Technical information

around nine decibels higher output than equivalent non-horn loaded loudspeakers,
which means they can produce the same output from just one eighth of the power
required for conventional speakers. This can, in turn, mean lower harmonic
distortion because driver excursion is significantly reduced.
Hybrid discs Optical discs which provide more than one format. Many SACDs are
hybrid, consisting of two layers. One layer carries SACD-only audio while the other
carries CD-only audio, providing considerable versatility for these discs. Most DVD
Audio discs are hybrid in the sense of carrying material suitable for both DVD
Audio and DVD Video players. However with most of these the capability is
provided by logical organization rather than physically separate layers or the like.
Recently there have been experiments conducted with providing hybrid DVD/CDs,
with the DVD material on one side and the CD material on the other.
Hybrid loudspeakers Loudspeakers in which two significantly different driver
technologies are used. For example, loudspeakers which use electrostatic panels
for midrange and treble combined with conventional bass drivers, or ribbon
tweeters combined with conventional bass drivers.
Hz Hertz See hertz.
I
IEC International Electro-technical Commission - a standards body whose
standards include those for SPDIF.
IEEE1394 The formal name of a high capacity digital connection standard,
capable of delivering up to 400mb/s. Frequently used for transferring video and
audio from digital video cameras to DVD recorders and computers. Also known
as Firewire (Apple Computer's name) and i.link (Sony's name).
i.link Sony's name for a high capacity digital connection standard, capable of
delivering up to 400mb/s. Frequently used for transferring video and audio from
digital video cameras to DVD recorders and computers. Also known as Firewire
(Apple Computer's name) and IEEE1394 (the formal name).
Imaging The sensation produced in a stereo or surround system of sounds
coming from between, behind and/or in front of the loudspeakers. The imaging is
described in various subjective ways relating to how tightly focused those sounds
appear, whether they seem to offer a fore-aft depth, whether they give an
impression of height as well as width and depth.