Here we try to explain some of the common technical jargon, in real-people terms, allowing you to make a more informed decision.
5.1 / 6.1 / 7.1 Surround sound
Aspect Ratio (16:9 / 4:3 / Cinema scope)
AV Receiver
Ballast
Biometric reader
Blu-Ray Disc
Cat 5e
Cat 6
Cinemascope format
Clean power board
Coaxial Cable
Dimmer
DLP and LCD projectors
DLT Switch
Dual-Technology Motion Detectors
Dual Tech Sensor
DVI
DVR – Digital Video Recorder
Electric Strike
Floor-standing speakers
HDMI
High Definition
In-ceiling speakers
Infrared
In-wall speakers
LCD TV
Motion and Light Sensors
Network switch
NIRT plate
Panic button
Plasma TV
Structured Cabling
Subwoofer
Touch Screen
True High Definition 1080p
VGA
|
| |
5.1 / 6.1 / 7.1 Surround sound
This number refers to the number of channels (speakers) in the surround sound system. A 5.1 system means there are 5 speakers – left, right and centre, plus 2 surround sound speakers. A 7.1 surround sound system has exactly the same number of speakers but with an extra 2 surround sound speakers totalling 7 speakers. The .1 in the surround sound system represents a subwoofer.
|
AV Receiver
The AV receiver is basically what drives the entire home theatre system. The receiver decodes the digital surround signals and amplifies the sound so it can be delivered to the speakers The receiver is also responsible for receiving volume commands and switching between sources – from DVD to free-to-air to CD for example.
|
Aspect Ratio (16:9 / 4:3 / Cinema scope)
Aspect Ratio is the term used to describe the ratio of width to height, of a video picture.
4:3/ 1.33:1/ Standard- the aspect ratio of a traditional TV screen.
16:9/ 1.78:1/ Widescreen- the aspect ratio of a widescreen TV – with more picture area. The trend for widescreen is growing, both in TV sizes and computer monitors.
2.37:1/ Cinemascope - When you go to the cinemas, just before the movie starts the curtains open to reveal a much wider screen - the size of this screen is referred to as a cinemascope format. Widescreen has a 16:9 ratio whereas Cinemascope has a 2.37:1 ratio, making it longer again. You can identify a movie with this format because even with a widescreen tv, you can still see the black bars on the top and the bottom. Special lenses called anamorphic lens, can be fitted to a projector and with a specially made wide-screen, so you can get the true cinemas experience without black bars.
|
Ballast
is a component in Fluorscent light fitting that regulates the power to the lamp. Terms such as DSI, Dali & Analogue(1-10V) ballasts refer to specialised electronic ballasts that allow fluros to be dimmed.
|
Biometric reader
The most popular type of biometric reader is a fingerprint reader that is used in homes as an alternative to keys. Residents simply scan their fingerprint into the reader (which would be pre-programmed into the reader) and the latch on the door unlocks, giving them access. Other types of biometric devices are iris scan, retina scan, whole hand reader and palm scan.
|
Blu-Ray Disc
Blu-ray is a new generation disc format with up to 5 times the resolution of standard DVDs – this means more pixels on the screen therefore a clearer image. Blu-ray uses the highest standard of resolution available today– 1080p full high definition. Only a Blu-ray player can play Blu-ray discs, however don’t throw out your old DVDs just yet. A Blu-ray player can not only play them, but upscale them to improve the quality. It can also play CDs as well.
|
Cat 5e
Cat 5e cable is a low-voltage communications cable used for data and communications. It is currently the industry standard and can handle the requirements of most of today’s equipment.
|
Cat 6
Cat 6 cable is like a step above from Cat 5e cabling. It is used for higher demand equipment and in business environments. It is often used in place of Cat 5e cabling for future proofing, in domestic applications..
|
Clean power board
When you connect your components through a clean power board, electrical noise is dramatically reduced and you’ll get the best possible picture plus a more natural sound from your components. Best of all, they often come with guarantees that replaces connected equipment if damaged by power surge.
