Glossary of Terms

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Components Terms

A/V Receiver
Similar to stereo receivers of old, newer receivers include a built-in surround processor and several extra amplifier channels for connection to the home theater loudspeakers. A/V receivers should be capable of providing adequate power to your loudspeakers, and should include the capability to decode Dolby Digital (AC-3) signals. If you are using an A/V receiver, the only other components that you need to complete your system would be a Hi-Fi VCR, a DVD player, a TV or video projection device, and a proper loudspeaker array.

DSS (Direct Broadcast Satellite)
Direct Broadcast Satellite Systems allow consumers to access a wide variety of program materials that include movies, sports, music, news, information, educational, and "pay per view" programming. Available from vendors such as DirecTV and Primestar, these signals emanate from satellites in orbit above the earth and are received for use in your home by small "dish" type antennas that are typically about 18" in diameter. In order to receive these signals you must lease or purchase the entire system and pay a subscription fee to be able to view these digital signals. Major benefits of DSS service include superior audio/video performance and freedom of programming choice.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
Originally called the Digital Video Disc, DVD was quickly renamed to include other possible uses of the format such as computer data. The disc is similar in shape and size to an audio Compact Disc and contains a vast amount of information on a single disc. When used for motion pictures, the disc often contains an entire movie in several languages and several screen "aspect ratios". DVDs contain digitally encoded information that requires a special player to decode. DVDs are purchased or may be rented for your enjoyment at home. Major benefits of DVDs include superior audio/video performance, instant access to "chapters" within the movie, and an increasingly vast library of titles.

Hi-Fi VCR
Similar to a standard VCR, Hi-Fi VCRs include a special playback "head" that will allow you to access the high fidelity stereo audio tracks that are required for Dolby© Surround and Dolby Pro-Logic analog surround sound playback. Designed to be connected with an A/V receiver or surround processor's audio input and an associated video display device, your Hi-Fi VCR will provide a very convenient and familiar way to enjoy your Home Theater system. When selecting a tape for viewing be sure to note whether your particular selection has been recorded for Dolby Surround. Normally you will find the Dolby Logo on the container or the tape that signifies that the movie has been formatted for surround sound playback. Major benefits of Hi-Fi VCR tapes include an abundance of titles for rental or for purchase, and the addition of high fidelity surround sound audio tracks.

Laser Disc
Laser Discs were the first high definition audio/video playback medium available for home theater systems. Approximately the size of vinyl long-playing phonograph records, these special discs combine digital audio and video data and require a special laser disc player for interface with the audio system and the video display device. Laser discs, although popular with early-adopting home theater enthusiasts, have never achieved widespread acceptance in the sale and rental markets. Although consumer acceptance has been low to moderate, these discs offer movie lovers several key benefits, including the ability to view films in their original screen aspect ratios, and to enjoy the audio soundtracks in Dolby surround, Dolby Digital, and Digital Theater Sound (DTS) formats.

Line Multiplier
Sometimes referred to as line doublers, triplers, quadruplers, and video scalers, these very complex video processors take standard resolution video signals from VCRs DVD players, DSS receivers, and even broadcast television signals and increase their resolution by a factor of two to four times their original content. Because of the higher frequency nature of the output signal and the way these processors separate the video signal into distinct colors and "sync" signals, these devices are only used with CRT, DLP, and rear projection sets with adequate frequency response and the proper input connections.

Power Amplifier
Power Amplifiers are very simple devices in concept. They take a small signal and increase its power so that a loudspeaker may be connected to its output terminals. Home theater power amplifiers come in many configurations and power ranges. In any system one amplifier "channel" is needed for each speaker in your home theater system. (Note: Some sub-woofers include their own internal power amplifier so you might only require five channels of amplification). Some power amplifiers combine all five or six amplifiers in a single chassis, others, which are sometimes called "mono blocks," will only power a single loudspeaker. How much power do I need? The answer to that question is not simple. It is a complex relationship between the size of your room, the efficiency of your speakers, and ultimately your individual requirements for volume or sound pressure level (SPL). Generally amplifier power outputs of less than 50 watts per channel are considered "low," 50 to 100 watts "medium," and over 100 watts "high."

