| Term | Definition |
| Antenna | Receives transmission of signal and helps to overcome signal loss to TV. |
| Aspect Ratio | Width to height ratio of a movie picture: usually 1.85:1 (most compatible with TV screens) and 2.35:1. |
| Blu-ray Discs Players | Plays pre-recorded discs that utilize shorter wavelengths to store 6-times more (high definition) data than DVDs, for sharper, more detailed pictures. |
| Cables | Analog or digital transporters of power to and from AV equipment; basic components are conductors, shielding and connectors. |
| Dolby Digital | Technology that provides high-quality sound through a five-speaker system, using an AV receiver. DVD players remix sound to any available speakers. |
| DTS | Technology that produces high-quality sound through use of speakers and an AV receiver. |
| DVD Player | Plays pre-recorded Digital Versatile Discs used to store audio and video data. |
| DVR | Digital Video Recorder records videos and plays them back on a TV. |
| Entertainment Center | Stationary or expanding unit or components with multiple compartments for TV and components. |
| External Speakers/Subwoofers | Provide professional theater quality and boosts sound and effects of Dolby and DTS technology. |
| Full Screen | A picture width-to-height ratio of 1.33:1. |
| HDTV | High-definition, producing twice the resolution of analog TVs. |
| Monitor Terminal Expansion Board | Digitally transfers audio and video signals over a single cable. |
| Region Codes | Encoding that prohibits DVDs from being played on a player sold in other parts of the world. |
| Screen Protectors | Attaches to flat-screen TVs to protect screens from damage and reduce eyestrain. |
| Surge Protector | Protects electronics and appliance from damage due to rushes of power supplied to the house. |
| Tuner | Decodes broadcast signals. |
| TV Cabinet | Credenza-type furniture with storage drawers, doors, shelves, and tabletop area for flat-screen TVs. Large chest with doors to hide and protect TV and components. |
| TV Stand/Cart | Furniture designed to hold TVs by weight and size, with room for components. |
| Universal Remote | Programmable remote that replaces individual remotes to run all AV equipment from a central remote. |
| VCR | Plays movies pre-recorded on magnetic tape. |
| Wall/Ceiling Mounts | Stationary or swiveling unit that attaches 9-inch to 84-inch TVs to walls or ceilings. |
| Widescreen | Movies with ratios of 1.85:1 (preferred) or 2.35:1. |
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