Television Buying Guide .co.uk

Thomson TV Glossary

The television may be connected to a battery using a cigarette lighter plug (mobile home, boat, car, etc.) thanks to its 12/24 V function.

Auto 16:9

A signal is used to identify programs in 16:9 format and allows you to record and playback these programs in the correct format.

Auto format

When receiving programs in 16:9 "letter box" format (if the appropriate signal is being broadcast), the television automatically switches to 16:9 format and the black bands disappear from the top and bottom of the screen

Auto Install (automatic channel programming)

During television and VCR installation, the Auto Install function enables the television to find and store all available TV channels. Afterwards, you simply assign a number to each channel.

Auto Install +

During installation, the VCR or the television automatically finds, stores and classifies the available TV channels.

Autoclock setting

This function allows the clock of the TV to be set automatically and accurately (date and time).

BBE Viva

This is a new sound processing system technology that recreates a High Definition 3D Sound and 3D Surround effect from two stereo channels, while also enhancing audio texture and improving low frequency processing.

Channel Lock

The television can be partially locked (individual channels). It is necessary to enter your confidential code in order to watch the channel again.

Child Protection Lock

The television can be locked totally by pressing a button on the remote control. The television can only be turned on again by using the remote control.

Cinerama Zoom

To take full advantage of your 16:9 screen, even with 4:3 broadcasting formats, and view the picture across the entire surface of the screen, THOMSON widescreen televisions are equipped with a zoom function to stretch the image horizontally. Cinerama Zoom completely eliminates distortion at the center of the screen caused by stretching the image when the full-screen mode is activated

Component outputs (Yuv / Y Cb Cr / Y Pr Pb)

These connectors allow you to have the best possible picture quality from your DVD player. The Y Pr Pb can receive 1080i, 720p) high definition analogue signals.

Contact us

Telephone or Internet assistance can be accessed using the television's Navilight menu.

DCDI by Faroudja

DCDI technology improves the quality of video and multimedia images on matrix screens (plasma, LCD or DLP). This process provides better rendering of moving objects and considerably reduces the jagged lines effect. Images in movement are more natural and high quality. This image adaptation technology represents considerable progress in video image rendering and enables cinema quality images to be recreated.

Digital PhotoView

Your DVD player is able to directly display JPEG photos recorded on CD-R either as slide show or photo by photo.

Digital Pure Sound

A THOMSON exclusive sound concept, this technology employs a new generation of high performance suspended speakers for an even clearer sound. Using additional digital sound processing and optimized amplification, the result is a new experience in television sound.

Digital Pure Sound+

In addition to DPS, DPS+ includes a subwoofer with specific amplification. Coupled with the new suspension system, DPS+ sound provides a new dimension to the television sound experience.

Digital Pure Sound++

DPS++ incorporates two subwoofers with two specific amplifiers for the nec plus ultra in sound systems.

Digital Vision Mastering 100 Hz – 50 Hz

This process doubles vertical resolution using its Digital Vision Mastering 50 Hz mode. The image is much more detailed and realistic. It also doubles image refresh rate in the DVM 100 Hz mode, providing a more stable, rich and clear image. Horizontal resolution is also systematically improved using the original PSI (Picture Signal Improvement) process.

DLP (Digital light Processing)

Technology employed in the new generation of THOMSON retro projectors. It enables the product to be much lighter and smaller than conventional retro projectors.

DMD (Digital Micro Device)

A device made up of millions of hinge-mounted digital micromirrors that can reflect an all-digital image onto a DLP retro projector.

DSP

Digital signal processing allows you to recreate sound environments: Arena, Church, Stadium, Club, Theatre.

DTS™

DTS, also derived from the latest technologies used in movie theatres, offers similar characteristics to Dolby Digital® sound, through a reduced compression process, to allow even higher performance.

DTT: (Digital Terrestrial Television)

Digital television broadcast system using the DVB standard. A simple decoder is all that is required for DVB reception. Digital TV brings a number of advantages for viewers: a wider choice of programs, an image quality similar to that obtained with a DVD, a perfect audio quality, independent of the reception quality, enhanced sensitivity.

DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting)

Digital broadcasting format for channel bouquets. This standard is used by cable operators, certain satellites and in terrestrial digital TV in certain countries.

DVD integrated

Compact and space saving, it eliminates unnecessary cables and creates the best conditions for watching movies.

