A conventional PAL TV signal is broadcast at a frequency of 50 fields per second - 50Hz. Our eyes can be sensitive to this frequency and at times a 50Hz picture can have a noticeable flicker. 100Hz technology digitally creates a replica of each field and inserts it after the one before. This significantly reduces flicker as the picture is now flickering twice as fast as before and therefor is too fast to be noticed. Many TVs now utilise this technology although the extra processing power sometimes cannot cope with fast motion and manifests it self as artifacts or smearing.

High Definition (True Film) format to be used by HD DVD and Blu-ray when the source material comes from film. When all 1080 lines of picture information are displayed as a complete frame 24 times per second it emulates the 24 frame rate used by film cameras to shoot movies. currently, Blu-ray discs authored this way are converted by the player to display at 60Hz to make them compatible with TVs, but soon TV displays will be able to accept a true 24 frame input. This eliminates the conversion process and allows the movie to be played back at the same rate as it was originally shot.

One of the broadcast formats that will be used for High Definition broadcasts in the UK. This means that the picture comprises of 1080 active lines from the top of the screen to the bottom and is displayed at 50 fields per second. The whole image (frame) is never displayed at one time because the lines are interlaced (i) - odd lines are displayed in one scan and even lines in another. 25 complete frames are shown per second. In full, 1125 lines by 1920 pixels make up the whole broadcast but only 1080 lines are used for the picture information.

High Definition format to be used for HD gaming or HD DVD and Blu-ray when the source material comes from video. When all 1080 lines of picture information are displayed as a complete frame 25 times per second, this is known as a progressive display, hence 'p'. To be compatible with current TV displays each complete frame is displayed twice to give a 50 or 60 Hz flicker free image. The alternative method of display is known as interlaced (1080i) and is used for HDTV broadcasts.

Using a 12bit Analog-to-Digital converter provides an extremely dense 4,096 steps of gradation. Compared to the 1,024 steps possible with a regular 10bit Analog-to-Digital converter , this displays pictures with four times as many smooth shades.

Will allow user to set bread maker to start cooking up to 13 hours in advance

Aspect ratio used by old movies (pre 1950's) and also by standard definition analogue TV broadcasts. Also known as 4:3.

14:9 is a new aspect used by Television broadcasters as a compromise between 4:3 (12:9) and 16:9. Widescreen programmes made for Digital broadcast are often re-formatted to 14:9 for Analogue transmission to older 4:3 TVs. Viewers watching digitally would see the complete 16:9 picture but analogue viewers will see a zoomed in picture with narrow black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. 14:9 is deemed more acceptable for viewers that have a 4:3 TV as it only displays narrow black bars.

The aspect ratio (width vs height) of a Widescreen TV, meaning sixteen units wide by nine units high. Most commonly related to Home Cinema and Digital TV as it is the standard agreed for all Digital Broadcasts and is a close fit to the 1.85:1 ratio used by many movie directors. In film terms it is known as 1.78:1.

The "Widescreen" aspect ratio agreed by Digital Video Broadcasters (Digital Television) and High Definition TV (HDTV) as a broadcast standard. To display a widescreen programme in its full glory you also need a widescreen TV. Also known as 16:9.

This aspect ratio, refered to by movie makers as VISTA, is the closest and offers the best fit to the 16:9 aspect of a widescreen TV. This aspect ratio transfers well to widescreen TV and displays without black bars and with minimal cropping of width.

Allows an extra shelf in the oven for cooking more items

One of the widest cinema screen film formats around, and often used for big screen epics or action movies. meaning twenty two units wide to nine units high, films shot in this format and transfered to DVD will still give you black bars even on a widescreen TV (Also called 2.35:1).

Very wide aspect ratio used by film makers for action movies and big screen epics. Offers a dynamic and dramatic experience for the cinema. When transfered to DVD in it's original wide format, it will be displayed on a 16:9 TV with black bars top and bottom of the screen. Also known as 22:9.

A processor inside the DVD player will decode the Low Frequency Effect or Subwoofer channel and output it to an active Subwoofer thus reproducing the deep bass sounds without the need to hook up a full home cinema speaker system.

The aspect ratio of tradition photographic film cameras. Typically gives a print of 6 inches by 4 inches.

For film material (24 frames) to be displayed on an interlace display, the frames have to be split in half to make two fields from each frame, then the number of fields have to match the display device (PAL 50 fields, NTSC 60 fields). For PAL, the material is speeded up by 4% to compensate for the missing two fields. For NTSC material this means an additional 12 fields have to be created from the 48 fields. This is done by creating an extra field from every other field pair i.e. 3,2,3,2,3,2,3,2, etc. This process is known as 3:2 pulldown.

During VCR refresh dubbing, the Y-DNR and C-DNR separately eliminate luminance and chrominance noise contained in the video signal on the tape. This results in minimized flicker and stunningly vivid colours. This works even when copying old worn video tapes.

This advanced 3-dimensional system separates Y (luminance) and C (chrominance) signals with higher precision and reduces noise caused by the mutual interference of the Y and C signals. So crystal-clear recordings can be achieved which are virtually indistingishable from the original.

The aspect ratio (screen size) of a standard television set, meaning four units wide by three units high. Sometimes referred to as 'full frame'. (Also called 1.33:1 or 12:9). Also used as the aspect ratio of Digital Still Cameras. Gives a typical print of 8 inches by 6 inches.

Allows accurate control between camcorder and video or editing suite.

Hertz (Hz) means cycles per second. TVs were originally designed to display 50 picture fields per second as this frequency perfectly matched the AC mains current in the UK. Most people do not notice the picture refreshing itself at this frequency, but some people are sensitive to it and notice the picture flickering. Hence the development of 100Hz scanning TVs to eliminate the flicker.

Refers to a six channel digital audio system offering 5 channels of full range audio (front left, centre, front right, suround left & surround right) and one limited bandwidth channel (subwoofer for low frequency effects). Encoding is offered by Dolby and DTS and all DVD's offer either one or both of these formats.

Using a 54MHz video D/A converter, video is processed with four times oversampling technology. At twice the standard 27MHz rating, this converter gives potentially sharper, higher resolution images for more distinct rendering of fine detail.

Six phono connections on the rear of an AV receiver capable of taking a decoded signal from a Dolby Digital/DTS source component.

The same as 5.1 with the addition of a Centre Rear channel for enhanced surround effect. Used in high end home cinema systems. DVD's must be mixed and encoded in Dolby Digital EX or DTS ES to offer 6.1 channels of sound.

Electronic Programe Guide is to make it easier to find specific stations by using different categorys and to find out what programs are on up to 7 days in advance.It can also be used to set up recordings by simply highlighting the required programme and pressing ok to set the timer.

At present, DVD discs encode sound in a maximum of 6.1 discrete channels, however some high end home cinema receivers offer 7.1 surround which puts the Centre Rear channel through two speakers instead of one to give a wider surround effect. New High Definition formats such as HD DVD or Blu-ray will support discreet 7.1 audio which will add a new dimension to movie enjoyment at home.

One of the agreed formats for High Definition TV broadcasts. This means the picture comprises 720 lines from the top of the screen to the bottom of the screen and these 720 lines are displayed progressively (p) - one following on from another to produce the whole image.The whole image is displayed 50 times a second. In full, 750 lines by 1280 pixels make up the whole broadcast but only 720 lines are displayed as picture information.

8mm tapes were introduced in the late 80's and made camcorders even smaller and started a new era of popularity for the product. In terms of recording, the tapes offer a roughly similar quality to VHS in a much smaller size (8mm tape width). The smaller tape meant much longer recording than VHSC (typically 90mins).

The first name for the Dolby Digital sound format and comes from Audio Coding revision 3, the system used to encode and decode Dolby Digital soundtracks.

Port on the top of the camcorder, which allows the user to attach peripheral equipment i.e. Microphone, light etc. The port is dormant and any other equipment must have its own power supply. (Also see Hot Shoe and Smart Accessory Shoe).

Active Matrix LCD panels use micro processors to 'open' and 'close' pixels very rapidly. When combined with 'Thin Film Transistors' that control each primary colour and are etched onto a single LCD Pane, they offer very fast response times that are ideal for fast motion video images.

Analogue to Digital Conversion. Process by which the measurement of light taken by the CCD is converted from a raw analogue figure into digital (binary 0's and 1's)

Advanced Virtual Surround Sound creates a surround sound effect by simulating surround channel sounds using only 2 front speakers. The advanced section creates a wider range from left to right. This effect does not work on karaoke discs.

Auto Exposure. A system for automatically setting the proper exposure according to the existing light conditions. There are three types of AE systems: 1. Programmed AE where the camera picks the best shutter speed and aperture automatically. 2. Aperture Priority, the user chooses an aperture value and the shutter speed is automatically determined by lighting conditions. 3. Shutter Priority, the user chooses a shutter speed and the aperture is automatically determined by lighting conditions.

Exposure is calculated based on the aperture value chosen by the photographer. This allows for depth of field (DOF: Range of focus) control - large aperture = shallow DOF and a small aperture = deep DOF.

The ability to hold the current exposure settings and allow you to point the camera elsewhere before capturing the image. This is usually accomplished by half-pressing the shutter button and keeping it at that position until you're ready to capture the image. Useful for situations, such as flash lights, where the Auto Exposure might attempt to adjust for sudden bursts of light, at the expense of the important part of the image.

Automatic Focus. Some LUMIX models have up to 9 point AF and can therefore focus in up to 9 areas of the picture at any one time.

Often incorrectly referred to as screen burn. When the phosphors that make up a Cathode Ray Tube or Plasma display are brightly lit for a long period of time (by a static image) they can remain in an excited state. This has the effect of continuing to display the image of something that was previously on screen, even though the picture has changed. After-image is not a permanent state and with normal viewing of TV or Video content will disappear after a short while. The length of time the after-image remains visible is directly related to the length of time, the brightness and the contrast of the original static image.

Anti Ground Shooting. It detects the position of the camera with the O.I.S. sensor and stops recording when the camcorder is pointing at the ground. Avoid miss-shooting and save battery, tape and disc spaces.

Expresses the volume of air flowing through the cleaner and is measured in litres per second. The higher the air flow the greater the capability of the cleaner to transport the dust from the suction inlet to the canister or bag.

Air Watts is a measure of the actual suction efficiency power that directly relates to how effective the cleaner is at picking up the dust.

High precision designed chassis offering optimal protection for the precision mechanisms, designed around a rigid, reliable and durable housing that protects the tape mechanism from flexing and vibrations. Also it is weather-resistant and long lasting.

Amplitude Modulation is an analogue radio waveband which usually features Long and Medium Wave frequencies.

A separate unit that takes sound signals (decoded elsewhere) and provides the power to amplify the sound to the speakers. Separate amplifiers are mainly used in specialist set-ups and combined decoder / amplifier units are common for even high end solutions.

Analogue devices use radio frequencies or other analogue signals which are easily broadcast or recorded. Unfortunately, analogue signals are susceptible to interference. Digital components on the other hand such as Digital TVs, Digital radios, DVD recorders etc, use digital signals which are less prone to interference and offer enhanced quality, ease of use and greater versatility.

Found on some DV Camcorders and Editing decks this function enables the transfer of material recorded on VHS, VHS-C and 8mm onto the Digital format so that they can be viewed in the future. Used in conjunction with the TBC the picture can actually be improved. Ideal for archiving.

Feature allowing the conversion of old analogue tapes into high-quality digital. When combined with Time Base Corrector it minimises jitter and distortion, so you can digitize data with virtually no degradation. Material recorded onto the Digital Tape can be transfered to a PC for editing.

Analogue TV broadcasts began in the UK with the first BBC 405-line VHF service from Alexanda Palace in November 1936. In 1964 the service changed to UHF to accomodate a greater number of channels and the higher resolution 625-line service. In November 2007 the switch off of the UK analogue service began in the Cumbria region and will continue region by region until total switch-over to a digital service is completed in 2012.

Image squeezing technique used for transfer of film to DVD or digital TV broadcasting. Watch a wide aspect ratio film on a conventional 4:3 TV set and you either get big black bars across the top and bottom or the film is 'panned and scanned' so that you only see the central part of the image shown on the screen. Either way, you're not getting the whole picture. Most movies on DVD are presented in their original aspect ratio and a widescreen TV is the first step in getting to see the whole image. But because the picture is not an exact fit for the screen's 16:9 shape, you may still get black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. DVD has a frame size aspect ratio of 4:3 (720 x 576) so all the available pixels are utilised for the active picture instead of black bars (33% more pixels compared to letterboxing). Anamorphic video is best displayed on widescreen equipment, which stretches the video back out to its original width. Anamorphic video can be converted by the player for display on standard 4:3 TVs in letterbox or pan & scan form. If anamorphic video is shown unchanged on a standard 4:3 display, people will look tall and skinny which clearly shows the "squeeze effect". An anamorphic 2.35:1 transfer will still have black bars top and bottom, but they'll be much smaller.

A lens used on film or TV camera's to squeeze widescreen images in to a 4:3 image to maintain maximum resolution.

A way of squeezing widescreen images on to conventional aspect film. Widescreen 16:9 video can be stored on the DVD disc in anamorphic form giving a better horizontal resolution and greater detail. The picture is squeezed horizontally to fit the standard 4:3 video format, then unsqueezed during playback. This anamorphic squeezing results in less of the picture being wasted on the black letterbox mattes. DVD has a frame size of 720 x 576 (4:3) so all the available pixels are utilised for the active picture instead of black bars (33% more pixels compared to letterboxing).

The unit of measurement expressing the average brightness of light projected by a projector as defined by the American National Standards Institute. The ANSI lumens value is the average measurement of brightness obtained by dividing the screen into nine blocks, then measuring the brightness at the centre of each block.

4 wheel base to protect hard floors.

Found on the front of the upright cleaner to prevent damage to furniture.

Coating within the lining of the bag that inhibits bacterial growth.

The lens opening of a Camera formed by the iris diaphragm inside the lens. When the shutter is clicked open, light enters through the aperture. The size of this aperture is given as an 'f' number (f2, f2.8, f8, etc)

Arcing is when blue flashes of light are seen in the microwave oven. Arcing may occur if a metal container has been used incorrectly or if the incorrect weight of food is used e.g. quantities are too small.

Suite of photo manipulation software included with all SD applied Panasonic camcorders.

Aspect ratios are simply the width to height ratio of how a movie or television show is filmed. A box that is 16cm wide and 9cm high has a 16:9 aspect ratio. Movies are shot in a particular ratio for particular types of screens. There are four main aspect ratios: 4:3 (1.33:1) the shape of a conventional TV and used by older films. 16:9 (1.78:1) widescreen: used for Digital Television and HDTV but not as wide as the wider formats used by film makers. 1.85:1: the most commonly used picture format. 2.35:1 Cinemascope: The widest of the most common ratios but also expensive to produce. Used for the ultimate widescreen blockbuster experience.

A lens whose edges have been flattened so that it is not a perfect sphere, produces a superior image.

Aspherical lenses have a smaller angle of curvature at the outer edge than that across the centre. Therefore, as the lens is not spherical it eliminates aberrations as light passes through. As you would expect, when image performance is improved, the cost of producing aspherical lenses is higher and so they are generally used only on high-end cameras.

When video clips taken from a Camcorder or VCR are edited together in a sequence.

Advanced Television Systems Committee. The ATSC is an international organization of 200 members that is establishing voluntary technical standards for advanced television systems. ATSC Digital TV Standards include digital high definition television (HDTV), standard definition television (SDTV), data broadcasting, multichannel surround-sound audio, and Satellite direct-to-home broadcasting.

This is a new service offered by some broadcasters for the aid of the visually impared viewer. Panasonic Viera TVs for 2007 support this function (it can be found in the Audio Menu). When selected, a second soundtrack can be heard that audibly describes the action that is happening on screen (subject to transmission). The descriptive soundtrack can also be recorded along with the programme via the TVs Scart output.

Offered as an enhanced version of standard subtitles for the aid of the hard of hearing. Available on Panasonic's TV and Diga models it is identified by a box showing an ear with a diagonal line through. When selected, it offers a more descriptive text display on the screen of actions and events that are happening in the scene e.g. doorbell rings, people laugh, birds sing etc.

Allows a new sound source to be added to the recorded material whilst retaining the picture. If the recorded material was recorded in 16bit mode the original sound track is erased. If the original soundtrack is to be retained, it must be recorded in 12bit mode. It is not possible to audio dub onto recordings made in LP mode.

This allows the insertion of a new sound track, say music, and the possibility of mixing in another, such as narration, on top of the music.

The adjustment between 12bit Stereo and 16bit Stereo to allow the user to audio dub a new Stereo soundtrack.

Automatically detects whether the photo is framed horizontally or vertically when shooting for playing back at the correct angle on the camera.

When connecting a Digital Camcorder to a DVD Recorder via the DV input footage from the DV tape is dubbed onto the DVD or Hard Drive automatically while inserting chapter points at each point in the footage when the video camera was paused or stopped between scenes.

The camera adjusts its settings automatically to compensate for a variety of lighting circumstances. It may take time to adjust depending on the lighting and shooting conditions.

Automatically moves the internal focusing lens forward or backwards and adjusts the focus so that the subject can be seen clearly.

As the microwave pads are pressed the L.E.D display will scroll the next instruction eliminating the opportunities for mistakes.

If the camera is connected to a video printer equipped with a 5-pin edit socket, the auto print function will print all still pictures recorded in the photoshot mode automatically.

