Glossary
RAW Format
A name for data read directly from the CCD that has only been converted from analogue to digital. Data output in this format is in its original state, i.e. it has not been processed internally by the digital camera.
RCA (Recording Company of America)
RCA is a standard way of connecting audio and video components. RCA leads and sockets are usually colour coded: red and white are used to denote the right and left channels respectively for audio components. A single yellow connector is for composite video. Component video also use RCA connectors.
RDS (Radio Data System)
RDS was co-developed by the BBC in the 1980s and virtually all major FM stations now broadcast an RDS signal. RDS offers a variety of features. For example, there is station name ID whereby an RDS-equipped radio displays the name of a station as well as its frequency. And drivers are probably familiar with the traffic feature which automatically alerts you when a station broadcasts traffic news. There is also PTY or Programme Type. This allows you to search all available broadcasts by their programme content – i.e. news, drama, pop, etc – at the press of a button.
Recording Mode
Many DVD recorders offer four different recording modes: EP (Extended Play), (LP) Long Play, SP (Standard Play) and XP (eXtra Play). Which you choose depends on the quality of recording you want: XP gives the best picture quality but only allows for around one hour of recording using a 4.7 gigabyte blank disc. EP compromises picture quality but can deliver around 12 hours record time.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor is the maximum number of times the image on screen can be “drawn” per second, measured in Hertz. It is “redrawn” over and over so quickly (anywhere from 50 to 100 times or more per second) that the human eye perceives it as a static image, or a smooth video, etc. On a Windows PC you can adjust the refresh rate to reduce “flicker” and other unstable display issues.
Response time
The speed at which the monitor’s pixels can change colours is called response time. It is measured in milliseconds.
RF input
This is the socket for your aerial and allows the broadcast signal to be received by your tuner.
RGB
Stands for red, green and blue. A video connector or lead which offers RGB output carries these primary colours separately for greater picture quality.
Router
These are physical devices that join multiple wired or wireless networks together.
RSS
RSS or Really Simple Syndication, is a way for web publishers to send content automatically to subscribers and is often used on news websites or websites with frequently updated content, such as the BBC.
