Digital TV Dictionary

Analogue - The traditional mode of television broadcast that uses a standard wave to transmit programmes and information.

Broadcasters - The company entities that transmit television programming.

Common Interface (CI) - Devices using the same open standard can be connected to a television or a set top box using a Common Interface (CI).  The Common Interface ensures that different equipment for different manufacturers and suppliers will be compatible.

Communal System - A wiring system run through a building or series of buildings that broadcasts a signal shared by all inhabitants.

Conditional Access (CA) - Programming that is only accessible by utilising a card or special code - Sky and cable use Conditional Access to ensure that only those programmes that the viewer has paid for can be viewed (‘descrambled').

Coverage - The geographical area within broadcasting range of a transmitter.

D-CAB - An abbreviation for ‘digital cable'.

D-SAT - An abbreviation for ‘digital satellite'.

Decoder - The decoder unscrambles the zeros and ones of a digital signal (or the analogue signal) to convert it into recognisable images and sounds.

Digital - The improved method by which television signals are transmitted to viewable pictures and sounds.  Streams of data consist of many 0's and 1's; decoded by special equipment in your Digital decoder or as part of your digital-ready television.

DSL - Digital Subscriber Line.  One method of delivering digital television services, high-speed internet, video on demand through the use of telephone wires. 

DTG - An Abbreviation for 'Digital TV Group'.  Formed in 1995 with the purpose to set the technical standards for Digital Terrestrial Television in the United Kingdom (DTT).  The body has over 100 members and now focuses on digital television on a worldwide basis.

DTT - An abbreviation for ‘Digital Terrestrial Television'.

DTV - An abbreviation for ‘Digital Television'.

DVB - An abbreviation for 'Digital Video Broadcasting', the European standard for digital television

Encryption - Providers use encryption to mix up television signals and ensure they cannot be viewed unless someone has the means to decrypt.  Often this will mean paying a fee for a password, for a special piece of hardware or for some kind of plug-in (Sky utilises a card that slots in the front of the decoder).

EPG - An abbreviation for ‘Electronic Programme Guide'. Information about the programming that is available now and in the near future.  It can be called up for a period of several weeks in advance on D-CAB and D-SAT, enabling viewers to plan ahead with their viewing.

HDTV - An abbreviation for ‘High Definition Television'.

IDTV - An abbreviation for ‘Integrated Digital Television'.  This simply means a television that has a digital tuner incorporated, rather than as a separate device.

IDVCR - An abbreviation for ‘Integrated Digital VCR'.  This is a video recorder that utilises a built in digital tuner, rather than interfacing with a separate device.

IRS - An abbreviation of ‘Integrated Receiver System'.  Enables the delivery of television, radio and internet from a single plug in the wall.

Interactive - Describes any type of broadcast or programme that allows the user to interact with the television programme.

MATV - An abbreviation of ‘Master Antennae Television'.  A master antennae aerial will collect a signal that will then be dispersed and shared among a communal system, allowing multiple TV sets to benefit from the same aerial.

Multiplex - Digital television allows broadcasters to show several different programmes on a single TV channel.  The processes of fitting more than one stream of information in a single signal utilises a multiplex.

PDR- An abbreviation of ‘Personal Digital Recorder'.  Records programmes to a hard drive (or other medium) for playback at a later date.

PVR - An abbreviation of ‘Personal Video Recorder'.  Records broadcast programmes to a hard disk (or other medium) for playback at a later date.

Red Button - A button (predictably it is coloured red) on your remote control used for accessing additional information on the programme you are watching.  Also it may provide access to Teletext, interactive services, and a number of other options.

RF Loop - Allows the signal from the aerial to be connected to one device (such as your television, PVR or Sky box) and then be connected again to another device.  Useful when multiple devices require a signal from the aerial.

RF Modulator - outputs a signal from a TV to the connection (unlike the RF Loop which passes the signal through).  The 'aerial out' connector on the back of the TV is an RF Modulator.

SCART - Found on the back of televisions and other devices, SCART connections enable images to be passed between equipment.  TVs are often connected to a VCR via a SCART connection.  Also many games machines use SCART connections to send their images to the TV.

Solus Card - Enables digital satellite subscribers to watch free to view channels.

STB - An abbreviation of ‘Set Top Box' - an adaptor that allows digital television to be viewed on older television sets that do not have an integrated digital tuner.

Switchover - Refers to the ‘Digital Switchover', the process of halting analogue broadcasts and switching simultaneously to digital broadcasts.

Terrestrial - Any television that can be received through your aerial without the use of cable or a Sky dish.

VCR - An abbreviation of ‘Video Cassette Recorder' - the device you may have used to record programmes shown on the TV for later viewing.