Sampling Rate

The sampling rate is the number of samples or “snapshots” taken of a particular signal in a given amount of time (usually one second). All analog data converted to digital data is sampled. The samples are then given a value that can be stored digitally. Later, the samples are recreated from the digital data and blended to form a complete, continuous analog signal (this is the job of the digital-to-analog converter or DAC).

Higher sampling rates result in more pieces of the true signal. When a sufficient number of pieces are generated, the pieces meld together to form a very close approximation of the original, continuous analog signal.

Saturation

Saturation is the amount of pure color (depth and intensity) being displayed, based on how much white is present in proportion to the pure color. For example, a deep red has a high level of saturation (mostly pure red with little white), while light pink has a low level of saturation (a small amount of pure red and a high level of white). Most video displays have a saturation adjustment. If the saturation level is set too high, the colors will be too strong and bold. If saturation is set too low, the colors will be washed out.

Scan Line

A scan line is a single horizontal line on a video display which, when combined with other lines on the screen, creates a complete image. Scan lines are “painted” onto a display screen one at a time at an extremely fast pace. The more scan lines presented, the better the picture quality. Increasing scan lines increases the vertical resolution of a picture.

Scan Rate

Scan rate is the speed at which a video display paints scan lines onto a screen. Also referred to as picture rate or refresh rate.

Scan Velocity Modulation

Scan velocity modulation is a technique employed on some cathode ray (picture) tube television sets for slowing down or speeding up the electron gun as it scans or paints each horizontal line of information. The beam is slowed down to reproduce areas of bright light, and sped up on areas of low light or low brightness.

Scan velocity modulation is sometimes listed as a valuable feature, but it can cause picture distortions. Look for a television that allows you to turn this feature off.

SDTV (Standard Definition Television)

SDTV includes 12 accepted quality forms of the digital television standard adopted for the United States. SDTV features AC-3 digital surround sound, wide (16:9) and “square” (4:3) aspect ratios, and high-quality (not high-definition) digital video.

The nature of DTV (digital television – the television standard that encompasses the 6 forms of HDTV and the 12 forms of SDTV) eliminates many of the problems encountered with analog televisions, such as “snow,” poor color reproduction, color bleeding, etc. SDTV uses AC-3 encoded sound, resulting in the ability to transmit excellent quality surround sound audio in a 5.1 digital format.

The wider aspect ratio featured with some forms of SDTV (16 units wide by 9 units tall, or 16:9) allows movies to be presented in their full width. This will also result in “wide” television programming, presenting television shows in a more movie-like format.

Due to the smaller bandwidth needed to broadcast SDTV signals compared to HDTV signals, it’s possible to broadcast multiple SDTV programs over a single HDTV channel. This is known as multicasting. It results in lower picture quality (compared to HDTV) but offers more channels to choose from.

Set-top Box

A set-top box is a receiver that connects to a video display and receives and decodes video and/or audio signals. Also known as a receiver or tuner.

SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television En

The SMPTE maximizes/sets standards for video reproduction in theaters and at home, sets video standards and provides test materials, disseminates information for the betterment of video/image production and reproduction, and advances video technology.

Sound Logic™

Sound Logic is a feature in some TVs that keeps the volume level consistent during programming and channel changes. For example, sometimes commercials are louder than programs – Sound Logic adjust the volume so the volume level you set applies to all channels and programming.

Solid State

   Solid state is a type of electronic component composed of transistors and integrated circuits that use no vacuum tubes. Solid state electronics are the primary form of electronic components. They are reliable, low in distortion, cool running compared to vacuum tubes, efficient, and easy to produce.

   Cathode ray tubes, used in many video displays, are special forms of vacuum tubes. However, most modern televisions also contain solid state electronics.