Glossary of Terms, Audio system

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Access

Authorisation to use the coding system to purchase / order TV programmes.

Audio system

With digital reception, the sound is transmitted in pack- ages and is selected either in a special audio mode or pre- selected by using the installation set-up. This makes it possible to select between several different languages in a film. The number of choices is dependent on what is available in the transmission.

Conditional Access. A system to control subscriber ac- cess to services, programmes and events.

CA module

A device for the decoding of scrambled signals.

Common Interface

Describes a DVB standard hardware and software archi- tecture for Conditional Access systems.

DVB

The Digital Video Broadcast group was created to estab- lish a technical framework for the introduction of digital video broadcasting systems.

EPG

Electronic Programme Guide. A software that enables viewers to navigate easily among the large number of channels provided by digital technology, in order to se- lect the service they desire.

MHz

The prefix mega means million, and Hertz means cycles per second.

MPEG

Moving Picture Experts Group. Body established by the International Standards Organisation to provide the ba- sis for a picture coding and compression system.

Network

A number of digital channels transmitted from one source. Grouped under separate headings in the channel list.

OFDM

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. Modulation method used in digital terrestrial networks in Europe.

PCMCIA

Personal Computer Memory Card International Associa- tion. The Common Interface slot follows this standard.

Parental control

A feature that allows parents to "lock" programmes that they consider unsuitable for children. A "locked" channel or programme can only be "unlocked" with the special paren- tal access code.

Parental Access code

A four-digit code stored in the Mediamaster. Used to lock the Mediamaster.

PIN code

Personal Identification Number. A four-digit code stored in the Smartcard. For PPV (Pay Per View) or other services together with the subscription.

Radio frequency (known as HF in some countries).

SERIAL RS 232

A serial communication standard data port.

SCART

A21-pin connector used for connection of the Mediamaster, VCR and TV. Also named Euroconnector or Peritel connector.

Scrambled programme

Some TV programmes are transmitted in scrambled form. A Smartcard, and a CA module, will be needed to view such programmes.

Service provider

Is a company that collects a number of programms/serv- ices and distributes them to customers.

S/PDIF

Sony/Philips digital interface format. Digital audio output.

Software. Programme code.

VCR

Video Cassette Recorder.

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