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IFA Glossary

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100 Hertz

Flicker-free television, achieved by doubling the standard 50 Hertz refresh rate used in television.

720p

Video format for HDTV: 720 lines of resolution are produced progressively ("p" = progressive, no interlace) on the screen, i. e. the full line is depicted at one time.

1080i

Video format for HDTV: 1080 lines of resolution are produced using the interlace technique ("i" = interlace).

A

AC3

go to Dolby Digital.

Access Point

The access point is the basic station within a wireless network (for example a WirelessLAN).

Active speaker

Speaker enclosure with integrated power amplifier (sometimes with separate power amplifiers for high, mid-range, and bass frequencies).

ADR

(Astra Digital Radio).
This is a transmission system for digital radio programs broadcast via ASTRA satellites since 1995. It is based on the MUSICAM / MPEG-11 data compression process. The data transfer rate is 192 Kbit/s (including 256 Kbit/s error protection). An additional 9.6 Kbit/s is used for radio data signals (RDS), conditional access system (access control for pay radio) and other control data. The digital transmission is realized via the satellites ASTRA 1A - 1D using audio subcarrier frequencies. On a medium-term basis, ADR is expected to be substituted or supplemented by DVB-S.

ADSL

(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line).
Transmission technology that dramatically accelerates data transmission via standard twisted pair copper cable. "Asymmetric" variant of DSL in which data is transferred downstream at rates of > 10 Mbit/s and upstream at > 800 Kbit/s. The unequal data rates for downstream and upstream data transfers explain term "Asymmetric."

ADSL2

With ADSL2 the data rate downstream is as high as 16 Mbit/s, for ADSL2+ up to 24 Mbit/s and with VDSL, up to 52 Mbit/s may be realized.

Advanced Television Enhancement Forum

Go to ATVEF.

ANGA

(German Association of Private CATV Operators).

ANSI

(North American Standards Institute).
Organization for technical standards in the USA.

API

(Application Programming Interface).
Software interface for application programs which allow direct access to operating system resources or the user interface. An API provides connectivity for other programs to the existing operating system. This allows for running a newer software on an older computer. In digital television, the Multimedia Home Platform MHP plays a comparable role. Since this interface can be used by all program and service providers as well as all device manufacturers, it clears the way for solutions which are compatible with future programs, for example interactive programs: An open API enables the use of applications (e. g. EPGs) by different providers on the same Set-top box.

APS

(Automatic Programming System).
Technology is used in television sets to detect the locally available channels when the television is switched on for the first time and assign the programs the channel memories (buttons 1, 2, 3 ... on the remote control handset).

ARD Digital

ARD Digital is the digital program bouquet of the ARD. It comprises 18 television programs, all radio programs of the Landesrundfunkanstalten (German radio stations under public law) as well as numerous interactive services. Besides the "Ersten" ARD Digital broadcasts the three programs "EinsPlus", "EinsExtra", and "EinsFestival", which are delivered only in digital format. The program package ("bouquet") of ARD Digital includes TV programs, an electronic program guide (EPG) for easy and organized information about ARD services and the ARD online channel (ARD-Online-Kanal) as well as additional interactive services.

ASCII

(American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
Internationally used digital code for alphabetic and numeric characters and symbols (ASCII character code).

Aspect Ratio

So far, the standard television screen has a ratio of width and height of 4:3, the format widescreen has an aspect ratio of 16:9. HDTV uses the widescreen ratio (16:9) as a standard.

Astra

Satellite system operated by the Société Européenne des Satellites (SES). The ASTRA family (1A-G) now has 7 satellites in geostationary orbit at 19.2° east for transmitting analog and digital radio and television channels. In addition to non-German channels, virtually all analog and digital television/radio channels can be received with a satellite dish with a minimum diameter of 60 cm. Further Astra Satellites are available at 28,2° East, 24,2° East, 23,5° East, and 5,2° East.

Astra Digital Radio

Go to ADR.

ATM

(Asynchronous Transfer Mode).
Digital transmission technique in the broadband network, which transfers data in "packages" of 53 Byte each. ATM is a technology that allows Broadband ISDN (short: B-ISDN), which means it allows due to a high data transfer rate the digital transmission of audio, video and data signals.

ATVEF

(Advanced Television Enhancement Forum)
Consortium of hardware manufacturers and broadcasters established with the intention of creating a single standard from the various protocols used to link television with the Internet. The proposed standards submitted by ATVEF define connections that will enable remote control of televisions, computers and other household appliances.

Audio-DVD

Go to DVD

Audiovision

(Audio/video) combination of sound and images. Generic term for processes used for the simultaneous transmission, storage, and reproduction of sound and pictures.

Audio frequencies

The frequency range between 20Hz and 20,000Hz perceivable by the human ear. Also referred to as low frequency range.

Avatar

Virtual (sometimes three-dimensional) representation of a person in video games, chat rooms, or advertising. Well known avatars include Lara Croft from the game Tomb Raider and Robert T. Online from Deutsche Telekom.

B

B2B

(Business to Business).
Business Relations between companies.

B2C

(Business to Consumers).
Business Relations between companies and private customers.

Basic access line

An ISDN basic access line includes two voice/data channels (B-channels) and a control channel (D-Channel). The channels can be used independently of each other making it possible to, for example, use the telephone and send a fax at the same time.

Basic encryption

With basic encryption, even Free-TV programs are encoded, but other than for Pay-TV, the programs are automatically decoded inside the receiver (each device has to include the appropriate decoding system). This basic encryption could be used to prevent unauthorized viewing of TV channels.

Bit

Short for binary digit. One bit is the smallest unit of digital information in the binary data system: represented by 0 or 1.

Bit rate

See Data rate (also termed data transfer rate).

B-Channel

One of two voice/data channels available with an ISDN Basic access line. The transfer rate for a single B-channel is 64,000 bits per second (bit/s). Two B-channels can be combined to provide a transfer rate of 128,000 bits per second (bit/s).

Beamer

Go to Video projector.

Blue Laser

Blue laser light has a wave length above 400 nm. It is used in the technologies HD-DVD as well as the Blu-ray Disc. The advantages of the blue laser - compared to the red laser used for DVDs - is the shorter wave length. The shorter wave length allows for writing data closer together on the disc which leads to up to four times as much storage room than on a DVD.

Blucom interactive

During a television program Bluetooth enabled set-top boxes can establish a connection to traditional mobile phones equipped with a bluetooth interface. The viewer not only receives additional information via this connection but can also interactively take part in quiz-shows, home-shopping, booking holiday trips, voting etc. using navigation elements displayed on the mobile phone.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth (after King Bluetooth of Denmark, who signed a settlement with the Norwegians 1,000 years ago) is a system specifically developed to provide low-cost, short-distance RF connection between PDAs, laptops, mobile phones, and other (mobile) devices. It is also used to provide wireless connection to peripherals (mouse, keyboard etc.). Bluetooth devices automatically recognize each other and establish a network connection. A Bluetooth-network, known as "Piconet", can include up to eight devices. The data is transferred from one device to the other at a carrier frequency in the 2.4 GHz range (2,402 GHz to 2,480 GHz). The signals have no preferential destination and can therefore be received by any device within the range. If a Bluetooth-device detects another device in its range, one of them automatically takes on a server-like role organizing the radio transmission. The maximum Data rate up to around 750 Kbit/s, with a range restricted to 10 m. The extended Bluetooth standard allows a range of 100 m with improved transmission power.

Blu-ray Disc

Optical storage media, similar to DVD, storage capacity of 25 GB using Blue Laser and therefore appropriate for storing HDTV programs. The specifications for the Blu-ray Disc were established in 2002 by the Blu-ray Group composed of Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Hitatchi, LG Electronics, Matsushita, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung and Sharp.

Bouquet

Bouquet is a term used by broadcasters to denote their thematically varied package of digital programs (ARD Digital). The term "bouquet" is also used to identify a grouping of program or service providers into a single program package.

bps

(Bit per second).
Unit for Data throughput (also see cps).

Browser

(also "Web browser")
Computer program that provides access to the World Wide Web (WWW) and graphically displays pages. Required for Web surfing on the Internet or and other data networks.

Byte

Block of digital data consisting of eight Bits.

C

CA

(Conditional Access System)
A system controlling the access of Pay-TV subscribers to the subscription channels and services, etc. Prevents non-subscribers from receiving the signal. CA modules are distinguished by the encoding method they are designed to decode. Examples: BetaCrypt (Premiere), Irdeto, Viaccess, Nagra, Cryptoworks, and Conax. Provided that the CA modules are interchangeable, the programs of several Pay-TV providers using different encoding methods can be received with the same satellite receiver.

CaTV

(Cable TV)

C-Band

Go to Satellite frequency range.

CCD

(Charge Coupled Device).
Light-sensitive semiconductor image converter, used in modern video cameras in place of the previously used camera tubes. High quality video cameras use 3 CCDs - one for each of the primary colors: red, green and blue.

CDMA / CDM

In code devision multiplexing (CDM = Code Division Multiplex, CDMA = Code Division Multiple Access) for mobile telephony, signals from several sources are transmitted simultaneously on the same frequency. Data bits are transmitted using bit sequences (code) assigned to the respective sender. To express the bit sign "1" the code itself is transmitted and for the bit sign "0" the inverse code is transmitted. The data rate on the transmission channel ("chip rate") therefore is a multiple of the data rate of the source signal. If several senders are active at the same time they produce a signal mixture. The receiver filters the signal mixture to extract the signal of a given sender by calculating the correlation between the known code pattern of the sender and the signal mixture. In simple words, the signal mixture is multiplied by the (binary) code pattern. For the data bit "1" the correlation yields the value "1" and for the data bit "0" it yields the value "-1". While the sender is not transmitting at all the correlation yields the value "0". Code devision multiplexing is applied in the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) in the form of WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). CDMA is also applied in the satellite navigation Systems GPS and Galileo.

CD-R

(Compact Disc - Recordable).
1x recordable CD.

CD-ROM

(Compact Disc Read Only Memory)
Non-recordable digital storage medium for images, text, software, and sound data.

CD-RW

(Compact Disc - ReWriteable)
Multiple recordable CD.

CECED

(European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufactures) based in Brussels.

Chain

(CECED Home Appliances Interoperating Network).
The European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers (CECED) has defined a communication standard for home appliances in the field of "home automation" and developed a mutually supported protocol for the operation of "home automation" systems. The platform CHAIN defines the data exchange protocol for individual appliances in a network, such as refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, dish washer, ovens - even if they are made by different manufacturers. This standard allows the controlling and monitoring of key functions, e. g. remote control of appliances, energy and charging management, remote error diagnosis, automatic maintenance or program updates and services via the Internet. A certificate is supposed to guarantee the customer that the product supports the standard and that all specific properties of the appliance will be provided unrestrictedly in a network environment. Indoor communication is realized via power lines or radio frequencies. No modifications of the building are required. The system is designed for simple installation by the user or service personnel of the appliance provider without the necessity of specialized help.

Channel bonding

Combining several B-channels of an ISDN access line to a virtual channel with a higher data rate.

Chip

Term used to describe integrated circuits populated by up to several hundred thousand semiconductor elements (transistors/diodes, etc.). Structures smaller than a thousandth of a millimeter allow an increasing density of integration.