A wide choice of foods that can be cooked automatically by weight or sensor.

Once the weight of the food has been entered the oven will calculate the re-heating timer and power.

Previously known as 'Genius' the humidity sensor automatically detects the steam given off from the food as it begins to cook and then calculates the remaining cooking time. No need to guess just press!

Once connected and plugged in to the aerial, the Recorder or TV automatically searches for all channels. After this it sorts them into the correct order and will then set the clock to the correct date and time.

Once the weight of the food has been entered, then the oven will automatically select the cooking time and microwave power and on the combination programs selects the grill and/ or convection settings.

The camera stores the optimum settings for several common light sources in its memory. It then judges the recording situation by determining the tint of the light received through the lens and by the white balance sensor and selects the setting for the most similar tint. However, as the memory has only a limited capacity, conditions outside its range must be set manually.

Automatically switches the beater off when in the cleaner is in the upright position for using the tools.

Automatically adjusts the power to suit the level of dust.

A remote control handset capable of controlling a range of Panasonic/Technics branded home cinema components. This allows the consumer to do away with the other remotes during day to day usage so operation of components is simplified.

AVCHD is a brand new high-definition (HD) digital video camera recorder format that was jointly established by Panasonic and Sony. This format allows for the recording and playback of high resolution, digital HD images using 8-cm DVD media, SD Memory Cards and so on. The AVCHD format allows digital video camera recorders to capture 1080i and 720p signals onto 8-cm DVD media and SD Memory Cards by using highly efficient codec technologies. The format employs an MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) codec for video compression, and a Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Linear PCM codec for audio. This makes it possible to develop HD video camera recorders with compact sizes as well as high image and sound quality.

BLC prevents the subject from being recorded too dark by opening up the iris. Backlight means that the light falls on the subject from behind i.e. the subject is standing in front of a window.

Transmissive LCD's allow light to pass through them when the crystals are aligned. The light source is commonly referred to as the backlight. The backlights in Panasonic LCD panels are long lasting and will give about 60,000 hours use.

An indicator that shows the user when the bag requires changing or the canister needs emptying.

No paper bag is required the dust is collected in a canister/bin.

For baking cakes and teabreads. After the user has mixed the ingredients in a bowl the cake is cooked in the bread pan.

Can be used in two context's, frequency bandwidth and data bandwidth. Frequency bandwidth refers to the band, or range, of frequencies available for the transmission of an electronic signal. Given as the difference between the lowest and the highest signal frequency it is measured in Hz. Data bandwidth is used as a synonym for data transfer rate and refers to the ammount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time period. This type of bandwidth is expressed as bps (bits per second).

A completely enclosed low frequency speaker that uses a flat surface in close proximity to reproduce a more powerful bass response. In the case of our LCD's, it is also referred to as 'Aero Hammer' or 'Hammer drive'.

Pattern of permanent colour filters on a single CCD used to determine colour levels by a process of Interpolation.

Formed in 2005, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is responsible for promoting and developing business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc - the next-generation optical disc format for storing high-definition movies, games, photos and other digital content. The BDA has more than 170 members. Its Board of Directors consists of individuals affiliated with the following member companies: Apple Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Intel Corporation, LG Electronics Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Pioneer Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Sony Corporation, TDK Corporation, Technicolor, Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures and Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

A rotating brush used to agitate dust and loosen dirt within the floor surface.

The beater bar can be switched on or off depending on the floor surface.

Each time certain controls are used a beep is sounded to confirm activation. This can also be switched off.

Rubber belt rotates the beater bar. Icon does not have a belt as a separate motor is used to rotate the beater bar.

The amplifier has separate drivers for high end and low end frequencies provided cleaner, higher quality power to a compatible speaker.

Bi-amping refers to the use of two separate amplifier channels connected directly to individual loudspeaker drivers optimized to reproduce a particular frequency range. For example, one amplifier channel would be connected directly to a tweeter for high frequency reproduction, another to a woofer for bass reproduction. Bi-amping requires an electronic crossover to divide the wide range audio signal from a preamplifier before that signal ever gets to the amplifiers. The advantages of traditional bi-amping are significant. Damping factor (a measure of the amplifier's ability to control the back-and-forth motion of the driver) increases, intermodulation distortion goes down, and effective amplifier power is increased dramatically.

The NICAM system used to transmit TV sound can broadcast the same programme in two different languages. Where available, viewers can select the language they wish to hear using the TV's remote controller.

A container where the dust and debris is collected.

Bi-Pole (Speaker) Bi-polar refers to speakers with drivers that are fired in two different directions, but are in phase causing an increase in bass output. I this type of speaker the drivers can be in the front and back of the speaker, side firing, or at 90 degrees angles from one another. There are also speakers which function as both bipolar and dipolar. This can be adjusted using a switch.

Pure data stream of digitally compressed information such as that created by Dolby to deliver Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. An audio bitstream can be output from a DVD or Blu-ray player via an optical or coaxial digital output, or via the HDMI terminal to an amplifier or receiver that contains the correct decoder to convert the data to an analogue signal. This option should be used if you wish to enjoy Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 channel surround sound provided that the amplifier/receiver has a Dolby or DTS decoder on board. The Bitstream option should not be selected if the correct decoder is not present as damage may then occur to the speakers. If the correct audio decoder is not available set the digital output to PCM and the player will convert the signal to 2 channel PCM audio.

Bi-wiring refers to separate wire runs from a common amplifier output to two different inputs on the same speaker. This requires a speaker specifically designed with bi-wiring in mind as the speaker's passive crossover must be designed to allow this. And the speakers must have two sets of external binding posts connected by removable jumper bars or "bus bars."

Digital effect allowing the recording to be done in monochrome.

With this function a blank part of the tape, either between recordings or at the end of the full recording, can be found quickly and automatically.

A Radio Frequency (RF) technology that uses very low power to allow wireless transfer of files or data over short distances. Three standards exist: Class 1 has a range of up to 100 metres, Class 2 up to 10 meters and Class 3 up to 1 meter. Many portable products are Bluetooth compatable with the most popular useage being mobile phones.

A common locking barrel nut connection used in the professional video industry to provide a secure RGB or Composite Video connection. It uses a bayonet (push and twist) fitting and has several meanings to its name: British Navel Connector, Bayonet Nut Connector and (derived from its inventors) Bayonet Neill Concelman (Paul Neill, Carl Concelman).

Bits-per-second. This is the rate at which one digital device transfers data to another. The higher the rate, the faster the transmission time. The method used to connect the devices has an affect on the transfer rate (see Firewire and USB) as does the type of media. For example, an SD Memory Card such as Panasonic's high-speed 512MB card currently offers a transfer rate of 10 megabits per second.

Measuring cup is supplied to measure the water or liquid. Measuring Spoon supplied for the accurate weighing of: Dried yeast, salt, sugar and milk powder

Used for all loaf, dough and tea-breads. Non-stick for easy cleaning

Panasonic Vacuum Cleaner models have been awarded the Seal of Approval from the British Allergy Foundation. With their Lifetime HEPA filters and sealed lid the Icons have been proved beneficial to Allergy sufferers. Not only are dangerous allergens removed, the HEPA filters also remove pollutants like pollen spores, dust mites and carbon particles.

A type of microwave oven with a grill. A browner will brown microwaved food by use of a grill in the top of the oven

Microwave Ovens can be built into a standard housing unit providing a Panasonic trim kit is used

If you only have an analogue AV receiver you can still take advantage of DVDs with Dolby Digital or DTS soundtracks. Panasonic DVD players have built-in digital surround sound decoders which can be connected to any amplifiers equipped with six-channel outputs.

The ability to rapidly capture images as long as the shutter button is held down. Also called Continuous frame capture.

In computer and digital terminology, a byte is a set of bits that represents a single character. There are various ways of measuring a bit, but its is commonly agreed that there are usually eight bits in a byte. A kilobyte (KB) is referred to as 1000 bytes, but strictly speaking it's actually 1024 bytes, 2 to the power of 10 as expressed in the binary system. It therefore follows that a megabyte is just over a million bytes at 2 to the power of 20 which equals 1,048,576. A gigabyte is around a billion bytes or 2 to the power of 30 which is 1,073,741,824.

Puts the camera into record pause mode.

A container where the dust and debris is collected.

A capacitor is a device for storing electrical energy. It basically comprises two electrical conductors separated and insulated by a third part called dielectric. The conductors are charged with equal amounts of positive and negative electrical charges and the more efficiently they do this, the better their performance. The type of materials used for the capacitor will influence its abilities.

The cooking space available in the interior of the oven.

Allows still images, mpegs, and voice files to be recorded onto the SD card. (Also compatible with Multi-Media cards).

Allows images to be played back from the MultiMedia/SD card.

Short for Category 5, network cabling that consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire terminated by RJ45 connectors. Cat-5 cabling supports frequencies up to 100 MHz and speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Computers hooked up to LAN s are connected using Cat-5 cables, so if you're on a LAN, most likely the cable running out of the back of your PC is Category 5. Consumer Electronic products such as PVR's or products that can interact with the internet also use RJ45 LAN terminals to communicate with a PC either wireless or through CAT-5 cabling.

The catalytic back is made from a material that cleans itself while cooking. The extreme heat from the heating element just behind the catalytic back of the oven burns all food particles and splashes off the surface.

This lining is situated in the roof of selected combination ovens and is self cleaning

This lining is situated in the roof of selected combination ovens, above the grill, and is self cleaning - activated by the intense heat of the grill element

Contrast Auto Tracking System. Automatically senses the ambient light conditions and adjusts the brightness accordingly, to optimise contrast. Helps reduce eyestrain and provides the best picture for the surroundings.

(Constant Bit Rate) Because the bit rate is fixed, noise becomes more prominent in fast-moving scenes than in scenes with minimum movement.

Charged Coupled Device, a light sensitive chip used for image gathering. Photosensors turn a picture into electronic signals. In their normal condition these are grey scale devices. To create color a color pattern is laid down on the sensor pixels, using a RGBG color mask (Red, Green, Blue, and Green) The extra Green is used to create contrast in the image. The CCD Pixels gather the color from the light and pass it to the shift register for storage. CCDs are analog sensors, the digitizing happens when the electrons are passed through the A to D converter. Most cameras have a single chip but the best is a 3CCD unit with a chip for each colour (red, green and blue). The higher the number of pixels the more information can be seen by the CCD chip resulting in a better picture.

Pixels in your digital image that were misinterpreted. Usually occurs when you shoot a long exposure (beyond 1/2-second) or when you use the higher ISO values from 400 or above. It appears as random groups of red, green or blue pixels. It is often caused by heat build up in the CCD.

Candela per meter squared (cd/m2) is the standard unit of luminance. It is often used to describe the brightness output of a monitor or flat panel TV. It represents a luminous intensity of one candela radiating from a surface whose area is one square meter. It is similar to the Lumens measurement that is used to rate the brightness output of a Projector.

The centre channel speaker is used to produce the voices and dialogue in surround sound movies. This is commonly referred to as the most important speaker in a home theatre system because it produces approximately 80% of all the sound heard in an average movie. In movie theatres, the centre channel speakers are placed behind the screen, directly in front of the viewer. In a home setting it is preferable to have the centre channel speaker either directly on top of, or directly below, your television. Note: In an ideal situation, your centre channel speaker will be the exact same make and model as you right and left front speakers. As the very least it should be the same brand as your right and left front speakers.

cefcos creates a spiralling stream of air within the dust canister which compressed the dust and debris away form the filter creating a strong and powerful suction even as the canister starts to fill. The cefcos system compacts the dust and dirt and therefore airflow is maintained by up to75% more, even when the canister is full, The force of the centrifugal air flow compacts the dust within the canister allowing over twice the amount of dust to be collected when compared to previous models of this size.

Quick and efficient defrost. Uses random pulses of power to defrost the food quickly and evenly. Heat transfers to the centre in a more constant way resulting in no part cooked foods.

Plays the first 3 seconds of each previously viewed chapter and then proceeds with normal playback once it gets to the last viewed place. Acts as a refresher if the movie was not watched all at the same time.

The matrix of an LCD panel can become visible when it is projected on to a large screen. It shows itself as a grid of fine black lines over the screen and is known as the chicken wire effect. Top end Panasonic projectors use 'Smooth Screen Technology' to reduce the effect.

When the child lock is activated the control panel is inoperable. Prevents little fingers accidentally starting or programming the machine. To activate Press the START pad 3 times. To deactivate Press the STOP/START pad three times.

This function deactivates all buttons on the video and the remote control, so no operation is possible. To activate the OK and OFF+ buttons are held down until HOLD appears on the video display. Deactivation is the reverse.

Also known as the "purple fringe effect." It is common in two Megapixel and higher resolution digital cameras (especially those with long telephoto zoom lenses) when a dark area is surrounded by a highlight. Along the edge between dark and light you will see a line or two of purple or violet colored pixels that shouldn't be there. Leica lenses used on Panasonic Cameras use aspherical and multi coated lenses to correct this effect.

Easy feature that allows you to control the tone, saturation and hue of colours on your Home Cinema Projector: professional set-up in the home.

This allows the recording to be done in a cinema like widescreen format with black bars top and bottom of the image. See also, Wide Mode.

A typical receiver's amplifier may not be sufficient to handle extremely high peaks, particularly those needed for the kinds of explosive effects present in movie soundtracks. The Class H+ amplifier has been developed to provide extra 'headroom'.

Used on VHS video tapes as an aid for the hard of hearing. Tapes are recorded with subtitles and this allows the words of the actors to be displayed as text on screen. With Panasonic Video Recorders the operation can be switched on and off as desired.

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. Imaging device alternative to CCD. It is not as popular as CCD but the future promises us even smaller products that are more suited to CMOS sensors due to the lower amount of power consumption versus the typical CCD device.

Short for compression /decompression, compromised of algorithms that handle the compression of audio or video to make it easier to store or transmit as well as the decompression of video and audio for playback. There are many compression codecs used today in the AV world (Jpeg, Mpeg, DiVX, etc), the playback device must also carry the correct codec to unscramble the file or it will not work.

A condition where gluten and or wheat can not be tolerated in the diet.

The modulation scheme that DAB uses is Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. COFDM uses a very different method of transmission to older digital radio modulation schemes and has been specifically designed to combat the effects of multipath interference by using sophisticated algorythms to code weak and strong signals so that only the stronger signal is allowed through.

Allows you to set a preferred hue to the picture you have three to choose from Cool, Normal and Warm.

The built-in colour bar monitor lets you control the colour accuracy. To check the colours during recording, the colour bar can be recorded on tape, too.

When using an analogue source and recording on to the NV-DV10000 this ensures optimum colour density is achieved. This provides a 40 level fine adjustment.

Allows user to see colour images even in extreme low light. Increases the gain and exposure time, so blurring may occur on movement, but ideal for stills.

Every light source has its own colour temperature measured in Kelvin. The higher the Kelvin value, the more bluish the light, the lower the value, the more reddish the light. The Kelvin value relates to the tint of the light and not directly to its brightness.

As you look into the eyepiece the picture is in colour and not black and white - available on step up Panasonic models.

Cooking food by using microwaves and Convection heat

The microwave power cooks the food quickly whilst the oven and /or grill gives the traditional browning and crisping

Mandatory slot for all Integrated Digital TV's. Is used as an access port to update the software on an IDTV or enable viewing of pay channels. This is usually done by inserting a card and a CAM (Conditional Access Module).

Any method of transferring a video signal from one device to another, where the signal is broken into its component parts before transfer to prevent loss of quality in the cable. Main types include S-Video (Y/C - 2 parts) and YUV (Y/Pb/Pr - 3 parts). YUV component connection is by 3 phono leads (usually coloured red, green, and blue) and is capable of transferring High Definition pictures. YUV component video offers a step up in picture quality from Composite and is equal to RGB.

Three RCA (phono) sockets colour coded green, blue and red (often labelled Y, Pb, Pr). Carries YUV signals for superior picture quality.

A type of cable connection or video signal used for passing picture information. All the picture information is combined into a mixed signal of light and colour. This is better than an RF signal but can result in slight loss of quality. The sockets are usually coloured yellow, and a single standard phono (RCA) lead is used, although it may also be transferred by SCART.

Must be fitted to an Integrated Digital TV if you want to enjoy Pay Per View services. When you set up your subscription, it is supplied by the pay per view broadcaster to interface between the viewing card and a Common Interface(CI) slot. Some Set Top Boxes already have them built-in and allow a viewing card to be directly inserted.

Only Panasonic Inverter ovens offer constant power on medium and low power levels. Food is cooked more efficiently with no hot or cold spots.

The autofocus system is full-time and works even before the shutter release is pressed.

The difference between total dark area's and high bright area's is given as a ratio e.g. 700:1, 800:1, 4000:1. There are two ways to measure contrast: Ansi Contrast and Full on/Full off (FOFO) Contrast. The former measures the light output between 16 alternating black and white rectangular patterns and averages the level between the two. The latter measures the light output from all pixels being switched off (full black) compared to all pixels switched on (full white). Hence the Ansi Contrast will always be a lower value. Panasonic measure their contrast ratio in FOFO mode.

All Dimension 4 Combination ovens have a fan assisted oven with a full temperature range from 40, 100-250 degrees C for traditional cooking. The fan is situated at the back of the oven and circulates heat around the cavity

All Dimension 4 Combination ovens have a fan assisted oven with a full temperature range from 40, 100-250 degrees C for traditional cooking. The fan is situated at the back of the oven and circulates heat around the cavity.

