Specials Outlet

Term Definition
Bass Management Circuits and controls that determine which speakers receive bass signals. If you have small main speakers and a sub, you can direct the bass signals away from the main speakers and to the subwoofer. ( Back )
Bookmarking Lets you insert bookmarks to help you locate specific points on a disc. In some cases, these bookmarks are retained in the player's memory even if you remove the disc. ( Back )
Built-in Decoder Some DVD players have a built-in Dolby Digital decoder (sometimes with a DTS decoder included), which lets you connect the DVD player to a receiver with 5.1- or 7.1-channel preamp inputs. ( Back )
CD-R/W Capable The ability to play back re-writeable CDs (CD-RWs) as well as standard CDs and DVDs. ( Back )
CD-R Capable Many DVD players can play back recordable CDs (CD-Rs) as well as DVDs and standard CDs. Some DVD players cannot play back CD-Rs, and the ability to playback CD-R discs does not imply that a model will read or play re-writeable CDs (CD-RWs). ( Back )
CD Dynamic Range The ratio of the loudest (undistorted) signal to that of the quietest (discernible) signal, rated in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the better the range. ( Back )
CD Frequency Response The range of frequencies the DVD player can reproduce while playing audio CDs. The range of human hearing is 20-20,000 Hz. ( Back )
CD S/N Ratio A measure of how well the DVD player silences background noise. Higher ratings, in decibels (dB), indicate less noise. ( Back )
CD THD Total Harmonic Distortion, or THD, is a measurement of the distortion caused by the player. Measured in percentages, the lower the number, the better the rating. ( Back )
Color The DVD player's primary cabinet color. ( Back )
Component Video Outputs A video signal in which the brightness (luminance) and color (chrominance) portions of the signal are processed separately. Component video signals provide greater color accuracy than S-video or composite signals. Where S-video separates the luminance and chrominance portions of the signal, component video goes a step further and splits the chrominance portion into two components. The benefits - improved color accuracy and less color bleeding - are especially noticeable on larger-screen TVs. ( Back )
Composite Video Outputs A video signal in which the brightness and color portions of the signal are combined. Examples of composite video include standard VHS, laserdisc, and regular broadcast TV. A DVD player's standard RCA-type video jack provides a composite video signal. ( Back )
Digital Coaxial Output An output that lets you connect the DVD player to any device with a coaxial digital input. Though coaxial digital connections use standard RCA-style jacks, a coaxial digital audio cable designed specifically for the wider frequency bandwidth of digital signals is recommended. ( Back )
Digital Optical Output An output that lets you connect the DVD player to any device with an optical digital input. Optical digital connections require a special type of fiber optic cable, known as Toslink. Since the signal is carried optically rather than electronically, an optical cable is virtually impervious to magnetic or electrical interference. ( Back )
Display Color The predominant color of the display's illumination. ( Back )
DTS-Capable DVD/CD players with a dedicated DTS output will pass through the DTS signal to an outboard DTS decoder, or to a recevier with DTS capability. ( Back )
DVD-Audio Playback A format where virtually all of the DVD disc's data storage capability is devoted to audio. The result is a higher signal-to-noise ratio, wider frequency response, and wider dynamic range than CD. The disc can also have various channel configurations, such as 6-channels or 2-channels of ultra-high-resolution audio. DVD-Audio discs will not play on standard CD or DVD players, and require a model with specific decoding capabilities. ( Back )
DVD Audio Dynamic Range The ratio of the loudest (undistorted) signal to that of the quietest (discernible) signal, rated in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the better the range. ( Back )
DVD Audio Frequency Response The range of frequencies the DVD player can reproduce while playing audio DVDs. The range of human hearing is 20-20,000 Hz. ( Back )
DVD Audio S/N Ratio The measure of the audio signal relative to background noise. The higher the S/N ratio, the cleaner the sound. ( Back )
DVD Audio THD Total Harmonic Distortion, or THD, is a measurement of the distortion caused by the player. Measured in percentages, the lower the number, the better the rating. ( Back )
DVD Recorder Some DVD players are also capable of recording to DVD as well. ( Back )
DVD Video Dynamic Range The ratio of the loudest (undistorted) signal to that of the quietest (discernible) signal, rated in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the better the range. ( Back )
DVD Video Frequency Response The range of audio frequencies the DVD player can reproduce while playing video DVDs. The range of human hearing is 20-20,000 Hz. ( Back )
DVD Video S/N Ratio This ratio compares the level of the desired audio signal to the level of undesirable distortion and noise that has been mixed with that signal. The higher the S/N ratio, the cleaner the audio. ( Back )
DVD Video THD Total Harmonic Distortion, or THD, is a measurement of the distortion caused by the player. Measured in percentages, the lower the number, the better the rating. ( Back )
DVI Outputs DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface, which is a multi-pin computer-style connector. DVI provides a an "upconverted" or upgraded DVD video signal to HD-compatible TVs with a compatible connector. This digital video signal is encrypted with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) to prevent recording. ( Back )
HDCD Decoding HDCD, or High Definition Compatible Digital, significantly reduces distortion during recording to expand the dynamic range and realize high resolution. This brings out rich dynamic range and beautiful sound quality. ( Back )
HDMI Outputs HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It's a multi-pin interface that transfers uncompressed digital video with HDCP copy protection and multichannel audio. ( Back )
Labor Warranty The manufacturer's warranty period for labor. ( Back )
MP3 Playback Some DVD players will decode and play MP3 files that have been recorded to a CD. ( Back )
Multibrand Remote A multibrand remote will control video components (TV, VCR) made by other manufacturers. ( Back )
Number of Discs The number of DVDs or CDs the player will store and play. ( Back )
Parts Warranty The manufacturer's warranty period for parts. ( Back )
Picture CD/JPEG Capable Many DVD players can play back Picture CDs recorded using the JPEG format. ( Back )
Progressive Scan Output Instead of splitting each video frame into two sequential fields like interlaced scan, progressive scan displays the entire frame in a single sweep. A standard DVD player's 480i output displays 30 frames (60 fields) per second, a progressive-scan player's 480p output displays 60 full frames per second. Progressive-scan picture quality is more film-like, with more fine detail and less flicker. Progressive-scan viewing requires an "HDTV-ready" TV, and uses component video connections. ( Back )
Recordable DVD Compatibility The ability to playback home-recorded DVDs.

