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Redbox User Handbook No 1
kbps
Kilo-bits per second - the number of 1s or 0s transmitted or transferred in
one second.
kHz
Kilo Hertz (samples per second).
LAN
Local Area Network - scheme where several computers on the same
premises are connected together so that they can exchange data.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display (grey displays e.g. on calculators).
LED
Light Emitting Diode (small lights e.g. on computers).
LNB
Low Noise Block - the RF amplifier attached to a satellite dish.
MCR
See racks room.
MDU
Mains Distribution Unit - a panel of mains outlets for power distribution.
MF
Medium Frequency - another name for Medium Wave - roughly
frequencies between 300kHz and 3MHz.
MHz
Mega-hertz - One million cycles per second.
Mix-minus
A mix-minus is similar to a cleanfeed except that the caller’s voice is
removed from the signal electronically. Due to phasing problems at the
signal band edges, the mix-minus method often produces a lower
grade signal.
Mono
Monophonic sound (system of broadcasting, recording or reproducing
sound) using only one channel between source and loudspeaker.
MP3
MPEG 1 Layer 3 - see MPEG.
MPEG
(ISO MPEG) Motion Picture Experts Group. For audio, this is used to refer
to a framing format standard. There are several layers and variants. Most
common ones are listed below.
MPEG 1 Layer 1 Used for Digital Compact Cassette.
MPEG 1 Layer 2 (Musicam) used in digital radio, digital terrestrial
television, ISDN and many hard-disk storage systems.
MPEG 1 Layer 3 Known as MP3. A more elaborate version of
MPEG 1 Layer 2 that allows for audio storage using low bit-rates.
MSF
This is radio code signal sourced from Rugby in England, which can be
used to automatically synchronize the S audio logger and PC
time to an accurate atomic clock, UK Time.
Musicam
Masking Pattern Universal Sub-Band Encoding.
MUX
Short for Multiplex - a ‘package’ of digital radio services.
Pan
This controls the levels sent to the left and right outputs and is an
abbreviation of ‘panorama’.
PFL
(Pre Fade Listen, or Cue). This is a method of auditioning audio material
independently of the programme output, without routing the signal
to air. The PFL button on each channel routes the signal to the PFL bus,
where it can be monitored.
PI Code
(RDS) Programme Information Code used to identify an FM RDS station.
PPM
Peak Performance Meter (BBC Specification).
Promo
Something used to promote a product.
PS Name
Programme Service Name - 8 characters used for naming an
(RDS)
FM RDS station.
PSU
Power Supply Unit.
PTY
(RDS and DAB) Programme Type. A code transmitted to describe the
overall programme content of a radio station (Static PTY) and/or the
moment by moment content (Dynamic PTY). RDS has 32 codes although
3 are used in special circumstances only.
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GLOSSARY
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