Surround Processor
The term "surround processor" refers to a stand-alone electronic component that would include an audio/video input switching section, a surround sound decoding section, and an output control section. Unlike an A/V receiver, these units do not include an AM/FM tuner or amplifiers for the loudspeaker system. Dedicated surround processors are normally preferred for higher performance systems due to their enhanced electronic circuitry, design features, and their ability to be upgraded to future surround sound formats.

Speaker Systems Terms

Dipolar Surrounds
Special rear speakers, referred to as Dipoles, are normally placed to the left and right of the listener and radiate sound in a figure eight pattern. The front and back lobes of sound are acoustically out of phase with one another thus placing the listener in an acoustic null. Depending upon your room and your particular system, dipolar surround speakers may achieve a more realistic and seamless surround effect.

LCR (Left, Center, Right loudspeakers)
Every home theater system requires a left, center, and right loudspeaker. These are sometimes referred to as LCRs. The left and right speakers are situated at the far left and right of the projection screen (or beside the TV or rear projection set), while the center channel speaker is situated in the center of the screen (or on top of the TV or rear projection set). Although it is now possible for movie producers to pan audio effects, music, and dialogue to any of the speakers independently, the left and right speakers normally play back effects and music, while the center channel's purpose is primarily dialogue. With Dolby Digital playback systems it is also important that each of the three front speakers are identical models or share the same tonal response.

Rear
Rear speakers in a home theater surround system are normally located behind the listener and are designed to create the illusion that you are acoustically in the middle of the action that is present on your video screen. The placement of these speakers is critical for achieving proper balance and seamless transitions between front and back "panning" of sounds. In most systems only two speakers are required; however, with Dolby Digital surround sound formats the frequency response and tonal quality of the rear speakers should match that of the LCR speakers in your system.

Sub-Woofer
Sub-woofers are special loudspeakers that reproduce audio frequencies that are usually below 120 Hertz. Approximately 80% of the power required to reproduce sounds like explosions are in the frequency bands below 120 Hz. By utilizing a dedicated sub-woofer you are able to increase the performance of your audio system in several ways. Since many sub-woofers include an integral power amplifier, and allow you to remove the low frequency content from the left and right speakers, the A/V receiver or amplification system will now have more power available for the left and right speakers. Sub-woofers are available in many woofer sizes and power ranges and should be selected according to your room size and sound pressure level (SPL) requirements.

Video Display Device Terms

CRT TV
CRT or cathode ray tube televisions have been in production since the very beginning of the TV era. Productions of tubes from 5" diagonal to 40" diagonal have been accomplished and allow for a very inexpensive option for video displays in home theater systems. Although these products do not normally offer options to increase their resolution, they may be used in modest systems with good results.

CRT Projector
CRT or Cathode Ray Tube projectors utilize separate red, green, and blue vacuum tube "guns" that are coupled with special lenses that project the video image onto a screen. Similar to the LCD projectors these devices may be used in front or rear projection installations and generally provide more options for higher performance than their counterparts. Newer technology designs allow for higher resolution with integral or outboard processors such as line doublers, triplers, and quadruplers. CRT projectors are available with either 7", 8" or 9" tubes and depending upon tube size, internal frequency response and other features, cover a wide range of prices. CRT projectors have become the most common form of video display device in mid-to-high-performance systems, and like all other front projection devices, they require a dark room for proper black levels. These projectors must be placed in an exact screen-to-projector relationship that is determined by the screen size and aspect ratio desired.

DLP Projector
Digital Light Processors (or DLP) projectors utilize an amazing electronic and microscopic mirror assembly to transmit video images onto a projection screen. Millions of tiny mirrors are controlled by very complex electronic circuitry to allow the projector's light to be directed to the screen. DLP projectors have now reached the price points of medium-priced CRT projectors and offer the resolution, brightness, and aspect ratios required for High Definition TV performance. As these projectors utilize a projection lamp and adjustable lens (similar to LCD projectors) their placement in relation to the screen is variable according to each projector's specification. Although most DLP projectors offer a higher brightness level than any other type of projector, a dark room is still critical for optimum performance.

