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Glossary
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Bitstream
This is the digital form of multi-channel audio data (e.g.,
5.1 channel) before it is decoded into its various channels.
CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media)
CPRM is technology used to protect broadcasts that are allowed to
be recorded only once. Such broadcasts can be recorded only with
CPRM compatible recorders and discs.
Decoder
A decoder restores the coded audio signals on DVDs to normal.
This is called decoding.
Dolby Digital
This is a method of coding digital signals developed by Dolby
Laboratories. Apart from stereo (2-channel) audio, these signals
can also be multichannel audio. A large amount of audio
information can be recorded on one disc using this method.
Dolby Pro Logic
A surround system where a 4-channel audio track is recorded as 2
channels and then is restored to 4 channels for play. The surround
channel is monaural and can reproduce up to 7 kHz.
Down-mixing
This is the process of remixing the multi-channel audio found on
some discs into two channels for stereo output. It is useful when
you want to listen to the 5.1-channel audio recorded on DVDs
through your television’s speakers. Some discs prohibit down-
mixing and this unit can then only output the front two channels.
DTS (Digital Theater Systems)
This surround system is used in many movie theaters around the
world. There is good separation between the channels, so realistic
sound effects are possible.
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is the difference between the lowest level of sound
that can be heard above the noise of the equipment and the highest
level of sound before distortion occurs. Dynamic range compression
means reducing the gap between the loudest and softest sounds.
This means you can listen at low volumes but still hear dialog
clearly.
Film and video
DVD-Videos are recorded using either film or video. This unit can
determine which type has been used, then uses the most suitable
method of progressive output.
• Film is 24 or 30 frames per second, with motion picture film generally
being 24 frames per second.
• Video is 60 fields per second (two fields making up one frame).
Finalize
A process that makes play of a recorded CD-R, CD-RW or DVD-R
etc. possible on equipment that can play such media. You can
finalize DVD-R on this unit.
You cannot record onto or edit finalized discs.
Formatting
Formatting is the process of making media such as DVD-RAM
recordable on recording equipment. You can format the DVD-RAM
on this unit. Formatting erases irrevocably all recordings on the
disc.
Frames and fields
Frames refer to the single images that constitute the video you see
on your television. Each frame consists of two fields.
• A frame still shows two fields, so there may be some blurring, but picture
quality is generally better.
• A field still shows less picture information so it may be rougher, but there
is no blurring.
LPCM (Linear pulse code modulation)
These are uncompressed digital signals. This unit outputs linear
PCM sound in 2 channels from the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT terminal.
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3)
An audio compression method that compresses audio to
approximately one tenth of its size without any considerable loss of
audio quality. You can play MP3 you have recorded onto CD-R and
CD-RW.
Pan&Scan/Letterbox
In general, DVD-Video are produced with the intention that they be
viewed on a widescreen television with an aspect ratio of 16:9. This
means you can view most material with the intended aspect ratio
on a widescreen television. Material with this ratio will not fit onto a
standard television with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Two styles of picture,
“Pan&Scan” and “Letterbox”, deal with this problem.
Pan&Scan:
The sides are cut off so the picture fills the
screen.
Letterbox:
Black bands appear at the top and bottom of
the picture so the picture itself appears in an
aspect ratio of 16:9.
Protection
You can prevent accidental erasure by setting
writing protection or erasure protection.
Sampling frequency
Sampling is the process of converting the heights of sound wave
(analog signal) samples taken at set periods into digits (digital
encoding). Sampling frequency is the number of samples taken per
second, so larger numbers mean more faithful reproduction of the
original sound.
Subtitles
Written dialogue which appears at the bottom of the screen.
VBR (Variable bitrate)
This is a method of video recording that adjusts the bit rate
according to video signal.
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Frame
Field
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