Common Interface (CI)

The CI is a standard interface for DVB (a type of jack) which accomodates the Conditional Access Module (CA module) for decoding (Descrambling) Pay-TV programs. At the moment (2007) a new generation of the CI standard (Common Interface Version2) is being developed. This new standard not only considers different encoding systems but also regards issues concerning the protection of minors and encorporates copy protection.

Conditional Access System

Go to CA.

Content

Programs (audio and video), services, text, images, data.

Convergence

The term "convergence" involves drawing closer together or matching. Since, for example, the common digital technology has drawn consumer electronics, computer technology and telecommunications closer together, this is described as "convergence". Typical products of convergence are Set-top boxes, which receive digital television, and which also provide access to the Internet through an internal Modem, and also mobile phones which can be used for taking photographs, listening to radio, playing music files and playing video games. They also include portable computers ("laptops"), which can receive television programs and connect to external data networks by means of an integrated mobile phone. In convergence systems - several (remote) devices exchange data using a network - the "convergence is contained within the network".

Convertible

Specific design type of a Tablet PC.

Cookie

Information stored by Internet providers on the user's computer; used to complete address fields in order forms, or identify web site visitors.

cps

(characters per second).
Unit of measure for data rate: Number of the effectively transmitted characters (e. g. letters, numbers) per time unit, excluding the required control commands. The transfer rate including the control commands is expressed in bps (bits per second).

CPU

(Central Processing Unit)
The "main processor", often simply called processor or CPU, controls the processes in the computer or digital receiver terminals. Typically, the CPU is represented by the microprocessor, which comprises all modules of the CPU on one micro chip. The CPU is controlled by the (software-) program. The tasks of the CPU include arithmetic operations, reading data from and to memory as well as executing jumps in the program.

Cyberspace

Term describing the condition in which a user can "move" freely in virtual space. The interactions calculated by the computer are reproduced for the user/viewer with realistic images, sounds, and simulated acceleration forces.

D

D2-MAC

A television transmission standard developed for satellite television for the transmission of analog images and - for the first time - digital sound. It practically has lost relevance with the introduction of DVB.

DAB

(Digital Audio Broadcasting).
Technique for terrestrial digital transmission of radio and multimedia data signals. MUSICAM (MP2) is used for data compression from 1,411 Mbit/s to 192 Kbit/s. The basic system components of DAB were developed in the research project EUREKA 147 commissioned by the EU and were internationally standardized in 1995. In Germany, DAB has been supplementing the digital terrestrial FM broadcasting since 1999. This technology is available to 80 % of the German population.

Datacast

Generic term for all data services (e. g. IP-Datacast) which are transmitted via broadcasting stations.

Data throughput

Whereas the Data rate includes all data, the data throughput applies only to the rate of transfer of useful data - excluding information for data correction, block separation, etc. - in cps = characters per second).

Data rate

(also data transfer rate or bit rate)
This specifies the number of data units transmitted per unit of time in bit/s (bits per second) or Mbit/s (Megabit = million bits per second). The data rate has a decisive influence on the image quality of digital television broadcasts. Data rates of 4-6 Mbit/s correspond to the image quality available for analog TV programs.

Data compression

Data compression of audio signals involves the removal of "inaudible" sound information. Many sounds are superimposed, while others are outside the frequency range audible to humans and not perceived by the human ear.
Data compression of video signals is accomplished by transmitting frame change information only. Instead of transmitting 25 complete frames per second, only the changes from the previous frame are transmitted.

Decoder

Device used for decoding signals received via the local broadcast standard. A specific decoder is used for each standard (e.g. PAL, Videotext, DVB).

DECT

(Digital European Cordless Telecommunication).
European standard for digital cordless telecommunications with enhanced security. It has a range between 50 and 300 m, depending on whether it is being transmitted inside buildings or outside.

Descrambling

Descrambling is the term for decoding or reconstructing encoded (TV-) programs. This process is conducted using a chip or a special component in the TV set or an auxiliary device (Decoder/Descrambler). Pay-TV, Scrambling.

Deutsche TV-Plattform

The "Deutsche TV-Plattform" (German TV platform) is a consortium of program producers and providers, private broadcasting stations and broadcasting stations under public law, network operators, industrial enterprises, universities and research institutes, federal ministries, provincial governments, media institutes and other organisations dealing with television concepts of the future. It is made up of members from all areas of the media field. With its comprehensive structure the TV-Plattform considers its main tasks promoting information exchange among the participants of the value creation chain, coordinating the various interests during the introduction of digital television, and informing the public of new technological developments, program formats, new content, and new applications.

Digital photography

The basic design of digital cameras only differs slightly from the design of conventional analog cameras: In both cases the image of the motif is projected through an optical system (lens) onto a storage medium. Inside the digital camera, the recorded image is stored in an electronic sensor rather than directly projected on film. This sensor converts the occuring light into the corresponding electrical voltage, which is digitalized and then stored just like (computer) data, processed and finally printed.

Digital Rights Management

Go to DRM (2).

Digital television

(Digital Video Broadcasting, DVB).
Digital transmission of television signals - from the broadcasting station to the receiver. In Europe and many other countries, digital TV (including receivers for digital television) is based on the DVB standards. Today virtually all known programs, including digital Pay-TV channels and hundreds of Free-TV channels, are broadcast via satellite (DVB-S) analogously as well as digitally. The trend towards digital technologies cannot only be attributed to the achievable quality improvements known from the CD. Digital techniques make more room for the existing frequencies: programs can be expanded and novel, even interactive information, education and entertainment services can be added. With the MHP (Multimedia Home Platform), digital television disposes of an interface that can build a bridge between the Internet and television and integrates people without a computer or efficient IT knowledge directly into the online world of the emerging knowledge community.

Digital Video Broadcasting

Go to DVB.

Digital Versatile Disc

Go to DVD.

DirecTV

First American satellite television. Since June 1994, two satellites have been transmitting up to 150 channels, which can be received direct - i.e. with the user's own satellite dish - throughout continental North America.

DiSEqC

(Digital Satellite Equipment Control).
System for controlling satellite receivers. In conventional satellite systems, a 14/18 V switching voltage is used to switch between horizontal and vertical polarization. In addition, a 22 kHz audio signal on the power cable controls the orientation of the satellite dish to specific satellite positions. DiSEqC, on the other hand, is a universal control concept, because the 22 kHz audio signal is not simply switched on and off, it is also scanned allowing a large number of commands (including polarization switching) to be transmitted within the DiSEqC system. In addition, DiSEqC Level 2 enables bi-directional communication allowing the satellite receiver to send commands to the peripheral devices, which in turn communicate with the receiver - i.e. Plug-and-Play for satellite receiver technology.

D-Kanal

Control channel used with an ISDN Basic access line. The D-channel provides a transfer rate of 16,000 bits per second (bit/s) and is used for billing information, caller ID, or signaling the type of incoming call (fax, data, voice).

DivX

With this data compressed video data format (#Data compression#) the digital video data is compressed without significant loss of image quality during playback (allowing for more storage capacity).

DMAP

(DECT Multimedia Access Profile).
DECT standard for wireless networking of multimedia applications and devices.

DMB

(Digital Multimedia Broadcasting).
Digital Multimedia Broadcasting is based on DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and is developed for the transmission of moving images (Mobile TV) to mobile receivers, which move at high velocities. For the video encoding the standard H.264/AVC (MPEG-4) is used which ensures an acceptable image quality on small displays even at data rates below 400 kbit/s. DMB is downward compatible to DAB and therefore in principle also allows for receiving and replaying conventional DAB programs (MPEG 1 Layer 2). Several of the Mobile TV projects started lately are based on DMB.

Dolby Digital

The Dolby Digital multi-channel sound system processes up to six separate audio signals: five for the entire audio frequency spectrum and one for the subwoofer channel (LFE, Low Frequency Effect) commonly used for special sound effects, e.g. earthquakes or explosions. This type of signal processing is also referred to as 5:1 audio. Unlike Dolby Surround, the digital surround channel produces a stereo signal making it possible for sounds to "wander" e.g. diagonally from front right to rear left. Data compression reduces the massive amount of audio data.

Dolby ProLogic

Process for analog surround sound in which the appropriately coded two-channel stereo signals are separated into four separate sound channels.

Download

Copying files (text, images, audio, software) from an Internet web site or other service onto a personal computer.

dpi

(dots per inch = Punkte pro Zoll).
A unit of measurement indicating the resolution (sharpness) of images produced by printers or fax machines. Higher resolutions provide a more uniform and detailed image. Fax machines typically use a resolution of 200 dpi; laser and inkjet printers provide up to 1,200 dpi.

DRM

(Digital Radio Mondiale).
DRM is an international consortium (with around 70 members in 30 countries) which has developed an internationally standardized procedure for the digital transmission of radio and data services on conventional radio frequencies (short, medium and long wave). The DRM system has thereby forged the last link in the digitization of analog radio systems. The Data rate is 24 kbit/s (24,000 bits per second), using aacPlus technology for data compression. DRM has been officially launched in mid-2003 on the occasion of the World Radio Communication Conference (WRC). The high broadcast quality of DRM is being demonstrated at IFA in the scope of the TWF. In 2005, the DRM consortium participates with a separate booth introducing new receivers manufactured in series.

DRM (2)

(Digital Rights Management).
Digital Content can be copied virtually without any losses compared to the original. The disadvantage of digitality is the possibility of producing illegal copies of high quality digital signals - maybe even in HDTV quality - and thereby undermining copyrights. DRM was created to secure copyright in a reliable, unbureaucratic and consumer friendly manner. In Europe there are different legislations: in the EU there are directives regarding copyright protection in the information community, data protection in electronical communication and enforcement of copyright and trademark rights. However, the legal situation is country-specific (e. g. copyright law). Typical proposals for a feasable DRM system are: open standard for protected content, no manufacturer-specific systems, no device-specific content. Additionally, everything including the rules is meant to be simple, consumer-friendly and uncomplicated.

DSL

(Digital Subscriber Line).
General term (also referred to as "xDSL") for high speed data transfer via a twisted pair copper cable, ADSL, HDSL.

Dual Band

Cell phones that can be used for two (GSM) radio frequency ranges (900 MHz and 1800 MHz). Dual band capability makes it possible to for mobile phone subscribers to use their phones in different networks. Triple Band.

DVB

(Digital Video Broadcasting).
Initially established in 1991 as the European Launching Group (ELG), the DVB project started work in 1993. It now encompasses over 260 companies, institutions and organizations - equipment manufacturers, broadcasters, network operators, research institutes and authorities - from 27 countries. The objective of DVB - a "project financed solely from the contributions of the members without any significant public funding - is the general and coordinated development of systems and standards to enable the broadcast of digital television in Europe via satellite, cable and terrestrial transmission" [Deutsche TV Platform e.V.]. Although originally primarily a European project, a large number of non-European companies, e.g. from Japan, South Korea, Canada and the USA, are now also members of DVB. Since DVB has applications beyond digital broadcasting (television and radio), this technology represents a virtually universal "data highway" for applications with Data rates up to 39 Mbit/s. The suggestion has therefore occasionally been made to change the name from Digital Video Broadcasting to Digital Versatile Broadcasting (see also DVD). The family of DVB standards includes:

DVB-S:

System for satellite transmission in the 11/12 GHz Satellite frequency range: configurable for various transponder bandwidths and power outputs. DVB-S2 is not designed to substitute DVB-S. It was primarily intended for IP-based services and high definition television (HDTV). With DVB-S2, the effectively usable bandwidth for satellite transmission is increased by 30 percent offering the same reception quality. Additionally, DVB-S2 allows for the transmission of two transfer streams on a single satellite transponder (parallel transmission of one "conventional" TV program and one HDTV program). Also see DVB-SH.

