Glossary
DAB
Digital Audio Broadcasting or DAB is the digital technology used to broadcast digital radio, which offers an array of digital radio stations as well as analogue radio stations.
Desktop Computer
Traditionally referred to the broader, slimmer computers that were able to fit onto a desk but is now associated with the tower computers generally found in store.
Digital Output
Allows DTS or Dolby Digital signals to be taken from a DVD player and fed to an external decoder.
Digital Zoom
This increases the range of the optical zoom by electronically enlarging the image, bringing distant subjects up close.
Direct linear drive
The DLD motor provides constantly moving inner blades with 13.000 rpm even when battery level is getting lower, or shaving thick hairs.
DMex Ready
Digital Media Extender(DMex) is a digital connection path for the addition of optional modules like the BRAVIA Internet Video Link.
Dolby Digital (5.1)
Is a multi-channel system used by film producers to deliver full range channels: front left, front right, front centre, left surround and right surround. The .1 refers to the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel which is purely for bass and is therefore not full range.
Dolby Digital Plus
An audio format that delivers ‘better-than-DVD’ sound in high-definition media such as Blu-ray (1.7 Mbps). Because it requires less compression and provides more channels (up to 7.1), Dolby Digital Plus also provides new coding efficiencies for future broadcasting and streaming of multichannel audio.
Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Dolby Pro Logic IIx lets you enjoy virtually any programme – music, radio, TV, etc – in surround sound. It converts any stereo or 5.1 sound signal into 6.1 or 7.1 channel output and creates a seamless, natural surround sound field. Dolby Pro Logic IIx also incorporates an exclusive ‘Game Mode’ that delivers full-impact special effects signals panned to the surrounds.
Dolby True HD
Dolby True HD is Dolby’s next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media, such as Blu-ray. Dolby True HD delivers sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, (up to 18 Mbps).
Dolby Pro-Logic II
Surround sound system developed in the 1980s used four channels – front left, front right, centre and a mono rear. The rear channel’s treble frequencies were also limited. Pro-Logic II is an enhanced version with full range stereo output and greatly improved steering logic.
Dpi (Dots per Inch)
The resolution of a printer, scanner, or monitor. Refers to the number of dots in a one-inch (approx. 25.4-mm) line.
DPOF
Digital Print Order Format allows the user to mark their recorded still images with printing instructions, such as which photos they want to print and how many copies are required. This makes it easier to get prints made at a photo laboratory or to print them at home.
Drive by
This is a website that looks harmless, but forces your computer to download a malicious program without your knowledge when you open it up in a browser.
DRM
Digital Rights Management is the encryption technology used in ebooks to stop them being copied and pirated. There are two major DRM systems, one developed by Amazon and one developed by Adobe, and unfortunately books protected by one system won’t be readable on devices created for the other. Not all books are protected by DRM, however.
DTS (5.1)
Digital Theatre Systems is an alternative digital audio coding system to Dolby Digital and offers high quality audio coding for digital movies, music, TV broadcasts, games, etc. The data rate is much higher than Dolby Digital so in theory it should provide a superior sound.
DTS HD
DTS HD is the next generation multi-channel audio format designed for High-definition disc media such as Blu-ray. DTS HD delivers wider frequency response and greater dynamic range for both movies and music. It has two versions with each offering up to 7.1 channels of stunning audio performance: DTS HD High Resolution Audio & DTS HD Master Audio. Both formats are extensions to the core DTS audio which means that even if your amplifier or player does not contain a decoder for the HD formats you can still enjoy the core DTS audio at a higher than DVD bit rate.
DTS HD High Resolution Audio
Provides a multi-channel compressed audio with up to 7.1 channels. At a constant bit rate of up to 6.0 Mbps it delivers a surround sound experience surpassing that of DVD. Movies come alive with sound as lifelike as the picture, and music becomes as real as a live performance.
DTS HD Master Audio
Provides lossless audio that matches, bit-to-bit, the original movie’s studio master soundtrack and is fully backward-compatible with all DTS decoders. With the ability to reproduce up to 8 discrete channels at up to 24.5 Mbps, DTS-HD Master Audio delivers surround sound with unprecedented accuracy and realism.
DTS Neo:6
Like Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6 can convert multi-channel surround sound from two-channel stereo
DVD-Audio
DVD is capable of holding far more digital data than a CD. This data can include audio as well as video signals. DVD-Audio can reproduce frequencies up to 192kHz – that’s nearly five times higher than the average person can hear.
DVD-R
DVD-Recordable is a write-once format. Once finalised a recorded disc can be played back in virtually any standard DVD-Video player.
DVD-RW
Re-writable version of DVD-R. Does not offer the flexibility and versatility of DVD-RAM and cannot be used in Panasonic DVD recorders.
DVD+R/DVD+RW
DVD+R/DVD+RW is primarily designed for data as well as video recording. DVD+R is a write-once format so discs cannot be re-written, while DVD+RW can be erased and used again. Unlike DVD-R and DVD-RW, the DVD+ format offers some editing features.
DVI input
Digital Video Interface is the standard link between a PC and a monitor, and is often found on projectors too. Unlike HDMI it cannot carry audio signals.
Dynamic Contrast Ratio
Is the overall contrast ratio the television can produce over time.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range describes the ratio of the softest sound to the loudest sound in a musical instrument or piece of electronic equipment. This ratio is measured in decibels (abbreviated as dB) units. Dynamic range measurements are used in audio equipment to indicate a component’s maximum output signal and to rate a system’s noise floor.
