Technical information

usually applied to media / data that are distributed over the internet, where the
delivery systems are either inherently streamed e.g. radio, music, television. The
verb 'to stream' is also derived from this term, meaning to deliver media in this
manner.
Stylus A small diamond on the end of a cartridge's cantilever. This sits within the
groove of an LP and picks up the vibrations recorded therein. The stylus is
generally spherical or elliptical in shape, although other variations have been
developed, all with a view to more accurately tracking the groove while reducing
damage to it. Elliptical styli are only suitable for tracking weights of less than
around two grams because their low contact area with the groove can cause
damage.
Subjective reviewing Subjective assessment is a vital component in judging any
piece of audio equipment. We have not established a set of tests which fully and
accurately describe the perceived performance of audio or video components.
Particularly with things like loudspeakers, an experienced listener can come to a
valuable view of the performance just from a brief listen. That said, subjectivism
does not negate the value of objective tests.
Subwoofer A speaker designed to produce only deep bass frequencies. Most
subwoofers are 'active' models, which means that they have an amplifier built in.
'Passive' subwoofers require an external amplifier. Active subwoofers also have a
level control and, usually, an upper frequency control, although an increasing
number are appearing without features not required when connected to a home
theatre receiver's Dolby Digital (or whatever) LFE output, which covers a frequency
band from 3 to 120 hertz.
Surround Sound An audio system which delivers sound from behind, as well as in
front of, the listener. This can be artificially generated by 'virtual surround'
systems which process a stereo signal to produce the effect of sounds from the
rear, even with just two speakers. More commonly, though, it refers to systems
such as Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital and DTS which were designed to deliver
specific channels of surround sound from speakers placed slightly behind and to
the sides of the listener. These typically also use a centre front channel and, in
some newer versions, an additional centre rear channel. In the professional
cinema context, surround sound is often called stereo. Contrast with mono and
stereo.
S-Video A cable with four pin connectors designed to carry video. Its virtue is that
it keeps the luminance part of the signal separate from the chroma part, providing
a significantly better picture quality. It is most commonly seen on DVD players and