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Glossary

  • If you're unsure of any phrases you come across, have a read through our glossary for a helpful guide.

  • A-C

    A-C

     

    1080i - One of the two high definition (HD) TV formats that are used by Sky+ HD. The I stands for interlaced scanning. Interlaced scanning is based on the principle that the screen shows odd lines at each scan of the screen.

    3G - The third generation protocol for mobile phones, which supports a much higher data rate, measure in Mbps.

    720p - Second of the two high definition (HD) TV formats that are used by Sky+ HD. The P stands for progressive scan. Progressive scanning offers a smoother picture then the interlaced images on standard definition PAL TVs.

    APN/ Access Point Name - An Access Point Name identifies an external network that is accessible from a terminal. An APN has several attributes associated with it that define how you can access the external network at that point.

    Aspect Ratio - The ratio of the width to height of a TV screen. 16:9, widescreen TV, is the format used by HD TV.

    Browser - A software application used to access information on the internet.

    Component Video - An analogue HD signal input connected from a Sky Box to a display via three cables coloured red, blue and green.

    Contention Ratio - Contention ratio is the ratio to which available bandwidth is distributed between users. For example, if the service is contended at 33:1, it means that you share the bandwidth on your internet connection with up to 32 other users.

    Cookies - Some websites create small files on your computer called cookies to monitor your personal preferences and browsing habits. Cookies have multiple uses, such as storing the settings you have chosen for a specific website.

     

    D-F

    D-F

    DAB - Digital Audio Broadcasting is a system used to broadcast radio programmes.

    DVI/ Digital Visual Interface - A video only connector found on some DVD and flat screen TVs. Users can connect DVI TVs to their initial Sky+ HD box via an adaptor. Although, in order for this to work the connector will still have to support HDCP.

    Digital Optical Lead - A lead that carries digital sound from a Sky Box to an external amplifier.

    Digital Switchover - From September 2007 until 2012, all television signals in the UK will switch to digital. This means that when the switchover happens, any TV set or video recorder that’s not converted to digital will show a blank screen.

    Dolby Digital - Six channel digital audio surround sound format. It accompanies most DVDs and will be used in some HD TV systems including Sky+ HD, which uses Dolby Digital 5.1.

    Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) - This is another name for the Sky Guide which tells you what programmes are available to watch.

    Encryption - Encryption is the process of changing information to make it unreadable. Sky uses a signal which scrambles the original transmitted material to protect subscription or pay-per-view services.

    Ethernet - A common method of networking computers in a local area network. Ethernet provides a fast and efficient connection between devices such as PCs, routers and printers. The Sky Broadband box can be connected to computers using the Ethernet cable included in the installation package.

    Firewall - A security system that can consist of either hardware, software or both that limits the exposure of a computer or computer network to attacks from crackers by blocking selected traffic.

    Freesat - Freesat from Sky lets you enjoy more than 240 digital channels of free entertainment.

    Freeview - Freeview is a free to air digital television service available in the UK. Broadcast from terrestrial transmitters using the DVB-T standard, launched 2002.


    G-I

    G-I

    GPRS/ General Packet Radio Service - A mobile phone protocol that uses data technology where information is sent in short packets over the network. Often called 2.5G it allows content other then voice to be received and transmitted on a mobile handset. 

    Gamepad - A purpose built wireless games controller compatible with Sky Boxes, that allows up to four players, each with their own gamepad, to compete with one another in selected Sky Active games.

    Gigabyte - A unit of information, this term can be used when describing computer storage, file sizes and the speed with which information can be transferred.

    Gnome (Sky Gnome) - Sky Gnomes are no longer available to buy, if you already have a Sky Gnome, technical support is provided by Global Communications-call 01621 74 43 22.

    HD Ready - HD Ready is a labelling scheme appearing on an increasing number of TV displays, and any TV set that carries the HD Ready label will work with Sky’s HDTV service.

    High Definition TV (HD) - Generally refers to TV with at least twice the vertical and horizontal picture resolution of current digital and analogue TV systems. This makes the picture at least four times as detailed.

    High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) - A copy protection scheme used for many HD TV transmissions to ensure that TV footage cannot be copied or shared illegally. HDCP is used on the Sky+ HD service.

    HDMI/ High Definition Multimedia Interface - Sometimes referred to as the digital SCART, HDMI is a digital video standard using both a specific lead and socket that can transmit both uncompressed HD digital audio and video signals. Screens require a HDMI connector with HDCP, high bandwidth digital content protection, (or the slightly lower specified DVI) to receive Sky’s HD transmissions.

    IP - Every computer connected to the Internet has a unique IP address To find your current IP address type 192.168.0.1 into your internet browser's address bar and press Enter to access your router settings (the default username is admin and the default password is sky). Select Router Status to find your current IP address under ADSL Port.

    Icon - A pictorial image used in a graphical user interface to represent a program, command, or a link to a web page on a computer screen.

    Information Button - The I button on your Sky Remote Control reveals further information, such as synopsis and start times, when pressed whilst watching a programme.

