Matrix Surround Sound

Matrix surround sound is a method of encoding several audio channels into a pair of analog audio channels. The sound is encoded during production and decoded by a surround sound processor.

Since the channels in a matrix surround sound system are not independent, they tend to interact with and bleed into one another. Analog matrixed sound does not have the high level of quality found in independent digital formats.

Midrange

Midrange refers to the middle band of audio frequencies. The human ear is most sensitive to the midrange area of the frequency spectrum. Human speech falls in the midrange, making it one of the most important areas for sound reproduction.

Moiré Patterns

A moiré (pronounced (more-ay) pattern is a form of video image distortion created when multiple screen-like patterns are superimposed over one another, producing a screen door effect.

Monitor

A monitor is a video display that has no tuner. It can only display information sent to it from other connected video components.

While televisions often are referred to as monitors, televisions contain built-in tuners.

Mono

Mono, or monaural, means one. A movie with a mono soundtrack has only one channel of audio information. A mono amplifier has only one channel of output.

Monochrome

Monochrome means a single color.

MPEG-1

MPEG-1 is a video compression format developed by the Motion Picture Experts Group. MPEG-1 eliminates data from an audio/video signal by removing information that cannot be perceived (or is difficult to perceive) by human senses, making the signal smaller in size. MPEG-1 compression is used when quality is not the primary issue. MPEG-1 is inferior to MPEG-2, which is used with DVD, DBS and HDTV.

MPEG-1 compresses video to a much smaller size; however, when MPEG-1 video is played back on a video display, the images are only slightly better than VHS quality.

MPEG-2

MPEG-2 is a high-quality audio/video compression format developed by the Motion Picture Experts. MPEG-2 is used for DVD, DBS (direct broadcast satellite) and HDTV.

MPEG-2 offers improved compression compared to MPEG-1. MPEG-2 eliminates data that cannot be perceived (or is difficult to perceive) by human senses.

MPEG-2 does not compress video to the same degree as MPEG-1, so the signal is a bit larger. However, superior quality and flexibility make MPEG-2 a preferred format that is becoming an industry standard.