LCD Projector
LCDs or Liquid Crystal Displays are designed for front or rear projection in conjunction with a screen similar to those required for slide or movie presentations. These devices include a projection lamp, an adjustable focal-length lens, and a special solid state panel that allow the video image to pass through the lens and illuminate the screen. These projectors are approximately double the cost of most rear projection sets; however most units are bright enough to allow for screen sizes in the 80" to 100" diagonal ranges. When making the choice to utilize any front projection device, it's important to note that a dark room must be maintained to achieve a proper black level. The screen to projector relationship is variable within ranges specified by the manufacturer, thus allowing for flexibility in placement.

Plasma TV
This new technology utilizes a unique display panel that alleviates the need for a cathode ray type picture tube. At the present time this type of TV is somewhat expensive. A major benefit of the plasma display is that it has been sized to accommodate new HDTV 16:9 aspect ratio's and is similar in pixel resolution to a personal computer monitor, thus allowing drastically improved picture clarity.

Rear Projection TV
Televisions in the 40" to 80" diagonal screen sizes are possible with rear projection TVs and are now available with higher resolution projection tubes and the 16:9 screen aspect ratios required for High Definition TV broadcast standards. Major benefits of this technology include reasonable cost versus screen size and, because of their self-contained construction, allow for their use in rooms with high ambient light levels.

Miscellaneous Terms

Component Video
Previously only available on professional and broadcast video products, component video connections are becoming popular on DVD players, video display devices, video processors, and even some A/V surround processors. Component video offers a higher level of performance and should be considered in high performance systems.

Composite Video
Composite or "baseband" video signals are the most common form of video connection in home theater components. Recently most manufacturers of audio/video components have standardized the color yellow to signify composite video connections on their equipment. Although component video connections are found on the majority of video products they are considered the poorest means of video connection in higher performance systems.

Dolby Digital (AC-3)
Using a special encoding and decoding process, Dolby Digital allows the movie producer to place full-range dialog, music, and effects anywhere in the listening environment. In order to enjoy Dolby Digital (also know as AC-3) a processor capable of decoding the digital signal must be used. DVD players, Laser Disc Players, DSS receivers, and HDTV set-top boxes are all capable of providing you with the source material for Dolby Digital surround sound.

Dolby® Pro-Logic
Dolby Laboratories developed the process to take two channels of information (stereo) from a source such as a VCR or Laser Disc player, and send it though an electronic network to produce the two additional channels that give us "surround sound". Dolby Pro-Logic is an analog process and will allow us to utilize a center channel for dialog, and two monaural rear speakers. Although a drastic improvement from the original "Dolby Surround," which did not include a center channel, the rear channel information is limited in frequency response and does not allow left to right "panning" in the rear speakers.

DTS (Digital Theater Sound)
DTS, while similar to Dolby Digital in nature, utilizes a different encoding/decoding process to achieve surround sound reproduction. Although at present the inventory of source material is lagging behind Dolby Digital titles, DTS-encoded programming has proved to be a popular format. A processor and DVD player capable of DTS playback will be required to enjoy this format.

HDTV
High Definition Television is the latest broadcast standard for delivery of digital information over the airwaves to your home. Designed to display an image on a 16:9 screen, this new process achieves a quantum leap in video clarity and realism. Utilizing the Dolby Digital surround sound encoding process, HDTV delivers full-range digital audio to the consumer as well. Special video display devices, HDTV decoder boxes, and an adequate receiving antenna are required to view HDTV programming.

RF (Radio Frequency)
RF signals are very common in our world, from radio and TV broadcasts to lighting control systems and garage door openers! In all cases radio frequency delivery is utilized whenever signals must travel through the airwaves. Because of the omni-directional nature of RF signals they are useful in home theater remote control systems and centrally-located DSS receivers. You will also find RF input connections on TVs VCRs and DSS receivers. Special RF connections may also be found on laser disc players. These RF connections allow interface with an outboard RF demodulator that is required to derive the Dolby Digital audio tracks from certain laser discs.