DVB-T: Standard for terrestrial (go to Terrestrial broadcasting) digital television.
Go to DVB-T.

DVB-T2:

: Refurbishment of DVB-T currently in development and under the process of further specification. Up to now, the possibilities researched reach from stationary use with a roof antenna with a maximum Data rate of 50 Mbit/s to a system, which could cover the requisitions of the standard DVB-H2.

DVB-H (H stands for "handheld").
Go to DVB-H

DVB-C:

A standard, compatible with DVB-S, for the transmission of digital broadcasts and/or services via cable. Modified bit-error correction and modulation processes allow the data transmitted on the satellite channel to be accommodated on a standard (cable) channel of only 8 MHz bandwidth.

DVB-CS:

A standard adapted to DVB-C and DVB-S for cable/satellite-based reception of DVB signals via community aerial systems.

DVB-MS:

(Multipoint Distribution System): this system uses microwaves for the terrestrial transmission of a large number of TV channels direct to the viewer. The microwaves are transmitted in packets to reception aerials in the line of sight of a transmitter station situated in a high location. (also referred to as "specification for wireless broadband cabling").

DVB-SI:

Service Information System. Used for the transmission of data, for example program-related information, within the data stream.

DVB-TXT:

Specification for the transmission of Teletext ("Videotext")

DVB-CI:

(Common Interface) - common interface for conditional access and other applications.

DVB-Subtitling:

Specification for subtitling and the presentation of graphics

DVB-RCC:

(Return Channel Cable): Specification for interactive channels (forward and return channels) in broadband cable networks.

DVB-RTC:

Specification for interactive channels (return channels) via telephone and ISDN.

DVB-NIP:

Network-independent protocol for interactivity.

DVB-IPN:

Interfaces between DVB and the telecommunications world.
The standards developed in the DVB project also include Multimedia Home Platform, MHP. Other specifications and processes relate to data radio via DVB, the synchronization of single frequency networks, interfaces between the DVB world and high speed data networks, DVB-based digital satellite news gathering (DSNG), bi-directional communications and the networking of DVB terminals.

DVB-H (H stands h5>

DVB-H enables the transmission of data rates of up to 10 Mbit/s. A typical field of application is the transmission of, for example, 20 video streams at a data rate of 400 kbit/s each and on one DVB-H channel to a battery-powered end device (PDA, Smartphone, Communicator etc.). Audio and data services, such as Internet-Push, can also be transmitted via DVB-H. Time Slicing is used to conserve battery power of the end device: data is compressed and transmitted in defined time slices and not permanently. In between time slices, no energy is consumed. DVB-H is based on DVB-T and is also suitable for 5-MHz channels (higher frequencies than radio bands), which is particularly interesting for applications in the USA.

DVB-SH (DVB-H via satellite h5>

Mobile TV via satellite - in S band - to earth stations, that terrestrially broadcast television services - also in S band - to mobile TV receivers (mobile phones, PDA, Navigation systems etc.). The project is still in an early development stage, its first public demonstration takes place at the IFA 2007 in the Technisch Wissenschaftlichen Forum (Science and Technology Forum).

DVB-T

(Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial).
Standard for terrestrial (see Terrestrial broadcasting) digital television. At the beginning of 2003 DVB-T was introduced in the area of Berlin and Potsdam and now increasingly replaces the conventional analogous terrestrial television in Europe. The digital transmission technologies allow for a significantly more efficient exploitation of the capacity of the available television channels. The viewers are now able to receive 20 programs via antenna instead of five programs in the past. Radio programs and multimedia data services can also be transmitted. In many cases, a normal indoor antenna or simply a device antenna is enough, to have clear reception nearly everywhere - inside the house, in the yard or while on the move. That is where the German term "ÜberallFernsehen" comes from. The complete conversion of terrestrial television from analog to digital TV (DVB-T) is scheduled for 2010. Viviane Reding, EU commisioner for Information Society and Media, has proposed the beginning of 2012 as a due date for the termination of the terrestrial broadcasting in Europe. She expects that by 2010 most television consumers in Europe will own at least one digital receiver.

DVB-X

Working title of one research project within the "Technical module" regarding DVB. The task was to determine if and to what extent DVB-T could also be provided for battery-powered end devices that, e. g., need to be holding their charge for at least 24 hours. In a forecast regarding the technology of DVB-T receivers was stated that by 2006 the power consumption of these devices will have decreased to approximately 0.6 watts - which still is too high. Since the DVB-X end devices are to be suited for different communication platforms they have to support IP protocol, video signals and MPEG. In its early phase of development, DVB-X was a variant of DVB-T which targeted the market segments of PDAs and mobile phones. Its development has been completed and the format is now known as DVB-H.

DVD

(Digital Versatile Disc).
Originally "Digital Video Disc", the "V" was re-designated from Video to Versatile, because, like CD, the DVD is a highly universal data medium (audio, video, text, computer software, etc.). The DVD combines the convenience of the normal CD with a hitherto unknown application flexibility, data rate and data capacity. The main difference between the CD and the DVD is the considerably higher storage capacity of the latter. The simplest version of the DVD has a single data layer with a storage capacity of 4.7 GB - around seven times higher than that of a CD-ROM. DVDs with two layers on each side achieve storage capacities of up to 17 GB. The DVD also achieves an optimum data rate of around 10 Mbit/s for first class picture quality.

DVD-Recorder

DVD recorders record high-quality digitized television signals (audio and video) on recordable or rewritable DVDs. There are currently four different DVD variants, which can be considered as video recording media, and are used by the industry for this purpose:
DVD-RAM: Double-sided recordable and rewritable disk with a storage capacity of 4.7 gigabytes per side (enough space to record a feature film in DVD quality). Similar to a hard drive, data on a DVD-RAM is recorded in sectors. This allows extremely fast, precise access, making the medium ideal for interactive functions. On a DVD-RAM disc, the data is stored in pre-cut grooves as well as on the on the land separating spaces. Consequently, DVD-RAM discs can only be played on a DVD-RAM recorder or on PCs with an internal DVD-RAM drive, and not on conventional DVD players. Integrated into a cartridge, DVD-RAM discs can be removed from this protective covering for recording or playing on drives with a standard retractable tray mechanism.
DVD-RW: Single-sided recordable and rewritable disc with a storage capacity of 4.7 gigabytes. Similar to a DVD video, the data is recorded in a spiral groove. The similarities between the two types of discs make it possible for standard DVD recorders to read DVD-RW disks.
DVD+RW: Practically identical with DVD-RW. The main difference is in the way the grooves are cut to provide better tracking than with a DVD-RW. DVD+RW disks rotate at higher speeds and therefore provide faster data transfer rates.
DVD-R: Single-sided, one-time recordable disc with a storage capacity of 4.7 gigabytes. DVD-R stores data in a spiral groove, similar to a DVD video. The physical similarities between the two types of discs make it possible to play DVD-R discs on standard DVD recorders.
The question of compatibility with DVD players is not determined solely by the physical disc format. Conventional DVD players were only able to read DVDs which had been recorded in DVD Video File Format. New DVD recorders operate with a different file system, Video Recording Format (VRF) standardized by the DVD Forum. The advantage of this is that VRF offers much more convenient editing possibilities than the old DVD Video File Format.
In order to ensure compatibility with all DVD players, most new DVD recorders are equipped with drives which are capable of recording and playing several different types of disc. From a current perspective, it can be said that practically all DVD recorders that have come on the European market since the autumn of 2001 can record media that can be played on a DVD player.

DVI

(Digital Video Interface).
Originally developed for computer monitors, the digital video interface has been introduced to consumer electronics. The main difference between DVI and the later introduced HDMI is that this format allows for simultaneous transmission of audio data.

DXB

DXB (Digital Extended Broadcasting) was the subject of a project of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer HHI) extending from 2005 to 2007 regarding the development of a new digital transmission concept on the basis of the systems DAB/DMB and DVB-T/DVB-H. The goal is a multimedia transmission system using a combination of suitable system components fulfilling the demand for frequency efficiency (efficient usage of radio broadcasting frequencies). Another purpose of the project is to enable the transmission of multimedia applications via DAB and DVB-H without additional encoding.

E

EBU

(European Broadcasting Union) A consortium of European broadcasters.

EDGE

(Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution).
Go to Mobile telephone systems.

E-Mail

Electronic mail (via Internet, Intranet and telephone lines).

Entavio

Entavio is the name of a so-called distribution platform for digital satellite television by SES Astra. This platform is used to aggregate and encode radio programs and additional services by order of the program providers. If the consumer has an entavio-enabled satellite receiver as well as the Smartcard required for watching Pay-TV and has paid the monthly basic fee this encoded content can be decoded and watched.

EPG

(Electronic Program Guide)
In digital television, EPG includes a user interface and an electronic program guide. The EPG is accessed over the Navigator, which displays a table of contents of all the available Bouquets and Services on the TV screen and provides access to several functions. After using the remote control to select a program provider or a channel in the Navigator, the corresponding customizable EPG appears and provides detailed information about programs and their contents. The EPG can also provide background information on shows broadcast the current day or the following days. This system requires that the corresponding broadcasting station transmits the requested information within the digital stream. Each provider/station is responsible for the content and presentation of its own program package (Bouquet) in the EPG. Several other functions of the EPG can be chosen using the remote control buttons: e. g. automatic timer recording on a VCR or setting bookmarks.

Ethernet

Protocol for data transmission in local networks (Local Area Networks = LAN).

ETSI

European Telecommunications Standards Institute.

Eutelsat

European satellite operator with several satellites in geostationary orbit, providing a wide range of channels. The Hotbird Satellites, relevant to Germany, are located at 13° East. The European Telecommunication Satellite Organization was established in Paris in 1977 to manage satellite communication services in Europe. The original membership of 17 countries has now grown to almost 50. Eutelsat's remit is the operation of satellites for stationary and mobile communications in Europe.
Everywhere television
Designation used for DVB-T terrestrial digital television, due to its universal (stationary, portable and mobile) applications.

F

Fachverband Consumer Electronics

(FV CE)
This association of manufacturers and providers of consumer electronics within the ZVEI (Zentralverband Elektro- und Elektronik-Industrie) e.V. (Central association of the electrical engineering and electronics industry) regards itself as marketing agent, consultant and customer service as well as the "portal to the consumer" through its close connections to consumers, private customers and the specialized trade.

FDM (1)

(Frequency Division Multiplex).
Frequency division multiplex allocates each mobile phone user a specific channel within the available frequency range for the duration of a connection.