DVD-R and DVD+R are write-once formats. You can record onto these discs once and they are non-erasable.

DVD-RW and DVD+RW are rewriteable discs. These discs can be erased and re-recorded about 1,000 times.

DVD-RAM is also rewriteable, but can be erased and re-recorded up to 100,000 times. Some DVD-RAM discs are encased in cartridges; compatibility here is for discs without cartridges.

( Back )
Recordable DVD Compatibility The ability to playback home-recorded DVDs.

DVD-R is a write-once format. You can record onto a DVD-R disc once and it is non-erasable.

DVD-RW is a rewriteable disc. These discs can be erased and re-recorded about 1,000 times.

DVD-RAM is also rewriteable, but can be erased and re-recorded up to 100,000 times. Some DVD-RAM discs are encased in cartridges; compatibility here is for discs without cartridges.

( Back )
RS-232C Port This is a multi-pin jack that is used to connect the player to an external controller. ( Back )
S-Video Outputs Found on nearly all of the DVD players we sell, this 4-pin connector usually provides a sharper, higher resolution picture (compared to a composite video output) by transmitting the chrominance and luminance portions of a video signal separately. The signals can then be processed separately, reducing interference. Direct S-video connections help realize more of the potential of high-performance video components. ( Back )
SACD Audio Dynamic Range The ratio of the loudest (undistorted) signal to that of the quietest (discernible) signal, rated in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the better the range. ( Back )
SACD Audio Frequency Response The range of frequencies the DVD player can reproduce while playing SACD discs. The range of human hearing is 20-20,000 Hz. ( Back )
SACD Audio S/N Ratio The measure of the musical signal relative to background noise. The higher the S/N ratio, the cleaner the sound. ( Back )
SACD Audio THD Total Harmonic Distortion, or THD, is a measurement of the distortion caused by the player. Measured in percentages, the lower the number, the better the rating. ( Back )
SACD Playback The Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) is recorded using Direct Stream Digital, which captures 4 times more information than regular CDs. The resulting sound is warmer, smoother, and more "analog" than anything standard CDs can deliver. SACD discs will not play on standard CD or DVD players, and require a model with specific decoding capabilities. ( Back )
THX Certified As with all THX certification programs, the criteria set for DVD player certification far surpass the minimum requirements for functionality and performance. Only those players capable of delivering the highest quality video and audio performance with DVD technology will ultimately bear the THX Certified label for home theatre components. ( Back )
Virtual Surround The DVD player uses sound imaging to create a simulated surround effect, even when you only have front speakers connected. ( Back )
Zoom Lets you zoom in on a DVD's picture during playback. In most cases you can move within the zoomed-in image by using the cursor buttons on the remote. ( Back )