RGB Video
Another connection scheme popular in professional and broadcast video Products, RGB video connections are normally only found on video processors, video projectors, and personal computers. RGB signals are useful in interfacing line multipliers and computers to CRT and DLP projectors and are considered the most appropriate way to do so in high- performance home theater systems.

S-Video (Super VHS)
S-Video connections are available on certain source components and video display devices, and offer a higher level of video performance over composite video signals. By allowing a separate "path" for chroma and luminance (color and brightness) signals, certain video anomalies are alleviated. Generally it is advantageous to use S-video inputs and outputs whenever possible.

THX
THX was developed by movie legend George Lucas as an enhancement to the Dolby analog and digital surround decoding process, and sets certain standards for performance in products and room acoustics. Products displaying the THX logo have been tested and certified by Lucas films to meet specific levels of technical performance. The THX effects settings on your processor or A/V receiver may be used with Dolby program material to achieve improved center channel equalization, and more realistic front-to-back panning transition. Installation by a THX-certified home theater specialist assures consumers that proper room acoustics, loudspeaker placement, and low-frequency performance issues have been considered.

Home Theater Glossary

1080i. High definition signal with 1080 scanning lines and interlaced ("i") scanning. This contains up to six times the detail of conventional TV pictures.

16:9 Aspect ratio screen. This is 33% wider than the standard 4:3 aspect ratio screen. It's closer to the proportions of widescreen movies and perfect for Digital TV broadcasting, anamorphic DVD-Video titles and other state-of-the-art 16:9 programming sources.

2-Tuner Picture-in-Picture. Simultaneously displays two shows, with both TV pictures generated by internal tuners.

32-Bit surround sound decoding. Far more accurate, for higher fidelity than the conventional, 24-bit decoding.

3D digital comb filter. A circuit that processes composite video signals, stripping the color signal (chrominance) apart from the black-and-white signal (luminance). To maintain picture quality, this filter compares each horizontal scanning line with the lines above and below—and with the corresponding lines on the previous and subsequent video frames. You get higher horizontal resolution, higher vertical resolution and reduced video noise.

4:3 Aspect Ratio. The proportions of a conventional television screen. The 4:3 aspect ratio is squarish compared to the widescreen, 16:9 aspect ratio.

480i. The conventional, Standard Definition television signal. This contains 480 active scanning lines (of a total 525 lines) displayed at 30 frames per second. Interlaced ("i") scanning divides each frame into two fields of 240 lines. Each field lasts for 1/60 second.

480p. Enhanced definition TV signal with 480 active scanning lines, progressive ("p") scanning and a rate of 60 frames per second. Used in both digital television broadcasting and progressive scan DVD players.

5.1-Channel Inputs. For receivers, enables you to connect a multi-channel source, such as a Super Audio Compact Disc player. So you can enjoy high-resolution surround sound for music that's a giant step closer to the original performance. The inputs allow for flexibility now and in the future.

6.1-Channel Inputs. Accommodate the latest sources with 6.1-channel surround sound. The sixth channel drives a Surround-Back speaker.

720p. High Definition TV signal with 720 active scanning lines and progressive ("p") scanning. Used in digital television broadcasting.

A/V inputs. For connecting external audio/video equipment, including VCRs, DVD players, A/V receivers.

Anamorphic. A type of lens that "squeezes" a 16:9 widescreen picture into a standard 4:3 image. For proper playback, the image needs to be "unsqueezed" by display on a 16:9 screen or by letterbox presentation (with black bars at the top and bottom) of a 4:3 screen.

Artifact. An unwanted distortion of the video signal, visible on the screen.

Aspect ratio. The proportion of TV screen width to height. Conventional television has an aspect ratio of 4:3. Modern, widescreen television has an aspect ratio of 16:9.

ATSC. Stands for the Advanced Television Standards Committee. An advisory group that produced the table of 18 recommended transmission formats for Digital Television (DTV) broadcasting in the United States.

