TV Stand and Video Glossary

Antenna: overcomes signal loss to TV.

Aspect Ratio: width to height ratio of a movie picture: usually 1.85:1 (most compatible with TV screens) and 2.35:1.

Blu-ray Discs Players: plays pre-recorded discs that utilize shorter wavelengths to store 6-times more (high definition) data than DVDs, for sharper, more detailed pictures. Cables: analog or digital transporters of power to and from AV equipment; basic components are conductors, shielding and connectors. Dolby Digital: technology that provides high-quality sound through a five-speaker system, using an AV receiver. DVD players remix sound to any available speakers.

DTS: technology that produces high-quality sound through use of speakers and an AV receiver.

DVD Player: plays pre-recorded Digital Versatile Discs used to store audio and video data.

DVR: Digital Video Recorder records videos and plays them back on a TV.

Entertainment Center: stationary or expanding unit or components with multiple compartments for TV and components.

External Speakers/Subwoofers: provide professional theater quality and boosts sound and effects of Dolby and DTS technology.

Full Screen: a picture width-to-height ratio of 1.33:1.

HDTV: high-definition, producing twice the resolution of analog TVs.

Monitor Terminal Expansion Board: digitally transfers audio and video signals over a single cable.

Region Codes: encoding that prohibits DVDs from being played on a player sold in other parts of the world.

Screen Protectors: attaches to flat-screen TVs to protect screens from damage and reduce eyestrain.

Surge Protector: protects electronics and appliance from damage due to rushes of power supplied to the house.

Tuner: decodes broadcast signals.

TV Cabinet: credenza-type furniture with storage drawers, doors, shelves, and tabletop area for flat-screen TVs. Large chest with doors to hide and protect TV and components.

TV Stand/Cart: furniture designed to hold TVs by weight and size, with room for components. Universal Remote: programmable remote that replaces individual remotes to run all AV equipment from a central remote. VCR: plays movies pre-recorded on magnetic tape.

Wall/Ceiling Mounts: stationary or swiveling unit that attaches 9-inch to 84-inch TVs to walls or ceilings.

Widescreen: movies with ratios of 1.85:1 (preferred) or 2.35:1.