Bonus View is one of the interactivity features possible with the Blu-ray technology. Picture-in-picture content played during the main feature if elected on the disc menu. It is also known as In-movie Experience (IME). Blu-ray players with Profile 1.1 specs can play Bonus View features.

Blu-ray
Blu-ray disc is a next-generation entertainment optical storage format. Supported by manufacturers and movie studios, Blu-ray is recognized as the current standard high-def format. Though it resembles a DVD, a Blu-ray disc has a current maximum capacity of 50 GB and can only be played on a player with a Blu-ray drive. This produces a progressive video image resolution of up to 1920 x 1080, better known as 1080p–the best picture quality currently available. Blu-ray’s picture presentation even tops that of an HDTV broadcast, and its hard coating is also much more resistant to scratches and fingerprints than DVDs or CDs.

BD-J
Blu-ray Disc Java is the interactive platform supporting advanced content for Blu-ray Disc. BD-J allows bonus content on Blu-ray Disc titles to be far more sophisticated than bonus content provided by standard DVD, including network access, picture-in-picture and access to local storage.

BD R
Blu-ray Disc Recordable. A BD R disc can be recorded once but cannot be erased.

BD RE
Blu-ray Disc Rewritable. A BD RE disc can be recorded and erased several times. It offers extensive editing functionality on the disc.

BD ROM
Blu-ray Disc Read-Only Memory. A BD ROM disc contains pre-recorded data.

Calibration
Calibration is the process which prevents the colors from getting muddled. It brings the black levels to true black and the white levels to true white.

CD
Compact Disc. First generation optical media, introduced in the early 1980s. A CD contains up to 700 MB of data. Most Blu-ray Disc products are compatible with CDs.

Coaxial Cables: Analog and Digital
Analog Coaxial cables are used to carry high-frequency signals over long distances and are shielded by three layers to prevent accumulating background noise over the journey. They are still in wide use today for transmitting radio communication, cable television, and Internet.

Digital coaxial cables are used for connecting things over short distances, such as those between DVD players and TVs. They are falling out of favor in preference of component video cables and, even more so, HDMI cables.

Component Video
Component video is the division of colors and other video information when being transferred from its source, such as a DVD player, to a receiver like a TV, so that they do not intermingle and confound each other. The YPbPr or “yipper” scheme is a common method of dividing and carrying video for DVD players. The component video is processed from a DVD player to a TV via a cord divided into three parts that are inserted into three different plugs on the back of a TV, each of which carry different information. Component video cables, unlike HDMI cables, do not carry sound.

Compression
Compression is taking a large amount of data, and re-writing it so that the new data takes up less space (on a Blu-ray or CD, for examples). This is known as compressing or encoding data. Before the data can be used again, it must be decompressed or decoded. Some Blu-ray players can decompress data on their own others must send the compressed data to an audio receiver first, and the audio receiver must then perform the decompression and play the audio. This depends on what compression method has been used, and if that player is capable of performing the decompression itself. Additionally, not all compression methods are equal. Some processes allow for exact copies of the original audio to be produced (Lossless), others do not produce exact copies of the original data and therefore some information is lost (Lossy). Some types of audio compression are: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (MA).

Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is the difference between the white and black portions of video displayed on a screen. The greater the contrast ratio, the better the picture. If contrast ratio is low, then black color will never be truly black.

Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital reproduces three-dimensional sound using a surround-sound speaker system. It is used to record and broadcast sound and for creating surround sound with 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 speaker systems.

DVD
Digital Versatile Disc. DVD was the second generation of optical media and started in the mid 1990s. A DVD contains up to 8.5 GB of data. Most Blu-ray Disc products are compatible with DVDs.

DVR
Digital Video Recorder. DVR allows you to record programming digitally, as opposed to a VCR which produced analog recordings. DVRs allow the viewer to rewind a show or save it for later. i.e. TiVo.

HDCP
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a form of digital copy protection developed by Intel Corporation to protect digital audio and video content. All devices (Player, TV, etc) must support it otherwise the High Definition signal will be downgraded to Standard Definition Quality.

HD DVD
HD DVD is a DVD with content in high definition and was designed for the storage of movies and other programming. HD DVD was created to succeed the standard DVD format but found competition in rival high-def format Blu-ray. In 2008, manufacturing and studio support sided with Blu-ray, and HD DVD affiliated manufacturers announced a withdrawal of HD DVD marketing and development.