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). The most common television display technology, the CRT is a sealed glass envelope in which the inside front surface is coated by phosphors. The phosphors glow when excited by an electron beam—the "cathode ray." CRTs are used for both direct-view and projection television.

CD-R/RW audio playback. Plays audio discs from your CD-R/RW burner.

Center channel. A speaker channel in surround sound systems. The Center channel is crucially important because it creates the illusion that the dialog is coming from the actors on the screen.

Chrominance. The color component of a video signal, abbreviated C. Chrominance is combined with the black-and-white signal (luminance) in composite video connections, but kept apart in S-Video and component connections. For higher quality, the single chrominance signal can also be divided into B-Y and R-Y components in Y/PB/PR component connections, or into the primary colors of Red, Green and Blue for R/G/B component connections.

CineMotion reverse 3-2 pull-down. A Sony feature that preserves the integrity of movie film frames for spectacular, consistent fine detail in 480-line progressive scanning (480p). In televisions, it works with all film-originated content, including broadcast TV, cable TV, satellite TV and DVD.

Coaxial digital output. A method of connecting high-quality digital audio from a source component to an A/V receiver.

Component Video connections (Y/PB/PR). Component video is the best method for connecting analog video signals. Y/PB/PR is ideal for DVD players and compatible satellite receivers. Uses separate connections for luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB) and red color difference (PR).

Component Video connections (R/G/B). Component video is the best method for connecting analog video signals. R/G/B is ideal for HDTV receivers and computer signals. Uses separate connections for Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B).

Composite Video connections. Composite video is the standard method of connecting video equipment, but it is far from the best method. Composite video puts color information (chrominance) together with black-and-white information (luminance) on the same wire. Picture quality is lost whenever chrominance and luminance are stripped apart for display on a television.

Digital Cinema Sound system. A group of Sony developments that represents a total re-thinking of home theater sound. Produces the sound that movie directors intended by recreating the precise acoustics of three post-production dubbing stages in Hollywood.

Digital Concert Hall. To enable multi-channel music reproduction from conventional, stereo sources, Sony engineers have captured the sound of two revered performance spaces: Amsterdam's Concertgebouw and Vienna's Musikvereinsaal. Sony's top receivers offer DSP modes that reproduce both halls.

Digital Reality Creation™ circuitry. A Sony breakthrough in big-screen television. This uses digital mapping to convert a conventional TV image into its high definition equivalent. The system creates four times as much data for a more solid, more convincing picture. And some versions of the system enable you to choose between interlaced and progressive display modes.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP). Circuits that shape and enhance a signal when it's still in the digital domain. Audio DSP circuits can perform surround sound decoding, create acoustic environments, adjust the bass and treble with incredible precision and even adjust the volume.

Digital Television (DTV). The US system for over-the-air broadcasting gives stations 18 options in signal format, six of which are designated as true High Definition.

Dolby Digital decoder. Enables multi-channel digital surround sound that is dynamic, spacious and realistic. Generates 5.1 discrete channels of sound for Left, Right, Center, Surround-Left, Surround-Right and Low Frequency Effects (LFE) for a Subwoofer.

Dolby Digital passthrough. This is a digital output from a DVD player, satellite receiver or HDTV receiver to an A/V receiver with built-in Dolby Digital decoder.

Dolby Digital EX 6.1-channel sound. The new encoding format includes a matrix "Surround Back" channel.

Dolby Pro Logic decoder. The classic system that decodes and amplifies the surround channels already encoded in most movie videocassettes and laserdiscs, many TV dramas and sports broadcasts.

