Last updated at 12:04, Friday, 27 February 2009

Find out what all the 'jargon' really means with this useful guide

Don't let the jargon confuse you

• Analogue TV: the old broadcast signal that delivers around five TV channels to your set via the aerial. Also refers to the type of TV equipment used to watch these broadcasts.
• Audio description: an additional soundtrack that describes what is happening on screen for those with visual impairments.
• Broadband TV: a way of receiving digital TV through a phone line. Suppliers include Tiscali and BT Vision.
• Communal TV system: where a single TV signal source is distributed through a building (e.g. a block of flats).
• Digital TV: a more efficient way of transmitting TV pictures, allowing wider access to a far greater number of channels.
• Digital TV recorder: a digital box that lets you record programmes and often an entire series at the touch of a button, without the need for tapes or timers. It can also pause or rewind live TV.
• Digital switchover: the process of fully switching the UK’s terrestrial TV network from analogue to digital.
• ‘Digital tick’ logo: identifies TV equipment designed to continue working after switchover.
• Freesat: a non-subscription digital satellite service from the BBC and ITV, available for a one-off payment. Sky provides a similar service called Freesat from Sky.
• Freeview: non-subscription digital TV received via an aerial. It provides extra channels, including ITV2, E4 and BBC Three.
• High-definition television (HDTV): a new technology that provides very high-quality TV pictures. Currently available via satellite, cable and broadband with an additional HD set-top box or TV with an HD tuner built in.
• Integrated digital TV: a TV with a digital tuner built in.
• RDI: Registered Digital Installer. An aerial installer who has been trained for switchover and security checked.
• Scart lead: a common way of connecting one TV product to another.
• Subscription services: provided by TV suppliers such as Sky, Virgin Media or Top Up TV, subscription services offer extra channels – including ones dedicated to sport, film and music – for an additional fee, usually paid monthly. Some also offer access to ‘on-demand’ services, letting you watch what you want, when you want.

First published at 11:58, Friday, 27 February 2009
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk