Operating instructions

Extron • System 8/10 PLUS • User’s Manual
Reference
B-17
Glossary of Terms
Horizontal Resolution –Smallest increment of a video picture in the horizontal plane is a scan line. The
number of scan lines is dependent upon the video bandwidth and is measured in
frequency. The number of lines it takes to scan an image onto the screen.
Luminance –This is the signal that represents brightness in a video picture. Luminance is any
value between black and white. In mathematical equations, luminance is
abbreviated as “Y”. (See Chrominance.)
Matrix Switcher –In audio/video, a means of selecting an input source and connecting it to one or
more outputs. Like a Switcher, but with multiple inputs and multiple outputs.
M (Mega) –An abbreviation for one million. A megabyte is actually 1024K, or roughly a
million bytes (1,048,076 to be exact [1024 x 1024]).
MHz (as in 8 MHz) –An abbreviation for megahertz. This is a unit of measurement and refers to a
million cycles per second. Video bandwidth is measured in megahertz.
Milli (m) –Abbreviation for one thousandths. Example: 1 ms = 1/1000 second.
Monitor –A) A TV that receives a video signal directly from a VCR, camera or separate TV
tuner for high quality picture reproduction. It does not include a tuner.
B) A video display designed for use with closed circuit TV equipment.
C) Device used to display computer text and graphics.
Monochrome Signal –A “single color” video signal— usually a black and white signal, or sometimes the
luminance portion of a composite or component color signal.
Motion –In video, the term “motion” is used as opposed to “still” because there can be a
difference in the way these two types of video are processed for the best viewing
results, especially when the video is line-doubled or line-quadrupled. Motion
video includes movies and TV programs, while still would include text and slide
presentations. See Still.
Non-Interlaced – Also called progressive scan – a method by which all the video scan lines are
presented on the screen in one sweep instead of two (also see Interlaced).
NTSC –National Television Standards Committee. Television standard for North America
and parts of South America. 525 lines/60 Hz (60 Hz Refresh).
NTSC Decoder –See Decoder.
Output –The product of an operation by a device going to some external destination, such
as another device, a video screen, image or hard copy.
PAL ( Phase Alternate Line) –The phase of the color carrier is alternated from line to line. It takes four full
pictures for the color to horizontal phase relationship to return to the reference
point. This alternation helps cancel out phase errors, the reason the hue control
is not needed on PAL TV sets. PAL, in its many forms is used extensively in
Western Europe.
Peak-to-Peak –(abbreviated p-p) The amplitude (voltage, for example) difference between the
most positive and the most negative excursions (peaks) of a signal.
Peaking –A means of compensating for mid and high frequency RGB Video Bandwidth
response in data monitors and projectors and for signal losses due to cable
capacitance. When using the Peak enhancements, use the following guidelines
for proper output settings: Use 50% with all computer frequencies between 15-
125 kHz at any cable length. Use 100% with high frequency computers of 36 kHz
or higher with cable lengths 75 feet or greater.
Pinout –An illustration or table that names signals, voltages, etc. that are on each pin of a
connector or cable.
Plenum Cable –Cable having a covering that meets the UL specifications for resistance to fire.
PLUGE –(Picture Line Up Generation Equipment) –
This is the name of a test pattern that assists in properly setting picture black
level. PLUGE can be part of many test patterns. The phrase and origination of
the test signal are both credited to the BBC.