|
Coaxial Cable
Coax cable is used for transmitting video signals from the antenna – for TV and video. RG6 is a type of coaxial cable and is the cable used from the antenna signals. RG59 is used for connecting displays to source components like DVD players. (For analogue Composite, S-Video and Component signals).
|
Dimmer
A dimmer is used to control the amount of power that goes to a lamp – and can therefore control the brightness of the light. You can use the full amount of power, or you can dim the light to a low level for better ambience or reduce power consumption.
|
DLP and LCD projectors
Projectors can be categorised into two main technologies - DLP (Digital Light Processing) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). These terms refer to the different methods projectors use to compose the image. LCD projectors generally produce a brighter and sharper image, and are therefore better suited for highly lit environments – such as an office or boardroom. DLP projectors offer a higher contrast image and a more accurate colour representation which makes them particularly suited to movies. Of course LCDs are still used in many home theatres, but DLP projectors have the advantage over LCDs simply because of the smoother image. With rapid advances in LCD technology, this gap is closing fast, so much so that a current high quality LCD model may perform equally or even better than a DLP product.
|
DLT Switch
A DLT switch (Dynamic Labelling Technology) is a switch with a small LCD screen with digitally labelled buttons – so you know what function a button performs. DLTs have up to 8 functions over 2 pages. They are great for areas such as ensuites where you need to control heat/fan/lights, an exhaust fan and several other lights. It reduces the confusion because each button has a label and because they are digital, you can change the labels with minor programming.
|
Dual-Technology Motion Detectors
This type of motion sensor simultaneously uses two different methods to detect movement in an area - microwave & infrared. By cross-checking the two sensor technologies against each other false triggering is all but eliminated, ensuring you are not bothered by annoying repeat false alarms as can often happen with infrared-only PIR's.
|
Dual Tech Sensor
A dual tech sensor is used in a security system to sense movement in the home when it is armed. Dual tech sensors can detect heat as well as movement, which eliminate the chance of false alarms. They can also be configured to be pet friendly.
|
DVI
DVI - Digital Visual Interface. A DVI cable is used to transfer a digital video signal (not audio) between electronic devices e.g. a Blu-ray player to a plasma. Devices must be fitted with this connection – and only newer components feature this. It’s most commonly found on computer LCD monitors and projectors because they don’t need sound. It’s very similar to HDMI except HDMI also carries sound not just video signals.
|
Electric Strike
An electrical device that replaces a regular lock strike plate and allows you to open or close the door electronically (e.g. by a touch screen or from an all-in-one remote) without unlocking the door.
|
Floor-standing speakers
Floor-standing speakers are box speakers typically used as front speakers in surround sound systems and stereo applications. Being in an often enclosure, the manufacturer is capable of controlling many factors that influence a speaker’s performance. They are larger and therefore more powerful. As such they provide you with the best sound for $ but are not necessarily desirable when the look and décor is intended to be discreet and minimalistic.
|
HDMI
HDMI – stands for High Definition Multi-media Interface. HDMI cable (similar to DVI cable) is used to transfer digital video/audio signals from an electronic device such as a Blu-ray player to the display. Because HDMI transfers sound and audio to devices its suited to plasmas, AV Receivers, Blu-Ray players etc. HDMI at Full HD at long lengths gets difficult as the signal begins to degrade rapidly over 8-10m. however with ‘certified’ HDMI cable this is not an issue– as it guarantees that there is no signal loss. Poorer quality cables are unable to perform without showing degradation on the screen.
|
High Definition
(HD) Refers to an image of a higher resolution. When compared to Standard Defintion, HD provides you with much better picture quality. Examples of HD Resolutions are 576p, 720p, 1080i and the highest - 1080p, found only on blu ray players.
|
In-ceiling speakers
In-ceiling speakers are usually round and they sit flush-mounted in the ceiling cavity. They are great if you want your speakers to be discreet.
|
Infrared
Infra-red (IR) is a method of communication used for sending wireless commands to electronic devices such as a TV or a DVD player. Your TV remote communicates with IR light waves every time you change the channel or increase/decrease the volume. The signal is received by the TV and the TV performs the command.