FDM (2)

(Forum Digitale Medien)
After the successful completion of the "Initiative Digitaler Rundfunk" (IDR, Initiative for Digital Broadcasting) a new start has been made with the "Forum Digitale Medien - Aktion für Rundfunk und Neue Medien" (FDM - campaign for radio broadcasting and new media). The objective of the forum is to cooperate with all organizations involved in the digitalization of communication and develop appropriate solutions. The motto of the forum is: "Hemmnisse beseitigen, die Dinge zum Laufen bringen!" (Eliminate barriers and get things moving!) Examples of current projects are Mobile TV, the digitalization of cable TV and the necessary readjustments regarding media rights on EU level.
Feedback channel
Transmission channel from the viewer to the program or service provider. Broadband cables, telephone lines, Internet, mobile telephony etc. can be used as feedback channels. The feedback channel is an important prerequisite for interactive television.

Feedback channel

Transmission channel from the viewer to the program or service provider. Broadband cables, telephone lines, Internet, mobile telephony etc. can be used as feedback channels. The feedback channel is an important prerequisite for Triple Play and interactive television. It will also play an important role in the context of new program formats for IPTV.

Firewall

Security system designed to protect a computer or computer network from unauthorized access or external data transfers.

FireWire

Go to IEEE 1394.

Flatt Screen

Go to Plasma-Screen and LCD.

Flicker-free television

Go to 100 Hertz.

Forum Digitale Medien

Go to FDM.

Free-TV

(Also referred to as free-to-air or FTA)
Unencrypted digital channels or services which can be received without the payment of subscription charges and the use of special CA systems in the receiver, i.e. free of charge (see also Pay-TV).

G

gfu

(Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik GmbH)
In 1973, eleven leading manufacturers of consumer electronics founded this association for the advancement of consumer electronics. Its objectives are presenting the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) Berlin (International consumer electronics trade fair) and informing the public about the developments regarding consumer electronics. Later, the name of the organization was adapted to its current commitments: since 1986, it has been the Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) mbH, Frankfurt /Main. The associate members are the companies of the trade association Consumer Electronics of the Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie (ZVEI) e.V.

GIF

(Graphics Interchange Format).
Standard of a compressed format for digital images. These can also be short sequences of moving images - animated GIFs. At the end of the 1980s, GIF was introduced by CompuServe and is mainly used for representing images on the WWW.

Gigabyte (GB):

Unit of measure for information units in Byte: 1 gigabyte = 1 billion byte (1000 megabyte).

Global Positioning System

Got to GPS.

GPRS

(General Packet Radio Service).
See Mobile telephone systems.

GPS

(Global Positioning System).
Satellite-supported navigation system that was originally designed and used for the determination of locations and navigation in the military sector. Today it is also widely used for civilian purposes: in air traffic, maritime and road traffic as well as in sports, land surveying or in commerce. GPS uses a number of satellites (at least 24) which transmit their own position in orbit together with the current time at regular intervals. On the basis of the run times of the GPS signals the GPS receiver (Navigation system) calculates the position and velocity.

GSM

(Global System for Mobile Communication).
See Mobile telephone systems.

Guide Plus+

System for automatic recording of television programs. Guide Plus+ receives program information via the antenna terminal of the recorder and has an appearance on the screen similar to a program guide. The desired program is "clicked" on using the remote control and later recorded automatically. Prerequisite: the video recorder supports the required technology. For information on which TV stations are offering Guide Plus+ and the respective countries go to www.europe.guideplus.com.

H

H.264/AVC

(or MPEG-4/AVC).
In Europe, the favoured encoding technique for high definition television (HDTV) enables data compression. With the encoding standard MPEG-2, HDTV would require 22 Mbit/s (million bit per second) and therefore a lot more Bandwidth for transmission. Thanks to H.264/AVC, the broadcasting of HDTV only requires 8-12 Mbit/s. This system was adopted in 2003 by the work group JVT (Joint Video Team) - Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG), ISO/IEC and Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) of ITU-T.

HDD

(Hard-disk drive).
This storage type is also applied in consumer electronics for recording digital radio and television signals (HDD Recorder).

HDD Recorder, Digital Video Recorder For digital television (DVB), all image and audio signals are transmitted to the receiving device in a digital format similar to computer data in sequences of Bits. These digital image and audio signals can be stored on a harddisk drive (or on a Memory card with sufficient storage capacity), just like data on a computer. Despite of the Data compression employed, an HDD recorder requires a relatively high storage capacity of 1-2 GB (Gigabyte) per hour of h5>

HDD recorders are mainly provided in combination with Set-top boxes for digital satellite reception. Currently, HDD recorders have a typical storage capacity of 80 GB and more. These recorders record the data stream of the digital television as is and reproduce it without any modification. There is virtually no loss in quality. The programming of the recorder in combination with an EPG is exceptionally convenient: Simply select or "click" on the desired TV program and that's it! There are also programming solutions based on EPGs in the Internet. With such a solution, the recorder at home can be programmed at any location. EPGs on the Internet will gain importance as soon as systems like MHP enable television reception and Internet access on the same device.
HHD recorders have several other benefits: While the program is still being recorded it can already be played back. With this technology, the Time Shift feature has a whole new meaning: pause the program you're watching for a telephone call.
Other available features are replay and slow motion: widely used in sport live-broadcasts from the stadium.

HAVi

(Home Audio Video interoperatibility).
The objective of the HAVi consortium is the development of a home network architecture for applications in the "intelligent home". According to the HAVi specifications, certain applications are able to recognize and control HAVi compatible devices regardless of the manufacturer. Additionally, these applications can control devices within an assembly separately regardless of their physical layout. HAVi includes components for messaging and power exchange via IEEE 1394 networks, registration and recognition of device functionalities via network and management of digital audio-visual streams and devices. The features of HAVi include a security system for protection against (computer) viruses, a component that supports functions such as pre-programmable (audio/video/data-) recording and standard programming interfaces for controlling device functionalities.

HDCP

(High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection)
Copy protection for content of digital programs of high bandwidth. Applied with the digital interfaces DVI (Digital Video Interface) and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).

HD DVD

(High Density DVD, originally Advanced Optical Disc (AOD)).
Optical storage medium, similar to DVD but with significantly more capacity. The HD DVD consortium consists of NEC, Toshiba, Intel, IBM and Time Warner.

HDMI

(High Definition Multimedia Interface).
"Fast" interface (connectors, cable and port) for the transmission of digital audio, video and data signals. HDMI can process all currently known image and audio formats including HDTV without any loss in quality. The HDMI supports the copy protection HDCP necessary to qualify for the label HD ready.

HDSL

(High-speed DSL)
Transmission system using pulse code modulation via twisted pair copper cable to implement transmission at 1,544 Kbit/s T1 or 2,048 Kbit/s E1.

HD ready

(ready for HDTV)
A seal of approval signaling and ensuring consumers that devices are suited for HDTV (flat screens in particular, but also camcorder and player for Blu-ray discs and HD DVD). A device is "HD ready" if it complies with the HDTV-standards 720p or 1080i, has a analogous interface besides the digital DVI or HDMI interface, that supports the copy protection HDCP. Since labels like "HD ready" only are effective if introduced all over Europe, the European Information, Communications and Consumer Electronics Technology Industry Associations (EICTA), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the European broadcasting stations and Pay-TV-provider have been included in the development.

HDTV

(High Density TeleVision).
High resolution television (e.g. with twice the normal horizontal and vertical resolution). In comparison to conventional PAL television, a HDTV image consists of five times as many pixels (five times higher resolution) and consequently has a higher focus. HDTV will be provided via satellite, broadband cable ("cable TV") and later also via telephone lines (also see VDSL and IPTV). So far, terrestrial broadcasting is not currently being planned for Germany. Efficient broadcasting of HDTV requires the most efficient technologies. Therefore, the enhanced satellite broadcasting standard DVB-S2 or, for broadcasting via cables, the standard DVB-C with 256-QAM is used. When encoded with MPEG-2, HDTV required approximately 22 Mbit/s (million bit per second). This data rate was decreased substantially to 8-12 Mbit/s by applying modified transmission techniques and more efficient data compression techniques. DVB-S2 and data compression (encoding) according to H.264 AVC are the preferred solutions. Appropriately equipped television receivers are downward compatible, meaning they can also process the currently broadcast HDTV programs (DVB-S and MPEG2-encoded). HDTV is not only interesting in terms of television. There are camcorders and optical storage media (Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD) that can be used as a source for HDTV.

High End

Audio systems meeting the highest sound quality standards.

Home-Cinema

(also referred to as Home Theater).
The home theater is one of the major trends in digital consumer electronics. The "Concerto grosso" or the movie night at home are experiences which can repeated on a daily basis. The home theater experience calls for the 16:9 Widescreen format. Popular systems include a LCD screen or Plasma screen. Video projectors provide even larger images. They project the video images on a screen just as in the movie theater. Surround systems provide for the proper digital sound from five, six or even seven channels.

HSCSD

(High Speed Circuit Switched Data).
Go to Mobile telephone systems.

HIPERLAN

(High Performance Radio Local Area Network, High Performance Radio Mobility in LANs).
European ETSI standard for wireless LANs. Assuming that wireless LANs will extend wired LANs or partially replace them, the HIPERLAN specification is oriented at existing LAN hierarchies. A similar standard (IEEE 802.11) was specified in the USA.
HIPERLAN Type 1 specifies a wireless Ethernet with data rates of approx. 20 Mbit/s for the 5 GHz frequency range.
HiperLAN Type 2 is a European standard for broadband radio communication for short ranges (up to 100 m). Output power can be up to 1 watt at data rates of up to 20 Mbit/s. The system uses frequencies in the 5 GHz range. Typical fields of application are: wireless communication inside company buildings ("business environment") and wireless networks of consumer electronic devices or computers and peripherals in private households ("home environment") for transmission of multimedia applications (audio, video, text, data).
HIPERLAN supports the transmission of data packets across several stations as well as the transmission of time-critical and asynchronous, time-independent data packets. HIPERLAN-compatible devices are operated at frequencies between 5.15 GHz and 5.3 GHz. In future the carrier frequency range between 17.1 GHz and 17.3 GHz will also be used.

HTML

(Hypertext Markup Language)
Programming language for creating Internet pages.

Hyperband

Frequency range (300 - 470 MHz) used in the broadband communications network for the transmission of television programs ("cable television").
Available for the introduction of new transmission services and primarily intended for digital TV transmissions using DVB-C.

I

IC

(Integrated Circuit)
Complex electronic circuit, in which many thousands of (transistor and diode) functions are grouped together on a semiconductor chip. The trend is to ever greater integration, with increasingly smaller structures in the sub-micron range.

IDR

(Initiative Digital Radio)
Coordinated by the German Economics Ministry, IDR is a forum in which experts from the fields of politics, academics, broadcasters and industry discuss the scenarios which will determine the continued road to digital radio and television. Germany is keeping pace with a development which has now been introduced or announced throughout the world. Consumer protection and the right to information have been important topics in the consultations of the IDR. The changeover from existing standards to digital radio and television will be a consistent, but also a "soft" transformation. So for a transitional period, radio and TV will be broadcast using the old and the new broadcasting technologies. In cable and satellite, the preferred receiving modes for 91% of TV viewers, there are adequate technical facilities for parallel provision. But in terrestrial broadcasting - which in the long term will be used mainly for portable and mobile radio and television services - some compromises could become necessary on a regional basis, because it will not be possible to receive all the familiar programs in the customary quality using both the old and new broadcasting standards for unlimited transition periods. The transitional period for cable and satellite will be as long as necessary, for terrestrial television up to 2010 and for terrestrial radio up to 2015. During this period, multi-standard radio and television receivers capable of analog and digital reception will be available. In addition, a set-top box can be used now or at a later date to convert any existing television set to digital TV. In addition to set-top boxes for televisions, plug-in cards and external devices are available to enhance computers with a digital TV capability. Since 2006, the functions of the IDR (which have been updated and expanded) are performed by the Forum Digitale Medien (FDM).

