| 100Hz |
Most TV pictures update at a rate of 50Hz, ie 50 times a second. 100Hz uses digital processing to double the frequency. This reduces the flickering on the screen so you get smoother motion, minimised blurring and vastly improved background clarity. |
| 1080i |
A TV format that has 1080 lines. |
| 1080p |
A TV format that combines the superior resolution of 1080i with progressive scan. |
| 180 degree wide opening door |
The tumble dryer door opens to 180 degree wide. This makes it easy to load and unload, wherever the dryer is placed. |
| 3-in-1 dishwasher tablets |
These tablets contain detergent, rinse aid and salt. |
| 4-in-1 dishwasher tablets |
They contain the same as the 3-in-1 tablets, but also have a glass protector function. |
| 5-in-1 dishwasher tablets |
They contain the same as the 4-in-1 tablets, but also have a stainless steel shine function. |
| 720p |
A TV picture that has 720 lines and is a progressive scan format. |
| ACC |
The default audio format used by iTunes and iPods. |
| ADSL |
Asymmetric digital subscriber line [ADSL] is a technology that converts an ordinary household telephone line into an extremely fast Internet connection. |
| ADSL Modem |
This modem provides you with a fast and continuous internet connection. |
| Airflow System |
A unique drum and paddle action is combined with an airflow system. The result is gentler but effective drying. Found in Bosch tumble dryers. |
| Anti- bacterial coating |
Also known as bacteria guard, Microban or Hygiene +, this helps prevent bacteria growth and is found on the walls and door of some fridges. This makes it more hygienic and keeps the food fresher for longer. |
| Anti Virus |
Software that detects potentially harmful programmes for your computer. |
| Anti-bacterial coating |
Also known as bacteria guard, Microban or Hygiene +. Often added to the walls and doors of some fridges, this helps to prevent bacteria growth and helps keeps food fresher for longer |
| Aperture |
The lens opening that allows more, or less light onto the sensor formed by a diaphragm inside the actual lens. |
| Aperture Priority |
You choose the aperture setting and the camera will automatically choose the shutter speed according to the lighting conditions. Best setting for controlling the depth of field. |
| Aqua stop |
If the hose which fills the dishwasher with water splits or leaks, this will help prevent any flooding. |
| Aspect ratio |
There are 2 aspect ratios: 4:3, the squarish, standard shape that's dominated TVs since the 1950s and 16:9, the wide-screen format that dominates new HDTVs. |
| ATRAC |
This is the audio file format used on Sony MP3 Players.
|
| Auto clean filter |
A self cleaning filter system from Whirlpool |
| Auto timer |
A timer allowing you to set the oven to start and finish at preset times. |
| Auto tuning |
Televisions with this format will automatically tune in the channels. |
| Autofocus |
The camera lens focuses automatically, usually when the shutter release is half-pressed. |
| Bass Boost |
Add extra depth to your music for a fuller sound. |
| Battery life |
Battery life will depend on how much you use the LCD display and how often you use the flash. With a little care, a fully charged battery should easily last a full day of shooting. It’s a good idea to start each day of use with a fully charged battery. |
| Bit Rate |
This is to do with the way your music is compressed and determines the quality of the music file you are transferring. MP3s are generally transferred at 128kbps for the best compromise between speed and file size.
As a guide:
The higher the bitrate, the larger the file, the less you can store, the better the music quality.
The lower the bitrate, the smaller the file, the more you can store, the lower the music quality.
|
| Bit-depth |
The higher the bit-depth of a scanner the higher the quality of the scan. Most colour scanners are 48-bit for great quality. |
| Bit-depth |
The higher the bit-depth of a scanner the higher the quality of the scan. Most colour scanners are 48-bit for great quality.
|
| Bluetooth |
A wireless technology that allows you to connect with other Bluetooth™ compatible devices without wires. |
| Blu-ray |
A new media format offering improved picture quality of 1080p and the playback of high definition video. If your HD TV is not 1080p compatible the player will revert to 720 resolution. |
| Broadband |
High speed access to the Internet. It’s usually provided by ADSL or cable modems by an Internet service provider (ISP's) such as AOL. |
| Browser |
A software programme that allows you to look at web pages and organise files. Popular browsers include Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. |
| Burners/Rings/Zones (on a ceramic hob) |
These refer to the plates on a hob. Most have four burners, 1 large, 2 medium and 1 small burner for simmering. Some cookers may have up to 8 burners, including a wok burner. |
| Cache |
A high-speed area of a processor that’s used to store currently used data. Having a larger cache offers greater speed as more data can be stored and accessed by the CPU. |
| Camcorder |
A handheld portable video recorder. Today’s camcorders are all digital, allowing you to record onto a hard disk drive, Memory cards or digital discs such as DVD or Blu-ray, depending on the model.