|
In-wall speakers
In-wall speakers are typically rectangular shaped and they sit flush-mounted in the wall. Like in-ceiling speakers they too, provide a discreet look.
|
LCD TV
LCD TVs (Liquid Crystal Displays) are made from millions of tiny liquid crystals and a bright backlight which shines through the crystals to create various colours. Because LCDs omit light rather than produce it, in order to produce a black, they must block out all the light. This makes them struggle to produce really deep blacks and there can also be light leakage. LCDs however can in some cases be an advantage because of their high brightness which makes them great for areas where there is a lot of natural light.
|
Motion and Light Sensors
When in a C-Bus system, a motion sensor detects movement and triggers an event to occur. It might be turning on a light, or unlocking a door. There are many types of sensors – light senses are also popular and are often programmed to turn lights on when it’s dark, or close blinds in the morning to keep the sun out.
|
Network switch
A network switch is a device used to join computers together to form a network. Similar to a hub, but with more processing power allowing more efficient data transfer.
|
NIRT plate
is a device to allow you to use your C-Bus system to control 3rd party devices such as your TV, DVD player etc
|
Panic button
A button you press in case of emergency (e.g break-in) which triggers an alarm. Usually located in the master bedroom, or a safe room.
|
Plasma TV
Plasmas are made from millions of tiny gas plasma cells. Each cell has a red, green and blue sub-pixel and when the electric current flows through them, the appropriate colour is produced. Plasmas differ from LCD TVs because they produce light, not block it. They produce better blacks, giving the image a slightly better picture quality. Plasmas are also generally available in larger sizes than LCD displays, although the trend for larger LCDs is constantly growing. Plasmas however consume more power than LCD TVs and are generally more expensive. When it comes down to picture quality however, a good quality plasma will always produce a higher contrast image than a similar quality LCD.
|
PVR/DVR – Personal/ Digital Video Recorder
A DVR is a video recording device that records video/audio footage digitally rather than in analogue (like a video tape stores information). Being digital – the recorded quality is much better. They are commonly used for storing surveillance camera footage or recording your favourite TV shows, such as those found in Foxtel's IQ boxes..
|
Structured Cabling
A Structured cabling system gives you an easy way to manage all of your communications such as telephone, data, free-to-air, pay TV and distribution of sources throughout the TVs in the home. All of these services are wired back to a central hub, making configuration changes much simpler.
|
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is a specialised speaker that only produces deep bass frequency sounds. A subwoofer is usually included in a surround sound system, as most conventional loudspeakers are unable to handle such low frequency sounds on their own. There are two types of subwoofers – passive and powered. Passive subwoofers are powered by an external amplifier whereas powered subwoofers are self-contained and have a built-in amplifier. Subwoofers are often housed inside cabinetry, so they are not visible in the room, however the trend is growing from boxy subwoofers to stylish looking subwoofers (such as the Bowers & Wilkins PV1 pictured below) which can be a focal point on their own.
|
Touch Screen
A touch screen is a touch-sensitive screen which allows you to control your lighting system or audio visual equipment simply by pressing buttons on the surface. Touch screens can be in-wall or embedded in all-in-one remotes, black and white or full colour, and have a fully customisable graphical layout, provding endless design possiblities.
|
True High Definition 1080p
1080p is a display resolution often referred to as ‘Full High Definition’. The number ‘1080’ represents 1080 lines of vertical resolution by 1920 lines of horizontal resolution – which means there are more than 2 million pixels displayed on the screen! The ‘p’ stands for progressive scanning – meaning all the lines of resolution are refreshed at once (rather than interlaced as in 1080i – which only refreshes every second line at a time). The result of progressive is clearer, flicker-free picture. Full HD 1080p televisions and projectors are most compatible with new generation Blu-ray discs.
|
VGA
VGA (Video Graphics Array) is the standard connector type for most PCs. The VGA cable is an analogue connection that connects the display monitor to the computer and can also connect other devices with a VGA connection such as a STB or a projector. For a best quality image though, HDMI or DVI cable is preferred.
|
