The 720-line system is the most common format for the launch of HD television. The 720-line system is 1280 pixels across, so the resolution is 1280 x 720, giving just over twice the resolution of a 625-line standard definition picture.

The 1080-line system is the other common HD format. A 1080-line system has 1080 vertical pixels and 1920 horizontal pixels, with up to five times the resolution of a standard definition picture.

Analogue is the term used to describe the traditional broadcast method. Analogue signal transmitted pictures and sounds directly to an aerial, whilst a digital signal codes the signal for transfer to protect from external interference.

This refers to the ratio of a pictures width relative to it’s height. The aspect ratio of a standard television is 4:3, whereas HDTV has an aspect ratio of 16:9, for a more intense viewing experience. The more common names for aspect ratio are 'Widescreen' or 'Letter-box'

Also known as 'Dolby Digital' this is the 5.1-channel sound system specified in the standard for digital HD TV, delivering CD quality digital audio from six speakers, front left, right and centre (where most of the ‘voice’ comes from), rear left and right plus a subwoofer for depth, to produce a cinematic sound! True 5.1-channel sound is only available via a home cinema system

Bandwidth refers to the size/range of frequency necessary to carry a signal. The bandwidth needed for digital signals is much smaller than that of analogue signals.

Blu-ray is the alternative format to HD DVD, offering a considerable increase in storage capacity with its 25 to 50 GB data capacity. A standard Blu-ray disc holds 27GB of information which is about 40 times the amount of data that a CD can hold.

A system which allows a greater range of bandwidth / frequencies to be carried. A broadband Internet connection can carry a greater range of frequencies to process actions more quickly.

'Bits per second' or bps, expresses the rate at which data is transmitted. Generally, the higher the bit rate, the better the image and sound quality.

Monitor or television brightness is measured in candles per metre squared. Therefore the greater the number, the brighter the picture will be.

Three connectors, usually red, green and blue RCA jacks that transmit and receive component video signals. The combination of these signals conveys all the picture information.

A decoder is a device used to unscramble digital signals and turn them into sounds and images. Decoders are usually built in to set-top boxes, TV sets and PVRs.

Digibox is an abbreviated term to refer to a digital set-top box. Please visit the Misco range of Freeview boxes for more information

The process of transferring radio and television signals. Digital signals are a computerised and condensed format of images and sounds for transfer, whereas analogue signal are not edited. Due to the digital signal being coded for transfer, some form of decoder is needed to receive the signal and revert back to pictures and sound.

The digital switchover refers to the government’s aim to switch from analogue to digital Television by the year 2012. For more information on the digital switchover please visit the Misco "What is the 'Digital Switchover'?" section.

Refers to digital terrestrial television – digital TV through an aerial. DTT is also known as free-to-air, and is a service provided by Freeview in the UK.

An abbreviation of digital television.

Digital Versatile Disc is a large storage capacity disc. Most computers today have the ability to read DVDs and many computers today also have the ability to write and re-write (also known as ‘burn’) DVDs. This simply means that computers can transfer data onto DVDs for storage

Digital Video Interface is a type of cable connector which provides a high-bandwidth connection between a video source and a display device.

Digital Video Recorder (also referred to as PVR - Personal Video Recorder). It is used to record digital programming in a digital format onto a hard drive. Similar to the method of saving files on a PC.

Electronic Programme Guide - an onscreen display of channels and programme data.

FreeSat is a free-to-air digital satellite televisions service providing free HD programmes

Freeview is the service provider of free-to-air, non-subscription format, digital television throughout the UK.

High Definition is the latest format for the recording and viewing of programming. Standard (non-HD TVs) television displays images of 720 x 625 pixels, of which only 575 pixels are active. HD TV displays images of 1920 x 1125 pixels of which 1080 pixels are active (1080p). This creates a far clearer and sharper image viewing format. Please visit the Misco “How does HD affect my TV?” section for more information

High Definition Multimedia Interface is a digital connection for video/audio data. It ensures a high-quality video signal is delivered to your display via a single cable. An HDMI connection does not necessarily equate to an HD device.