The electrical cord is rewound in to the vacuum cleaner after use. By pressing a button or foot operated pedal, the cord is pulled back into the vacuum so the cord is always kept tidy.

A pointed end tool ideal for cleaning skirting boards

A crossover is a system of filters designed to divide audio bandwidth between each individual driver in each individual speaker.

Cathode Ray Tube. In a conventional TV, the visible screen is actually the faceplate of the CRT. The inside of the faceplate is coated with colour phosphors which are electrically charged using an electron gun. This helps to generate colour TV images. Quintrix is Panasonic's unique CRT and first made its appearance in the UK in the early 1970s. Since then, it has undergone continual refinements and state-of-the-art enhancements.

Term used to vary the crust colour. Three options: Dark, Medium or Light.

At The brain of the Digital camcorder is the imaging engine, a component that processes signals sent from the CCDs. Its performance is critical to image quality. It processes the R,G and B signals from the three CCDs individually to remove noise and improve colour processing accuracy.

Digital Audio Broadcasting or DAB as it is more commonly refered to, is the system used to broadcast digital radio. Unlike analogue radio, DAB is not susceptible to the poor sound caused by weak reception or signal interferences. It's therefore particularly ideal for mobile use as there's no need to re-tune your radio as you travel and reception remains clear and strong even when going through tunnels. DAB also offers CD-quality sound, a wider choice of stations and also has the potential to broadcast additional programme information which can be viewed on the radio's display.

A smaller, lighter type of LCD projector, suitable to carry around and ideal for business presentations or movies.

See Dolby Digital

Decibels (dB) are a unit of measurement of noise used to express sound pressure level (SPL). It means 'one tenth of a bell' and is based on a logarithmic scale. Thus, a rise in sound pressure level from +1dB to +2dB will be barely audible while +10dB sounds like a doubling of SPL. As a rough guide a windless forest is around 10dB, a pneumatic drill is 120dB.

A unit that contains hardware for decoding a raw signal and converting it into another format that can be used by particular equipment. For example, DVD sound data passes through a Dolby Digital or dts decoder to turn it into the separate analogue audio channels before being amplified.

Allows the oven to be programmed to begin cooking up to 9 hours and 99 minute ahead. Or can be programmed after cooking as standing time.

Designed to show customers how easy the ovens are to use before purchase. To activate Press the CLOCK pad three times. To deactivate press the CLOCK pad three times.

DOF describes the area that is in clear focus when a subject is photographed. The depth of field varies according to the lens angle of view and the aperture size. A wide aperture (F2.0) offers a shallow DOF and a narrow aperture (F16) offers a deep DOF.

Boosts the centre speaker output by 6db without effecting any other output. Used mainly when there is a lot of action going on and the voice can get a bit drowned out especially on a DTS or Dolby Digital soundtracks.

Derived from DIGITAL GIGABYTE. It is the sub brand of all Panasonic DVD Recorders.

The technology of recording, transmitting and storing information as digital data comprising of a series of ON and OFF signals written as 0's and 1's. A digital signal takes up much less space than a traditional analogue signal, and the signal quality is not reduced when passed between different components. Digital is an all or nothing system - any glitches usually mean a complete loss of signal until the problem is rectified. For example, DVD players are equipped with error correction mechanisms which can compensate for discs that may have surface scratches. But if the scratches are so bad that the laser can't correct the disc's lost data, the player is likely to stutter or stop playing the Disc altogether.

Digital 8 is a way of using the older 8mm tapes to record digital info. They do this by running the tape 1.5x faster than normal (which means the running time of on digital 8 will only be 66% of the running time on regular 8mm). It was introduced by Sony as a compromise format for users with old analogue camcorders, because you can play and use old 8mm tapes.

This reduces glare typical of direct-view TV screens, resulting in colours that are more cinema-like and picture resolution that is gentler to the eyes. This feature also improves the visibility of details in dark scenes by automatically adjusting the picture gamma.

Circuitry within the TV that accurately separates the colour information from the black and white part of the picture to reduce cross colour interference and dot crawl.

In recording situations where shaking is likely to happen i.e. when using zoom mode, filming from a vehicle or whilst walking, this function will stabilize the recording. (Also see Optical Image Stabilizer). Some compromise of the picture is necessary and so a digital stabilizer is never as good as an optical stabilizer.

The socket that receives digital data from another component through either an optical or coaxial digital cable.

For the highly dependable tracking on the narrow DVD pit tracks, Panasonic employs a tracking servo that 'learns' about each disc's characteristics. The traverse mechanism that carries the critical laser pickup across the DVD is side mounted in a floating mount that acurately follows the undulations of the disc.

Known as DLP and developed by Texas Instruments. A series of 600 x 800 tiny hinged mirrors controlled by electrostatic motors modulate light through a lens and onto a screen to create moving images. Many top end Projectors now use this technology. The best DLP projectors require 3 mirror chips and are therefore still very expensive.

The ability of digital products to "communicate" with each other. Or for one product to be able to display or play files or data that were created or saved on another device. For instance; JPEG's taken with a Lumix camera can be displayed on a viera TV by taking the SD card and putting it in to the SD card slot on the TV.

Eliminates interference from the video signal to improve picture quality. Feature is on analogue and digital camcorders, although analogue camcorders have to convert the signal back into an analogue wave for storage and playback.

A socket for sending a raw, unprocessed digital signal to another component. A DVD player will have one to connect to an external digital surround sound decoder for the reproduction of Dolby Digital or DTS encoded soundtracks. Uses either Optical (light) or Coaxial (electrical) cable. Also known as SPDIFF.

Discs are recorded with a maximum frequency of 20kHz, but it has been proved that we can perceive frequencies above this limit. Re-mastering uses digital Signal Processing to produce the musical harmonics above the 20kHz level. This adds a new level of depth and detail to all types of audio including heavilly compressed audio such as MP3.

Allows the video to control digital set top boxes making it easier to record off the external source. The function will switch on the box and go to the correct channel and once recorded switch off the box. Thus allowing several recordings.

Prepare a title and superimpose it onto a scene during recording or in playback mode.

Digital TBC helps suppress jitter for natural, stable images with straight vertical contours during the edit process. Especially effective when the recorder is used for editing old analogue sources.

Digital TV signals are more robust than their analogue counterparts. This eliminates picture problems such as ghosting or interference caused by atmospheric conditions. As well as better picture quality, digital TV also offers a greater number of channels. Panasonic's IDTV and Digital Converter Boxes offer a quick and easy way to receive terrestrial digital TV services via an existing rooftop aerial (subject to local availability).

This advanced 3-dimensional system separates Y (luminance) and C (chrominance) signals with higher precision and reduces noise caused by the mutual interference of the Y and C signals. So crystal-clear recordings can be achieved which are virtually indist

This increases the range of the optical zoom by electronically enlarging the image, bringing distant subjects up close. The greater the digital magnification the more pixilated the picture will become.

Panasonic brand name for a combination oven.

A more accurate way of measuring amplifier power. Put simply, if one amp claims 100W (RMS) and another 100W (DIN), the DIN will give more real power. Stands for Deutches Institut fur Normung (the German Institute for Standardisation) and the DIN referred to in Home Cinema is actually DIN 4500.

Dipolar refers to speakers with drivers that are fired in two different directions and are in reverse phase causing a cancellation of sound waves in front of the speaker. This is usually done in rear speakers that are wall mounted. The front of the speaker is aimed at the listening area, which causes all of the sound to bounce off the walls before it is heard. This makes it almost impossible to determine where the speaker is, creating a true surround effect.

Unique to Panasonic: Icon cleaners use two motors: one rotates the Direct Drive Beater Bar and the other is used to deliver the Suction Power. Results in outstanding cleaning performance with out loss of efficiency

The core navigation function of the DIGA DVD Recorders. By pressing the Direct Navigator button on the remote control, a thumbnail display of all the recorded programmes will be shown on screen. By highlighting the chosen programme it can be viewed or edited. The highlighted programme will begin to playback in a small thumbnail window, this makes identifying and choosing the correct programme easier.

By simply pressing the one button the video will automatically record the television picture being viewed. Even if the video is in standby mode. This is part of the Q-Link operation.

Allows direct printing from a camera to a printer via the USB cable. Not to be confused with Pictbridge

A television with a picture tube. These TVs are what have been the standard from the beginning. They are limited to a screen size of 40 inches and can produce a very good picture.

Disc Navigation is a tool for playing back and editing scenes recorded on the DVD-Ram disc

Used in Home Cinema to describe separate digital audio surround channels - Dolby Digital has 5.1 discrete channels of audio.

Many flat panel displays are referred to according to their graphics or pixel array (Width x Height) i.e.:

In digital AV technology, the process of dither adds a tiny amount of noise to a signal in order to mask undesirable sounds. These sounds are caused by reducing the signal's original bit depth. The noise introduced by dithering can be moved to higher frequency areas of the audio spectrum (where it is less obtrusive) using noise-shaping techniques.

Established in 2003 the Digital Living Network Alliance comprises of more than 250 companies, including Panasonic and most of the major brands from consumer electronics, computer and mobile device manufacturers. DLNA also includes many component and software developers. DLNA member companies seek to create new products that are compatible by using open standards and widely available industry specifications to make the networking and communication between products easier to use for the consumer. Products that comply with the DNLA specifications are categorised in to groups including: M-DMC - Mobile Digital Media Controller (Mobile Phone, PDA) M-DMD - Mobile Digital Media Downloader (MP3 Player) M-DMU - Mobile Digital Media Uploader (PDA) DMP - Digital Media Player (TV) DMR - Digital Media Renderer (Wireless Speakers, TV) DMS - Digital Media Server (PC) DMPr - Digital Media Printer (Printer)

The Digital Noise Reduction removes noise from the video signal to bring out the full quality of DVD pictures. Block Noise Reduction eliminates distortion from MPEG2 compression. Together they give a picture with unmatched clarity.

AV one touch station. Carries all the terminals to connect to external equipment thus making the camera more compact. The camera locks onto the station and then the connections can then be made.

Dolby Digital (AC-3) is an advanced perceptual coding technology for transmission and storage of up to five full-range channels, plus a supplemental bass-only effects channel (referred to as a .1 channel due to the smaller number of bits needed for the information), in less space than is required for one linear PCM coded channel on a compact disc.For more information visit Dolby Labs online at http://www.dolby.com

A decoder built into the DVD player to send the information out to an amplifier which in-turn feeds the speakers. The built in decoder allows control of speaker configuration, delay time, master volume and speaker levels

Dolby Digital Plus is the next-generation 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 (such as HDTV) and streaming of multichannel audio.

Dolby Digital Surround EX adds a centre rear surround channel to the 5.1-channel format, providing a new tool for delivering greater sonic reality and excitement to the audience. Since the format was introduced in May 1999, with the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, audiences have thrilled to the added excitement in Toy Story 2; The Haunting; The World is Not Enough, and many more.

Analogue surround sound system common in pre-recorded VHS movies and television broadcasts. Dolby Pro Logic is Dolby's second generation licensed home surround system. A major advantage of Dolby Pro Logic is the use of an active centre channel with its own speaker. Conventional stereo systems create a phantom centre channel, which is effective for viewers seated directly in front of the television screen. However, for viewers seated off centre, the dialog can appear to come from off centre. But with Dolby Pro Logic and the use of an appropriately placed centre channel loudspeaker, the dialog always appears to come right from the screen, allowing the main left and right stereo speakers to be widely spaced for a good spread on music and effects. Dolby Pro Logic decoders also optimally decode mono surround information which is typically fed to a pair of surround speakers slightly behind and to the left and right of the listener.

A decoding system that enables the creation of a 5.1 sound track from any two channel, Dolby surround or Pro-Logic source. It has two modes 'Movie' & 'Music' and has largely replaced the original Pro-Logic.

Similar to the above, but will extrapolate 5.1 material into 6.1 channels, for Home Cinema set-ups with an extra rear surround.

After introducing the use of A-type noise reduction to the film industry, Dolby's next major contribution was Dolby Stereo. This contribution allowed movie makers to put 4 channels of sound information (left, right, centre, surround) on motion picture release prints using matrix technology, and gave theatres the ability to replay this 4-channel format for the movie going public. Dolby manufactures equipment which is used to make Dolby Stereo movies, making the equipment available on a picture-by-picture basis in conjunction with Dolby engineering assistance. Dolby also manufactures the playback equipment which is sold to theatres around the world.

Dolby Surround is the home embodiment of Dolby Stereo. Video production companies are licensed to make VHS tapes and laserdiscs which contain the same 4-channel matrix encoded information that was contained on the original motion picture release. Consumer electronic companies are licensed to make consumer surround decoders which reproduce these 4 channels in the home.

Dolby TrueHD is Dolby's next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media, such as Blu-ray. Dolby TrueHD delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, (up to 18 Mbps) unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience available on next-generation discs. When coupled with high-definition video, Dolby TrueHD offers an unprecedented home theatre experience that lets you enjoy sound as stunning as the high-definition picture.

Dolby Virtual Speaker technology simulates 5.1-speaker surround sound using just two speakers. It is ideal for digital TVs, stereo mini-systems, PCs, etc.

An artefact on screen that is caused by colour information from one pixel interfering with an adjacent pixel.

Increases picture resolution by increasing the effective number of pixels on the screen by 1.5 times. Offsetting one CCD half a pixel horizontally and a whole pixel vertically fills in the gaps between the pixels from the other CCDs.

A kneaded mixture of uncooked flour and liquids used to make bread.

Allows a 6-channel recording to be mixed into just two channels if not being used with an A/V amplifier

Digital Print Order Format. Allows the user to mark their recorded still images with printing instructions on board the camera, 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 with a compatible printer.

Loudspeakers use two basic drive units: a small driver or tweeter is used for high frequency treble sounds while a larger woofer is for lower frequency bass sounds. Drive units can differ in size and also in the types of materials from which they're made. These can have an influence on a speaker's sound quality.

Digital Soundfield Processing features are found on Home Cinema amplifiers and processors that change the properties of a soundtrack to enhance the viewing experience and making the movie locations more realistic. The settings or effects are often labeled jazz, theatre, hall, etc.

Also known as PC in. This socket allows Plasma Display Panels to be used as a PC display.

Also known as Serial (RS232C) socket. Used by Plasma Display Panels to allow for the control of the panel by a PC.

Digital Theatre Systems, an American company that developed a digital cinema sound format using 5.1 discrete audio channels for surround sound. Some consider dts to be superior to Dolby Digital as dts is less heavily compressed and therefore closer to the original soundtrack. On the other hand, a dts soundtrack takes up more space on a DVD, leaving less room for picture and extras. Founded in 1993, DTS quickly became the leading provider of premium, discrete, multi-channel audio for motion pictures with the release of Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. DTS digital sound is now featured worldwide in approximately 19,000 screens. The DTS Consumer Group licenses decoder technology to equipment manufacturers for home theatre, automobiles, and computers.DTS encoding technology is licensed to content creators for high-resolution, multichannel film and music soundtracks on DVD, multichannel music on Compact Disc, and multichannel audio for games on DVD-ROM. DTS Digital Surround is an encode/decode system that delivers six channels (5.1) of master-quality, 20-bit audio. In the encoding process, the DTS algorithm encrypts six channels of 20-bit digital audio information in the space previously allotted for only two channels of 16-bit linear PCM. Then during playback, the DTS decoder reconstructs the original six channels of 20-bit digital audio. Each of these six channels is audibly superior to the 16-bit linear PCM audio found on conventional compact discs. For more information visit DTS online at http://www.dts.com

Compressed high quality audio, sampled at 96kHz 24bit. To enjoy the full quality it requires a dts 96/24 decoder but can still be listened to through a normal decoder at standard quality. Usually found on Music DVDs.

As a Dolby Digital Decoder but deals with the higher data rate of DTS

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. Higher sampling frequencies and greater bit depth mean more realistic sounds and greater dynamic punch. Music and dialogue will sound more clear and accurate, and the dynamic range of action sound effects will be dramatically improved. It offers a higher bit rate than the standard DTS Digital Surround format found on many DVD's. 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.

A new matrix technology that creates a 5.1 or 6.1 surround effect from a stereo source can be used for movies or music.

A special feature of DVD-Video players that confirms that the player can read a dts soundtrack. Common on current DVD Players, but most of the first generation players didn't have them. If the DVD has not got a built in decoder, DTS can still be enjoyed by taking a lead from the digital output and fed to an external decoder

The new DTS-ES discrete 6.1 format employs a new, proprietary technology for the playback of discrete, 6.1-channel content from DVDs and CDs. The additional over 5.1 audio is a rear centre channel. In addition to DTS-ES discrete 6.1 decoding, the new DTS-ES program includes the introduction of the DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 surround decoding format, which offers backward compatibility with existing ES matrix-encoded content.

DTV is composed of three separate standards: HDTV 1080i (1080 lines of resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio); HDTV 720p (720 lines of resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio); and SDTV (576 lines of resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)

A feature on top end Panasonic amplifiers that doubles the power output to the front speakers when playing stereo information. Meaning that music playback is enhanced compared to a regular Home Cinema System.

Detects increased levels of dust in the air flow and the indicator will change to red, when dust is being collected, when no dust is left on the floor surface the indicator light changes to green.

A soft brush which can be used to dust high areas for example lampshades and ceilings.