|
| Card reader |
A multi card reader that accepts compact flash, SD and memory stick duo cards. This allows music, video and photos to be copied and viewed. |
| Catalytic liners |
This means the oven is self-cleaning at higher temperatures. Fat and grease are absorbed during cooking. |
| CCD |
Charged Couple Device. 3CCD delivers greater colour and detail. |
| Cell broadband engine |
This processsor has incredible power and delivers the ultimate in high-definition movies and realistic gaming |
| Clear drawer fronts |
Clear drawer fronts are a bonus as they let you easily view your stored frozen food. |
| Climate class |
This tells you the range of room temperatures that the fridge freezer can cope with. The two most commonly found in the UK are the N and SN classes. Both work well in room temperatures of up to 32°. N class models shouldn’t be at room temperatures colder than 16° and SN class models shouldn’t be kept in a room where the temperature falls below 10°. |
| CMOS sensor |
Gives a wider dynamic range and reduced light smear to your video footage. Results in high quality images with realistic colour and definition. |
| CompactFlash or CF |
Flash memory storage format commonly found in Digital SLR’s and older cameras. |
| Compression |
Reducing the size of a file to save space or transmission time. |
| Connections |
Most printers use USB connections. |
| Connections |
Most printers use USB connections
|
| Consumables |
This refers to ink and paper, for e.g. Inkjets can have up to 8 ink cartridges for better colour reproduction.
|
| Consumables |
Consumables refer to ink and paper. Consider what types of ink cartridges you may need as costs vary. Inkjets can have up to 8 ink cartridges for better colour reproduction. |
| Contrast ratios |
This is a measure of the blackest black compared to the whitest white. |
| Conventional oven |
Heated by a gas or electric burner. Temperatures may vary throughout the oven. |
| Cool air setting |
Fabrics that have been stored away for awhile can be refreshed and aerated without needing to put them through a complete wash or dry cycle. |
| DAB Digital Radio |
More radio stations with digital quality sound and no interference. |
| Dairy compartment |
A compartment found in the fridge used specifically for storing cheese and butter. |
| Delay timer |
This allows you to pre-set the start of a wash cycle. This means you can take advantage of a cheaper electricity rate or set it for a time that’s more convenient for you. |
| Depth of Field |
The range of items in focus in an image. This is controlled by the focal length and aperture opening of a lens. A large or wide aperture gives a shallow depth of field (not much range in focus) and a smaller or narrow aperture give a large depth of field (more range in focus).
|
| Detergent aware |
This means you can use all available detergents, including 3-in-1 combination dishwasher tablets. |
| Digital amplification |
More power from a smaller unit combined with hiss-free and better sound quality. |
| Digital Comb Filter |
This technology separates combined colour and black and white picture information to provide a sharp picture. |
| Digital display/LCD or LED display |
An easy-to-read display that shows information about temperature, programme progress, time left until the end of the programme and a pre-set time delay. The amount of information available or displayed varies according to the model and sophistication of the machine |
| Digital zoom |
Enlarging of an image that requires the camera/camcorder to double the size of the pixels. Due to the doubling of pixels the image begins to become fuzzier and fuzzier as you enlarge. |
| Disc channel |
Play Wii games or Gamecube discs on the channel |
| Docking station |
A stand to recharge, sync and listen to iPods, MP3 players and other audio devices. |
| Double layer |
This refers to the latest DVD optical drives. By using compatible media, it can read and write almost twice the amount of data than a single later disc can. |
| Double ovens |
There are two ovens, one above the other. The main oven is normally a multifunction or fan oven and is found below a smaller conventional oven |
| Download |
Download describes the process of copying files or information from the Internet to a computer. |
| DPI |
Dots per inch. The higher the dpi, the better the resolution. 4800 x 1200 dpi is the standard for more printers. |
| Drivers |
Usually supplied with the software for the machine, a printer driver controls the communication between your computer and the all-in-one. Updates to drivers are commonly made available from the manufacturer's web sites. |
| Drivers |