IEEE

(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
The IEEE arranges symposia and forms boards for the standardization of technologies, hardware and software. The IEEE with its more than 360.000 members in 175 countries (end of 2005) is the world's largest engineering professional organization.

IEEE 1394

IEEE standard for high-speed data transmission in a local cable network (Local Area Network, LAN). This standard also applies to home networks (HAVi). Depending on the layout, the data rate is as high as 100, 200, 400 or 800 Mbit/s. In 1995, the P1394Bus system, originally developed by Apple as IEEE 1394/1995 and also known as "Firewire", was pronounced industry standard. In 1997, Sony introduced the "i.Link" logo as a label for standardized IEEE-1394-interfaces.

IEEE 802.11

Family of standards for local wireless networks (WirelessLan). The most widespread standard IEEE 802.11b uses a Data rate of 11 Mbit/s, and operates in the 2.4-GHz-ISM frequency band, providing wireless connections between different devices. Two other common standards are IEEE 802.11a (data rate 54 Mbit/s in the 5 GHz band and 802.11g (data rate 54 Mbit/s in the 2.4-GHz band).

IFA Convention

"IFA Convention - Common Life Technologies" is an event format at the IFA. It covers current questions regarding Digital Lifestyle and Electronic Entertainment and consequently focuses on future developments and their relevance for today and the future.

IP-Datacast

The participants of the international DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) project work on developing technologies for the so-called hybrid networks. IP Datacast (IP = Internet Protocol) via DVB-H comprises the option of including a mobile telephony channel. It allows for portable application of completely new services, which could neither be provided by mobile telephony systems such as UMTS nor by digital broadcasting networks such as DVB-H alone.

iMode

iMode is a system successfully launched in Japan, which transfers content from the Internet on the displays of specific mobile phones. iMode is based on the programming language cHTML (Compact HTML), which is a subset of HTML- used for programming Internet sites. Due to this close relation, it is possible to display iMode-pages on the PC monitors with the established Browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape etc.) (see: www.eu-japan.com/i/). iMode can be used for depicting text and simply animated pictures. Because of the relatively low Data rate of 9600 Bit/s iMode doesn't support presenting films or videos. -iMode got rapidly more than over 16 mio customers in Japan. The developer was NTT DoCoMo, the leading operator of mobile phone networks in Japan. E-Plus has introduced iMode based on GPRS (Mobile telephone systems) in Europe.

Indoor coverage

Main problem for mobile telephony: Inside buildings the radio signals are more or less shielded which can impair reception. To try and compensate for this, relatively high transmitting power is supplied.

Information society

As the American scientist Norbert Wiener predicted as soon as in 1948, the term "information society" has been used - in different contexts - for a long time. In the 1960s the development from an industrial society to a service society has been characterized by this term. About 10 years later the term "postindustrial society" was born. Meant is that more and more people - expecially using the computer - are employed by the procurement, processing, and transfer of information. The science theoritician Helmut F. Spinner identifies the information society as a pre-stage of the knowledge society.

Initiative Digital Radio

see IDR.

interactive

Describes the possibility of intervening in a certain process (program, data flow, etc.) via a Feedback channel. This concept is also referred to as dialog-oriented services or applications, which include certain television program formats as well as Online-Shopping.

Interlace

For the interlace technique, the odd image lines (1, 3, 5, 7...) and the even image lines (2, 4, 6, 8...) are "written" on the TV screen in turn. With this technique, flickering can largely be avoided.

interleaving

Bytes from a defined number of subsequent data packets are read from storage before transmission and afterwards written back in a different order so that the subsequent bytes originate from different data packets. By interleaving, which is reversed analogously in the receiver, transmission errors that have corrupted a rather long segment of the data stream are divided into discrete errors that are easier to correct.

Interface

There are software interfaces (API) between programs which work together, and hardware interfaces in the form of - generally standardized - connection sockets or plugs. E.g. the parallel and serial ports (interfaces) in computers and Set-top boxes.

Internet

Global interlinkage of data networks. Initially intended exclusively for military use, then increasingly adopted by universities and institutes for (data) exchange of research results. Today, online services and service providers allow anyone access to the Internet.

Internet Protocol Television

The term "Internet radio" (also known as web radio or e-radio) denominates the radio programs broadcast on the Internet as well as the appropriate receiving devices (if not using a computer). For the transmission of Internet radio usually "Streaming Audio" is used, a variant of Streaming Media.

Internet radio

Television via Internet (see IPTV).

Intranet

A data network using the same technology as the Internet that is not public but can only be accessed by authorized users, i. g. within companies or organizations. A so-called "extranet" additionally grants authorized external users, such as important customers, access to the extranet.

INTELSAT

(International Telecommunication Satellite Organisation).
This international telecommunications organization plans and services worldwide telecommunication networks - primarily for satellite broadcasting services between continents. INTELSAT defines the technical specifications for earth stations in the member countries.

IP

Internet-Protocol

IP Datacast

The participants of the international DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) project work on developing technologies for the so-called hybrid networks. IP Datacast (IP = Internet Protocol) via DVB-H comprises the option of including a mobile telephony channel. It allows for portable application of completely new services, which could neither be provided by mobile telephony systems such as UMTS nor by digital broadcasting networks such as DVB-H alone. This technology allows for providing appropriately equipped end devices with radio content (via DVB-H) and Internet content (via GSM, GPRS or UMTS).

IPTV

(Internet Protocol Television).
IPTV is television based on Internet protocol (IP). Consequently, IPTV is internet television, i. e. the TV programs are broadcast via Internet access. Besides providing access to the Internet and to telephony, the telephone line therefore also provides television service (Triple Play). Technologies from the field of Streaming Media are often referred to as IPTV. However, IPTV is not the small window for low resolution images on the computer screen, IPTV was designed for display on the TV screen: Live-TV via Multicast, Unicast for on-demand services. The benefits of IPTV are high quality of transmission, fast changing of channels and the compatibility with home networks. There is no waste (of bit rates) in the worldwide network any longer. New methods of video encoding (e. g. MPEG4/H.264-AVC) allow for television in standard quality at data rates of around 2 Mbit/s. Using VDSL transmission, even HDTV via IPTV is possible. Television via Internet is not always IPTV. - Quote from "TV-Zukunft": "In many aspects the rules of television blend with the rules of the Internet. In the future, all radio networks could use Internet Protocol (IP) as a technological basis. Today, among experts "IP-TV" stands for two different developments: either television over the open Internet. Or television as in cable TV - but using the telephone line. The two options have basically very similar technical backgrounds. The open web provides access via every Internet connection. The respective Internet platforms are independent of Internet access, the content comes from classical program providers and/or anarchic from the web. To get to the protected part of the web, which offers as much exclusive content as possible and that is subject to fees, the customer of a telecom company (e. g. T-Home) needs to use special set-top boxes." In several European countries, including Germany, IPTV is initially deployed in large cities and metropolitan areas.

IRD

("Integrated Receiver Decoder")
The internationally used technical term for a set-top box with integrated receiver and Decoder for digital television.

ISDN

(Integrated Services Digital Network)
ISDN integrates telecommunications services, including telephone, fax, and data communications into a single network. This digital telecommunications system provides maximum Data rates of 128 kBit/s (Channel bundling of 2 B-channels. See also Basic access line and B-Channel.

ISM

(Industrial, Scientific, Medical).
Frequency band (2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz) reserved primarily for industrial, scientific and medical applications, but also used for local wireless networks (Bluetooth, WirelessLan or IEEE 802.11).

J

JPEG

(Joint Photographic Expert Group)
JPEG is a process used for Data compression of images. JPEG image files contain up to 15 times less data resulting in faster online transmission and reduced storage space required on a computer, hard disk or Memory card.

K

Ka-/Ku-Band

See Satellite frequency range.

KNX-Standard

Standard technology for home networks. KNX was designed in 2002 as successor of the combination of the three bus systems European Installation Bus (EIB), BatiBUS and European Home Systems (EHS). For further information see http://www.knx.org/ .

L

LAN

(Local Area Network)
Local network used for exchanging data. When used in wireless transmission, it is referred to as Wireless LAN. The International Standards Organization (ISO) defines LAN as a local network located within property boundaries under the legal control of the user.

LCD

(Liquid Crystal Display).
Flat display panels or screens which use liquid crystals to display information.

LED

Light Emitting Diode (frequently used as a low-power illuminated display).

LNB

(Low Noise Block Converter)
The LNB is mounted at the focal point of the satellite dish to amplify the received satellite signals, convert them to a lower frequency range and then send them to the receiver (e.g. Set-top box).

M

Mailbox

An electronic answering machine provided by a network operator as a value added service (also referred to as a Mobile Box in mobile telecommunications). If the number called is busy or the telephone is switched off, the caller can leave a voice message that is recorded on the network provider's computer.

MD

(Mini Disk)
(Audio) data medium in diskette format, stores up to 80 minutes of music. The sound is almost CD quality.

MD Recorder

Device for recording (and playing) Mini Disks (MD).

Media FLO

(Media Forward Link Only).
Standard developed specifically for CDMA-networks (in the USA) for transmission of multimedia content to mobile receivers.

Mediathek

Digital archives that collect, document and provide access to content from different media types. Example: in the ZDFmediathek programs can be chosen from alphabetical or subject-oriented lists even before they have been broadcast on regular TV (also see Podcast).

medienpolitik@IFA

Round-table discussion events of media-political topics introduced at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) in 2005. The participants of the 60-minute discussions are experts from politics, media, science and economy. The topics cover regulatory, radio-related, and copyright-related questions as well as technological developments and their effects on the configuration of the receiving devices of tomorrow.

Memory card

(also called "chip card").A smaller than credit-card sized, non-volatile semiconductor card for storing large amounts of data. When the first memory cards were launched, they had a capacity of 8 Mbytes, rapidly increasing to 16 and then 32 Mbytes. The latter were capable of storing 30 minutes of music for e.g. an MP3 player. There are now tiny postage stamp sized cards which can store in the order of Gigabytes (billion bytes). These were initially used in digital cameras and MP3 players, but are now also used in camcorders, dictation machines, mobile phones, PDAs, games consoles, car radios, in presentation technology, in laptops, color printers and even for special programs in microwaves and freezers. This development is starting to make memory cards into "bridge media" between various types of devices, and thereby extending the mobility of their users. The cards in most widespread use are the Compact Flash Card, the Smartmedia Card, the Memory Stick, the Multimedia Card and the SD Card. A type of memory card that is of growing importance is the USB flash drive. The Smartcard also belongs to the family of memory cards.

