Glossary – Panasonic SC-HT855 User Manual
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Glossary
CPPM (Content Protection for Prerecorded Media)
A copy protection system used for DVD-Audio files. This unit supports 
CPPM.
Decoder
A decoder restores the coded audio signals on DVDs to normal. This is 
called decoding.
DivX
DivX is a popular media technology created by DivX, Inc. DivX media files 
contain highly compressed video with high visual quality that maintains a 
relatively small file size.
Dolby Digital
This is a method of coding digital signals developed by Dolby 
Laboratories. Apart from stereo (2-channel) audio, these signals can also 
be multi-channel audio. A large amount of audio information can be 
recorded on one disc using this method.
DTS (Digital Theater Systems)
This surround system is used in many movie theaters around the world. 
There is good separation between the channels, so realistic sound effects 
are possible.
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is the difference between the lowest level of sound that 
can be heard above the noise of the equipment and the highest level of 
sound before distortion occurs.
Film and video
DVD-Videos are recorded using either film or video. This unit can 
determine which type has been used, then uses the most suitable method 
of progressive output.
Film:
Recorded at 25 frames per second (PAL discs) or 24 frames per 
second (NTSC discs). (NTSC discs recorded at 30 frames per 
second as well). 
Generally appropriate for motion picture films.
Video: Recorded at 25 frames/50 fields per second (PAL discs) or
30 frames/60 fields per second (NTSC discs). Generally 
appropriate for TV drama programs or animation. 
Frame still and field still
Frames are the still pictures that go together to make a moving picture. 
There are about 30 frames shown each second.
One frame is made up of two fields. A regular television shows these 
fields one after the other to create frames.
A still is shown when you pause a moving picture. A frame still is made up 
of two alternating fields, so the picture may appear blurred, but overall 
quality is high.
A field still is not blurred, but it has only half the information of a frame still 
so picture quality is lower.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
HDMI is a next-generation digital interface for consumer electronic 
products. Unlike conventional connections, it transmits uncompressed 
digital video and audio signals on a single cable. This unit supports high-
definition video output (720p,1080i) from the HDMI AV OUT terminal. To 
enjoy high-definition video, a high-definition compatible television is 
required.
I/P/B
MPEG 2, the video compression standard adopted for use with 
DVD-Video, codes frames using these 3 picture types.
I:
Intra coded picture
This picture has the best quality and is the best to use when adjusting 
the picture.
P: Predictive coded picture
This picture is calculated based on past I- or P-pictures.
B: Bidirectionally-predictive coded picture
This picture is calculated by comparing past and future I- and 
P-pictures so it has the lowest volume of information.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
This is a system used for compressing/decoding color still pictures. If you 
select JPEG as the storage system on digital cameras, etc., the data will 
be compressed to 1/10–1/100 of its original size. The benefit of JPEG is 
less deterioration in picture quality considering the degree of 
compression.
Linear PCM (pulse code modulation)
These are uncompressed digital signals, similar to those found on CDs.
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3)
An audio compression method that compresses audio to approximately 
one tenth of its size without any considerable loss of audio quality.
MPEG4
A compression system for use on mobile devices or a network, that allows 
highly efficient recording at a low bit rate.
Playback control (PBC)
If a Video CD has playback control, you can select scenes and 
information with menus.
Progressive/Interlaced
The PAL video signal standard has 576 interlaced (i) scan lines, whereas 
progressive scanning, called 576p, uses twice the number of scan lines. 
For the NTSC standard, these are called 480i and 480p respectively.
Using progressive output, you can enjoy the high-resolution video 
recorded on media such as DVD-Video.
Your television must be compatible to enjoy progressive video.
Sampling frequency
Sampling is the process of converting the heights of sound wave (analog 
signal) samples taken at set periods into digits (digital encoding). 
Sampling frequency is the number of samples taken per second, so larger 
numbers mean more faithful reproduction of the original sound.
WMA (Windows Media
TM
Audio)
WMA is a compression format developed by Microsoft Corporation. It 
achieves the same sound quality as MP3 with a file size that is smaller 
than that of MP3.
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