DVI (Digital Video Interface)

Connectors used for High Definition Home cinema products to provide a high quality digital video signal.

Dynamic Bass

A new sound processing to boost bass effects and to enlarge the bass restitution to enjoy an incredible sound atmosphere.

Focus Gun

Pictures are pure, bright and sharp. Our specific guns mean Thomson products have the best purity / price / picture / quality trade off.

Front Connection Jacks (Video In, S-Video in, Audio L/R in, Headphones)

The connection jacks on THOMSON televisions offer many connection possibilities. These jacks are connected on the front or the side of the television and are therefore easily accessible. They allow you to connect a camcorder, a headphone or a video game console.

Graphic equalizer

Feature used to manually tune the frequency response of the sound reproduction.

HD High Definition

Certain products in the THOMSON range are HD compatible. This means they can receive and project a High Definition signal either in 1080i or in 720 p (the top in image quality).

HDCP - High Definition Copy Protection

Protocol for checking the compatibility of the digital link between the DVD player and the projector. The source checks that the content played is not copied digitally. This is guaranteed by the display device.

HDMI

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital interface for high definition multimedia signals. It supports high definition standards in video and multichannel audio. HDMI provides 5 Gb/second bandwidth and content protection (anti-copy), adaptation to the picture formats and the presence of a connector that is compatible with digital display DVI connectors.

HDTV

High definition TV. TVs that support the XGA or SXGA format usually support the HDTV format. The picture quality is 2 to 4 times more accurate than conventional television. The very high picture quality is obtained by a far higher resolution. The main resolutions available in HDTV are: 720p: 1280x720 progressive pixels, 1080i: 1920x1080 interlaced pixels. Interlaced format enables the bandwidth to be reduced by sending the even lines in one frame and then the odd lines in the next one. This may result in flickering. The video processors integrated in the display systems (such as DCDi) and the frame memories will reduce this effect. The progressive mode displays all the lines in each frame.

Help Mode

A user-friendly, super-easy interface explains the function of each key on the display of the Hi-Fi system, providing you with a built-in user's manual.

Hi-Fi Stereo NICAM

This allows you to play back or record programs in Hi-Fi stereo and Dolby Surround® which are broadcast in NICAM with CD quality sound.

High Focus

High Focus image processing used on flat screen displays associates input signal non interlacing and image optimization to obtain the best results in terms of color and clarity. This processing is also able to receive HD signals (720p and 1080i) via the analogue YUV input or digital DVI-HDCP input and display the signal on the screen regardless of its resolution.

High Focus 100 Hz

A normal TV provides an image that is scanned 25 times per second. The adapted 100 Hz digital technologies used for image processing can double the scanning speed to reduce the flicker effect and obtain a more stable image and more comfortable viewing. Noise reduction is adapted to the movement to reduce noise on the images in the event of poor reception while retaining optimal fluidity for fast movement.

Hi-Pix 100 Hz (for CRTs)

New 100 Hz system that optimizes image quality through more accurate video processing: By increasing the scope of the video signal, the number of pixels per line is multiplied by 4, which significantly improves the luminance signal and enables all the details to be seen no matter how small. By doubling the color sampling through the use of the 4.2.2 system (display quality), color resolution is twice as accurate and more life-like.

Hi-Pix 2

Hi-Pix 2 is derived from the Hi-Pix system and optimizes digital signal processing (picture and audio) using a new exclusive electronic process. Its efficiency is especially suited to the latest plasma, LCD and DLP displays. The video processing quality is further enhanced by the use of new 10 bit signal processing and non interlacing systems that magnify the high resolution of the Thomson HD–Ready displays (full HD or WUXGA displaying 2 million pixels).

Interactive Menu Control

This is an interactive menu system which appears on the screen to display help menus and instructions on your television screen and make using your video recorder easier. Messages are displayed, for example, when one program setting overlaps another, or when all program settings available have been used, the length of the cassette is indicated automatically as well as the amount of time left on the cassette.

Invar Mask

The Invar mask improves picture quality and provides exceptional color purity and stability because its form resistance against temperature.

Kid Pass

Equipped with the Kid Pass function, the TV or TV-VCR combination has a real educative role. It teaches children to manage their preferences. Parents can assign a certain amount of time per day and the television will automatically turn off once this time has been used.

