A | B | C | D | E | I | K | M | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W
A
Analog
A television system that uses a resolution that is not considered high or enhanced definition. It's essentially a digital format that provides a picture quality similar to or slightly better than traditional analog NTSC television.
B
C
Channels
An independent signal path that carries audio information. Thought of as a separate stream of sound.
D
DVDs
Also known as digital video disc, these optical discs used for storing digital data, primarily video and audio, but also software and other files. They were designed to replace VHS tapes as a storage medium, offering higher capacity and better quality.
Dolby Digital
A family of audio technologies, developed by Dolby Laboratories, that provides surround sound and efficient audio compression. It's commonly used in movie theaters, home entertainment systems, and even video games, allowing for a more immersive audio experience. Originally known as Dolby Stereo Digital, it evolved into a widely adopted standard for DVD, Blu-ray, and digital streaming platforms.
Dolby Surround
Often associated with Dolby Pro Logic, is a surround sound technology that creates a more immersive audio experience by simulating a multi-speaker setup from a stereo source. It essentially "matrixes" audio channels, extracting extra audio information from a standard stereo signal and directing it to different speakers, creating a wider soundstage and a sense of envelopment.
DTS
(Digital Theater Systems) is a family of multichannel audio technologies used in movie theaters, home theaters, and video games. It's known for delivering high-definition audio, creating a crisp and clear sound experience, especially in surround sound formats. DTS competes with Dolby, and both are used to create immersive audio experiences, though DTS is not as widely adopted for streaming services.
E
I
K
L
Lossless Audio
Lossless audio refers to digital audio formats that compress audio data without discarding any of the original sound information. This means that when a lossless audio file is decoded or decompressed, it can be restored to its exact original form, preserving all the details of the original recording. In contrast, lossy audio formats (like MP3) compress audio by removing some of the original sound data, resulting in a smaller file size but potentially sacrificing some audio quality.
Loudspeakers
Devices that convert electrical signals into audible sound. They are transducers, meaning they transform one form of energy (electrical) into another (acoustic). Loudspeakers are essential components in various electronic devices, including radios, televisions, computers, and audio systems, enabling us to hear sound from these devices.
M
Matrixed
A feature on mixing consoles that allows you to route and combine audio signals from multiple sources (inputs or buses) to different destinations (outputs or zones). It essentially acts as a "mixer within a mixer," providing flexibility in how you distribute and process audio signals.
Q
R
S
Surround sound
A system of stereophonic sound involving three or more speakers surrounding the listener so as to create a more realistic effect.
SDTV
Also known as standard definition television, SDTV refers to a television system that uses a resolution that is not considered high or enhanced definition. It's essentially a digital format that provides a picture quality similar to or slightly better than traditional analog NTSC television.
T
U
V
Videocassettes
A plastic enclosure containing magnetic tape used for recording and playing back video and audio. It was a popular format for home video recording and playback, particularly with the VHS (Video Home System) standard. These cassettes were designed to be used with a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) to play back the recorded content on a television.