Memory Effect

The memory effect occurs in nickel cadmium and metal hybrid batteries if they are recharged before the power is completely drained. This reduces the battery's charging capacity. It is always advisable to wait until the battery is fully discharged before connecting cordless telephones or mobile phones to the battery charger. Modern lithium-ion batteries effectively eliminate the problem of memory effect.

Metadata

Data that contains information about other data or additional information about that data (the greek prefix "meta" means "with" or "beyond").

MHP

(Multimedia Home Platform).
MHP - a software package - is the open, generally accessible technical solution to all innovative multimedia applications and services in the scope of the DVB-Standard (digital television). MHP links the worlds of radio and the Internet, TV and the computer. In short, it is a uniform system for all services. The use of this standardized software interface, based on the Java programming language is intended to make it possible to access all services and channels on any industry-standard Set-top box. As the interface is available to all program and service providers as well as all equipment manufacturers, MHP has paved the way to the production of receivers which are compatible with all conceivable current and future offerings. The MHP software package will be implemented in DVB receivers and on multimedia PCs.

Microwaves

Frequencies in the range above 3 GHz (Gigahertz = billion Hertz). Can also be used for transmitting digital television services, and occasionally also referred to as "wireless cable".

MMS

(Multimedia Messaging Services).
MMS allows mobile telephone users to send images, sounds and text. Unlike SMS, the length of an MMS message is unlimited. MMS is also capable of sending short video sequences.

Mobile telephone systems

In GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), each voice or data transmission is allocated to an individual time slot. The data rate is 9.6 Kbit/s. Only one time slot can be used for a connection. By contrast, several time slots can be allocated to transmissions using HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data).
This allows considerably higher data rates. According to Nokia, the company that originally developed the system, HSCSD can be used in difficult radio transmission areas, where each individual error correction bit is required. Nevertheless, the principle is effectively based on the familiar GSM technology. The difference is that the parallel use of several time slots allows a considerably greater volume of data to be transferred. Like GSM, HSCSD is based on line transmission. In other words, in voice and data transmission, each user is allocated a "separate" line, which he monopolizes for the duration of the connection. This line is occupied even during phases when the subscriber is pausing, and therefore neither speaking nor transmitting data. This creates a certain degree of "idle time."
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is able to utilize these "idle times." Instead of permanently occupying a line, the data is transmitted in packets. When a time slot is in a phase of non-use, a (data) packet is transmitted in this time slot. So instead of line transmission, the term "packet transmission" is used. This allows better utilization of the transmission bandwidth. Experts postulate 38.6 Kbit/s and even a theoretical 114 Kbit/s which could be achieved at some point. The process requires each packet to be "packed" in accordance with a specific data structure, which must contain at least two addresses: one which indicates who sent the packet, and one showing to whom it is to be sent. GPRS integrates the Internet protocol (IP) in GSM networks. Insiders therefore regard the main application of GPRS as being Internet access, and particularly WAP services. High downstream (to the user) data rates are required in these services, while the request for information (transfer of a simple web address) requires only a small amount of upstream data. Asymmetric transmissions of this kind fit well with the possibilities of GPRS.
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) - This "common successor" to a large number of mobile radio systems includes technical features which justify use of the term, "universal." UMTS can be line-connected for voice and video services, but also used in packet transmission for data services. Since UMTS automatically recognizes the type of information (voice or data), the data rate is also automatically adjusted to the momentary requirements. The tabloid press generally proclaims UMTS data rates of 2 Mbit/s, but the more critical specialist periodicals claim more sober rates of "typically 384 Kbit/s." In fact, it can be anticipated that under optimum conditions, and particularly if the user is stationary or moving only slowly, UMTS is capable of a data rate of 2 Mbit/s. Especially at higher speeds in moving vehicles - particularly in urban environments - the standard approved by ETSI provides for a data rate of at least 384 Kbit/s (which nevertheless allows high-standard e-commerce or multimedia applications and represents a high quality standard even for professional video conferencing systems.
EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) - Finally, a (GSM) process that appears somewhat exotic, because no plans for its introduction have as yet been made known in Germany. In some countries, however, EDGE is almost certain to be introduced before UMTS. EDGE combines a special modulation process and the packaging of up to eight GSM channels. The result is a data rate of 384 Kbit/s.
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) - This "collective successor" of several mobile telephony systems shows technical characteristics which justify the label "universal". UMTS can be line-switched for voice and video services as well as packet-switched for data services. Since UMTS automatically recognizes the type of information (voice or data), the data rate is also adjusted automatically to the current demand. Theoretically, UMTS can provide the ideal data rate of 2 Mbit/s at ideal conditions and if the receiver moves slowly. Especially at high velocities in moving vehicles and in urban areas with unfavourable propagation conditions for radio waves, the standard by ETSI intends for a data rate of at least 384 kbit/s (which still allows for sophisticated e-Commerce- or multimedia application and provides a high standard of quality when using professional video conference systems).

Mobile TV

Watching TV on a mobile phone. There are two possibilities: transmission of the TV signal via suitable mobile telephony technologies (UMTS) or via broadcasting technologies (DVB-H, DVB-SH, DMB).
Method and medium of the mobile Information society result from the convergence of digital radio and mobile communication. On one hand, the objective is to make radio, television, and the Internet technically accessible anywhere and at any time - even outdoors and in vehicles - on the mobile phone, the PDA, and other mobile devices. On the other hand, it is a market worth billions: since 2006 not only the appliance industry, program providers, but also mobile telephone service providers, independent service providers, and platform providers compete for the pole position on this new market.

Modem

(Abbreviated compound of Modulator/Demodulator)
Device for connecting a computer to the telephone network for data transmission (fax, Internet) etc.

Moore's Law

Thesis of the co-founder of the company INTEL according to which the potential or capacity of semi-conductor chips is doubled every 12-24 months.

MPEG

(Motion Picture Experts Group) A joint working group - Working Group 11 (WG11), also referred to as the International MPEG Laboratory - of the International Standardization Organization (ISO) and the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC). MPEG was established in 1988 by over a hundred companies, to discuss and draft proposals and standards in special expert groups (Requirement or System Groups). Examples:
MPEG-2 is a standard for the data compression of television signals and is used all around the globe.
MPEG-4 is a derivative of MPEG-2 allowing for even higher data compression. MPEG-4/AVC is also known as H.264/AVC. MPEG-4 is the format used for DVB-H as well as for future HDTV broadcasting.

MPEG-7

Unlike other MPEG standards MPEG-7 was not designed to provide Data compression but to describe multimedia data by Metadata. This includes the organization, the structure, and the description of content that is used in multimedia archives or in radio broadcasting. By the use of MPEG-7 finding the content in such archives is easier and faster. In 2002, MPEG-7 became ISO standard.

MP3

A procedure developed by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG), which compresses audio data to a degree which allows them to be economically stored and transmitted within a reasonable time as an attachment to an E-mail or downloaded from the Internet. The data compression is in the order of up to 1:20. For example, a 31/2 minute music track occupies a file size of around 35 MB (million bytes). Using MP3 this is compressed to around 1.5 MB (Data compression).

MP3 player

MP3 players store MP3 coded music tracks on memory chips and reproduce them via speakers, headphones or a connected audio system. MP3 files can also be played on specially equipped CD players or using computer programs (examples: Realjukebox, Musicmatch or Winamp).

h5>

This term indicates that a number of different media (e.g. voice, music, moving images, graphics, or text) are used simultaneously (a multimedia presentation).

Multimedia Home Platform

See MHP.

MUSICAM

(Masking pattern adapted Universal Sub-band Integrated Coding And Multiplexing)
Corresponds to MPEG1 Audio, Layer II: reduces the data rate from audio signals from 1,411 Mbit/s (as used on an audio CD) to 192 Kbit/s.

N

h5>

Short for Navigation system device.

Navigator

Software in a Set-top box or TV set with an integrated digital television receiver. The Navigator provides a user interface ("menu") on the screen to be used to navigate to the different programs or functions. The Navigator is supposed to be a neutral and non-discriminating control system in digital receivers, which does not favor or penalize certain providers. It contains the table of contents of all received Bouquets or Services and provides access to them. Experts call it a basic navigator: A publication of the association of manufacturers of consumer electronics stated that the basic navigator is a function directly implemented in the receiver. It appears right after the device is switched on and displays the currently available television services. The necessary data is extracted from the service information associated with the program and is part of the digital data stream that also includes the audio and video signals associated with the program. When the user has chosen the desired program package in the basic navigator using the remote control, the EPG, an electronic TV program guide of the corresponding provider/station, appears on the screen.

Navigation system h5>

Device that is capable of receiving GPS signals, deriving a determination of locations and guiding to a specific geographical target. For this purpose, besides a GPS receiver a system is integrated into the navigation system device, that transmits the received data in digital maps in a manner that the surroundings can be displayed on the screen. Additionally, the device calculates a routing, meaning the fastest and most direct way to the target, and produces acoustical and optical instructions for the driver. Navigation systems come in a variety of models: factory-equipped or later integrated in a vehicle, integrated in a car hifi system, combined with receivers of traffic message channels or digital TV, in PDAs, or in mobile phones.

Newsgroups

Internet "bulletin boards" accessible to interest groups. These public information and discussion forums cover thousands of subject areas. Every participant can read the contributions and add his own.

Newsletter:

An information service via e-mail provided by businesses and organizations. A typical example is the free IFA Newsletter which can be subscribed to from the IFA web site www.ifa-berlin.de. To subscribe to a newsletter or unsubscribe, you enter your e-mail address in the mailing list of the corresponding provider.

NICAM

A broadcasting process used in various countries to transmit and receive two digital sound signals (stereo or bi-lingual) on analog television.

Non Linear Editing

The term "Non-Linear Editing (NLE)" relates to the type of access to a digital audio/video recording on a hard drive or a DVD. While on a magnetic tape, specific information is accessible only by "linear" movement of the tape (fast forward and rewind), a non-linear disk allows direct access to all information stored on the disk. The difference is therefore mainly in the time required for winding and rewinding the tapes. The advantage of NLE lies primarily in simplifying and speeding up work sequences at the editing desk.

Notebook

Computer for mobile use (modern notebooks are often no thicker than a pack of cigarettes).

NTSC

(National Television System Committee).
US American (also used in Japan) television standard with 60 Hz refresh rate, an aspect ratio of 4:3 and a resolution of 767 x 575 pixels.

O

Organizer

(also referred to as Personal Information Manager - PIM)
Small pocket-calculator-size computer. Particularly used for managing addresses, timetables, to-do lists and memos.

OCR

(Optical Character Recognition), Scanner.

Online-banking

Conducting banking transactions "online" (at home): checking account balances or conducting money transfers at any time and place.

Online-shopping

Shopping "online" (at home): browsing catalogs, comparing products of different providers on the computer screen and then ordering via mouse-click or phone call.

OSD

(On Screen Display)
On-screen menu as a user guide or to simplify operation.

P

Palmtop

Complete PC with keyboard, around the size of a hand, making it significantly smaller than a notebook.

PALplus

A system introduced in 1994 - backwards compatible to PAL standard - for the analog transmission of television channels in 16:9 Widescreen format. PALplus was developed by a consortium of manufacturers, broadcasters and research institutes, the activities and development work of which were coordinated by the German TV broadcaster, ZDF. On standard television screens (4:3 aspect ratio), PALplus broadcasts are displayed in "letterbox format" with black bars on the top and bottom of the screen.