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display. This type of display does not emit light and requires a light source. LCD technology uses 3 semi-transparent subpixels (one for each elementary color) and requires white backlighting. The subpixels are made up of numerous cells, in turn containing liquid crystals that react to an electric current. This current stimulates the cells which become more or less transparent (or opaque) so that a bright and sharp picture is formed on the display. The latest technological advances mean that it is possible to build increasingly larger LCDs with an even more amazing resolution (full HD, 2 million pixels), while improving the processing capacities for images in movement.

Multibrand TV Remote Control

This remote control allows you to control both your video recorder or DVD player and your television (THOMSON televisions as well as most other brands).

Multi-brand TV-VCR Remote Control

Multi-brand TV-VCR remote controls allow you to control your VCR and are compatible with most commercially available TV sets.

NAVILIGHT system™

The new generation of Thomson user interfaces offers user-friendly and intuitive navigation which is fun to use. At the press of a key on the remote control unit, NaviLight system™ lets you enter the world of your TV set: all the functions appear on the screen in the form of illustrations that guide you very quickly.

NexTView Link

When forthcoming television programs are announced on your television screen you can instantly program your video recorder for one or more of these broadcasts simply by pressing a key on the remote control unit.

NICAM

The NICAM process consists in transmitting a digital stereo sound of audio CD quality via an analog channel in addition to the usual mono sound. Films, sports events or concerts encoded in Dolby Surround can also be received, which allows you to use the Dolby Surround Pro Logic function or the Virtual Dolby Surround function integrated in some televisions.

On-screen menu system

This menu system guides the user with information regarding the operation of the device.

Optical in/out

Optical input lets you connect compatible devices such as like satellite/cable set-top boxes to enjoy digital surround sound. The optical output lets you connect any of a growing number of recordable devices such as CD recorder or MD for digital quality dubbing.

Pan European

Pan-European tuners are compatible with the Pal/Secam BG, DKK’, LL’ and I standards.

PAP (Picture and picture)

The screen is divided into two active pictures that are slightly compressed.

PAT (Picture and Text)

The screen is divided into two sections: an active picture that is slightly compressed and a full page of Teletext.

Perfect Contrast 1

This process improves picture contrast by reinforcing blacks.

Perfect picture freeze

This function is used to obtain exact picture freezing with no picture distortion.

Picture and audio presets

The latest generation of Navilight interface allows you to dialogue easily and clearly with your TV. It comes with 7 preset picture modes (film, studio, sport, standard, games, camera and programmable personal mode presets) and 6 preset modes for audio (film, music, voice, standard, optimized and programmable personal mode presets). This means that whatever the program and the circumstances, you can immediately select the most suitable audio and picture settings to meet your expectations.

Picture freeze

Because it records images, the 100 Hz technology lets you freeze an image of a program you are watching if you want to write down a telephone number, an address or just look closely at a detail of the frozen image. All you need to do for this is press a button on the remote control.

PIP (Picture in Picture)

In addition to the program being watched, this function allows a second program from another device to be displayed in the corner of the screen.

PIP 2 Tuners (Picture in Picture)

Thanks to the built-in second tuner , this function lets you display another program in the corner of the screen in addition to the program being watched.

Plasma

This technology is used for very large size displays: a panel is made up of two glass substrates just 100 microns apart and filled with a mix of inert gases (neon and xenon). Excited electrically, they produce controlled energy which is immediately colored by red, green and blue phosphors. Progress made each year in this technology enables levels of contrast to be obtained that match the best CRTs while reducing their electrical consumption significantly and increasing their life cycle to 60,000 hours in operation.

Profiles

Name of the large DLP technology screen with a veneer finish and less than 18cm in depth.

Program Info

A simple press of the yellow key on the remote control gives you access to the name of the current program, the time the program started and ends, and the name of the next program. With the List function (blue key), you can review the programs that will be broadcast by the station in the next few days, and select a program from this list. Your television will be switched on automatically when the program is broadcast. Finally, if your television and VCR have the NexTView Link, you can also simply select a program, and it will be taped automatically

Progressive Scan

With this process, each half picture is stored and the whole picture is displayed line per line, progressively . Each 1/50-second, all the lines of the pictures are displayed on the screen. This doubles the vertical definition and improves the brightness of the picture.To enjoy the real digital picture definition of your DVD movies, connect your Progressive Scan DVD player with Component output to some TV or other high end monitors (some LCD projectors , Plasma screens or video projectors).