DV (Digital Video) by far the main format for digital camcorder recording. DV tape is magnetic tape that compresses the digital info (0's and 1's) by use of DCT (Discrete Cosine Transformation). Motion JPEG (that you may have seen on stills cameras) uses a similar compression, but DV is of a higher quality. Overall compression rate is around 5:1 for DV. The tape is 6.5mm width (about quarter of an inch). The best DV camcorders can record around 530 lines horizontal resolution.

Still picture imaging software allowing pictures to be captured from Digital Video Tape and uploaded to a PC. Pictures can be attached to e-mail messages and titles can be added.

Later version of DV Studio still picture software compatible with Windows ME operating system

Also known as Firewire or i.Link. Port on digital equipment using IEEE1394 standard to connect to other equipment carrying the same port so that transfer of video material can be achieved without any loss of quality. Can be input only or an input and output port.

Digital Video Broadcasting is the term givern to the new Digital Freeview service that has been launched to replace the older analoge service that is due to be phased out from 2008. Because this service is a Digital signal it allows clearer pictures,more stations and other interactive services to be displayed on screen.It can be received in three different ways via a cable company,from a satellite or via a terrestrial broadcast into a set top box or intergrated TV.

Digital Versatile Disc. DVD has the same physical dimensions of a CD, however it can hold much more information. DVD aims to encompass home entertainment, computers, and business information with a single digital format, eventually replacing audio CD, videotape, laserdisc, CD-ROM, and perhaps even video game cartridges. DVD has widespread support from all major electronics companies, all major computer hardware companies, and all major movie and music studios. With this unprecedented support, DVD has become the most successful consumer electronics product of all time.Some features of DVD include: Up to 8 hours of high-quality digital video on one disc, support for both widescreen and standard formats on the same disc, up to 8 tracks of mulit-channel digital audio (for multiple languages, DVS, etc.), up to 32 subtitle/karaoke tracks, automatic "seamless" branching of video (for multiple story lines or ratings on one disc), up to 9 camera angles (different viewpoints can be selected during playback), menus and simple interactive features (for games, quizzes, etc.) and much more.

An ultra high quality sound format for the hi-fi enthusiast. This high resolution format gives over a 1000 times more information than CD. It can sample up to 192kHz at 24bit compared to normal CD which samples at 44kHz 16bit. It also supports 5.1 decrete surround sound channel information to give the listener a live experience in the home. Still pictures or discographys can also be included on the disc to give you something to view while you listen to the music and adds a whole new dimension to classic stereo albums. Unlike Dolby Digital or DTS formats it is uncompressed and uses a Lossless transfer system.

Also referred to as DVD Audio Compatible, this refers to the ability of a player to accept DVD Audio discs, although it can't reproduce all channels or frequencies. (many Panasonic products have this ability, even at entry level).

If this logo appears on a speaker, amplifier or receiver then it means that product can handle the frequencies offered by DVD-Audio at a minimum frequency of 50kHz.

Re-recordable, highly advanced, MPEG2, DVD recording format. The only format that allows random access, advanced editing, and time slip. Compatible with Panasonic and some other DVD recorders and players. Can be re-recorded up to 100,000 times and offers superlative error correction coping with finger marks and scratches much better than other DVD disc formats. Can be purchased in a caddy to offer ultimate protection and easy labeling.

Primarily developed by Philips, DVD+R is a rival format to DVD-RAM and is primarily designed for data as well as video recording. DVD+R discs cannot be re-written. DVD+RW can and also offer editing features. But they do not offer DVD-RAM's flexibility in terms of switchable recording modes, Time Slip functions, instant recording, simultaneous record and playback, etc.

DVD-Recordable discs can be recorded on once and once finalised, they are playable on most standard DVD-Video players (depending on the condition of the recording and the disc. For example, a DVD-R recorded in LP mode may not be playable in some DVD-Video players). The contents of a DVD-R cannot be edited or erased although blank discs are comparatively cheap. Panasonic DVD video recorders are compatible with DVD-R so you can create discs with the widest compatibility.

A DVD-RW is a rewritable disk, typically 4.7 GB, and has been approved by the DVD Forum. Unlike DVD-RAM, it is playable in about 75% of conventional DVD players.The primary advantage of DVD-RW over DVD-R is the ability to erase and rewrite to a DVD-RW disc.

Digital Video Interface. A data transmission port which supports up to 5 Gigabits/sec speed. Bandwidth of 2.2 Gigabits/sec. is required to support uncompressed HD video transmission. With a bandwidth of up to 5 Gbps for a single DVI link, compared to the 400 Megabits/sec. supported by IEEE 1394, DVI was the first digital interface capable of accommodating uncompressed digital data such as HD video. There are three different DVI configurations: DVI-A, designed for analogue signals, DVI-D, designed for digital signals, and DVI-I (integrated), designed for both analogue and digital signals. DVI-I is almost exclusively used for consumer products. Using a DVI connector and port, a digital signal that is sent to a analogue monitor is converted into an analogue signal. If the monitor is a digital monitor such as a flat panel display i.e. Plasma or LCD no conversion is necessary. Some consumer products now include a DVI connection and the latest version now includes HDCP copy protection. A DVI-D input (used on our LCD Projectors) requires a direct digital output from the source component and offers outstanding picture quality as there is no digital to analogue conversion involved. The DVI connection handles video signal only and still requires an audio connection to transfer sound between the two sources. HDMI has the advantage of being totally digital and carries audio as well as video, so has largely replaced the DVI. However, DVI can be connected to HDMI equipped appliances using a suitable adaptor cable and visa- versa.

New feature for Home Cinema Projectors such as PTAE900 that analyses a scene and controls the light levels to deliver outstanding, dynamic contrast: Richer blacks and brighter whites.

Good human hearing can detect sounds from 20kHz to 20Hz. Good audio components should therefore be able to reproduce all the sounds in this dynamic range. However, full-blown DVD-Audio players can reproduce sounds as high as 192kHz - far beyond the range of our hearing. Recordings made using this technology sound far more realistic because they are said to capture and deliver better spatial characteristics.

Generic name given to the Panasonic range of camcorders offering networking capabillities such as SD card slot.

Setting used for the MultiMedia and SD card, allowing the expansion of the card giving up to 1760 still images on a 64MB SD card.

Patented Panasonic designed side brushes located on the vacuum cleaner beater bar that clean right up to the edge.

Individual differences between video equipment can result in a timing delay when switching from pause to play. This function solves this problem by delaying or advancing the edit start and end points by the amount of this difference beforehand.

European Information and Communications Technology Industry Association - This is the group which is responsible for the development of high definition across Europe. They have set out guidelines for the labeling of HD ready products to help consumers identify which products are HD complient. For more information visit them at www.eicta.org

Charges and attracts virtually all dust particles that may retain in the airflow.

An easy clean lining on the interior of selected Combination ovens

Electronic Programme Guide. Built in to Digital reception equipment to allow easy navigation of all digital services.

Equalisation can be used to tailor audio sound by tweaking certain frequencies. Equalisation devices can be built into audio equipment such as receivers or systems and can work with analogue or digital audio. Equalisation can be applied to a signal in real time (while the signal is travelling through the signal path) or be applied to digitised audio data by using DSP techniques. Also referred to as 'EQ'.

A looped handle for comfort and easy to grip.

A PC interface used to connect computers and peripherals in a Local Area Network (LAN). Huge amounts of data can be transmitted quickly over ethernet cables - up to 10,000,000 bits-per-second is possible.

Exposure Value, a very complex thing but in the digital camera world it usually means the ability to override the auto exposure system to lighten or darken an image.

Electronic View Finder. A small LCD with a magnified lens that functions as an eye level viewfinder. It can display a black and white or colour picture and can be overlaid with status information of the camera.

When you take a photograph, the camera's shutter opens and light comes in through the lens and exposes the 'film' - be it digital or conventional 35mm. A correct exposure setting is crucial for producing pictures which have the right balance of light. Too much light will create over-exposed photos that look washed out; not enough light will mean dark shots. Panasonic digital cameras set exposure automatically which means you can just point and shoot. However, for skilled photographers who want greater control over their shots, manual adjustment is also possible.

The camera automatically takes a series of 3 or 5 pictures and slightly varies the EV for each frame. This insures that at least one of the pictures will be as close to perfectly exposed as possible.

Used for reaching high areas and cleaning the stairs. Cleaning hose also has additional attachable tools for reaching into awkward areas.

Everyone's eyesight is different, so to compensate, on the viewfinder adjustment can be made allowing focusing of the viewfinder. Also known as Diopter.

Will fade the picture and sound in and out from or to a black screen.

Prevents the dust bag being inserted incorrectly.

Largest 32 litre capacity microwave oven

This enables faster access to information shown on teletext via 4 coloured buttons that will correspond to different subjects apearing at the bottom of the text page.

With conventional TV or video signals a single frame is split into two fields of interleaved lines and broadcast, recorded or displayed at 50 fields per second.

Safety system preventing the accidental deletion of still images that have been recorded onto either an SD or MultiMedia cards.

Removes dust from the filter to maintain Suction Power.

A method of removing dust particles and retaining them from the air.

Setting used for the MultiMedia and SD card, allowing the best picture quality of still images to be recorded on to the card. Also fine and super fine for MPEG4.

Panasonic 5 Pin Edit terminal allows accurate control between camcorder and video or editing suite. Also called Mini edit.

A term that describes a non-zoom lens, it is fixed at a given focal length and is not variable.

Non-volatile solid state memory that can be built-in to a device or used in portable memory cards such as SD. Being non-volatile it can store information without the need for a continuous power source. Flash memory devices are incredibly robust and safely store data even when knocked or subjected to extreme temperatures.

Automatically adjusts the height of the cleaning head to suit different floor surfaces.

Strong bread flour must be used for all bread and dough making. This flour has high gluten content, which gives bread its structure and holds the rise.

Ensures that a clean edit is performed between cuts.

Stereo radio broadcasts are transmitted on the Frequency Modulation waveband - all other analogue radio wavebands are in mono.

A camera's focal length is usually given in millimetres. It represents the distance from centre of the lens to the image sensor when the lens is focused on infinity.

Some cameras employ a visible or invisible (infrared) lamp to illuminate the subject so the autofocus can work in low light or total darkness.

Pre-focusing the camera and then moving it to re-compose the image before capturing it. Accomplished by half-pressing the shutter button and keeping it held at that position while moving the camera to another point before pressing it all the way to capture the image.

If a memory card becomes unreadable by the card device, formatting it may make it re-usable. Formatting erases all the data recorded on the memory card.

Frames Per Second. A moving video image is made up of individual pictures or frames. When played at speed, the illusion of movement is created. The fps rate indicates how many times the picture will be changed per second. Higher quality pictures use higher frame rates and also more bandwidth. For instance, PAL pictures use 25 fps while a web camera's rate is usually around 15 fps.

Front-Projection Televisions. The really big screens. FPTVs include two separate parts, the projector and the screen. Screen can typically measure from 100 inches to about 20 feet. Projectors are available in either LCD (liquid crystal display) models or CRT (cathode ray tube). CRTs are usually more expensive but tend to produce better and brighter pictures.

Individual images in a video signal, movie film or on the television are called frames and there are 25 frames (Video) or 24 frames (Film) shown each second to create smooth movement of the subject. For video or TV reproduction each frame is split into two fields to save bandwidth. These two fields create the 50 cycles per second refresh rate that is used for the PAL video system.

Movies are filmed using a rate of 24 frames per second. Unfortunately, this frame rate is not compatible with TV systems around the world. To allow movies to be shown on TV or produced on DVD, they undergo a process called frame rate conversion. Films are pased through a Tele-cine machine that re-shoots the movie using various processes, so that the frame rate matches that of the TV system.

A free-to-air digital satellite TV service created by a joint venture between the BBC and ITV. Launched in May 2008, it offers an alternative way of receiving digital television and radio services in preparation for the switch-over of TV broadcasting in the UK from analogue to digital that will be completed by 2012.

Part of the Freesat digital TV service is to offer High Definition 1080i broadcasts. HD programming is offered by both BBC and ITV and is free-to-air, i.e. no subscription, no contract.

The frequency range over which audio equipment will reproduce a signal at a given sound pressure level.

A port on the front of equipment that allows the connection of auxiliary equipment such as Camcorders or Games Consoles.

These are the two speakers (right and left) placed in the front of the listening position. The front speakers handle most of the musical soundtrack of a movie as well as special audio effects. In a typical surround sound system, the left and right front speakers should form an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the listening position. This simulates the speaker arrangement used both for mixing surround soundtracks and for a centre seat about two-thirds of the way back in a well-designed movie theatre. The left & right channel speakers should also be capable of reproducing the full frequency range.

A numerical designation used on cameras that indicates the size of the aperture. It is inversely proportional as a smaller number like F2.8 is a large opening allowing a greater ammount of light to enter the sensor, and a large number like F16 is a relatively small opening but offers a greater depth of focus.

Refers to a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 or 2.07 million pixels.

Electronically brightens up the picture.

The level of luminosity in a video signal. The gamma is the numeric power to which the video signal voltage is raised to obtain a linear light response.

This enables the user to adjust the dark to light gradation of the picture in five steps. Therefore details can be made visible when in shadow or adjust the contrast precisely.

Gauge is a unit used to measure wire thickness. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire. (i.e. 10 gauge wire is much thicker than 16 gauge wire). Typically, is it desirable to have the lowest gauge speaker wire possible. Around 12 gauge is ideal, above 18 gauge is not recommended for serious home theatre applications.

See Byte.

Gluten is a protein that can be found in all strong bread flour.

Products that do not contain gluten are required for those who are alergic to gluten in flour or yeast.

The shades or levels of brightness of a given colour, determined by the number of digital bits per sample. The more bits used to process the signal, the smoother and more detailed the colour reproduction. A low level of gradation results in colour shading appearing as bands or blocks of colour instead of a smooth mix of colours.

GUI, on screen menu system allowing easy adjustment of settings via the remote control. There are three different menu screens for disc, player and information.

High temperature heating element used for cooking, crisping and browning foods.

The tracks on a DVD Audio disc are divided into groups so if required a set of a particular group can be listened to without programming

The labelling system introduced by EICTA to provide assurance of compatibility and compliance with high definition broadcasts and equipment. For a product to carry this label it must meet the following requirements:-Have a minimum 720 lines native resolution.-Support 720p/50 or 1080i/25 picture formats.-Accept High Definition through DVI (with HDCP), or HDMI(with HDCP) and have Component inputs for analogue HD signals.

These are standard CDs mastered in slightly higher quality (usually 20 bit rather than 16bit). These CDs will play on all players, but HDCD compatible players will give slightly better performance.

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. A recently proposed scheme for HDTV copy protection. From the Silicon Image website: "HDCP has been heralded by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) as a means of providing consumers with the high-definition, Hollywood-studio content they desire, while also preventing illegal and unauthorized duplication". HDCP is basically an encoding method for distributing HD content via a DVI or HDMI port. HDCP will disable home copying of material that has been copy protected. If this standard is adopted and enforced, all HDTV's produced prior to the introduction on this standard will be incapable of displaying full 1080i HDTV resolution.

Hard Disk Drive. Although usually associated with computers, Panasonic's top-ranging DVD recorders also feature hard disks. Their enormous capacity can store huge amounts of video and images which can be archived or edited before transferring to a 'soft' disk such as a blank DVD-RAM or DVD-R.

High Definition Multimedia Interface. A digital connection that can carry High Definition picture AND High Definition sound (e.g. DVD Audio, Dolby Digital TrueHD), making set up of screen, player, amplifier and decoder, much easier. HDMI is only one cable compared to 9 separate leads for component video picture and analogue DVD Audio. HDMI offers pure digital transfer between player and screen so no loss of quality is evident. It can support all picture formats up to 1080p/50 with uncompressed digital video up to a bandwidth of 5 gigabytes per second and up to 8 channels of uncompressed multi channel surround sound audio.

High-Definition Television. HDTV is simply incredible. It is the most life-like picture you can get with the sole exception of looking out a window. HDTV offers wider pictures with greater detail and the clarity of motion pictures. Compared to standard television (PAL), the true HDTV image has twice the luminance definition - vertically and horizontally - and is twenty-five percent wider. Standard television aspect ratio is 4:3 - the HDTV aspect ratio is 16:9. However, the biggest difference between PAL and HDTV is its clarity. HDTV pictures are composed of up to 1080 active lines (1125 total) each containing 1920 pixels,whereas current standard television pictures are composed of only 576 active lines (625 total)of 720 pixels. The lines that make up standard television pictures are clearly visible, but HDTV lines are not at all noticeable. The fine-grained HD picture contains five times more information than does the standard television picture and is accompanied by multi-channel, Dolby Digital audio. HD pictures containing 1080 lines are broadcast in an interlaced form the same way as previous standard definition pictures. The other agreed format for HDTV is 720p. This is a progressive broadcast picture containing 750 horizontal lines but able to display a high quality picture containing 720 lines by 1280 pixels resulting in a smooth high detailed picture.

Headphone Virtual Surround Sound allows the user to listen to a film with headphones and get a surround effect

Heating category based on the ovens ability to heat food from food packets Labelled A-E

HEPA is the abbreviation for High Efficiency Particulate Arrester. Prevents dust particle down to 0.3 micron from re entering the atmosphere, which is about the size of tobacco and smoke particles and dustmite faeces, particularly ideal for allergy suffer

A unit used to measure frequency. One Hertz (Hz) equals one cycle per second, one kilohertz (kHz) is 1000 cycles per second, one MHz is a million cycles per second, etc.