Pay-Per-View

The viewer pays only for the films and programs that he actually watches. This is currently only possible by subscribing to a channel that offers this facility: Pay-TV.

Pay-TV

(Subscription television)
In addition to public service broadcasters, e.g. ARD and ZDF in Germany and the BBC in the UK, which are largely financed by a television license fee, and the private broadcasters, e.g. SAT1, PRO7 and ITV, financed from advertising income, a further financing system is Pay-TV. To receive decrypted pictures and sound, the subscriber has to pay the fee determined by the broadcaster: Encryption. The viewer pays either a monthly charge to the broadcaster which gives him access to films or exclusive sporting events without advertising intervals (Pay-per-Channel), or he accesses a system in which only the programs actually viewed are paid for (Pay-per-View).

PCMCIA

(Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association)
An interface originally designed as an expansion of memory cards for laptops, and now universally used for applications such as miniaturized modems or decryption systems in digital television.

PDA

(Personal Digital Assistant)
Handy miniature computer which uses a special pen "writing" on the display for input rather than a keyboard. Typically used for managing addresses, timetables, to-do lists and memos, but also for Internet, e-mail and other interactive applications, communicating via a mobile phone (cable or infra-red connection to the PDA).

Picture format

Width to height (aspect ratio) of the television screen image. For many years, the standard format was 4:3. This format was also the standard used in cinema film. The 16:9 aspect ratio, or Widescreen format, more closely approximates the human field of vision.

PIM

(Personal Information Manager), Organizer, PDA.

PIN

(Personal Identification Number)
Secret code used to access a variety of services.

PIP

(Picture In Picture) An additional (smaller) picture displayed within a main (television) picture. This facility is used, for example, to view a second program or to monitor the output from a security camera simultaneously with watching the main program.

Plasma Screen

Technology for flat television screens. Plasma screens are made up from two parallel glass panes with an inert gas sandwiched between them. Horizontal and vertical electrodes are arranged on the insides of the panes. When an electric voltage is applied to these electrodes, a gas discharge occurs between them ("plasma condition").The ultraviolet light radiated from the plasma excites phosphorous particles, causing them to give off light. The color image is generated by using different colors of phosphorous. Plasma screens are completely flat, and product absolutely flicker-free pictures, free from any distortion. Despite the larger size of the visible screen area, plasma screens need less depth than conventional television sets with cathode ray tubes.

Play Out Center

In the play out center, the digital encoding, the bundling of the channels (to form program-Bouquets) and the broadcasting of the programs and services of a station are locally and technically centralized.

Podcasting

(Internet-based radio broadcasting).
The term "Podcasting" means producing and deploying media files (audio or video) via Internet. The term "Podcast" is a composition of the name of the portable digital audio player "iPod" by Apple and the term "Broadcasting", since 2004 this term is commonly used. Apple is considered to have helped making podcasting available to a large audience by integrating it into the widely used Software iTunes. To provide an audio podcast in MP3 format the only equipment needed is a PC with a suitable sound card, a microphone, Internet access, and storage room on a Server (so-called Webspace). There is Webspace offered specifically designed for Podcasters (known as Podspace). There is inexpensive software for processing and easy handling. In contrast to traditional radio broadcastings there is not expensive and extensive equipment required for podcasting. Until now, there are no fees for podcasting as there are for Internet radio. The only common characteristic with radio broadcasting is the necessity of respecting the copyrights on the media content used. Besides the, in some cases, high quality private Podcasts there are as well some professional services by established media (publishing houses, broadcasters). The equivalent of the traditional "stations" is referred to as "feeds" in the context of podcasts. For the audience, podcasts are usually free of charge. Podcasting uses the technology of Web 2.0 and is regarded in the broadest sense as audio- or Video on demand (VoD) (also see User Generated Content).

Post production software

Software for editing (cutting, color correction, effects, and adding text) of (digital) video recordings. For cutting of images the method of Non Linear Editing is used.

Protocol

Rules which enforce and realize the transmission of data on "data highways", be it in online networks or between components inside a computer. One of the best known protocols is the Internet protocol (IP) that controls the transmission throughout the Internet worldwide.

Provider

Providers are companies which provide programs and/orServices.

PVR

(Personal Video Recorder), HDD Recorder.

R

RAM

(Random Access Memory).
Working memory in computers used to load programs and data.

RDS

(Radio Data System)
Supplementary information (about alternative frequencies, channel name, time, traffic information, etc.) is broadcast inaudibly in parallel with the radio programs.

S

SACD

(Super Audio CD)
Improved CD with more storage capacity (playing time), backwards compatible with CD.

Satellite frequency range

The three most important frequency ranges for satellite transmission are: C-Band, Ku-Band, and Ka-Band. The C-Band, used primarily for the early satellite systems, is in the range between 4 and 8 GHz and requires a dish diameter ("dish size") of 2 - 3 m. The Ku-Band is used by the current second-generation satellite systems (Astra/Hot Bird) and occupies the frequency range between 10.7 and 12.75 GHz. The required dish size is around 60 cm. The Ka-Band is in the range between 20 and 30 GHz and will gain importance in the future in the sphere of data communications - with a return channel via satellite.

S band

Frequency range between 1.55 and 5.2 GHz which is used for digital radio broadcasting via satellite as well as by weather and communication satellites. In the future, the S band might play a role in Mobile TV and in the scope of the standard SVB-SH.

Scanner

Device for reading images and text, which are input directly into the computer as a "screened image." "Scanned" texts can be converted to text files using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) computer programs, allowing them to be manipulated in word processing systems.

Semi-conductor

Semi-conductors are solids (e. g. silicon) whose conductivity can be controlled by introducing impurities (doping). For microelectronics, semi-conductors are particularly interesting because their conductivity can also be controlled by applying a control voltage or a control current (as in transistors).

SES

(Société Européenne des Satellites).
A satellite operator consortium using the ASTRA satellite system; established in 1985.
Set-top box
A supplementary device which includes a decoder for receiving digital television programs. A set-top box can be connected to the input of any existing television set allowing it to be used for digital television.

Services

A service is a special offering in the Bouquet of a provider. A service can be a composition of audio, video and/or data. On digital TV receivers (DVB), the integrated Navigator lists the available services on the screen. The term service is also used in connection with offers by providers of (mobile) telephone services - for example SMS - or by an Internet Service Provider.

Service convergence

Besides the convergence regarding technologies, media and markets, there is also convergence in the context of services. Services are considered convergent if they use more than one communication network, e g. "skyDSL via Satellite". The normal connection to the Internet is realized via modem, for Downloads of large files a satellite connection via DVB-S is additionally established. Convergent services comprise hybrid communication networks. Especially interesting are hybrid mobile networks which can comprise several components: from UMTS over GSM and WirelessLAN to broadcasting networks such as DAB, DVB-T and DVB-H.

Service Information Data

Go to SI

Set-top box

A supplementary device which includes a decoder for receiving digital television programs. A set-top box can be connected to the input of any existing television set allowing it to be used for digital television.

SFN

(Single Frequency Network).
See Single Frequency Network.

Showview

Programming system for video recorders, in which the Show-View codes quoted in the TV listing guide (combinations of figures) can be entered by the remote handset. This obviates the need for separate entry of the station, program, and the start and finish times for recording.

SI

(Service Information)
Besides the digitalized image and audio data, the data stream for digital television also includes numerous other data. Amongst this other data is the so-called service information. It allows for the representation of program information with a table of contents and the broadcasting hours. This data is partially adopted by the EPGs. The SI also contains information about frequency, symbol rate, bandwidth and information about the corresponding satellite system or the cable network.

Science and Technology Forum

See TWF

Scrambling

"Camouflaging" of television images. In the context of Pay-TV, programs are broadcast encoded and can only be viewed by participants who have paid a certain fee for authorization and whose receiver includes the corresponding decoding system (Descrambling).

Single Frequency Network (SFN)

Digital transmission systems (e.g. DVB-T) allow a signal to be sent from a number of different locations on the same frequency. In analog technology, this would lead to heavy interference, but in digital transmission, it can actually improve reception. In addition, the Single Frequency Network (SFN) makes a contribution to reducing the number of broadcast frequencies used ("frequency economy").

Slate

Design form of a Tablet PC.

Smartcard

Check-card sized plastic card with an integrated Chip, e.g. used as a telephone card. In digital television, a smart card is used as a "decrypt card" for calculating and charging for Pay-TV and supplementary data services. It supplies the identification of the user to the CA system, and also contains information on which programs the user has subscribed to and are therefore accessible by him.

SMS

(Short Message Service).
Mobile telephone service in which short text messages (typically up to 160 characters) are transmitted and displayed on a mobile telephone. With appropriate software, SMS messages can also be sent from and received by PCs and notebooks.

STB

(Abbreviation for Set-top box).

Streaming Media

Audio and video data received and displayed simultaneously from a digital (computer) network. The process itself is called streaming. Streaming Media therefore is the Internet-equivalent to broadcasting technologies. Programs are, for example, Internet radio stations or Video on Demand. To exploit Streaming Media services, the receiving side requires a specific software. There are many competing Streaming Media technologies.

Surroundsound

Originally developed for commercial cinemas, this is now also used in Home Cinema. The standard Home Cinema configurations (Home Cinema) with five separate audio channels and an additional subwoofer effects channel (5.1-channel system in Dolby Digital) also include systems, which provide an additional, third Surround channel (e.g. THX EX). DVD tracks which provide soundtracks with six channels plus a subwoofer effects channel (6.1-channel system), can also be played on a five-channel Surround set-up.

T

Tablet PC

Mobile personal computer, which - from the outside - appears to comprise no more than a display (Touch screen), and - instead of a mouse and keyboard - is operated by a special pen. Text is also entered by hand, using the pen, with handwriting recognition software converting the handwritten characters into letters, figures or symbols from the computer character set. This allows all information - including data recorded away from the desk - to be processed in Office documents and, for example, forwarded as e-mails. A distinction is made between "pure" tablet PCs, which are also aptly called "slates", and convertibles, which are actually notebooks, but with a display that can be swung outwards, folded down onto the keyboard and used like slate type of tablet PC.

Talk im TWF

Presentations and round-table discussions in the TWF

TCP/IP

(Transmission Control Protocol /Internet Protocol).
"Cooperation" of two Protocols: The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is based on the Internet protocol (IP) and is enhanced by an error correction system and acknowledgement within a (data) packet-switched fixed connection.

Technisch Wissenschaftliches Forum

Go to TWF

Teletext

System originally developed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for subtitling television broadcasts for the deaf. It is now used as relatively convenient text information service for television viewers. The text is transmitted in the blanking interval, i.e. in the space between two consecutive screen images. This information can be accessed via the remote control handset and viewed on a television equipped with a Teletext decoder, which is now a standard feature on most sets.

Terrestrial broadcasting

(Latin: terra = earth).
Wireless terrestrial transmission of (radio, television and telecommunication) signals (not transmission via cable or satellite).

THX

(Tomlinson Holman Experiment)
Lukasfilm standard for high-quality sound reproduction in cinemas. The modules for home surround sound systems can now also be THX certified.