PSI

The PSI process (Picture Signal Improvement) systematically improves horizontal picture resolution thanks to: - Contrast Expand: this process improves the contrasts for blacks and whites. - Natural Green / Blue Stretch: this function makes greens and blues appear natural. - Transient color improvement: this digital processing of transitions between colors helps to improve the definition and sharpness of the picture. - Vertical Picking: this process improves the horizontal lines that make up the picture.

Pure Picture + :

Exclusive THOMSON process providing you with the best pictures. Thanks to the Intelligent Noise Reduction function, interference caused by bad reception is automatically reduced. This function improves the picture as it takes into account noise and movements.

Rear Connection Jacks

The rear connection jacks are also very advanced. They allow you to use three Euro-AV sockets to connect three different devices such as a video recorder or a decoder, and also give you four connecting clips for Dolby Pro Logic® speakers. The rear connection jacks can also be used to connect a sound amplifier or a stereo system using two or four Cinch out jacks.

Sleep Timer

This easily-used function can be quickly accessed thanks to the interactive menu and is available on all THOMSON television sets. With it you can automatically program your television to switch off after a certain period of time.

Slim Flat Tube

Enjoy the same picture size and quality but with a cabinet that is on average 20% less deep. This means it is much easier to integrate your TV in your home environment.

SRS TruSurround XT

This 3D digital audio processing technology recreates an extraordinary cinema Surround effect using two channels (stereo) and also enhances bass and voice audio, two essential elements in the Home Cinema experience.

SRS Wow

SRS Wow technology provides an audio spatial image and bass enhancement system for a total Home Cinema experience.

Subwoofer

High quality speaker specifically dedicated to reproduction of low frequency audio information (below 250 Hz). The subwoofer is essential to enjoy Home Cinema sound.

Subwoofer with Bass Reflex system

Associated with Bass Reflex technology, the subwoofer provides a perfect rendering of low frequencies which are the main elements of very good sound quality.

SVGA

Computer quality image corresponding to a resolution of 800x600 pixels.

Teletext

Used in a number of countries under different names (Top Text, Fast Text, Floftext, Video Text), Teletext is a free service that is offered by television channels. This service is a database of information (weather, sports results, news, games, etc.) available at all times. To get access to the different subjects shown on the screen, which are represented by different colored squares, all you need to do is press on the same colored buttons on the remote control.

Tension Mask

Used with flat screens, this new generation of flat, stretched masks gives perfect distribution of the light beam over the entire surface of the screen. This technology improves the picture quality and ensures the purity of colors and perfect stability over time.

THOMSON TV-DVD-VCR Multibrand Remote Control

This remote control allows you to control your THOMSON TV and any brand of DVD or VCR.

THOMSON TV-DVD-VCR Remote Control

This remote control allows you to control your THOMSON TV, DVD and VCR.

THOMSON TV-DVD-VCR-SAT-HIFI-AUX Multibrand Remote Control

This remote control allows you to control your THOMSON TV and 5 devices of any brand.

Tweeter

Additional treble speakers for a perfect rendering of high frequencies which allow to enlarge the sound field.

Twinbass

New technology used to bring more power to the recorders and enhance the sound through better bass separation. Each speaker box has a separate enclosure and thanks to the Bass Reflex ports with specific length and diameter, the sound is more dynamic and powerful.

USB Port (TV)

To playback mp3 sound files and display Jpeg picture files from USB card readers or memory keys connected to your TV.

Virtual Dolby Surround

Virtual Dolby sound is a new sound generation, offered on most of the televisions in the THOMSON line. This innovation is an exclusive process from Dolby laboratories. Associated with two amplifiers built into the television, the Virtual Dolby Processor uses two channels to provide the sound of a conventional Dolby system, usually encoded on four channels (center, right, left, and rear surround). Virtual Dolby sound fully integrated in the television set operates without any additional speakers. With Virtual Dolby sound, you'll feel all the emotion and atmosphere of a real movie theater.

Wake up Timer

This function is available on most THOMSON television receivers and is a simple way of programming the device to catch the start of a show or film or to be woken up.

WGA

Computer image quality corresponding to a resolution of 852x480.

WUXGA

Computer image quality (full HD) corresponding to a resolution of 1920x1080.

WXGA

Computer image quality corresponding to a resolution of 1366x768 or 1280x720.

X-Flat Tube

Perfectly flat outlook with an incomparable comfort of vision.

XGA

Computer image quality corresponding to a resolution of 1024x768.

Zoom (TV)