6
Introduction
English
DTS – An abbreviation for Digital Theater Systems, a type of multi-channel surround sound
format used on certain CDs and many DVDs.
– The logo representing Digital Theater Systems.
DVD – An abbreviation most commonly known to mean Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile
Disc. The audio/video/data storage system is based on 12-cm optical discs.
DVD video – A standard for storing and reproducing audio and video on DVD-ROM discs,
based on MPEG video, Dolby Digital audio, and other proprietary data formats.
IR – An abbreviation for infrared. Pertains to the type of remote that sends/receives com-
mands on an infrared light beam.
Letterbox – A video format which has an aspect ratio wider than 4:3 and is shown with black
bars above and below the TV picture.
MP3 – MPEG-1 Layer III audio. This is a compressed audio format that allows the recording
of many hours of music on a single CD.
NTSC – An abbreviation for National Television System Committee and a label for the video
format standard established by the committee for televisions used in the US and other
countries.
PAL – An acronym for the Phase Alternate Line video format used extensively in Western
Europe.
Pan & Scan – The technique of reframing a picture to conform to a different aspect ratio by
cropping parts of the picture. DVD video players can use the horizontal offset encoded with
the video on certain DVDs to automatically pan and scan widescreen video to a 4:3 ratio.
PCM – An abbreviation for Pulse Code Modulation. A common form of digital audio signal.
Progressive Scan – A video format which displays all lines of the picture frame in a single
pass, and refreshes the image sixty times a second. This format is not compatible with all
video displays.
RDS – A system that displays radio broadcast station and programming information. This
feature is available on European systems only.
SACD – An abbreviation for Super Audio Compact Disc and a music format for CD audio and
high-resolution digital audio stored on a CD-sized disc. The new Bose
®
LIFESTYLE
®
systems
(with which this guide is included) play the CD-compatible portion of such discs, identified by
the CD disc logo on the front of the disc.
SCMS – A system for preventing second-generation digital copies of copyrighted audio
material. A digital recorder equipped with SCMS will record digitally from another source, but
that recording cannot then be used as a source for a second-generation recording.
S-video – Also called Y/C. A video signal that keeps the brightness and color information
separate, and is significantly better than composite video. Requires the use of an S-video
cable and is compatible with many televisions and other video components.
Videostage
®
5 – Bose
®
proprietary Videostage 5 decoding circuitry gives you a five-channel
surround sound experience from everything you listen to – VHS tapes, stereo CDs, even
mono TV programs.
YPbPr – An analog video signal containing one luminance and two chrominance compo-
nents. Also referred to as YUV or Y, B-Y, R-Y or a component connection.