A printer driver controls the communication between your computer and the all-in-one. Updates to drivers are commonly made available from the manufacturer's web sites. |
| DRM |
Digital Rights Management Software that encrypts a file to control sharing and use of digital music. |
| Drum |
This refers to the inside of the tumble dryer, where the clothes are put for drying. |
| Drum capacity |
This refers to the amount of water that’s used during a cycle. |
| DSL |
The abbreviated version of Digital Subscriber Line, also known as broadband. |
| D-SLR |
Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera. Interchangeable lens digital camera. |
| Dual Core Processor |
This acts like two processors in one, enabling simultaneous running of demanding applications. The chart below shows the different processor models available |
| DV Input |
Insert a digital device such as a digital camcorder into this TV input and then record straight from the device onto DVD. |
| DV out |
Also known as a firewire connection. DV out lets you transfer footage to your TV or PC. |
| DVD ReWriter drive |
Laptops that have a DVD ReWriter drive will let you read, play and create both DVDs and CDs. |
| DVI |
A digital picture connection method. Handy for connecting a computer but not as convenient as HDMI |
| Electric sealed plates |
These plates provide excellent heat across the base of the saucepan. Heat is only conducted into the pans, making them more cost effective. For the best results, iron based cookware should be used. |
| Electronic control panels |
Easily set and control the temperature of the fridge and freezer at the touch of a button. |
| Electronic controls |
Get greater accuracy and maintain a constant temperature more easily with electronic controls. |
| Electronic programme selector |
You can select your programme and start washing with just the touch of a button, instead of using dials. |
| Enamel interiors |
These are resistant to chipping. They prevent burning and prevent grease or food particles from sticking for easier cleaning. |
| Energy rating |
This refers to the impact the appliance has on the environment. Appliances are rated for energy, with ratings between A (the most efficient) and G (the least efficient). |
| EPG |
An electronic programme guide comes standard with digital TV systems. It provides a digital listings that you can easily navigate using your remote control. You can browse channels, plan your viewing schedule and set reminders. |
| Ethernet |
A common method of linking computers into a Local Area Network (LAN). |
| Fan oven |
A fan at the rear circulates the hot air inside the oven. These ovens give the most even temperatures. |
| Fast freeze |
This setting freezes the food quickly better preserving the taste and texture. |
| Fastext |
Updated version of Teletext that uses coloured keys on a remote as shortcuts to particular pages. |
| Fax memory |
Will store faxes sent to you when machine is not in use. |
| Filter full alert (water) |
A warning light goes off to show that the filter is full and needs to be emptied. |
| Fire Wire |
A faster type of connection. |
| Firewall |
A Firewall is a security system designed to protect a computer network from unauthorised access, especially via the Internet. |
| Fixed grill |
Temperature is controlled by raising or lowering the grill pan |
| Flash |
A built-in flash supplies auxiliary light to supplement natural or available lighting conditions often resulting in better colour, better exposure and improved picture sharpness. |
| Flash memory players |
They are compact, with a built-in solid state memory bank. They have no moving parts. |
| Float switches |
These detect any water in the base of the dishwasher and stop it from filling up any further. This prevents flooding. |
| Fluff/lint filer or container |
Most tumble dryers have a fluff/lint filter, which captures and stores any fluff/lint from your clothes. This needs to be emptied. They can often be found inside the door. |
| FM Transmitter |
An FM transmitter is a device that lets you listen to music from a music device through the speakers of a regular FM radio. |
| Foldable racks |
These adjustable racks can be folded and, sometimes, moved. This is useful for accommodating loads of different shapes and sizes. |
| Folder |
A folder is an electronic ‘container’ allowing you to store your files together. This makes it easier to organise your information on a computer. |
| Freeview |
A FREE digital service offering up to 41 channels through an integrated digital television or a separate set-top box. |
| Freezer star ratings |
A freezer’s star rating system tells you what it can freeze and for how long.