The 8mm version of SVHS. It uses similar processing to Super VHSC to create an almost equivalent picture, but with a smaller cassette and a longer running time.

The setting of the shutter speed can be adjusted manually to achieve special creative effects or to cope with special lighting situations or fast action scenes. The standard shutter speed is 1/50 s and can be adjusted up to 1/8000 s.

High-speed winding can fast forward or rewind a full 60-minute tape in just 80 seconds. The low tension puts less stress on the tape mechanism.

A bar graph analysis tool that can be used to identify contrast and dynamic range of an image. Histograms are found in the more advanced digital cameras and software programs (graphic editors) used to manipulate digital images. The histogram shows a scale of 0 - 255 (left to right) with 0 being black and 255 being white.

A connector generally found on the top of a camera or camcorder that lets you attach a flash unit and trigger it in sync with the shutter.

Introduced in 2009 for HD camcorder models. An in-built flash memory device is combined with an SD card slot to allow long-time recording.

The i button or info button used to bring up status information and to access information about TV programs.

I frame, short for intraframe, a video compression method used by the MPEG standard. MPEG compression takes advantage of the brains ability to register spatial motion. Because the brain is so good at filling in information that we perceive to be part of an image, a very believable moving image sequence can be built up from a series of still frames. An I-frame is a single frame of digital content that the compressor examines independent of the frames that precede and follow it and stores all of the data needed to display that frame. Typically, I-frames are interspersed with P-frames and B-frames in a compressed video. The more I-frames that are contained, the better quality the video will be; however, I-frames contain the most amount of bits and therefore take up more space on the storage medium. I-frames are also called a keyframe as they contain the key data. P frame, short for predictive frame, or predicted frame. P-frames follow I-frames and contain only the data that have changed from the preceding I-frame (such as colour or content changes). Because of this, P-frames depend on the I-frames to fill in most of the data. B frame, Short for bi-directional frame, or bi-directional predictive frame. As the name suggests, B-frames rely on the frames preceding and following them. B-frames contain only the data that have changed from the preceding frame or are different from the data in the very next frame. P-frames and B-frames are also referred to as delta frames.

iA was introduced to Lumix cameras in 2007 as a way to simplify the operation of a Digital Still Camera to consumers that were new to the digital market. By making many settings of the camera automatic it became very easy to produce excellent results from a Lumix camera more of the time, no matter what type of shooting situation.

Integrated Circuit. It's sometimes also called a microchip and has multiple applications in electronic and digital components. An IC can function as an amplifier, data memory, microprocessor, voice recorder, and much more.

An ID3 tag is a small chunk of data at the end of an MP3 file to carry information about the contents (Artist, Album, Year, Song Title, Genre, etc). Compatible products are able to read and display this data to the user.

Integrated Digital TV. Panasonic IDTVs feature built-in digital TV receivers which can accept digital broadcasts using an existing aerial (some aerials may need to be upgraded).

i.Link or Firewire. Digital port on the camera to connect to other equipment carrying the same port so that digital transfer of video and audio data can be achieved without any loss of quality. It is a high-speed data bus allowing transfer rates from 100 Mbps up to 400 Mbps.

No not Interest Free Credit, Intelligent Frame Creation. It is used in top-end Viera Plasma TVs to counteract the problems of displaying 50Hz TV signals and 24fps Film material. Very powerful V-real processors create 60 new picture frames at a 480Hz processing speed from the incoming video signal. The new video frames eliminate flicker and frame judder from the original source.

Using the 12 preset titles on the supplied MultiMedia card the user can combine still with the titles to create original pictures.

A traditional camera exposes a piece of light-sensitive film, digital cameras use an electronic image sensor to gather the image data. See "CCD" and "CMOS" as well as "Interlaced" and "Progressive Scan"

A characteristic of an electric circuit that determines its resistance to the flow of electricity. The higher the impedance, the lower the current. Impedance is measured in ohms and is commonly used as part of the specification which describes an amp or speaker. Low impedance speakers (2-4 ohms) are powerful but draw a lot of current and are best driven with heftier amps; higher impedance speakers (6-8 ohms) present an easier load to drive and can be used with a wider variety of amps. See also Sensitivity.

To allow easy searching for desired scenes. The camera automatically records index marks in three ways at the beginning of each recording, after a 2hr lapse in recording or and the beginning of each day.

A red light will be lit when the machine is in operation. Red light will flash when the bread making or dough mode is completed.

This allows the insertion of different material into an existing recording with clean cuts in and out.

Allows the VCR to control digital set top boxes making it easier to record off the external source. The function will switch on the box and go to the correct channel and once recorded switch off the box. Thus allowing several recordings of different satellite channels to take place.

Also known as IFC, is one of Panasonic's picture enhancing "Black Box Technologies" used in display products like Viera Plasma. It smoothly renders scenes by creating intermediate frames within 24Hz or 50Hz video signals. Particullarly effective in 24p playback movie scenes output via HDMI from a Blu-ray player. Intelligent Frame Creation completely eliminates the familliar juddering effect associated with fast panning scenes in movies.

When the on-board sensor detects dust passing through the dust sensor, the power is automatically boosted to clear it. Available on the top of the range Icon cleaner MCE593.

Interconnects are a generic term for all of the audio and video cables that connect your system together. High quality interconnect cables will optimise the performance of the equipment.

Describes the way that two fields of video information are combined to create a full frame picture. One field containing odd lines and one field containing even lines. Each field is drawn on the TV picture tube in 1/50th second. (1/60th second for NTSC)

When applied to digital audio, interpolation can make sound smoother. It extracts the high pitched ringing sound that occurs when a sample is played below the sampling rate. When applied to imaging and video equipment, interpolation can improve picture quality. It increases the image size in pixels by averaging the values of surrounding pixels.

Process by which a single CCD determines the colour of each pixel by comparing the light information with 4 surrounding pixels.

By simply pressing the search button the video will play back the first 10 seconds of each programme one after the other. Once the programme has been found simply press play to start. Can be used on tapes recorded on other machines with index marking.

To allow a projector to be ceiling mounted the projected image needs to be inverted (top becomes bottom and vice versa) All Panasonic projectors have this feature.

Conventional microwaves contain a bulky high voltage transformer and capacitor which is used to step up the electricity supply fed to the magnetron. Panasonic have incorporated these into an Inverter Circuit Board that is lighter, more compact.

To achieve special creative effects or to cope with special lighting situations the iris (F-number) can be adjusted manually.

The International Standards Organisation gives its name to this way of indicating light sensitivity or speed. The speed or specific light-sensitivity of a camera is rated by ISO numbers such as 100, 400, etc. The higher the number, the more sensitive it is and the quicker it can react to light.

Ultra high-speed rewind cutting down waiting time. A 180- minute video can be rewound or fast-forwarded in 60 seconds without damaging the tape.

Whilst in record pause mode the zoom lever can be operated to zoom in from x1 to x15 extremely quickly (approximately 0.5 of a second).

Joint Photographic Experts Group - The name of the committee that designed the standard image compression algorithm. JPEG is designed for compressing either full-colour or grey-scale digital images of "natural", real-world scenes. It does not work so well on non-realistic images, such as cartoons or line drawings. JPEG does not handle compression of black-and-white (1 bit-per-pixel) images or moving pictures. See "jpg" below.

.jpg. The most common type of compressed image file format used in digital cameras as it is the file extension of a JPEG image. It is a "lossy" type of storage because even in its highest quality mode there is compression used to minimize its file size.

Kilobits-per-second. See bps.

When a picture is projected at a slight angle to the screen, it becomes distorted and stretched out of shape. This is known as the keystone effect and takes its name from the shape of the centre stone used in construction of an arch, this is called the keystone.

Panasonic projectors have vertical keystone correction to counteract image distortion when projecting slightly higher than the level of the projector. Top end models also include horizontal keystone correction to allow projection at a horizontal angle to the screen. PT AE700 and 900 also incorporate Lens Shift which alters the viewing angle without losing picture resolution.

See Byte.

Term used to work dough repeatedly with the back of the hand. The breadmaker will knead the dough automatically.

Used to mix all the ingredients inside the bread pan. The kneading blade is removed for cooking teabreads and cakes.

The light source in an LCD projector. Panasonic use high output lamps that will run for about 5000 hours. The lamps are very fragile when hot, so you should never move a projector until the lamp has had time to cool down after use.

Local Area Network. When two or more devices are connected together to allow download or transfer of files between them with in a local area such as home or office. A LAN connector usually supports a CAT-5 or ETHERNET cable which is then run into another device that also supports LAN. The Ethernet protocol supports data transfer speeds between 10 and 100 m/bits per second. A wireless LAN is able to send the data over short distances without the need for a cable, by using a wireless adaptor that converts the information to radio waves.

Laserdisc. The original digital Home Cinema source using 12inch discs. Laserdiscs are no longer manufactured following the introduction of DVD.

This is the correct term for the "Picture Lag" suffered by LCD's. Due to the relatively long response time of an LCD pixel to change from closed to open and back to closed again, fast moving images appear to blur on screen.

Liquid Crystal Display. Liquid crystal was discovered by the Austrian botanist Fredreich Rheinizer in 1888. "Liquid crystal" is neither solid nor liquid (an example is soapy water). In the mid-1960s, scientists showed that liquid crystals when stimulated by an external electrical charge could change the properties of light passing through the crystals. The early prototypes (late 1960s) were too unstable for mass production. But all of that changed when a British researcher proposed a stable, liquid crystal material (biphenyl). Todays LCD televisions use TFT (Thin Film Transistors) to charge the crystals and allow light from a constant back light source to travel through them and pass through colour filters to create a very bright colour display.

Similar circuitry to Plasma AI. Accurately controls the dynamic range between light and dark areas to reproduce a greater depth of picture in these area's.

A small screen on the side of the camera allowing usage for filming and playback giving the chance for more people to monitor the actions. Whilst the LCD is being used the viewfinder is switched off unless the screen is turned through 180 degrees.

A projector that shines light through an LCD screen, ideal for Home Cinema Systems where a larger screen is required. Look for LCD projectors with a 16:9 LCD and Smooth Screen Technology for great performance and outstanding value.

In the menu system the user can adjust the colour and brightness of the LCD or the brightness of the viewfinder. This is to compensate for different light levels whilst using the camera usually outside.

Liquid Crystal On Silicon. This type of display does not use the colour filter method adopted by regular liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Instead it relies on a coloured light source, such as LED, that is reflected back towards the viewer by a highly reflective surface applied to a silicon base. This means that a wider range of colours can be reproduced and it also eliminates the mesh or chicken wire effect that can be noticed on conventional LCDs.

Advanced remote control for the PTAE900 LCD projector that can "learn" up to 7 devices and control your home cinema without the need for multiple remotes.

This advanced lens system actually incorporates 13 individual lenses, which are arranged in 9 groups and work together to deliver images of breathtaking beauty. Four lens surfaces on three aspherical lenses combine to render ultra-precise images with minimal chromatic aberration. A special multi-coating is applied to the critical parts of six lens surfaces on five lenses to minimise flaring, allowing uniformly high picture quality under even difficult shooting conditions.

Manual correction of a picture when the projector is not directly in line with the screen; has the advantage of not effecting image quality.

A method of displaying a "widescreen" movie on a conventional 4:3 TV. In order to fit the entire contents of a widescreen picture on a non-widescreen display the picture is made smaller until the full width of the image fits on the screen. This leaves horisontal bands or black bars in the area's at the top and bottom of the screen, rather like looking at an image through a letterbox.

Low Frequency Effects. These are the very deep booming bass sounds recorded into a Dolby Digital or DTS audio track. They are typically reproduced by the subwoofer in your home theatre speaker system, however if a subwoofer is not present in the system, most receivers will attempt to reproduce these sounds through your main front speakers. Because it is not essential to the soundtrack, the LFE track is identified as the ".1" in a 5.1 digital audio recording. Soundtracks recorded as 5.0 Dolby Digital do not include a LFE track.

Low Frequency Effect or Subwoofer channel. This channel provides the powerful bass effects on movie soundtracks such as explosions, spaceships taking off, heavy vehicles etc.

Lithium-ion, small, compact and high power battery pack. The batteries can be charged at any time as there is no memory effect therefore they will last longer.

Lines of horizontal resolution are often confused with scan lines. The two are totally different things. Lines of horizontal resolution refer to visually resolvable vertical lines per picture height. In other words, it's measured by counting the number of vertical black and white lines that can be distinguished an area that is as wide as the picture is high. Lines of horizontal resolution applies both to television displays and to signal formats such as that produced by a DVD player. Since DVD has 720 horizontal pixels (on both NTSC and PAL discs), the horizontal resolution can be calculated by dividing 720 by 1.33 (for a 4:3 aspect ratio) to get 540 lines. On a 1.78 (16:9) letterbox display, you get 405 lines.In practice, most DVD players provide about 500 lines instead of 540 because of filtering and low-quality digital-to-analogue converters. VHS has about 230 (172 widescreen) lines, broadcast TV has about 330 (248 widescreen), and laserdisc has about 425 (318 widescreen). Scan lines, on the other hand, measure resolution along the y axis. DVD produces 480 scan lines of active picture for NTSC and 576 for PAL. The PAL standard has 625 total scan lines, but only 576 or so are visible. (The extra lines are black and are encoded with other information). Since all video formats (VHS, LD, broadcast, etc.) have the same number of scan lines, it's the horizontal resolution that makes the big difference in picture quality.

Available in microwave only models and is easy to keep clean.

Available in the top of the range Dimension 4 ovens and is easy to clean, very hard wearing and will not discolour.

Available in selected microwave, grill and Dimension 4 ovens.

Precious scenes recorded on the memory card /disc can be locked to prevent accidental erasure.

Allows the tape to be lengthened by slowing the motors. DV tape will give 50% without loss of picture quality more time whilst vhsc tape will double the length, at a reduced quality

Allows the recording to be lengthened by slowing the motors. DV tape will give 50% more recording time whilst VHS tape will double the length although picture quality is reduced.

If required the video can be put into long play to double the length of the recording. Picture quality does deteriorate and visual search goes to black and white with large noise bars.

Prog AE setting on the camera allowing to record dark scenes more brightly.

Linear Pulse Code Modulation. This is the highest form of digital audio quality as the data is uncompressed or uses lossless compression. LPCM is used at a sampling rate of 192KHz/24 bit for up to 5.1 channels on DVD Audio discs where as a 96KHz/24 bit sampling rate or 48KHz/16 bit in stereo 2 channel is used for conventional DVD Players. Blu-ray players on the other hand can support 5.1 or even 7.1 LPCM at up to 192KHz/24 bit for an incredible dynamic sound.

A filter that passes frequencies below a certain point. Above that certain point it filters the frequencies out, relative to a certain rate measured in dBs per octave.

See ANSI-Lumens

A scale used to measure light intensity. 1 lux is equivalent to 1 lit candle viewed from a distance of 1 metre. All of our camcorders have a very low lux rating, meaning they can still be used in low light levels.

Original Panasonic technology that enhances an object's contours in a way that best suits the Human eye. In Ophthalmology, the Mach effect is the visual perception of edge enhancement seen at boundaries between abrupt changes of light and dark.

Enables the user to film an object at extremely close situations, down to a distance of only 35mm, for example small insects or flowers, to get clearer images.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in conjunction with food and microwave oven manufacturers developed a label, which can be found on the front of all microwave oven doors, and food packs.

TVs with cathode ray tubes have magnets inside them. Placing other magnets near them can cause damage. Speakers and amplifiers also have magnets. Any speakers that need to be used near a CRT TV must be magnetically shielded - if they are not, green and purple blotches will appear on the edges of your TV picture and this could cause long term damage to the tube.

Main component of a Microwave Oven which converts the electricity into microwave energy.

Gives quick and precise focus control enabling professional style operation and enhances creativity. Some camcorders will have a focus ring for a true pro feel, others are operated via buttons.

Gives quick and precise focus control enabling professional style operation and enhances creativity.

Allows the user to capture up to 9 small still pictures and display them on the same screen.

Megabits-per-second. See bps.

Mega O.I.S. uses a gyro sensor to detect jitter and then moves the lens to correct it. It moves some lens elements to direct the light straight onto the CCD and allows you to reduce the shutter speed more than 3 steps compared to the cameras without O.I.S., while assuring clear images. Can be used for still pictures as well as movies

Greater than 1 Million pixels. You multiply the horizontal resolution by the vertical resolution to get the total pixel count:1280 x 960 pixels = 1 Megapixel, 1600 x 1200 pixels = 2 Megapixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels = 3 Megapixels, 2272 x 1704 pixels = 4 Megapixels, 2560 x 1920 pixels = 5 Megapixels ... and so on. The more pixels there are the better the picture resolution will be in video mode and far superior in still mode. Although the quality of the CCD and Lens make a great deal of difference to the end result.

See Byte.

Metal cake tins can be used on a combination of convection and microwave where the microwave power is reduced. Metal cake tins cannot be used on microwave only.

In photography, metering is the process of calculating exposure using the prevailing light conditions. In a Panasonic digital camera this process is carried out automatically. There are two metering methods: 'spot' metering sets the exposure automatically after taking a meter reading of a small circle in the viewfinder window. 'Matrix' metering uses the entire image but breaks the area down into smaller segments. It then uses the individual readings to calculate the best possible exposure.

