Glossary
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9 definitions for S
S-video : Mini-Din plug connection used to carry video signal between source and display, in which the brightness and colour components of the signal are transmitted separately. Opinion is divided whether this or a Scart connection gives the best picture quality.
Sampling rate : How fast a digital recorder or player samples a signal. CD, DCC and MiniDisc use a rate of 44.1kHz - ie 44,100 samples per second - while DATrecorders offer a choice of 48kHz or 44.1kHz, and Digital Audio Broadcasting will work on 32kHz. A digital-to-analogue converter needs to work on all three rates. The sampling rate determines the highest frequency recordable a digital system can carry - hence the development of higher-sampling formats, such as Pioneer's 96kHz system, for better treble extension.
Scart : aka Euroconnector or even in some very old cases Peritel. A 21-pin connection between audio-visual components, carrying sound, vision and other signals. An RGB Scart is held by many to give the best picture quality for most people hooking up a DVD player to a TV set. Not all Scart cables are fully-wired - some have only the basic picture and sound connections made, while others are designed to carry video only. For more on this see entry under RGB.
Sensitivity : In simple terms, the more efficient the speaker, the lower the power requirements of your amplifier to drive them. If sensitivity is say 94dB at 1m for 1W input, then to produce your target volume, you need an amplifier of 1W ONLY!! If your speakers are rated at say 85dB sensitivity, then your amplifier needs to be 94-87=9dB louder and needs to be much more powerful to produce the same sound level.
+ Associated link: http://www.dt4u.com/dtsystems/speakertech.php
Shielding : Keeps a conductor or equipment away from interference.
Signal-to-noise ratio : Describes the difference between the level of the audio signal and the level of unwanted noise. The larger the figure, measured in dB, the lower the noise will be.
Subwoofer : A separate woofer box to produce the deep lows smaller speakers can't reach.
Super Audio CD : Developed by Sony and Philips, SACD uses 1-bit Direct Stream Digital (DSD) recording technology. Most discs are dual layer, with a standard CD layer which will play on a conventional CD player and a second SACD layer for improved performance when replayed on a dedicated SACD machine.
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