    Interactive Button - The interactive button allows access to interactive services such as shopping, banking, information, email and games.

    Internet Service Provider (ISP) - This is a company which provides internet access to its customers. If you're a Sky Broadband subscriber, Sky is your ISP.


    J-L

    J-L

    Local Area Network (LAN) - A local area network is a computer network covering a small area such as a home or office, you can set up a LAN with Sky Broadband.

    Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) - LCD televisions use liquid crystals that act as shutters to produce a picture on a television screen. HD LCD screens are compatible with Sky+ HD transmissions if they carry the 'HD-Ready' logo.

    LLU - LLU broadband providers supply their product using a privately owned local network between the local BT exchange and the customers premises. They have their own dedicated equipment located within the BT exchange. (See also Non-LLU).

    Letterbox Mode - Letterbox mode is a method of viewing a widescreen programme in full on a non-widescreen TV with a 4:3 ratio. This is achieved by adding black lines to the top and bottom of the picture.


    M-O

    M-O

    MAC - A migration authorisation code, this is issued by your broadband provider and used to switch from them to another provider with the minimum of down-time.

    MB - Stands for megabyte, a unit for measuring the size of electronic data.

    MPEG4 - MPEG4 is an efficient means of compressing the data that makes up an audio-visual signal such as a digital TV broadcast. This is the format used by Sky+ HD.

    Microfilter - You will be supplied with a Microfilter when you sign-up for Sky Broadband, this device is plugged into your phone socket whereby you can use both the internet and phone connection from one point without interference between the two.

    Mobile TV - Mobile TV is service that enables you to watch TV on your mobile phone. Delivered via a mobile phone network direct to your phone, mobile TV offers a wide range of television channels including news, sports, entertainment, music and films.

    Monthly Usage Cap - With some Sky Broadband products, this is the amount of data that a customer can download from the internet in one month.

    Multiroom - Sky Multiroom allows you to watch different Sky channels in different rooms at the same time. To get Sky Multiroom you need an extra subscription and box from Sky for each room you want to watch different Sky broadcasts in.

    Non-LLU - Non-LLU broadband providers supply their product over the existing BT network using BT's exchange equipment.

    On Screen Message (OSM) - An on screen message appears on the TV screen to give you information about your Sky service or equipment. An example of an OSM is: "For your information no satellite signal is being received."

    Optical Audio Out - This socket is used to connect a Sky Box to an external amplifier using a digital optical lead. Note that only Sky+ and Sky+ HD can supply a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack.


    P-R

    P-R

    PAL - The TV system currently in use in the UK and much of Europe, it offers 625 lines of resolution though only 575 are visible. HD signals have up to twice the resolution of PAL standard definition signals.

    Personal Video Recorder (PVR) - A personal video recorder is the term given to equipment, such as Sky+ and TiVo, which can digitally record TV programmes onto a hard disk for future playback.

    Parental Rating - A rating allocated to a programme by broadcasters. This gives an indication which programmes are suitable for which age groups.

    Pay-Per-View (PPV) - PPV events are broadcast on Sky Box Office where you can enjoy the latest films or biggest sporting events.

    Peer to Peer Networking - The Sky Player Software uses peer-2-peer technology, meaning your computer will automatically share programmes you've downloaded with other Sky Player users. Download Sky Player.

    Personal Planner - The Personal Planner is the feature of the Sky Guide. This can be used to store reminders for future programmes, or set Series Links , Autoview and Sky+ recording functions.

    Phishing - Phishing is the act of attempting to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details on the internet, commonly by sending fake emails claiming to be from reputable organisations.

    PIN - Your Sky Viewing Card has a PIN (Personal Identification Number) allowing you access to interactive services, Sky Box Office and able to restrict access to adult-certified content.

    Pixelation - Used to describe the affect where the picture, or parts of the picture, breaks down into small squares.

    Plug and Play - Plug and play is a computer protocol that allows the addition of new devices, such as a router, without requiring configuration or manual installation of device drivers.

    Port Blocking - Port Blocking is the restriction of internet services on certain ports. A port is a data connection that can be used by programs to exchange data directly, instead of going through a file or other temporary storage location.

    Pre-Order Enquiry/POE - This is information we sent prior to ordering a line from BT in order to establish whether the line is acceptable for broadband.

    Public Switched Telephone Network/PSTN - This is the network which connects all the telephone lines in the United Kingdom into a single network capable of handling voice communications from anywhere in the country.

    RF Output - The RF Output is a socket on the back of your Sky Box which can be used to connect a to a TV or to recording device such as DVD Player or a VCR.

    RGB/ Red, Green and Blue - RGB is also a method of providing a TV picture via SCART which has greater clarity then three lead composite connectors. When RGB is selected you must also set SCART control to on.

    Remote Record - A service that allows you to send a text message if you are away from home to your Sky+ box to set up a recording.

    Router - You will be supplied with a router when you sign-up for Sky Broadband and this allows your computer to connect to the internet via a wireless connection or using an Ethernet cable.