High definition Digital Content Protection is a copyright protection system that is incorporated into HD receivers and displays.

Integrated Digital Television refers to televisions which have a built-in digital decoder.

Interactive TV is simply TV which the viewer can interact with. Many digital television services/programmes will offer various interactive services such as the ability to pick and choose which news stories they watch or even take part in TV quizzes and voting. Interactive services are generally accessed via a red button a digital remote control.

Liquid Crystal Displays are flat-panel televisions designed to offer superior images. A liquid crystal solution is sandwiched between two panels and electrified. This causes the crystals to act as ‘shutters’, some allowing light to pass through, other blocking light out. These ‘shutters’ on the electrified crystals form the image on the LCD TV. Please visit the Misco range of LCD TV’s for more information

Letterbox describes the aspect ratio in which a programme or movie is viewed. The letterbox format is a widescreen view which creates black band at the top and bottom of the screen to present a viewing ratio of 16:9 – the standard viewing format aspect ratio is 4:3.

Multiplexes refer to the broadcast frequencies of the digital television channels and can be described as the broadcasters or carriers of the channels. All UK free-to-air digital TV and Radio stations are transferred via 6 Multiplexes.

A pixel is a single dot on the screen and together form the image on your display - the more pixels, the greater the picture clarity. With HD TV there are many more pixels (typically 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720) than with standard definition TV (720 x 576), giving a crisper, clearer and sharper picture.

A display where the image is created by hundreds of thousands of tiny cells filled by ionized gas in a plasma state. Misco offer a wide range of Plasma TV’s or visit the Misco "How does HD affect my TV?" section for more information

Pay Per View describes the purchasing of individual programming such as movies, sporting events and other TV programmes for viewing on a one-off basis.

Personal Video Recorder is also referred to as DVR (Digital Video Recorder). It is used to record digital programming in a digital format onto a hard drive. Similar to the method of saving files on a PC.

The measure of the amount of detail an image can show. HD has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 which equates to 2,073,000 pixels whereas standard definition has a resolution of 720 x 576. The higher the resolution, the better the resulting image.

Whether you have an iDTV, set-top box or DAB radio, when activated the system will need to carry out a scan to identify all the available channels.

SCART cables are an information/data feed so that external sources such as DVD players, can be viewed on a television.

SCART sockets are the connection points for SCART cables on a television or other audio visual device.

Viewing cards which are placed in set-top boxes or TVs which allow the device to decode and display the digital signals being received.

This is the traditional definition television system, currently used. A standard definition picture is 720 x 576 pixels.

The viewing angle is an important feature to consider, particularly when considering the purchase of an LCD TV. It is the angle range from which the on-screen picture can be viewed – so the greater the viewing angle, the better. LCDs were conceived as monitor technology for PCs where the user would be sitting straight-on. So as the LCD has transformed into a domestic television the viewing angle has had to develop and increase to accommodate the needs of viewers sat in different parts of the room.

Viewing cards are placed in set-top boxes and even TVs, to allow the device to decode and display the digital signals being received.

Broadcasting via the web. It is the process of sending audio and/or video over the Internet.

Widescreen is a format of image presentation on displays. The aspect of the image ratio is wider than standard format. The presentation of an image in widescreen format may be because the display is physically a widescreen format or through its built-in aspect ratio settings.

Many laptops include a built-in antenna for wireless networking (802.11 or Wi-Fi). If your laptop doesn’t have wireless built-in then you can simply add a wireless PC Card to enable Wi-Fi networking. This Wi-Fi ability allows the user to connect to the Internet when in proximity to an access point – commonly know as Wi-Fi hotspots. More and more public spaces are gearing up to allow Wi-Fi access – ranging from cafes, restaurants and hotels to larger areas such as Norwich City Centre.

Need to know more? Take a look at our comprehensive Jargon Buster that covers everything computer, IT and technology related. Misco Jargon Buster.