HDMI
HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface is an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams. HDMI also incorporates Digital Rights Management technology. An all-digital interface, HDMI carries both high-resolution video and uncompressed multichannel audio through a single cable. It is used to connect any digital audio/video source (set-top box, DVD player, PC, video game system, or AV receiver) with a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor (HDTV). It is a better alternative to component video, separate video, DVI, coaxial, and other forms of connector interfaces, and is primarily used for transmitting video in high definition.

HDMI 1.3
HDMI 1.3 is a new technology standard that roughly doubles the data-carrying bandwidth of HDMI cable from 5 Gbps to 10 Gbps. In order for this to happen, your HDMI input/outputs and HDMI cable must all be of the 1.3 standard. The extra data capacity enables even better picture (a wider range of colors can be displayed) and sound (more audio formats).

HDMI 1.3 is backwards compatible with HDMI 1.1, which is the current standard for most HDTVs, receivers, high and standard definition players.

HDTV
High Definition Television. Generic term used for TV technology producing images in a much higher quality picture than standard definition TVs. An HDTV set displays 720 up to 1,080 visible lines. Blu-ray Discs usually contain HD video.

Gigabyte (GB)
A gigabyte equals about 1,000 megabytes (MB). A Blu-ray Disc capable of recording 50 GB therefore stores about 50,000 megabytes.

Layer
In Blu-ray Disc, data is recorded on a single side of the disc. However, a disc can store two data layers, both at the same side. The read-out or recording laser of the Blu-ray Disc device will first read from or record to one layer, and then re-focuses on the second layer. All this is done automatically without any user interference. A double-layer Blu-ray Disc can store up to 50 GB of data.

LCD
A liquid-crystal-display HDTV uses a fluid substance to form pixels of color in front of a backlight (much like a laptop screen). LCDs can’t match a plasma TV’s deep black and gray areas but they’re lighter, can be less fragile, and are considered easier to set up. LCDs are catching up to plasmas in terms of available screen size and price and are expected to surpass them in the marketplace.

Letterbox
Letterbox is the practice of transferring widescreen film to video formats while preserving the film’s original aspect ratio. Since the video display often has a square aspect ratio, the resulting videographic image has mattes (black bars) above and below it. Examples: Pirates of the Caribbean with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will show up letterboxed on 4:3 and 16:9 ratio displays. Other films with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio such as Chicago or the BBC produced Planet Earth will fill a widescreen display entirely but will still be letterboxed on an older 4:3 television.

Lossless
Lossless data compression is a class of data compression algorithms that allows the exact original data to be reconstructed from the compressed data. This can be contrasted to lossy data compression, which does not allow the exact original data to be reconstructed from the compressed data. Uncompressed PCM, Dolby True HD, and DTS-HD MA are examples of lossless audio feeds. All Blu-ray players are capable of transmitting uncompressed PCM data to a receiver using an HDMI cable. Not all players are capable of decoding/transmitting every type of compressed data.

Lossy
A lossy compression method is one where compressing data and then decompressing it retrieves data that may well be different from the original, but is close enough to be useful. During the compression process, information has been lost, and may result in the perception of less quality of sound. Not all players are capable of decoding/transmitting every type of compressed data. Examples of Lossy sound compression methods include DTS, Dolby Digital, and DTS-HD HR

MSRP
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.

Interlace
Interlace is a technique of improving the picture quality of a video signal by removing flicker without consuming any extra bandwidth. The image is divided into odd and even lines that are displayed on the screen at different times, but so close to each other that they appear to be one complete image. In order for the image to appear whole, it is blurred (called anti-aliasing), which reduces image quality. Interlaced images have a lower resolution than progressive scan images.

OAR
Original Aspect Ratio.

PCM
Pulse-code modulation (PCM) is a digital representation of an analog signal where the magnitude of the signal is sampled regularly at uniform intervals, then quantized to a series of symbols in a digital code. The PCM data transmission sends the info “uncompressed”. This means that when it is sent from the data source (a Blu-ray disc, CD, etc.) to a piece of audio equipment – it can be instantly played. Compressed data has been previously ‘packaged’, or reduced down to save space on the disc. Compressed data must be Decompressed or Decoded in order to be read.