Dolby Pro Logic II-movie and Pro Logic II-music. Decode-only systems that derive 5.1 channels instead of the conventional 4 channels of Dolby Pro Logic surround sound.

dts (Digital Theater System) decoder. Enables multi-channel digital surround sound that is dynamic, spacious and realistic. Generates 5.1 discrete channels of sound for Left, Right, Center, Surround-Left, Surround-Right and Low Frequency Effects (LFE) for a Subwoofer.

dts 96/24. Sound track encoding system that can deliver the extended frequency response of 96 kHz sampling and the heightened realism of 24-bit quantization.

dts ES discrete 6.1 and dts ES matrix 6.1. Decoding systems that add a Surround Back channel. In the "discrete" case, it's a completely separate channel. In the "matrix" case, it's specially encoded into the other surround channels, then regenerated by the receiver.

dts Neo6:cinema and dts Neo6:music. Decode-only systems that derive six channels from two-channel material.

DTV receiver. See HDTV receiver.

DVD-Video. Immensely popular video playback system, for which over 10,000 titles have already been published. Some say that DVD stands for "Digital Versatile Disc." Some say "Digital Video Disc." In fact, the format's inventors could not agree. Officially, DVD doesn't stand for anything.

DVD-R/RW capability. For added versatility, some DVD players can accommodate DVD-R/RW discs (video format) and DVD-RW discs (VR format).

DVI-HDTV. An interface that enables spectacular, uncompressed digital-to-digital transport of a video signal from an HDTV receiver to a "high scanning," "High Definition monitor" or "High Definition upgradeable" television. The connection is also secured by HDCP technology to protect the signal from piracy.

FD Trinitron® picture tube. Sony's visually flat picture tube. Uses a Flat Glass Panel, high-focus electron gun, High Precision deflection yoke and a Fine-Pitch Aperture Grille.

Frequency response. In audio, the ability of a system to convey music from the deepest bass frequencies to the highest treble. In video, the ability of a system to convey high resolution, which corresponds to high video frequencies.

HD component video connection. Component video (Y/PB/PR) connectors that can carry High Definition video sources and DVD 480p progressive scan output.

HDTV receiver. Receives and displays free, over-the-air High Definition television. Capable of images with up to six times the detail of conventional television.

HDTV DIRECTV receiver. Receives and displays subscription High Definition television from the DIRECTV satellites. Some models can also receive free, over-the-air High Definition television. Capable of images with up to six times the detail of conventional television.

High Definition. A new type of free, over-the-air TV broadcasting with up to six times the picture detail (resolution) of conventional, Standard Definition broadcasting. The National Association of Broadcasters reports that 885 television stations are broadcasting a digital TV signal and that 60 network TV series are being broadcast in High Definition.

Home Theater. Media and home electronics that deliver the movie theater experience at home. Minimum requirements are a DVD player, a television with a screen of 27 inches diagonal or more and an audio system that features Dolby Digital decoding and 5.1-channel surround sound speakers.

Interlaced Scanning. The opposite of Progressive Scanning. The technology behind the conventional television signal, which shows half of a frame's scanning lines in each 1/60 second. First the odd numbered lines are displayed, then the even-numbered lines.

Letterbox. One technique for accommodating widescreen programming on a standard 4:3 screen. Letterboxing presents the widescreen picture with black bars across the top and bottom. Cinema purists love letterboxing because it preserves the director's original vision. Others are disturbed by a picture that does not fill their 4:3 screen.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). A television display type that uses a viscous liquid and a mesh of transistors to turn pixels on and off. LCDs are used in both direct-view and projection television. In both cases, LCDs require a light to generate brightness.

Local channels. DIRECTV broadcasting that beams the signals of CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox local affiliate stations, plus a PBS national feed into many cities. No need for cable or a local TV antenna.

Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. The "0.1" bass channel of surround sound systems, commonly fed to a subwoofer.

Luminance. The black-and-white component of a video signal, abbreviated Y. Luminance is combined with the color signal (chrominance) in composite video connections, but kept apart in S-Video and component connections.

Memory Stick® media playback. A Sony feature that enables you to display JPEG images (DCF format).* Simply slide the Memory Stick media out of a Sony Cyber-shot® camera or Handycam® camcorder and into the television's Memory Stick slot!
MID™ circuitry. Sony processing that enables advanced Twin View™ picture-and-picture, including simultaneous display of SD and HD-originated pictures.