TIFF

(Tag Image File Format).
File format for saving high quality digital photographies.

Touch Screen

With this type of display screen, the user touches the screen surface to navigate through programs and information.

Triple-band

Mobile phones with three radio frequency ranges: 900 MHz (for example for D networks), 1800 MHz (for example for E networks) and 1900 MHz for mobile phones in the USA.

Triple Play

Telephony, Internet access and broadcasting (radio and television) on the same transmission channel (e. g. broadband cable or telephone line).

Tuner

Reception part of a radio or television, which also includes the circuitry and controls for selecting the required reception frequency.

TWF

(Technisch Wissenschaftliches Forum - Engl.: Science and Technology Forum). IFA uses specially tried formats - round-table discussion, conference, colloquium for the press, and the Technisch-Wissenschaftlichen Forum - for presenting visitors and trade visitors with the trends of developments. In this context the Technisch Wissenschaftliche Forum (TWF) is a viewing window into the future and has become a trademark of the IFA. The TWF has been a fixed part of IFA for many years. It previews the developments taking place in the new media and the technical foundations toward an advanced stage of Convergence of audio, video, the Internet and telecommunications. The contributions to this Technologies Show within the IFA come from the research departments of the broadcasters and telecommunications companies, from German and international research institutions and from the universities. Each individual exhibit represents the complex results of many years of research. In order to be able to convey fully detailed objectives and backgrounds of the projects represented - to experts, journalists and the general public - the TWF exhibitors have developed a purpose-designed lecture and discussion forum: "Talk im TWF" [Talk in the TWF].

U

ÜberallFernsehen (Digital Video Broadcasting via Satellite, "Television everywhere")

Term used for digital terrestrial television DVB-T because of the possibility of its universal (stationary, portable and mobile) application.

UGC

Go to User Generated Content.

UMTS

(Universal Mobile Telephone System).
See Mobile telephone systems.

Universal LNB

(Universal Low Noise Block).
A receiver unit on the satellite dish, which receives both the 11 GHz range and the 12 GHz range used for digital transmissions.

URL

(Uniform Resource Location).
Unique address on the WWW. For example, http://www.ifa-berlin.de is the URL of the IFA consumer electronics exhibition Information Service.

USB

(Universal Serial Bus).
The USB port can be used to connect mouse, keyboard, scanner, printer, displays, storage media and other devices (for example, a receiver for DVB-T or DRM) to the computer. USB is used more and more in digital television sets and video recorders. Developed by Intel, the Universal Serial Bus, is based on a radial topology, and can interconnect up to 127 devices on different levels. The hot-plugging function even allows any number of devices to be plugged in, switched on or unplugged while the computer is running. The change in status is automatically detected, and the device addresses reallocated. In version 1.1, the USB operates at a maximum data rate of 12 Mbit/s. The now generally used version USB 2.0 allows around 40 times faster data rates of up to 480 Mbit/s and is backwards compatible. Devices are connected using a four-wire lead with standardized connectors, protected by shape-coded fittings against incorrect connection. If required, the USB cable also supplies power to connected peripherals. (For further details, go to: www.usb.org).

User Generated Content

(short: UGC, also referred to as "User Driven Content").
User Generated Content can consist of images and text as well as audio or video programs, which "ordinary" people published on the Internet and thereby made accessible to others worldwide. Web2 portals such as MySpace, Flickr and YouTube provide large amounts of UGC and have achieved high rates of increase. In one week, the most successful "do-it-yourself" videos on YouTube are accessed more than one million times. The opportunity of producing programs on one's own results from now very easy to use technologies and sinking prices: for the required hardware and software (computer, camcorder, post processing applications for images and sound, etc.) as well as for using the infrastructure (broadband access). In Germany alone, by the end of 2006 almost 15 mio. households had access to the required broadband line to the Internet. When publishing UGC, e. g. on the Internet, copyright regulations are to be considered.

V

Video projector

The video projector projects images transmitted by a television receiver, computer, DVD player, or video recorder on a projection screen (Home Cinema). The range of video projectors reaches from small, even portable video projectors to high performance projectors for stationary use in cinemas.

Video server

(Harddisk) storage for video signals with computer-controlled data management. In comparison to video tapes, this type of storage has the advantage of fast random access to any scenes or images. Computers as servers are used more and more for archiving audio and video data within home networks. In the context of Video on Demand (VoD), video servers with storage capacities of up to hundreds, if not thousands, of video clips and movies are discussed. Their size is expressed and calculated in terabyte (= 1000 gigabyte).

VDSL / VDSL2

(Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line).
VDSL allows for data rates of over 50 Mbit/s via the telephone line. This is sufficient for the broadcasting of television programs (see IPTV) and even HDTV. The Deutsche Telekom AG plans VDSL access lines for mid/end of 2006 in ten German cities (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Köln, Leipzig, München, Nürnberg and Stuttgart). By 2007, 40 other cities are scheduled to follow. In some countries, VDSL is already being used. VDSL is primarily used in Asia. The usable VDSL data rate decreases as line length increases. Therefore, VDSL connection lines can only be a few hundred meters away from the switching units along the street, which contain an electro-optical converter (from glass fiber to telephone lines). These VDSL access lines can be installed to an extent where it becomes economical in metropolitan areas, especially in large cities. Depending on the standard employed, VDSL utilizes up to four frequency bands. Prospectively, VDSL2 will provide data rates of over 100 Mbit/s with an upper limit frequency of 30 MHz. A range of approx. 350 m is intended via telephone lines.

VoD

(Video on Demand).
VoD enables the recalling of television programs from the video server via feedback channel at any time. The transmission presumes the existence of a distribution architecture based on switching techniques and bidirectional channels from and to the user, and will be available for a fee. Experts are discussing services such as Audio on Demand, Software on Demand and others which are generically called SoD (Service on Demand).

Viiv

PCs that are based on the Intel Viiv technology can download, store and manage different digital entertainment content (e. g. images, music, videos) as well as information. Several devices, such as TV, PC, laptop and handheld devices, can share this content. The Intel Viiv technology includes Intel-based hardware and software, which provide a completely new form of entertainment in combination with Microsoft* Windows* XP Media Center Edition 2005. The PCs are based on Intel® Pentium® D, Pentium Extreme Edition and Intel Core Duo processors.

Virtual Private Network

(See VPN).

Virtual Reality

Technology which dissembles an apparent reality.
See also Cyberspace.

VPN

(Virtual Private Networks)
Private data networks carried on public telephone and Internet services. The computers within the VPN exchange data in encrypted form. In one sense, they form a private network within the public Internet. In contrast to the private fixed-line networks, this means significantly lower costs for the same efficiency.

VPRT

(Verband Privater Rundfunk und Telekommunikation, Association of Private Broadcasting and Telecommunications).
The communication and media political guidelines by the VPRT comprise four large topics, that deliver statements about a new media system, the transfer from analog to digital, the regulations about advertising and a new order of the dual radio broadcasting system.

VPS

(Video Program System).
When VPS is active, an ID signal is broadcast along with the television signal that controls the VCR for automatic recording of TV programs. The ID signal transmitted by the sender allows for accurate recordings even if due to program changes the desired program starts at a later time. Since the VPS signal identifies the sender as well as the program, it can also be used for other applications (e. g. child safety locks).

VRF

(Video Recording Format).
VRF is a recording format for DVD recorders. In comparison with the old DVD Video File Format, it has an extended instruction set, allowing much more convenient editing possibilities (e.g. allowing the removal of commercial breaks from a television recording).

VTR

(Video Tape Recording).
Currently still the most important storage technology in television studios.

W

WAN

(Wide Area Network)
Computer network for communicating at greater (intercontinental) distances.

WAP

(Wireless Application Protocol)
Communication protocol for accessing the Internet from a mobile phone. WAP allows specially processed Internet pages to be displayed on the comparatively small screen of a WAP phone. Typical applications are: brief information, e.g. traffic information, weather reports or share prices - and also online banking, synchronizing schedules, querying databases (e.g. telephone subscribers).

WCDMA

(Wideband CDMA).
WCDMA is a CDMA system used in mobile telephony. The signal sent is widely spread to ensure it covers a broader bandwidth: The result is lower susceptibility to interferences with disturbing pulses of lower bandwidth.

Web 2.0

The term "Web 2.0", born by the publisher Tim O'Reilly, does not describe a special technology but a new form of perception and/or usage of the web (WWW). In simple terms - not only the user software on the PC but the Internet itself becomes an application. Typical for this concept is the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, which is more than a database: made up of a vast amount of relatively small articles by uncountable contributors it probably is the most up to date and active encyclopedia in the world. The result therefore is a great deal more than the sum of all contributions. With Web 2.0 the WWW becomes a dynamical design-and-share platform, that maintains information, brainstorms, images, and videos of and by many users ("communities") and provides the workspace for editing, sharing, and producing content. (Examples of Web 2.0 portals: www.flickr.com, www.YouTube.com, www.blogger.de).

Webcam

Video camera which transmits live images direct to the Internet ("Web").

Webradio

Go to Internet radio.

WSS

(Wide Screen Signaling).
Special ID comprised in the television signal that allows for changing the screen format, e. g. from standard format (4:3) to wide screen format (16:9) (also used for marking programs in PALplus).

Widescreen

Television picture format with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This approximates the human field of vision, which is much wider than it is high. The widescreen format is easier on the eyes - especially with larger screen sizes. Technically, 16:9 formats can be displayed using conventional analog systems (PALplus) as well as digital signals (DVB).

Wireless

Wireless connections use radio technology. The cables normally used to interconnect devices are replaced by a transmitter and a receiver.

WirelessLAN

(Wireless Local Area Network).
Wireless local (radio) network that transmits in the frequency range of 2.4 GHz according to the standard IEEE 802.11b with a data rate of 11 Mbit/s and wirelessly interconnects several devices, and, for example also enables several laptops access to the Internet as long as they are within the range of 100 m max.

WWW

(World Wide Web)
Developed in 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee at the CERN Nuclear Research Center (Geneva), this is a hypertext information system on the Internet which provides the user a clearly structured, easily understood graphic interface. The "web" therefore became the most popular service in the Internet.

Z

ZDF.vision

The digital Bouquet "ZDF.vision" - the digital program platform of the ZDF - broadcasts all programs produced by and in corporation with the ZDF: ZDF, ZDF-Theaterkanal, ZDF.info, ZDF.dokukanal, Eurosport, EuroNews, CNBC Europe. CNBC is, according to the statement of the ZDF, the only global economics TV station, that broadcasts live and direct, 24 hours a day, from the important financial centers in Europe, the United States and Asia. The digital services by the ZDF are broadened by the data service ZDF.digitext. With the report and documentation program ZDF.doku, the ZDF tries to serve its audience with a forum for presenting facts and background information, encouraging the formation of an opinion and delivering insight information about the correlation of events and developments. The data service ZDF.digitext is a further development of the analog service "ZDF.text" for the digital world. The digital Bouquet of the ZDF also includes the radio broadcasting stations under public law Ö1, Deutschlandfunk, and DeutschlandRadio Berlin as well as "EPG", the electronic program guide of the ZDF. ZDF.vision broadcasts via ASTRA 1 E, Transponder 11.954 Ghz h (SR 27500, FEC 3/4).

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