**** -18°C or colder. Freeze and store fresh food for 3 – 12 months
*** Up to -18°C. Store pre-frozen food for 3 – 12 months
** Up to -12°C. Store pre-frozen food for up to 1 month
* Up to -6°C. Store pre-frozen food for up to 1 week
|
| FSB |
Front side bus refers to how fast the main data connection to the processor runs. The faster it is the faster the overall system runs. |
| F-Stop |
Number indicating the size of the aperture. It is an inversely proportionate number as in F2.8 is a large opening and F16 is a small opening. |
| GB |
The abbreviated version of gigabyte. It’s a measure of memory size, roughly equal to one billion bytes. A computer’s hard drive is usually measured in GBs. Gigabyte equal to 1024 megabytes. |
| Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium |
A version of Windows Vista from Microsoft that offers additional support for TV and radio reception plus a built-in interface can be controlled with a remote, so you can relax on your sofa while using the PC to play the latest films. |
| GHz |
Abbreviation of Gigahertz. It refers to the speed the processor runs at. |
| Gigabyte |
It refers to a unit of memory and is abbreviated Gb. The amount of memory determines how much music, photos and or files you can store. |
| Glass oven door |
Easy to clean and let you see the progress of your cooking. |
| Graphic equaliser |
Customise the sound of your music by choosing from presets like pop, jazz, rock, dance etc. |
| Halogen |
A heating element type found in hobs. It is the nearest in control to gas and gives constant heat levels. |
| Hard disk drive players |
They have a built-in hard drive. They have much bigger memories than flash drive versions. |
| Hard drive |
The central storage point for all your files and data. The larger the hard drive, the more you can store on it. |
| HD DVD |
A new media format designed for the recording and playback of high-definition video with improved picture quality of 1080p. If your HD TV is not 1080p compatible the player will revert to 720 resolution. |
| HD ready |
A TV that can display HDTV when connected to an HD source. |
| HDMI |
An HDMI output allows you to connect HD sources, such as your DVD player or set-top box without compromising on the quality of the picture. |
| Hood |
A heating element type found in hobs. It is the nearest in control to gas and gives constant heat levels. |
| Hz |
The abbreviated of Hertz. This is the unit used to measure the frequency of electric vibrations per second. It serves, for example, to measure the speed of processors as well as the picture refresh rate. |
| ID3 Tags |
A “tag” is data stored in an MP3 (as well as other formats) that contains data such as the title, artist, album and track number. |
| IDTV |
Integrated digital television automatically receives Freeview channels. |
| Individual functions |
Many all-in-ones allow you to operate their major functions without the need to turn on a computer. Copying, scanning and even faxing can be done independently on some machines.
|
| Individual functions |
Many all-in-ones allow you to operate their major functions without the need to turn on a computer. Copying, scanning and even faxing can be done independently on some machines. |
| Induction |
An effective heating element found in hobs. They give instant, precise and even heat. They are easier to control than gas and cheaper to run than other electric hobs. You can only cook with iron cookware when using induction hobs because they work by creating a magnetic field, causing the iron to heat. |
| iPod |
It’s a 21st century walkman. It’s a portable music or video player or both with files stored on a hard drive. It’s the brand name Apple has used for their MP3 players. |
| ISO speed |
Like conventional photo film, a digital camera uses the ISO rating to signify its speed (sensitivity to light). The higher the ISO number, the better the camera is at operating in low light and the better it is with indoor flash (flash will work further from subject since camera has better low light sensitivity). But as the ISO number increases, picture noise or graininess increases. |
| Item clips |
These clips hold smaller items, like plastic lids, in place. |
| iTunes |
Apple’s software package for organising audio tracks, downloading songs from iTunes, and transferring songs to iPods. |
| KB |
An abbreviation of kilobyte. It’s a data storage capacity measure that equals approx. 1000 bytes. It’s normally used as a measurement of a processor's cache. E.g. 512KB Cache. |
| Large door/porthole |
Makes loading and unloading easier. It’s positioned higher than a standard machine door. |
| LCD control panels |
At a glance, this panel shows information like the internal temperature, the features currently being used and any warning if the freezer is defrosting. |
| LCD screen |
This allows the user to compose your picture and preview images/video footage immediately after a photo is taken. |
| Line in |
This allows you to connect audio devices (such as MP3 players) to your hi-fi and listen to your music through your hi-fi. |
| LPG convertible |
Most gas appliances can only be connected to natural gas. Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) kits are available with some appliances allowing them to convert from natural gas to LPG. |
| Maximum printing speeds |
Print speeds (usually expressed in pages per minute) vary so if speed is important to you, compare different models. Most of our printers will print between 20 and 27 black and white pages per minute. Colour pages will take longer depending on the quality selected. |
| Maximum printing speeds |
Print speeds (usually expressed in pages per minute) vary so if speed is important to you, compare different models. Most of our printers will print between 20 and 27 black and white pages per minute. Colour pages will take longer depending on the quality selected.