Multi-Channel Super Audio CD playback. The benefits of surround sound come to music. Super Audio CD supports up to 5.1 channels of full-quality sound.

Noise. Random, unwanted interference with the signal to which you're trying to watch or listen. In audio, noise takes the form of hiss or static. In video, noise is picture "snow," random flecks or specks of unwanted color.

NTSC. The U.S. standard for color TV broadcasting, adopted in the 1950s. NTSC is now used to refer to other aspects of conventional broadcasting, including the frame rate of 29.97 interlaced frames per second and the television raster of 525 gross scanning lines per frame and 480 active scanning lines. NTSC officially stands for National Television Standards Committee, although frustrated engineers will tell you it stands for "Never The Same Color."

One Button Record. This feature of DIRECTV receivers lets you record a show from the program guide at the touch of a button. Uses the receiver's timer and an infrared "blaster" to automatically start and stop your VCR.

Optical digital output. A method of connecting high-quality digital audio from a source component to an A/V receiver. Optical outputs use a fiber optic transceiver to convert pulses of electrical voltage into flashes of laser light. At the far end, the light is converted back into voltage pulses.

Pan & Scan. One technique for accommodating widescreen programming on a standard 4:3 screen. The system selects out a 4:3 portion of the larger picture and presents only that portion. To follow the action in the larger picture, a technician must sometimes shift the point of view left or right, "panning" the frame. Cinema purists hate Pan & Scan because it disrupts the director's original vision. Others appreciate a picture that fills their 4:3 screen.

Personal Video Recorder (PVR). System that records video onto a hard drive. PVRs offer many new opportunities, including the ability to hold 80 hours of programs, the ability to pause live TV and the ability to automatically suggest TV shows you might like and record them for you.

Plasma. A flat panel television display type in which plasma gas pixels glow when excited by electrodes.

Progressive Scanning. The opposite of Interlaced scanning. Shows each scanning line in sequence, for a more seamless, more film-like image.

Projection. A television display system that projects the image as light onto a screen. Front projectors are located out among the audience and project on a reflective, white screen. Rear projectors are self-contained boxes that project onto a translucent screen.

Resolution. A measure of video signal detail for source material, transmission channels, recorders and displays. Resolution can be measured in pixels or in "lines of resolution."

RF connector. Accommodates a local TV broadcast antenna or cable.

Satellite Speaker. A compact speaker that reproduces all of an audio signal except for the deepest octaves of bass. Many home theater speaker systems use satellite speakers for the full-range channels and subwoofers to handle the bass.

Stereo Broadcast Reception. Decodes MTS stereo TV broadcasts. Can include dbx® noise reduction for better sound.

Subwoofer. A specialized loudspeaker that handles only bass frequencies (typically 200 Hz and below). The subwoofer is ideally suited to reproducing the "0.1" Low Frequency Effects channel of modern surround sound systems. Most subwoofers are also "active," meaning that they include their own power amplifier.

Super Audio CD playback. High-resolution audio that enables you to rediscover your love of music. The highest quality sound source available today, Super Audio CD supports both stereo and multi-channel music reproduction.

Super Fine Pitch™ CRT. Refinement of the Sony FD Trinitron CRT that enables even higher resolution.

S-Video connection. Enables you to connect video equipment to your A/V receiver at high signal quality. S-Video keeps the black-and-white signal (luminance) apart from the color signal (chrominance) to maintain picture quality.

Universal remote control. Simplifies operation by also controlling many brands of TVs, VCRs, DVD players and A/V receivers. (May not be compatible with all brands and models.)

VCRPlus+ Gold technology. A VCR feature that makes channel programming and timer setting easy.

WEGA Engine™ circuitry. Sony scaling circuitry that helps deliver the superlative performance of XBR® LCD WEGA™ and XBR Plasma WEGA™ televisions.

Widescreen. Programming and video systems that incorporate an aspect ratio wider than the conventional 4:3 television screen. In video, widescreen means 16:9, which equals a ratio of picture width to height of 1.778:1. Movies can use several widescreen formats, including a ratio of 2.35:1.