The modern market for audio and video equipment offers a wide range of devices with various features and specifications. To make the right choice and better understand the functionality of the equipment, it’s important to be familiar with key terms and technical details. This glossary will help you quickly and easily grasp the meanings of essential terms related to TVs, sound systems, speakers, and other home electronics.
Glossary of Terms for “Audio and Video Equipment”
Resolution (4K, 8K) — the number of pixels on a screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image. 4K refers to 3840×2160 pixels, while 8K is 7680×4320 pixels.
Refresh Rate (Hz) — the number of times the image on the screen is refreshed per second. A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120 Hz) ensures smoother display of fast-moving scenes.
Smart TV — a TV that offers internet access and supports online services like YouTube, Netflix, and other apps.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) — a type of display where each pixel emits its own light, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. OLED displays are known for high contrast and wide viewing angles.
QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) — a display technology that uses quantum dots to enhance brightness and color reproduction. Unlike OLED, QLED panels require an external backlight.
Dolby Atmos — a surround sound technology that creates a 3D audio experience by allowing sound to move not just horizontally but also vertically, adding height to the sound field.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) — an interface used for transmitting high-quality video and audio between devices, such as a TV and a gaming console or Blu-ray player.
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) — a feature of HDMI that allows sound to be sent back from the TV to an audio system through the same cable used for the video signal.
Soundbar — a compact audio device designed to enhance the sound of your TV. Typically placed under the screen, it replaces the TV’s built-in speakers.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) — a technology that improves image quality by increasing contrast and making colors more vivid and realistic. Common HDR formats include HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Viewing Angles — the angle at which you can watch the screen while maintaining image quality without color or contrast distortion. Wider viewing angles allow more people to watch from different positions in the room without losing image clarity.
Audio Bitrate — a measure of the amount of data transferred in an audio stream. The higher the bitrate, the better the sound quality. It is measured in kilobits per second (kbps).
Optical Cable (Toslink) — a type of cable used to transmit digital audio signals. It provides high-quality sound and is commonly used to connect an audio system to a TV or Blu-ray player.
Game Mode — a TV setting that reduces input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on-screen), providing faster response times for gaming.
Audio System Power (Watts) — a measure of the maximum loudness and sound quality a sound system can produce. Higher power means clearer and more powerful sound at higher volumes.