The Manual Focus Assist shows a zoom review window in the camera screen prior to taking the photograph. This zoom window allows you to set the zoom accurately

Multimedia and Hypermedia Experts Group. A body responsible for the encoding method of delivering digital interactive and text services across the digital broadcast network. MHEG decoders are used in Panasonic Digital Video Broadcast (digital TV) receivers to enable these services to be used.

Panasonic's name for a microwave oven with a grill.

A measurement of dust particles

This gives greater flexibility to the more professional user allowing the internal microphones, or external, to be adjusted to match the surrounding circumstances. Panasonic models also feature auto gain technology for extra flexibility.

Microwaves are energy waves and as they are shorter than TV or radio waves they are called Microwaves.

Additional items are supplied with the microwave. All microwaves come with a glass turntable and cookery book. Additional accessories supplied depending on the model: Micro & Browner with additional Grill Rack; Combination ovens with additional grill rack, low rack and metal tray. Panacrunch pan with handle supplied with some Micro & Browner and Combination models.

This symbol links with the labelling on the food packet. Check these labels for cooking instructions

Unique engineering simplifies the construction so that only the middle stage of the mechanism rotates. Compact design ensures a short tape path so the whole system is more accurate and with less moving parts more reliable.

Metal In Gap head achieves a boost of luminance signal by up to 30% and chrominance signal by up to 10%. It also greatly reduces noise giving the highest levels of picture quality. Used on Semi Pro Camcorders.

Connection to editing or printing devices (see also 5 pin edit).

In a SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera, the image is viewed directly through the lens. A mirror box sits in front of the film or image sensor and reflects the image to the optical viewfinder allowing the photographer to compose the shot. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror lifts out of the way allowing the image to be exposed to the film or sensor.

Special effect. The right half of the picture becomes a mirror image of the left half.

Special effect, it gradually fades out a still picture of the last recorded scene, while fading in the moving picture of the new scene.

There are 4 different settings to allow the output of the DVD player to match the type of monitor for optimum picture quality. These are standard (direct view TV), CRT projector, LCD projector and projection TV

Special effect. The picture goes into a mosaic like image.

Proprietory PC video editing software supplied with a range of Panasonic Digital Video Cameras. Users can upload their footage for editing, performing video assembling editing, create compressed video clips to attach to e-mail messages and make home movies with special effects. Connects by IEEE1394 for fast downloading and re-recording. Latest version allows output to Panasonic DVD recorder.

A video sequence composed of a number of JPEG compressed images. All new LUMIX models now support VGA resolution at 30fps and some even offer HD resoloution. Motion JPEG cannot be played back directly on a TV (via SD Card slot) as it requires Quicktime software to display it.

Once set up the camera can be left and will automatically start recording when movement is detected through the lens. Can be used for surveillance or for filming nocturnal animals when used with nightshot.

5.1 channel audio compression system used on a small number of European DVD software releases. All DVD Players have to support this format in addition to Dolby Digital.

The Motion Picture Experts Group level 2 video compression system is used by producers of DVD movie software to allow a full length movie to fit on a 4.7Gigabyte disc with stunning picture quality. The same variable bit rate compression method is now used in DVD recorders, SD and DVD applied camcorders and Digital Video Broadcasting. The latest generation of the MPEG2 codec now enable High Definition broadcasters to deliver up to 1080 lines of vertical resolution.

MPEG level 4 compression system for moving pictures developed by the Motion Picture Expert Group. Reduced resolution and frame rate are used so that the total file size is more suitable for email or internet use. Also features in Panasonic SD applied networking devices, such as DVD recorders, Multi-AV, projector and portable DVD.

MPEG-4 Part 10, or AVC (for Advanced Video Coding), is a digital video codec standard which is noted for achieving very high data compression. It was written by the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) together with the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) as the product of a collective partnership effort known as the Joint Video Team (JVT). The ITU-T H.264 standard and the ISO/IEC MPEG-4 Part 10 standard are technically identical. As MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 is a very efficient compression format that can deliver 720p or 1080i High Definition video it is used for HD broadcasting and storage. BSKYB and the BBC will use H.264 to broadcast HD programming in the UK. Both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats will support the MPEG-4 AVC codec to deliver the next generation of High Definition discs.

A useful feature allowing the remote control to operate other brands of equipment. This allows the consumer to do away with several remote controls so operation of both units becomes easier.

The ultimate DVD Recorder, DVD-RAM offers multi-format data compatibility that lets you record TV programs, still pictures and MPEG4 images. And in addition to superb DVD-RAM recording/playback, you're ready to enjoy DVD-RW *1 and +R*2 recording/playback, and improved compatibility with DVD Players and PCs for a trouble-free, secure recording environment. Naturally, playback of all DVD formats is also possible. Which means you can enjoy playback of everything in your current video library without worrying about buying DIGA DVD Recorder. What's more, a DIGA lets you take advantage of handy DVD-RAM features for even more entertainment possibilities.

Look for a player that can play multiple formats, for example, Panasonic Home Cinema Systems can play DVD RAM, -RW, +RW, -R, +R DVD Audio, SVCD, CD, CD-rw/r, High MAT, MP3, JPEG and HDCD.

MMC. A solid state storage device used to hold still images in JPEG format giving full networking capability with other equipment. A 16mb card can hold up hundreds of images in economy mode.

Special effect. The screen is divided into 9 small still pictures

Feature on some Panasonic audio equipment that fills in some of the frequencies lost when music is compressed into a digital format. Particularly effective when playing MP3 music, which is heavily compressed.

For some recipes e.g. casseroles it is necessary to use different power levels. Up to 3 different levels can be programmed and the oven will switch automatically from power to power.

Split screen technology allows you to view two images or more at the same time. Either Picture and Text (PAT) or Picture in Picture (PIP) uses the TV tuner and another A/V input source. TV's with twin tuners allow two different TV channels to be viewed at the same time.

A DVD movie can include dialogue in up to 8 languages and subtitles in up to 32 languages. (Dependant upon software)

A film's producer can include more than one angle for particular shots. The viewer can decide which one to watch. (Dependant upon DVD software)

A system which combines multiple types of data and transmits them as a single signal. For example, complex audio and video data can be encoded as a multiplexed signal, sent to a receiver (such as a TV for example), which then decodes and unscrambles the information. Also refers to the group of transponders on a TV or radio transmitter that are leased by broadcasters for digital transmission. (MUX)

Light indicators highlight the next pad to press reducing mistakes when programming.

Special effect. The recorded pictures have reversed colours similar to photographic negatives.

Nickel-Cadnium. Rechargeable battery that must be run down before charging up again. This is because a memory effect occurs and then the battery will not give the length of use required. They do not last as long as Li-ion batteries.

Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex. Developed by the BBC in the 1990s, NICAM is a TV sound encoding system. It enables the transmission of programmes in stereo and at 14-bit the sound quality is almost as good as CD. NICAM also allows for simultaneous multi-language broadcasts. To receive a broadcast with NICAM sound, your TV and/or VCR must be equipped with a NICAM decoder.

If filming is required in the dark this setting allows an image to be recorded even in pitch dark. This is achieved by using infrared rays emitted from the camera. The resulting images will be in green but action can still clearly be seen.

See Dither.

Setting used for the Multimedia and SD card, allowing an expansion on the card from fine mode.

National Television System Committee. In 1953 the NTSC devised the NTSC television broadcast system. NTSC is also commonly used to refer to one type of television signal that can be recorded on various tape formats such as VHS. The NTSC standard has a fixed vertical resolution of 525 horizontal lines stacked on top of each other, with varying amounts of "lines" making up the horizontal resolution, depending on the electronics and formats involved. 480 horizontal lines are commonly used to make up the picture content which is split into two fields. There are 59.94 fields displayed per second. A field is a set of even lines, or odd lines. The odd and even fields are displayed sequentially, thus interlacing the full frame. One full frame, therefore, is made of two interlaced fields, and is displayed about every 1/30 of a second. In comparison a PAL video signal displays a full frame every 1/25 of a second.

Allows any imported software from Japan or the USA to be played on UK equipment. Note - DVD NTSC titles may be region coded for licencee protection and will only play on players with the same region code

Over Air Download. Used by manufacturers to transmit software updates to digital receiving equipment.

Ohm is the unit used to measure the resistance presented by a loudspeaker when a it is introduced a signal by an amplifier. (The word Ohm comes from German physicist George Simon Ohm, 1787-1854). Conventional wisdom makes an 8 ohm loudspeaker load the most acceptable because it "protects" the amplifier from delivering too much current. A 4 ohm loudspeaker can encourage a marginally designed amplifier to deliver more current than it comfortably can. All speakers in your home theatre system should have the same Ohm rating.

Panasonic's own oil-film mechanism used in video recording equipment reduces friction from the 9000rpm-head drum rotation speed.

OIS demo mode can be activated by selecting OIS and then pressing the Menu button.

Information on the screen or viewfinder to enable the user to see camera set up, fault indicators or general info such as battery power. Can be switched to show different info, or off entirely. Some camcorders allow display info to be recorded then switched on or off in a compatible playback device.

A package where DVD player (or recorder) and decoder, amplifier and surround speakers are sold in one box. The player / amplifier / decoder are usually built in to just one unit to save space. This is the most cost effective and popular way of creating a Home Cinema.

Simple way of setting the video to record immediately but allowing to select a stop time in 30, 60, 120, 180 or 240 minutes time.

When you press the Record button, DIGA automatically records onto a blank space on the disc, so you don't have to worry about accidentally recording over a previous recording. After recording, simply press the Play button to immediately start playing back the program you just recorded.

Technology using light pulses to transmit digital audio information. Optical cables use these pulses to represent the 'on' and 'off' pulses of a digital signal. They are found on DVD players and home cinema amplifiers/processors for audio transfer between components. This connection is sometimes refered to as SPDIFF. See also Coaxial.

OIS. The best stabiliser system on the market using two gyro sensors, operating 500 times per second, for detecting and correcting movement in both the horizontal and vertical axis. Image stabilizing is also possible even during fast zooming. As this is not a digital mode the picture suffers no deteriation or pixelisation.

An eye level viewfinder used on a camera that is used to compose the photograph. A series of mirrors and prisms relays the image optically as if you are looking through the lens instead of by looking at an electronic display.

Digital zoom cameras increase the apparent size of an image using interpolation - they do not actually increase the amount of picture data. An optical zoom is more precise and indicates that the camera has a real multi-focal length lens. What's more, an optical zoom has no adverse effect on quality. Many Panasonic digital cameras have super optical zoom capabilities and also offer digital zooming for greater functionality.

Featured on some LCD projectors which allows you to make the picture larger or smaller without moving the projector's position. Optical zoom gives the best range of positions without compromising picture quality (as can happen with digital zooms).

Used to select the bake option eg bake, bake rapid or bake raisin etc

On Screen Display. Displays menus and set up screens for use in adjusting the equipment to the desired settings ie contrast, brightness, volume etc.

Over the Air. This is the acronym commonly used to describe standard television broadcast signals received by a rooftop antenna.

An image that appears too light. All the highlights and colors are totally lost and usually unrecoverable even by software. Caused by the Aperture or Iris being open too wide or the shutter being left open too long.

Allows the owner to input their name, house number and post-code into the memory so if the machine is stolen and recovered it can be returned to the rightful owner.

Phase Alternate Line. The picture colour standard used in the UK for televisions and for pre-recorded video tapes, broadcasts and DVD's. 625 lines make up the whole video signal and is refreshed 50 times per second. Note only 576 lines actually contain picture information. The remaining lines contain control data.

To show a "widescreen" film on a conventional 4:3 ratio TV the picture needs to be re-formatted to fit the screen. One method is known as "pan and scan" and is where the film is projected in it's original widescreen aspect, but scanned with a 4:3 aspect video camera. The camera pan's across the wide image following where the action takes place. Of course action and detail that takes place outside the 4:3 area is lost.

Accessory provided with selected grill and combination models. The pan is placed directly on the turntable and absorbs heat and microwave energy which is then conducted through the pan, thus browning the base of the food. Design to brown and crisp pizzas, quiches, pies and fish.

Using imaging software a series of images can be used to create a picture wider than what you could capture in a single image. Stitching combines and blends the images into one finished panoramic picture.

Movies on DVD can be produced to automatically skip or exclude scenes according to the desired rating. (Dependant upon software) The level of security is set in the DVD disc set-up menu.

For easy storage the floor head and tube on a cylinder cleaner can be stored in the upright position.

See PCMCIA. External piece of equipment allowing the transfer of still images or music onto a lap top computer.

Pulse Code Modulation. This is the most common method of encoding an analogue signal into a digital bitstream as used, for example, by CD players. The coding technique involves sampling the analogue signal at regular intervals. Each sample is then converted into a digital code which represents the amplitude of the sample. CD has a sampling frequency of 44.1kHz which means it processes 44,100 samples per second before delivering sound. The signals in PCM are binary; that is, there are only two possible states, represented by logic 1 (high) and logic 0 (low). This is true no matter how complex the analogue waveform happens to be. Using PCM, it is possible to digitize all forms of analogue data, including full-motion video, voices, music, etc.

Pulse Code Modulation. The conversion of an audio signal to a digital binary code by the PCM method allows around 74 minutes of high quality stereo sound to be stored on a 650MB Compact Disc. Each second of an analogue audio signal is sampled 44,100 times and quantized into 16 bit chunks. This gives us what is referred to as a 44.1KHz/16 bit sampling rate. A binary code made up of 0's and 1's is generated from each sample and it is this code which is etched onto the disc as a series of pits and bumps. When a laser reads the pits and bumps the code is generated in the CD player and then converted back to an analogue signal as a very close representation of the original sound. LPCM (Linear PCM) is the same method but uses much higher sampling and bit rates and is used on DVD and Blu-ray or HD DVD discs.

Pulse Code Modulation. 16 bit (48khz) PCM stereo recording allows record and playback with the same sound quality as DAT, which surpasses even CD. Also, in the 12 bit (32khz) mode audio dubbing is achievable utilising 2 stereo channels for the original sound track and 2 more for either narration or music.

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. A standard size card device used to update or expand personal computers. The card slots found on laptop computers will accept PCMCIA Cards or adaptors. There are PCMCIA adapters for CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard and Memory Stick flash cards. There are 3 thicknesses of card but all cards are 85.6mm by 54mm. Type I is 3.3mm thick. Type II is 5.5mm thick. Type III is 10.5mm thick. PCMCIA slots also come in 3 sizes that accept either Type I, Type II or Type III cards.

Programme Delivery Control. PDC is a special signal transmitted by the TV stations. This ensures that a TV programme which has been programmed for timer recording will be recorded precisely from beginning to end, even if it is delayed or extended from the original advertised start time.

The chemical coating used in CRT's or Plasma panels to display colours on screen. When struck by Electron energy (in the case of CRT) or UV light (in the case of Plasma panels) the phosphors are excited causing them to glow giving off coloured light.

Kodak's professional service where they process your film or digital files and then scan the images using a very expensive drum scanner and output these images to a CD. You get several different sized resolution images of each of your film pictures, from small to very large. PhotoCD is multi-session which means more than one roll of pictures may be put on each PhotoCD disc. Panasonic DVD players are not compatible with Kodak photo CD's.

Captures a still image onto the tape or MM/SD card. On the tape it is for a duration of 7 seconds with sound. One 60-minute tape holds about 750 stills in LP mode. The size of the card and record quality determine the number of stills capable of being stored.

Enables the user to access the next still picture on the tape by using the fast forward and rewind buttons.

The new standard for direct printing, lets you connect the camera directly to a printer, so you can print out beautiful photos without taking the time and trouble to upload to a PC.

Adjustment is possible in two ways, colour level and sharpness, whilst filming is being done allowing natural colouring and delicate nuancesto be captured. The adjustments apply to both the LCD and the recorded image.

(see Latency)

Using dual processors, a second video image can be displayed within the main picture. the second image can usually be turned on or off by pressing the PiP button on the remote or in the menu.

The skin or membrane on some foods will cause steam to build up during cooking. These foods must be pierced before cooking to allow steam to escape e.g. baked potatoes, the skin of sausages and egg yolks must be pierced.

Digital effect. Picture in Picture allows the user to display a small still picture inside the normal picture. There is an option to change the position to any corner.

Current limitations within the manufacturing processes for Plasma or LCD panels may mean that it is possible for a small quantity of pixels within the panels to be defective. This is acceptable within the tolerances laid down in the service policy for these products. A permanently lit cell may show as a white, red, blue or green dot. A black dot denotes a dead cell.

The gap between pixels on a display panel or TV tube is known as the pitch. The smaller the pitch i.e. closer together, the better the resolution.

A mixture of Xenon and Neon gas contained within millions of tiny cells between two glass plates that when charged with electricity give of light to create a display device. Panasonic are one of the worlds largest manufactures of Plasma displays and TVs and in 2009 will be able to produce 1M Plasma display panels per month.

Adaptive Intensifier. The discharge cycles within the Plasma cells are increased for dark scenes and decreased for bright scenes giving a greater dynamic range between light and dark area's and resulting in the industries highest level of brightness and contrast.

