Terms

Cable Box Control
Your universal remote can change the channels on your cable/satellite box, but that doesn't mean your VCR can. To help make timer recording of your favorite programs easier, a VCR with this feature will automatically change the channels on your cable/satellite decoder boxes, eliminating the need to manually configure the channels before you record.

Commercial Advance
VCRs with this feature will locate and electronically mark commercial breaks when recording your favorite programs. During playback the VCR uses these marks to automatically fast forward past commercials, thus providing the viewer a sense of seamless programming.

DBS
Direct Broadcast Satellite is the system used by Dish Network.

DSS
Specific reference to the DBS system offered by DIRECTV/USSB.

DTH Broadcast Satellite
Direct-to-Home Broadcast Satellite. DirecTV and USSB's satellites are manufactured by Hughes. Echostars' satellite are manufactured by Lockheed Martin. These satellites are in a geostationary orbit about 22,800 miles above the earth in various orbital slots within the Clarke Belt.

DVB
Digital Video Broadcast - system offered by Echostar.

HDTV
High Definition Television offers increased picture resolution from the standard broadcast signal. Similar picture quality to a DVD.

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Index Plus+ Programming
This feature enables you to begin taping a new program onto a partially recorded tape. You enter the counter number where the existing footage ends, and the VCR will begin taping new programming at that point. With this feature, you can take advantage of the full recording capacity of your tapes.

Index Search
With this feature, the machine will move directly to a specific place on the tape. Enables you to go to the beginning or end of taped material.

Infrared Universal Remote Control
Line-of-sight remote which will control the satellite receiver and two to four other infrared units such as TVs, VCRs, DVDs or stereo amplifiers.

LNBF
The Low Noise Blockdown Feedhorn amplifies the signal collected on the parabolic antenna(dish). It works on 13V of power which is supplied by the satellite receiver. A single LNBF will feed one receiver, and a dual LNBF will feed two or more receivers.

LNB
The Low Noise Blockdown amplifier performs the same functions as the LNBF.

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MPEG-1
Specific data transmission protocol (format) developed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG). MPEG-1 protocol is not as advanced as MPEG-2 protocol.

MPEG-2
Latest specific data transmission protocol (format) developed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG). It is a more advanced protocol than MPEG-1 due primarily its all-digital transmission of data at between 4 and 9 megabits/second (Mbit/sec). Several other enhancements over MPEG-1 are also realized. MPEG formating is the specific formating in which data is transmitted to satellites, transmitted back to earth, and interpreted by set-top units.

Multi-Lingual
Provides a choice of instructions in at least two languages when operating the on screen menu.

On Screen Menu System
A graphic menu system on the screen which allows you to easily program your VCR.

On-screen Program Guide
This interactive feature allows the user to access and scroll through complete program listings right on his/her television screen, in most cases up to a week in advance.

One-Touch Recording
Wigh the touch of one button on the remote, the user can create multiple time recordings of future programs in the on-screen guide. The satellite receiver will control the VCR, starting and stopping the recording at the proper times.

Parental Lockout Control
Allows user to set a password to control access to programming based on channel, rating or content.

Program Browsing
Allows user to scroll through program guide while still watching current channel.

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Remote Locator
Lets you page the remote from the main unit. An audible beep from the remote lets you find it where it is hidden in the couch.

RF/UHF Universal Remote Control
Controls satellite receiver from distances up to 100 feet, through walls and other obstructions. Also offers infrared control of other A/V components.

Satellite
Equipment in orbit that can transmit signals between station and distributor) or (distributor and homeowner); the signals can be analog or digital; each satellite usually has the capacity to transmit a number of different signals simultaneously.

Satellite Dish
Receives the transmissions being sent from satellites; Distributors have dishes to receive the transmissions from the broadcast stations; Howeowners have dishes to receive transmissions that have been retransmitted by the distributors.

See-through Menu/Guide Displays
Program guide and/or menus can be accessed without the loss of audio or video.

Set-Top Unit
Device that converts the digital signal received by the dish to whatever signals are required by the TV set; the name set-top implies that the device sits atop the television.

Slow Motion
This feature allows you to slow the speed at which you watch a taped program. This feature is found only on VCRs with more than 2 heads.

Smart Card
The Smart Card identifies the receiver to the network. It authorizes descrambling of the satellite signal, and authorizes purchases using the receiver.

Starband
High speed satellite internet access allows individuals in rural areas professional internet access.

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TIVO
Computer settop box that interfaces directly with your television to digitally record TV programs. It uses a harddrive to store information and can automate the process of finding and recordign shows so you can watch them commercial free at any time.

Universal Remote
Will operate nearly every brand of television and cable box, VCR and DVD player. This replaces all your infrared controls with one remote.

VCR Plus+ Programming
Simply enter the four digit code of the program you wish to record (found in the newspaper or TV Guide) and the system does the rest for you. You get to avoid the hassle of entering all the recording information such as date, channel, and start/stop times."

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