Persistence
Persistence, or persistent storage, refers to the retention of data, even when an electronic device is powered down. Information that is stored in a device’s random access memory (RAM) disappears when the device is powered down. For instance, if you copy something onto your clipboard, it will vanish when you restart your computer unless you save the data in a file. Many newer HD DVD players have “firmware” that can be updated, fine tuning the device’s performance as technology progresses. Retaining firmware updates is an example of persistent storage.

Pillarbox
The pillar box effect occurs in widescreen video displays when black bars (mattes or masking) are placed on the sides of the image. This maintains the film as it was intended to be seen. Examples: Old films with a 4:3 or 1.37:1 aspect will be displayed this way on 16:9 ratio widescreen display devices.

Plasma
These TVs use a tube of glass illuminated by electricity to form pixels. Plasma screens come in bigger sizes than LCDs and sometimes offer brighter colors and blacker blacks. Older or less-expensive models can suffer permanent screen damage if an unchanging image, such as a stock ticker or video game, is displayed too long. This problem has been fixed in most of the newer models.

Posterization
Posterization of a photographic image being developed occurs when a region of an image with a continuous gradation of tone is replaced with several regions of fewer tones, resulting in an abrupt change from one tone to another. This creates an effect somewhat similar to that of a simple graphic poster. When discussing fixed pixel displays, such as LCD and plasma televisions, this effect is also referred to as false contouring.

PQ
Picture Quality

Progressive Scan
Progressive or noninterlaced scanning is a method for displaying, storing or transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. This is in contrast to the interlacing used in traditional television systems where only the odd lines, then the even lines of each frame are drawn alternatively. This gives the picture high resolution with great quality and no blurring. Progressive scanned video has higher resolution and a slower frame rate compared to interlaced video.

Projection
Front- and Rear-projection TVs throw light on a screen. Though not as thin as plasmas or, rear-projection TVs are still less bulky than standard CRT models, offer great picture quality, and can provide a low-priced alternative to LCD or plasma at comparable screen sizes.

Receivers
A receiver is the heart and soul of your new home theater sound system. It receives audio from your movie, interprets it, and sends the sounds to the appropriate speakers that are connected to it. Through it you can control the volume of your sound. All your new speakers are dead unless connected to a good receiver capable of processing 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 sound.

Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels a TV or computer monitor can display. The higher the resolution of a video image, the better it looks. The standard video resolutions for HDTV are 720 and 1080. If there is a “p” next to the number it means that the video image is “progressive scan,” which has higher image resolution. If there is an “i” next to the number it means that the video image is “interlaced,” which has a higher frame rate but lower quality.

SDTV
Standard Definition Television. Generic term used for conventional television sets, based on the NTSC or PAL standards. SD television consists of 480 to 570 visible lines.

SQ
Sound Quality

S-video
Separate Video (S-video) divides information from a video source such as a DVD player or cable TV connection into two signals, color and brightness. S-video is typical of standard definition.

TBA
To Be Announced.

Universal Remote
A universal remote can control all your systems instead of having one remote for each device.

Upconverter
Upconverting a DVD player consists of taking a standard-definition DVD and “upsampling” it to appear to be at a higher resolution. Despite the labels that they are “1080i” or “1080p” DVD upconverters, they are not the same as watching your DVDs in true high definition. What you will see is some increased detail and clearer colors, however. upconverting works best on displays with fixed pixels–namely plasma or LCD TVs. Blu-ray players are excellent DVD upconverters.

Viewing Angle
The viewing angle determines where you can sit in relation to a television and still enjoy high picture quality. A wide viewing angle (about 170 degrees) means that wherever you are in front of an HDTV the picture should always look good.

VGA Outputs
VGA or “Video Graphics Array” outputs are some of the earliest connectors devised and produce a 640 x 480 resolution, which has long since been surpassed. They are commonly used to connect monitors to computers and can be found on many computers, mobile devices, and video game consoles.

Windowbox
Windowboxing (also called the “postage stamp effect”) occurs when the aspect ratio of a film is such that the letterbox effect and pillarbox effect occur simultaneously. Sometimes, by accident or design, a standard ratio image is presented in the central portion of a letterbox picture, resulting in a black border all around. This is most often the unintended result of viewing non-anamorphic letterboxed material on a widescreen display. Windowboxing is used intentionally sometimes to counter overscan on displays without overscan control so that no part of the image is lost to the viewer; the result is a smaller picture with lowered resolution however.

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