    S-U

    S-U

    SCART - SCART is a French originated standard connector used to connect audio visual equipment. Using SCART provides better connectivity between equipment such as Sky Boxes and TVs.

    SCART Control - This is an option in the Service menu that prioritises your set top box to use SCART over any other input by choosing On.

    Standard Definition (SD) - TV or video broadcast in 576i resolution. Normally refers to digital TV broadcast in the same resolution as analogue systems, and not HD.

    SPDIF - A cable primarily used with CD players that is also used to connect a Sky+HD set top box to amplifiers and receivers.

    Search and Scan Banner - This is an on screen display that is accessed by pressing the Select button while watching a channel. The Search and Scan Banner provides information on programmes currently showing, and are coming up in the next few hours.

    Series Link - A method of adding a series of programmes to the planner, or recording a series of programmes on Sky+. Series Link can be selected from within the Personal Planner when highlighting a programme, if made available by the broadcaster, by pressing the green button.

    Sky 3D - Sky 3D enables you to watch the best of TV with an incredible sense of depth that puts you right in the heart of the action. First seen in pubs and then made available in the home, Sky 3D is the ultimate viewing experience.

    Sky+ - Sky+ allows you record programmes and watch others while doing so, there's a handy series link feature which automatically records your favourite shows although if you do forget to record something you can use the Remote Record facility. You can also pause and rewind live TV at the touch of a button meaning you never miss a thing.

    Sky Anytime Mobile - Sky Anytime Mobile is an application that you can download and install on your mobile that lets you watch Sky broadcasts on your phone.

    Sky Anytime TV - Sky Anytime TV automatically downloads a selection of movies and programmes to your Sky Box each day, allowing you to watch what you want, when you want.

    Sky Box Office - Sky Box Office is the Pay-Per-View (PPV) service offered by Sky allowing you to watch the latest movies and the biggest sporting events.

    Sky Gnome - Sky Gnome is a wireless receiver that allows you to listen to your favourite Sky TV and radio channels in any room of the house. Please note Sky Gnome is no longer available to buy.

    Sky Guide - This is the interface between Sky digital and you, the customer. This is displayed on screen via the search and scan banner, the TV guide, Box Office, services or the interactive keys. This is used to access things such as games services, programme listings, digibox settings and to book Box Office events.

    Sky Player - Sky Player lets you browse, download, and watch hundreds of films from Sky Movies and top sporting highlights from Sky Sports on your computer. Get Sky Player or find help for Sky Player.

    Sky Text - Sky text is Sky's digital teletext service that's free to access and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with up to the minute information on news, finance, sport, weather, holidays and travel.

    Spam - Refers to unsolicited email often sent to large numbers of people with the intention of illegally advertising products or services.

    Spending Limit - A limit set up by the user where a PIN number has to be entered to book and view events over a certain cost.

    Spyware - Software that is secretly installed onto a user’s computer to monitor its use in some way without the user's consent. Spyware is usually installed on a computer as part of the installation of other software, such as screensavers or from visiting dubious websites.

    TVLINK - A tvLINK connects a Sky Box to a second TV and allows full remote control from the second viewing point.

    Telephone over Passive Optical Network/TPON - TPON is a network that BT uses to carry the equivalent of several hundred copper telephone lines over relatively few optical lines. This can cause slow speeds and/or no broadband.

    Terabyte - A Terabyte is the term given to the amount of space available within a hard drive. 1 Terabyte (1TB) is the same as 1000 Gigabytes of space. A Terabyte Sky+HD offers you four times the normal capacity .

    True HD - All programmes on Sky+ HD channels are broadcast in High Definition. The picture quality may be slightly higher, however, if the programme was originally recorded in HD - this is known as True HD, and is the highest picture quality currently available. If the programme was recorded in conventional media, then it will be put through a conversion process to make it suitable for broadcast on Sky+ HD channels.

    USB/ Universal Serial Bus - A USB port is commonly used to connect devices to PCs or Macs. This connection is also used for the Sky wireless adapter.


    V-Z

    V-Z

    Viewing Card - Your viewing card fits in your set top box and enables you to watch Sky programming. An active viewing card is needed to receive Sky services as well as encrypted free channels on freesat. <link to Problem with the Viewing Card>

    WPA-PSK encryption - WPA-PSK is extra strong encryption that provides wireless protection for the Sky Broadband box. It employs a consistent, easy to use method to secure the wireless network, using a network key that must be entered in order to log on. The name of the wireless network (SSID) and the network key are printed on the bottom of the Sky Broadband box (and on a separate wireless network settings card), for safe but easy to use accessibility.

    Watershed - The watershed is the time in the evening (9PM) after which programmes with adult content might be shown.

    Wireless Adapter - A wireless adapter is a device that allows your computer to communicate with a Sky Broadband box without using cables. If a computer is not wireless enabled, either a card that fits into the machine or an external USB device, such as the Sky wireless adapter, will provide this functionality.

    Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) - A form of wireless communication, most commonly found on mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), whose principle application is to provide internet access.

    Y Plug - This is a device used to provide two signals into one input.



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