|
| MB |
An abbreviation of megabyte. This is a data storage capacity measure that equals 1000 kilobytes (KB) or one million bytes. Megabyte, a memory term meaning 1024 kilobytes. Used to denote the size of a flash memory card. It is typically used as a measure of RAM and processor cache |
| Megabyte |
This also refers to a unit of memory and is abbreviated Mb. The amount of memory determines how much music you can store. A megabyte is smaller than a Gb. |
| Megapixel |
1 million pixels, a unit of measurement in an image. This number will determine the quality of the image. Think of it as the number of dots in your picture. A low density of dots will result in a poor image. |
| Memory |
Most cameras and some camcorders come with a small amount of internal memory or supplied on a card but you can get additional cards – go for the biggest you can afford as it will allow you to store more pictures. |
| Memory or DDR RAM |
DDR RAM is double data rate random access memory. This is the laptop’s memory. The higher the number, the more tasks it can do at once. |
| Memory stick duo or MS-N |
A flash memory card standard from Sony. |
| MHz FSB Megahertz FSB |
An abbreviation of Megahertz Front Side Bus), This refers to the speed at which the processor can ‘talk’ to the memory. |
| Minute Minder |
A popular type of timer that’s set for the length of cooking time you need. When it’s finished, an alarm goes off. |
| Modem |
This connects you to the Internet through your telephone line. |
| Movie mode |
Some cameras allow you to take short movies in AVI, MOV or MPEG format – some even take sound. |
| MP3 |
Is a compressed song. By removing the sounds that humans’ ears cannot detect, an MP3 file comes in at a tenth of the size of a normal song. This is the most common type of file format and compatible on most MP3 players. |
| MP4 |
MP4 is a technology for compressing videos and playing them. |
| Multimedia player |
A device that supports and plays back multiple media types, such as MP3 and MP4. |
| NICAM |
Standard stereo sound system. |
| Noise-cancelling |
Headphone technology for reducing ambient sound. |
| Nvidia RSX graphics processor |
A powerful graphics processor unit (GPU) |
| NXT speakers |
High quality sound from an ultra thin speaker. Works by using an exciter to vibrate a panel to give you sound. |
| Operating System |
All computers must have an operating system in order to run other programmes. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognising input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. |
| Optical audio output |
For connection to a Dolby Digital surround system |
| Optical image stabilisation |
This is a type of zoom on digital cameras/ camcorders that replicates what a 35mm zoom does, by actually magnifying the subject of the photo. |
| Oven liners |
See catalytic liners, pyrolytic liners or enamel interiors. |
| Overflow protection |
Equipped to protect you against any leaks or overflows |
| PAL (Phase Alternative Line) |
The television broadcasting system used in most European Countries. |
| Parental lock/Child lock |
Parents may lock out unsuitable content for children. |
| Parental lock/child resistant |
Once the programme has been running for 3 minutes, any changes are ignored and the door cannot be opened. |
| PictBridge™ |
PictBridge™ is a new standard for direct USB printing from digital cameras to printers without the use of a computer. Found on photo printers and many all-in-ones, Pictbridge allows you to transfer images from a compatible digital camera directly to an all-in-one without a computer or editing software. Some have controls and an LCD on the printer to set print size and layout. |
| Picture-in-Picture |
PIP lets you watch a second programme in a little window. |
| Play & charge kit |
This charges the Xbox 360 controllers |
| Print modes |
Most printers can print in three different modes - typically draft, standard, and best so you can keep running costs down. |
| Processor Speed |
The processor speed is normally made up of GHz, MHz FSB and Cache. The bigger the number, the better. |
| Processor type |
A central processing unit (CPU), or sometimes simply processor, is the brain of the computer. CPUs are one of the core components found in almost all-modern computers. |
| Programmable |
This means that the oven can be programmed in advance to start and finish cooking when you want it to. |
| Progressive scan |
Progressive scan means that the whole picture is loaded at once, rather than line by line, delivering a smoother image that stays sharp during motion. |
| Pyrolytic liners |
These are also self-cleaning liners. They clean every part of the oven’s interior. During the cleaning process, the oven reaches a temperature of about 500 degrees. Any old food or grease is carbonised and left as a pile of ash on the bottom of the oven, ready to be wiped away. This process can take between 2- 3 hours and should be carried out every few weeks. |
| RAM |
Random Access Memory. This is the amount of PC memory available to a programme at any time. Generally, the more RAM your PC has, the faster and more efficiently your applications will run. |