In 1994 Panasonic manufactured the World's first colour widescreen Plasma Display Panel. Plasma is a stable gas made up of ions and electrons and, in its normal state, neutrally charged. Panasonic panels use a stable mixture of Xenon and Neon. When an electrical charge is introduced to the gas mixture, the overall balance tips towards positive ions which, in turn, set off a series of collisions between positive and negative charges - these collisions release light photons. The principle is the same as in a fluorescent lamp. The Plasma gases emit ultraviolet light photons. This hits a phosphor cell and reacts to produce visible light. Each cell containing the plasma is coated with either red, green or blue phosphor. it is the intensity and mix of the coloured cells that create the billions of colours possible from a Plasma display.

Enlarge part of the picture by up to 10 times during playback or analogue editing.

Scene editing on a DVD recorder. Using DV Auto Download feature from a camcorder, the DVD recorder will automatically create a playlist, divided up according to the index points on the tape.

Picture noise reduction processing will automatically reduce unwanted artefacts from the picture.

Convenient dial that "pops out" to operate all menu functions on selected microwaves and grill models. Two dials control both the Auto cook menu and the Time/Weight input allowing quick access to the most popular choices.

Special effect. Allows the subject to be in sharp focus with the background being in soft focus.

Hold the Power LCD button for 1 second to increase brightness by 140% so you can view the images on the LCD easily and clearly when external light is bright.

Just as you select different temperature settings for different foods in a conventional oven microwaves offer a range of power levels for different foods.

An amplifier or loudspeaker's power output is expressed in Watts and indicates how loud it can go. There are various methods of measuring power output and some ratings are based on PMPO (Peak Music Power Output. Sometimes also referred to as MPO). A rating which is based on the Roots Mean Square (RMS) method is a more accurate indicator. See also Sensitivity.

The power of a cleaner is measured in two ways. The wattage of the motor and the suction power in air watts.

This function is found on the NV-DV10000 and 2000. This synchronises the recording and playback machines for improved accuracy on the edit start points.

Most tuners give you the option to store favourite radio stations into a preset memory. These can then be selected at the press of a numbered button and saves you the hassle of searching through frequencies every time.

In AV terminology, the processor decodes surround sound. As the processor is built into a chip it can be integrated into any appropriate component - an AV receiver, TV set, multi-channel speaker system, etc.

On the DVB tuner you can set up user defined preferences on what digital stations are displayed, up to 4 different profiles can be set, ideal for familly members to have their own channel listing.

Programme Auto Exposure. Pre set exposure, shutter and gain settings that make for a quick way to achieve certain effects. See portrait, sports, low light, spot light, and surf and snow. The camera picks the best shutter speed and aperture automatically.

Captures the image data and temporarily stores it in two separate field memories. The two images of the exact same moment are then combined for no time lag, eliminating the need for simulations. This results in 1.5 times the resolution of standard-recorded stills for a beautifully clear and brilliant picture.

The conventional way to address information to a TV screen is to show each alternate line then the missing ones. However with larger screens it can be possible to see the line structure, particularly on an NTSC signal. Progressive scan addresses all the information at the same time therefore much more solid line structure. Picture is transferred from a DVD player using Component or HDMI connection.

If there is a power interruption that lasts less than 10 minutes the machine has a memory which means that operation will not be affected. The program will continue as normal, but ALERT will appear in the display window.

When making a loaf of bread the breadmaker will automatically prove the bread. When making dough for rolls and buns you must leave the dough to prove in a warm place before baking.

Used by non-Inverter machines the lower powers on the microwave are achieved by the power switching on and off.

Pulse Width Modulation. A switch-mode control method used in amplifiers and drivers to control motor voltage and current to obtain higher efficiency than linear control.

Communication signal between recorder and TV. Panasonic's Q-Link function makes setting-up a DVD recorder or VCR easier. When such components are first installed, the DVD recorder or VCR automatically seeks, stores and titles the same channels as your Panasonic TV set. This function only works if the recorder is connected via a fully wired 21-pin Scart lead to a TV featuring Q-Link or similar function. On Panasonic TV's the Q-Link function default option is AV2, but some TV's allow this to be changed to AV4.

The process of taking a sample of audio information and converting it into a digital format. The higher the bit rate used for quantization, the better the sound quality - for instance CD uses 12 - 16 bit, DVD Audio uses 24 bit.

Recessed in the roof of the oven for easy cleaning, provides instant heat- no preheating required

Panasonic Plasma technology to reduce the flicker that can occur when playing PAL Signals by doubling the number of fields displayed in a given time.

S-VHS tapes can be played back on a standard video recorder whilst still enjoying their enhanced picture quality.

Using a quick charge li-ion battery and the quick charger a battery can be charged to realise one hours recording with viewfinder in 15 minutes.

Allows user to start a recording from stand by much more quickly than normal (1.3 or 1.7 seconds as opposed to 4 or 5).

The number of pixels used to make up a display panel is measured against the VGA standard. A QVGA (Quarter VGA) panel will typically contain 768,000 pixels (320 x 240).

Exposed element that is similar to the grill in a conventional oven. This grill requires pre heating and is ideal for searing steaks and brulees. No cleaning required as there is a self clean lining in the roof of the oven.

Dispenser in which additional ingredients are placed, such as raisins or nuts. These will then be added automatically at a later stage in the program after the initial mixing has completed.

RAW files store the unprocessed image data - at 12 bits per channel - from the camera's imaging chip to its memory storage device. Lossless compression is applied to reduce filesize slightly without compromising any quality. RAW image files must be processed with special software before they can be viewed or printed. The advantage is that you have the ability to alter the white balance, exposure value, colour values, contrast, brightness and sharpness as you see fit before you convert this data into the standard JPEG or TIFF format. Professional digi-photographers import RAW image data directly into photo-editing programs like Photoshop CS (which comes with a Camera Raw import module that works with most popular RAW formats.)

RCA (or phono) is the standard way of connecting audio and video components. RCA leads and sockets are usually colour coded: red and white is used to denote the right and left channels respectively for audio components, whereas as a single yellow 'composite' connector is for video equipment.

Radio Delivery System. A processor which picks up text information from FM radio broadcasts - usually the station name or other useful information. Often found in car radios and some Home Cinema Systems.

Part of Panasonic's picture enhancing "black box technology". Pixels on a Plasma TV are illuminated individually by delivering an electrical charge to the cell. The abillity to produce the deep black level synonymous with Viera Plasma, relys on the real black drive technology carefully controlling the level of charge and discharge within each cell effectively removing any lingering light.

A common name for an amplifier and radio tuner built into a single component.

See also Tally Lamp. Red light on the front of the camera that illuminates when the record button is activated. This can also be turned off if required.

Whilst in record pause mode the user can check the recording by pressing the search minus button. After checking, the camera returns to the record pause mode ready to carry on filming.

An effect caused by an electronic flash reflecting off of the retina of the human eye and making it look red. Compact cameras with the flash located close to the lens suffer the worst from this problem. Pro photographers use a bracket to hold an external flash unit above and off to the side of the lens to eliminate red-eye.

A special flash mode whereby a pre-flash or a series of low-powered flashes are emitted before the main flash goes off to expose the picture. This causes the pupil in the human eye to close and helps eliminate the red-eye effect which is caused by the flash reflecting off the retina.

A loudspeaker design feature that can boost bass. The speaker's cabinet features a port from which the air inside is forced out.

DVD pre-recorded movies are region coded by the film companies to enable them to sell the movies in different parts of the world. The regions are as follows: Region 1 - North America, Canada, USA territories. Region 2 - Europe, Middle East (including Egypt), South Africa, Japan. Region 3 - South East Asia (including Hong Kong). Region 4 - South America, Australia, New Zealand. Region 5 - Africa, India, Russia. Region 6 - China. Region 7 - Reserved use. Region 8 - Special International use i.e. Airlines, Cruise Ships. DVD players sold in these area's will carry the corresponding region code so that only discs licenced for sale in that country will play back. Some discs carry Region 0, this means it has no restrictions and will blay back on all DVD players.

Usually means to take a large image and downsize it to a smaller one. Most graphic viewing and editing programs offer a Resize option for this purpose.

The quality of any digital image, whether printed or displayed on a screen, depends in part on its resolution i.e. the number of pixels used to create the image. More and smaller pixels add detail and sharpens edges. Optical Resolution or native resolution is an absolute number that the camera's image sensor can physically record or the physical number of pixels contained in a display panel. Interpolated Resolution adds pixels to the image using complex software algorithms to determine what colour they should be. It is important to note that interpolation cannot create information that was not in the original image, it simply duplicates or "guesses" pixels to make the image bigger! Resolution is often specified as: QVGA (320 x 240), VGA (640 x 480), SVGA (800 x 600), XGA (1024 x 768) or UXGA (1600 x 1200). The numbers refer to the number of pixels in width x Hieght. New High Definition TVs have around 1 million pixels (1280 x 720), where as "Full HD" resolution TVs contain over 2 million pixels (1920 x 1080).

Measured in milliseconds (ms) this is the reaction time it takes a pixel to change from in-active (black) to active (white) and back to in-active again. The lower the rating, the better the panel is at displaying fast motion. LCD's have a much slower response speed than Plasma or CRT displays and this results in a noticeable picture lag (also known as latency).

To allow an image to be projected from behind the screen (rear projection), the image has to be reversed. All Panasonic projectors have this feature.

The next step on from S-Video. Colour is separated into separate Red, Green and Blue signals, with separate Luminance and separate Audio. Advantages - The best connection currently for UK DVD players, detailed, colourful, 500 line pictures resolution; also the best connection for digital TV.

Root Mean Square. A measurement of the power (volume) of the speakers / amplifier. Whilst mathematicians might dispute the accuracy of hi-fi manufacturers figures, they are useful for comparing like for like.

Serial port for sending or receiving data from a PC to another device. The communication standard was devised in 1962 by the Electrical Industries Association (EIA) in the USA but was also compatible with the standard adopted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) globally. The Data Transfer Rate is relatively slow at a maximum of 19.2Kbps but is solid up to about 15 metres. The connector is either a 9 pin or 25 pin D type. In the case of Panasonic Projectors or Plasma's, a 9 pin port is used to allow the display device to be controlled by a Personal Computer.

Easy export of still images using the terminal, a single cable is all that it takes to send the images to other equipment such as a PC.

Efficient filter removes up to 99.97% of all dust particles, pollen and bacteria down to 0.3 microns in size.

Super Audio Compact Disc. A more advanced version of CD for playing back higher resolution music and surround sound (although requires a compatible player for improved sound). Not DVD, therefore discs rarely have room for pictures, movies, etc.

The first part of the process of converting audio into digital information is sampling a range of frequencies from the original, measured in kHz. The higher the kHz the better the sample and the better the sound.

Compact speakers, typically with a single cone, ideal for surround speaker placement and easy to mount on stands or a wall.

Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radio recepteurs et Televiseurs. Scart offers a quick and convenient of inter-connecting video components using a single cable. Scart cables feature 21-pin connectors which carry more than just picture and audio signals. Each pin has its own function offering features such as automatic source switching, RGB picture decoding, enabling auto set-up (such as Panasonic's Q-Link system), and more. Scart is also sometimes called a Peritel or Euro connector (as it was developed in Europe to standardise AV connections).

User selectable exposure modes can be chosed on the mode dial (SCN1 or SCN2) where the user selects the best pre-programmed scene to suit the current shooting conditions. The camera will automatically change many settings to capture the best possible image.

A rare condition affecting self illuminating displays such as CRT or Plasma. Such displays rely on excited phosphor material to give off a coloured light and create a visible image. When phosphors are excited for a long period of time to a constant high level (by a static image for instance) they can remain in a permanently bright state. This has the effect of continuing to display an image even though the picture has since changed. Not to be confused with the more common "after-image" which has similar symptoms but is not a permanent condition, screen burn retains the bright pixels in a memory state and the only way to neutralise the effect is to drive all the pixels up to the same bright level where the "burned-in" image can no longer be seen. Thankfully, modern phosphor materials used in today's Plasma screens have almost completely eradicated this effect.

Some Panasonic products are equipped with software that allows AAC files that have been created by SD Jukebox software to playback.

The flash memory card originally developed by Panasonic, SanDisk & Toshiba, now the most popular form of memory used in consumer digital cameras and other solid state products. Available with a storage capacity of between 8MB and 2GB.

Sony Dynamic Digital Sound. A competing format with Dolby Digital and DTS in the theatre market. It uses 7.1 channels of sound consisting of left, left centre, centre, right centre, right, rear right, rear left and a dedicated subwoofer channel. SDDS is used exclusively in theatres, there is no home audio equipment which uses the SDDS processing system.

Secure Digital High Capacity. A new format of the SD flash memory card. It uses FAT 32 formatting to allow higher capacity storage between 4GB and 32GB.

Standard-Definition Television. See HDTV.

SECAM, also written SECAM (Sequentiel couleur a memoire, French for "Sequential Colour with Memory"), is an analog colour television system first used in France and now widespread in the former USSR and some African countries. Like PAL, it uses 625 broadcast lines at 50Hz cycles.

To select the type of bread: basic whole-wheat, multi grain, French, pizza or bake only.

We are all used to looking in the mirror. Therefore, when recording yourself, with the LCD Monitor facing forward, the picture (as it is being recorded) might look unusual and distracting. Therefore you can change the image on the LCD to give you the impression you are looking into a mirror.

A loudspeaker's power output rating is not the sole indicator of how loud it can sound. Sensitivity - the ability to convert electrical power into sound - also plays a crucial part. Most speakers have a sensitivity of 88-91/dB/W/m. This represents the number of decibels produced from a distance of one metre and with a power input of one Watt. High sensitivity speakers are generally easier for an amp to drive. Those with lower sensitivity are best used with more powerful amps.

No need to weigh the food. The oven will automatically calculate the cooking time, microwave power, convection and the grill setting after the humidity sensor has detected the steam given off from the food.

No need to weigh the food. The oven will automatically calculate the cooking time, microwave power, convection and the grill setting.

Special effect. Scenes are recorded with a brown tint similar to the colour of old photographic negatives.

Small amounts of smooth aluminium foil can be used to shield thin or fatty parts of joints of meat during defrosting and cooking by Microwave. Microwaves can not pass through the foil; this prevents the shielded parts from overcooking or over defrosting.

Panasonic AV projectors are ideal for domestic use at home as their extra short throw lens means you can achieve big pictures in a small room. At just 2 metres from the screen they can project a 60" diagonal image.

The physical device that opens and closes to let light from the scene strike the image sensor of a Still or Movie Camera. Shutters can be both electronic and mechanical.

The time between pressing the shutter and actually capturing the image. This is due to the camera having to calculate the exposure, set the white balance and focus the lens.

the user chooses a shutter speed and the aperture is automatically determined by lighting conditions. Shutter speed priority is used to control motion capture. A fast shutter speed stops fast action, a slow shutter speed blurs a fast moving subject.

The traverse mechanism that carries the critical laser pickup across the DVD is side mounted in a floating suspension. Three rubber-plus-silicone dampers soak up the vibrations to help assure accurate reading of the disc information

A programme which is broadcast on TV and radio at the same time. Simulcasts were particularly common in the days before Nicam. For example, it allowed viewers to enjoy the Last Night Of The Proms in stereo on a hi-fi tuner while watching it on TV simultaneously.

A single-layer or single-sided recordable DVD can hold up to 4.7GB of data. Using a Panasonic DVD video recorder, a single-sided disc can store up to an hour of high quality digital video and audio. A double-sided 9.4GB disc offers double the capacity and can store up to two hours of very high quality digital video and sound.

Super Image Stabilizer. See digital image stabilization system.

3 sizes of loaf can be baked: Press the pad: Once for (XL) Extra Large using 600g flour. Twice for (L) Large using 500g flour. Three times for a (M) Medium loaf using 400g flour.

Plays back selected jpeg stills recorded onto SD card or Disc one buy one. Usually, the duration that each picture stays on-screen can be set in the menu.

Slim style of combination oven, dimension front to back reduced by 20% ideal for smaller kitchens. The fan and grill in the roof create the convection heat.

Port on the top of the camcorder, which allows the user to attach peripheral equipment. The port has connections that allow the equipment to draw power from the cameras battery or mains. Also called a Hot Shoe.

On windy days the Smart Wind Cut sensor system detects the wind and continuously adjust the characteristics of the stereo microphone by reducing its directivity. This eliminates only the wind noise, leaving the original sound unaffected.

View a clear image while scanning at five speeds, from slow motion to high, in forward and reverse. The high speed is at 100 times normal playback and in the initial slow forward setting audio is output along with the picture.

Removes the 'Chicken Wire' effect form LCD projectors, giving a superb image even at large screen sizes.

Signal to noise ratio. Both audio and video can suffer from unwanted 'noise' - variations and anomalies in the signal which have an adverse effect. The purer the signal, the less noise there is. High performance AV components have a high S/N ratio which is expressed in decibels.

Snubber circuits are used to protect power electronic devices against hazardous voltage overloads.

Speaker employs neodymuim magnet for reduced current distortion across the speaker's frequency range.

Photographic effect available on top end camcorder that smoothes out areas of low contrast on skin to give a more flattering result.

Digital effect. The picture is recorded with an effect similar to a painting.

The area surrounded by the speakers in a home cinema system. You must be inside the soundstage to hear the full effect of the surround sound.

Standard Play keeping the recording time the same length as indicated on the tape.

Prog AE setting on the camera to record fast moving objects.

Prog AE setting on the camera to record subjects under bright spotlights as on the stage.

When a microwave oven is switched off the food will continue to cook by conduction and not by microwave energy. Standing time is important in microwaving dense foods e.g. meat, cakes and reheated meals to ensure the food is cooked through.

Start Pad is used to start operation. Stop Pad is used to stop operation. To stop or clear operation the pad must be pressed and held for 1 second.

In hi-fi terms, stereo means two channels of audio heard through two speakers. In the cinema, stereo refers to a two, three or four channel soundtrack, with additional speakers being placed around the theatre to carry the extra tracks.

Still pictures that have been shot on a camera can be recorded onto a tape. Each still image can be recorded for a selected duration of between 3 seconds and 20 seconds. If required a sound track can be added later using the audio dub function.

To efficiently store video on DVD, common elements among frames are used in common, and different elements are recorded with each individual frame. The frame that contains the common elements is called an I-frame, a complete frame in itself. A P-frame follows an I-frame and contains only the difference elements from the preceding frame (colour, brightness etc.). B-frames are frames that only record elements that are different from the preceding P-frame or precede a completely new I-frame. The most accurate still picture can only come from an I frame.

Special effect. It records the picture with a stroboscope-like effect.

Smallest-sized, 20 litre capacity microwave oven

If required as a recording is taking place the customer can record the Teletext subtitles, which will be played back with the recording.

A dedicated low frequency Bass driver used as an addition to a hi-fi or home cinema speaker system to create deep, and possibly wall shaking, bass sounds. Subs can be the cheaper Passive type that requires external amplification, or an Active type that has its own built-in amplifier and requires only a Line Level signal. Subwoofers are responsible for reproducing the LFE track in a 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS soundtrack. As low frequencies are omni-directional, a Sub can be placed virtually anywhere in the room and can be hidden behind furniture if desired.

The air flow can be reduced on the handle of cylinder cleaners.

Panasonic's Super Compact Mechanism squeezes the major moving parts into a space little larger than a DV cassette, without effecting performance or reliability.

A dial on the video allowing the user to control the play back of the tape very accurately from fast forward to a frame at a time.

For all those who want to record a lot of programmes whilst away on a single tape. This lets the tape effectively triple in length so a 240 tape will record for 12 hours. There is picture loss but unlike LP visual search is in colour and noise bars are minimal.

Prog AE setting on the camera to record subjects in brightly-lit surroundings as on a ski slope or on the beach.

The generic term given to systems using rear speakers to create an involving, realistic soundfield all around the listening position. Two main competing companies develop surround sound codec's, Dolby and DTS. To reproduce true surround sound, products must include either a Dolby or DTS decoder.

Surround speakers are designed to handle the surround effects is a Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Pro-Logic soundtrack. Ideally, for Dolby Digital and DTS, both the left and right surround channels should be capable of reproducing the full frequency range. However, because the surround speakers receive a relatively small portion of the soundtrack, it is a common practice to have the surround speakers be the lowest quality speakers in a setup. The ideal placement of surround speakers is on the right and left walls of a room, above and only slightly behind the listening position.

Super Video Graphics Array. The number of pixels used to make up a display panel is measured against the VGA standard. An SVGA panel will typically contain 480,000 pixels (600 x 800).

Super VHS. Better than standard VHS, not as good as DVD. A S-VHS recorder will allow you to record programs in up to 480 lines of resolution (a standard VHS will only record/play 240 lines of resolution. S-VHS VCRs will allow you to play standard VHS tapes. Also, a Super-VHS VCR will have at least one S-Video output & input. In theory, a S-VHS tape will give as good quality playback as DVD, however, because it is a magnetic tape it still suffers from the same drawbacks of standard VHS such as tape degradation and deterioration.

(ExTended) Allows S-VHS performance using high-grade normal tapes. Giving the user the option of keeping running costs down.

Four pin plug used for SVHS VCRs, camcorders and DVD. Advantage - picture is split in chrominance (colour) and Luminance (brightness), higher quality picture, 400 line SVHS quality. Disadvantage - Still some crosstalk between colours on the chrominance signal so does not get the best from DVD, Audio still has to be carried separately.

Used with Multi-Picture mode. The intervals at which the 9 still pictures are taken are longer at the beginning and end than in the middle of the swing strobe period.

The base can turn 360 degrees so that the cylinder cleaner is easy+B11 to move

The hose can turn 360 degrees so that the cylinder cleaner does not have to be moved so often.

The number of pixels used to make up a display panel is measured against the VGA standard. An SXGA panel will typically contain 1,310,720 pixels (1280 x 1024).

Red light on the front of the camera that illuminates when the record button is activated. This can also be turned off if required.

This advanced system makes it quick and easy to check the contents of an inserted cassette. It can also be used to quickly find out which cassette in a collection contains a desired programme. Whenever a cassette with an intact erasure prevention tab is inserted the contents of the tape are displayed on screen automatically.

Lets the user know how much tape is left on the cassette.

Top end feature which allows the camera to focus on close subjects even at maximum magnification.

The focal length that gives you the narrowest angle of coverage, good for bringing distant objects closer.

Allows the length of the tube to be altered to the most comfortable height for the user.

A plug-in board that offers external products to be connected through Panasonic Plasma Panels.

Thin Film Transistor. An extremely thin sheet of transistors that allow light to pass through whilst carrying signals to control each crystal in a liquid crystal display. The development of TFT's have allowed LCD panels to be suitable for video use due to their fast response time.

Harmonic Distortion is a means for measuring Nonlinear Distortion. Nonlinear Distortion is a form of signal processing error that creates signals at frequencies that are not necessarily present in the input. THD is determined by measuring the size of each of the new frequencies that are created by the source of the distortion. The new frequencies are called "harmonics" because they exist at frequencies that are integer multiples of the input signal.

The distance from the front of a projector lens to the centre of the projection screen.

Tomlinson Holman eXperiment. THX is a set of technical standards developed by Lucasfilm to ensure that moviegoers see and hear a film at optimum performance levels: as the director intended. This comprehensive set of standards includes rigorous specifications designed to optimize equipment, room acoustics, background noise levels, and projection and viewing angles. The THX Sound System was developed in 1982 during the production of Return of the Jedi. Inspired by George Lucas' interest in upgrading film presentation standards in the industry. Some specialist equipment carries a THX Select or THX Ultra specification.

This is a device available on DVD's with THX approval that gives images and sounds to optimize the performance of a Home Cinema system.

Tagged Image File Format - An uncompressed image file format that is lossless and produces no artifacts as is common with other image formats such as JPG. Digital images saved as TIFFs can be used on most computers and therefore offer a standard way of sharing scanned images and digital photographs.

When connecting a VCR and DIGA to record VHS videotape images onto a DVD disc, the Time Base Corrector helps reduce jitter and performs signal conversion to create a stable signal. At the same time, 3D DNR detects and virtually eliminates randomly generated noise and color irregularities to help minimize flicker. Thanks to these two technologies, the tape input signal is automatically detected and optimum processing is performed to provide an easy way to even more beautiful digital recordings.

Time Code signals are used when editing to give an accurate cut in and out mark. The data is automatically recorded as part of the sub code and is in hours, minutes, seconds and frames (25 frames per second). Having this data included in the recording gives a reference point for every single frame on the tape.

Watch a program right from the beginning even while DIGA continues recording it to the end. Watch one recorded program while you record another. Go back and watch a certain scene while DIGA continues recording.

The timer is either touch or dial. It is used to program in the cooking time manually.

Timer is used to set the baking time for the bake only mode. 13 hour digital timer allows customers to pre-program the machine so that they can wake up to fresh bread or have a freshly baked loaf at any time

Technical Image Press Association. Founded in 1991 as an independent, non-profit Association of European photo and imaging magazines. At present, with 31 member magazines from twelve countries, TIPA is by far the largest and most influential photo and imaging press association in Europe. Once a year, all the editors and/or technical editors meet to vote for the 'Best Photo and Imaging Products in Europe' in a European town. At the same time, the members visit factories and cultural institutions located at or near the meeting place.

Also known as floor standing or Tall Boy speakers, they are large freestanding speakers. Look for those with several speaker cones rather than single speaker on a tall stand.

Special effect. The picture is recorded with a trailing effect.

Conventional microwaves contain a bulky high voltage transformer and capacitor that is used to step up the electricity supply fed to the magnetron.

Trim kits are available so that a microwave oven can be built in. When building-in it is recommended that models are placed below a Conventional Oven to avoid over-heating, when installing in a standard oven housing.

By combining the convection oven simultaneously with the grill, foods can be given that extra crispness and browning.

The air being drawn through the head activates a rotating brush. Ideal for pet hairs. Available on the top of the range cylinder cleaner.

An added boost of microwave power up to 1000 watts for the initial part of the cooking time. Ideal for re-heating foods like baked beans and tins of soups.

Glass plate inside the oven that rotates to ensure the food is cooked and reheated evenly

A smaller speaker cone carrying higher frequencies

Two bins that fit side by side on a bagless cleaner giving a large dust capacity+B14

2 sections of tube either plastic or metal for cylinder cleaners. To attach floorhead to suction hose.

Available in top of the range Combination ovens where a full width solid shelf and wire shelf are provided. Ideal for batch baking or to accommodate dishes too large to fit on the turntable.

(Ultra High Performance Lamp of Matsushita). A lamp that uses high-pressure mercury and offers around 2000 hours running time. Other lamps commonly used in projectors include xenon lamps, metahalide lamps and halogen lamps. Projector lamps are often given unique names by their manufacturers, such as UHB (Ultra High Brightness), UHP (Ultra High Performance) and NSH (New Super High Pressure).

A picture that appears too dark because insufficient light was delivered to the imaging system. Opposite of overexposure.

A remote control handset capable of controlling a range of Panasonic & Technics and other major brands of home cinema component.

A miniature version of a vacuum head and is used to dust furniture.

Most DVD players that offer HDMI output also feature processing to make a 720 or 1080 line image from the 525 original. Whilst not true high definition, this feature can improve picture quality on large screens.

It stands for Universal Serial Bus version 1.1. This is a standard for low to middle speed serial interfaces. It allows equipment such as a mouse, keyboard, printer and modem to all be connected with a USB cable. Unlike previous serial connections, USB uses a convenient 'hot-swapping' system that lets you disconnect and connect the cable while the unit's power is on. Maximum transfer rate is 12Mbps.

USB version 2.0. A new standard and faster USB connection. Most new PC's offer a USB 2.0 input that is backwards compatible for USB 1.1 devices. USB 2.0 devices can use 1 of 2 modes: FS Mode - Full speed data transfer rate up to 12 Mbps and HS Mode - High speed data transfer rate up to 480 Mbps. HS Mode is fast enough to download DV footage that requires 25 Mbps.

USB 2.0 gives you high speed uploading of DV data from your capture device to a PC over a single cable. Video class compatibility allows real time transfer of DV moving picture data over the same USB class cable.

External unit to connect to a computer to enable the transfer of either music or still images to or from SD cards.

The number of pixels used to make up a display panel is measured against the VGA standard. A UXGA (Ultra) panel will typically contain 1,920,000 pixels (1600 x 1200).

SXGA (Super Extended Graphics Array): 1280 x 1024 pixels

Adjustable for all cleaning tasks from carpets to upholstery.

(variable bit rate) The bit rate automatically increases for image portions containing fast motion, and decreases for areas with minimal motion.

Refers to the LUMIX high speed picture processor IC which is at the heart of Lumix Digital Cameras. It is used to transfer the CCD image data to the SD card with perfect picture performance. For full feature list see the Venus Engine technology area.

Video Electronics Standards Association. VESA is an international non-profit corporation led by a Board of Directors, which represents a voting membership of more than 140 corporate members worldwide. VESA supports and sets industry-wide interface standards for the PC, workstation, and consumer electronics industries. Panasonic LCD televisions comply with the Vesa common mounting bracket standard of 100mm x 100mm MIS-C mount or 100mm x 200mm MIS-D mount.

Video Graphics Array. The first video display panels were based on the vertical height of the NTSC broadcast system (480 active lines) which meant a 4:3 ratio panel would be 640 pixels wide. This became known as the VGA standard. A VGA panel will typically contain 307,200 pixels (640 x 480).

WVGA (Wide Video Graphics Array): 852 x 480 pixels

The generic name given to the VHS and SVHS COMPACT video tape systems. A mother cassette can be purchased to enable the user to play the tapes in a home VHS/SVHS video.

Puts the camera into playback mode. Also called VCR mode.

Means the digital camera has the ability to output its images on television screens and monitors using either NTSC or PAL format.

A feature of separate amplifiers that allows switching between different inputs (EG, VHS and DVD). This is often convenient and saves space behind the screen. Some new amps even offer HDMI in and out.

A number code of up to 8 digits, developed by Gemstar, used to programme a recorder. They carry the information for programme, date, start and end time and also PDC.

A small imaging device positioned at eye level on a camera or camcorder that you look through to compose the image. It can be an optical or an electronic device and usualy includes a focusing lens called a diopter to enable the user to adjust it to suit their eyesight.

Panasonic do not recommend a viewing window. Viewing windows: Steam up when the loaf is baking and condensation will drip on to the loaf. Loaf will have a softer crust. Window may also prevent the loaf having an even crust.

A term that describes the darkening of the outer edges of the image area due to the use of a filter or add-on lens. Most noticeable when the zoom lens is in full wideangle.

Prevents AC power supply noise from entering the audio circuitry, so preserving subtle signal nuances. An ultra-stable power supply helps retain audio signal purity, while supporting solid bass and clear treble

The Virtual Multi Encode System enables LP mode recording with the same 500 lines (D1) of horizontal resolution as that in the SP and XP modes. Which is double the horizontal resolution compared to the 250 lines (1/2 D1) of conventional LP mode recording .

As the zoom is operated the microphone adjusts automatically which enhances sound in zoom mode, capturing distant sound and images together to create great video footage.

The amount of electric power expressed in watts. The higher the wattage the more powerful the oven will be.

A unit of measuring power typically used to denote the power output of a loudspeaker or amplifier. More Watts don't always mean more power - see Sensitivity. Also, note that an over-powered amp used with low-powered speakers won't cause any damage . In fact, the reverse is more likely: an under-powered amp will always struggle to drive a pair of high powered speakers and this may cause distortions and eventual speaker damage.

Refers to adjusting the relative brightness of the red, green and blue components so that the brightest object in the image appears white. All types of light have a "temperature" that relates to our perception of colour. It is essential to set the camera to the correct colour temperature for a shooting situation so that colours are reproduced acurately and whites appear white. Setting the correct colour temperature is known as setting the "White Balance".

Used in conjunction with the USB connection, this allows the camcorder to be used as a web cam over Microsoft Networks.

As white is the basic colour of the entire colour spectrum, if white is reproduced correctly, the other colours are correct and natural, too. The camera automatically adjusts the white balance to ensure that the pictures are recorded with natural colours. For certain types of subject and lighting conditions, however, this auto white balance adjustment may not be able to ensure natural colours. In these cases there are 3 preset modes to compensate for the variants (Indoor, Outdoor and last manually adjusted setting).

The focal length that gives you the widest angle of coverage.

This allows the user to fit in more of the image without having to put external lenses on.

Advanced widescreen recording, that, unlike the cinema mode, records widescreen without loss of resolution.

Gradually replaces a still picture of the last recorded scene with a moving picture of the new scene, like drawing a curtain.

Some Home Cinema packages offer wireless surround speakers. Typically, these are connected together via a small receiver which requires independent power, however, they do not require hard-to-hide front to back wires.

A local area network between products where the data is transmitted over short distances by radio waves. Information sent over a wireless LAN should be encrypted as the radio signals can travel over several metres and can be picked up by other devices in close proximity.

Wide Video Graphics Array. The VGA standard for quoting the resolution of a display monitor was based on a 4:3 aspect ratio i.e. 640 x 480. However, it is not uncommon for displays to have a wider aspect ratio to match that of "Widescreen" digital TV. Hence a typical widescreen VGA panel will contain 852 x 480 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Wide Extra Graphics Array. Refers to the widescreen version of an XGA display panel. Typical pixel count will be 1366 x 768 (1.04 million pixels).

The number of pixels used to make up a display panel is measured against the VGA standard. An XGA panel will typically contain 786,432 pixels (1024 x 768).

SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array): 800 x 600 pixels

Trade mark x.v.Colour�. (extended gamut YCC) describes products that are compatible with the xvYCC international colour standard. It defines a wider range of colours that can be re-created on compatible flat panel TVs and displays. It offers about 10% more colours than the conventional sRGB colour system.

Yeast is an essential ingredient in breadmaking as it produces carbon dioxide and ensures the bread rises.

A modified form of the component red, green and blue video signal. The black and white (luminance) part of the signal is removed from the red and blue and added to the green. This gives greater detail to the picture, as the human eye perceives detail in green better than red or blue.

Extremely bright sections and light sources can cause over-exposure giving poor results. With the Zebra Pattern warning on, the area in the viewfinder that is over-exposed has lines on it to warn the user. Adjustment of the electronic iris and gain can then be made to give an even exposure.

Also refered to on a digital camera as Tele-photo. Allows the user to get a close up image of far away subjects. A digital zoom electronically enlarges the centre portion of an image, where as an optical zoom uses lens technology to enlarge the image and retains better picture quality.

The system incorporates four independent electret condenser microphones and is linked with the zoom operation of the lens, so the microphones' directionality and sensitivity are adjusted as the zoom is activated. The directionality adjusts in 256 steps from wide to zoom, so voices and sounds are recorded naturally and correspond with the images. Wide mode emphasises the stereophonic ambience, while zoom mode narrows the recording direction to capture monaural-like sound from a distant subject.