1080i - One of the two high definition (HD) TV formats that are used by Sky+HD.
The resolution of the picture is 1920 horizontal pixels by 1080 vertical pixels and 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, measured in Mbps.
720p - Second of the two high definition (HD) TV formats that are used by Sky+HD.
720p refers to a picture resolution of 1,280 horizontal pixels by 720 vertical pixels. The p stands
for progressive scan. Progressive scanning offers a smoother picture than the interlaced images on
standard definition PAL TVs.
Actual speed - The actual download and upload speeds that you experience when
using the internet will be slower than the Estimated Access Line Speed for your line. This is
because of various factors, including:
- If you are using a wireless connection between your computer and the Sky Wireless router -
wireless connections can be affected by interference from thick walls in your home, other
electrical items such as baby monitors or cordless phones, and local congestion if there are a
number of wireless connections using the same wireless channels (frequency) in your
neighbourhood.
- The number of people that are using the same website as you at the same time, and at peak times
(weekday evenings and weekends) as well as the number of people using the internet in the UK and
worldwide at the same time, can cause speeds can vary throughout the day.
ADSL/Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - ADSL is a data communications standard
used in broadband internet.
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. You can request the latest settings from your phone
manufacturer.
Apple AirPort - Apple AirPort is a wireless networking system from Apple Computers
and is required to set up a wireless connection between a Sky Broadband box and an Apple Mac. The
most recent version of the Apple AirPort is called the Apple AirPort Extreme.
Aspect Ratio - The ratio of the width to height of a TV screen. 4:3 was the
standard until the nineties. 16:9, widescreen TV, is more popular now and is the format used by HD
TV.
Browser - A software application used to access information on the internet e.g.
Internet Explorer.
Component Video - An analogue HD signal input connected from a Sky set top 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. With most broadband technologies some bandwidth is shared between
multiple 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. Cookies are relatively benign compared to
'true' spyware like behavioural and keyword monitoring applications – McAfee Internet Security
Suite (which is free for the first year with all Sky Broadband orders) is set by default to protect
your computer against spyware and other malicious applications. McAfee Security Suite 2008
automatically blocks any malign cookies trying to install on your computer. All other cookies,
considered benign, are allowed – this includes cookies that are needed to sign into secure
websites, such as checking email or banking.
DAB - Digital Audio Broadcasting is a system used to broadcast radio programmes.
In addition to the actual audio information (speech and music), the system is able to transmit
graphic images and text information at a low transmission rate.
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. However, in order
for this to work, the connector will still have to support HDCP.
Digibox - Digibox is the generic name given to a Sky digital satellite receiver
(e.g. a Sky+HD box) used to receive and view Sky programming and content.
Digital Optical Lead - A lead that carries digital sound from a Sky+HD 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.
Download Speed – The download speed of your broadband connection is the speed at
which data is transferred from the internet to you. Faster download speeds mean you can download
files like music tracks, photos or video clips faster. The download speed will also affect the
quality of watching streamed videos online. Faster download speeds should make the video less
likely to pause while you are watching it.
Driver - Referring specifically to computing, a driver is a piece of software
installed on a computer to allow it to communicate with a specific hardware device (e.g. Printer,
scanner, etc.).
EPG/Electronic Programme Guide - This is another name for the Sky Guide, which
allows you to plan your viewing up to seven days in advance via the 'tv guide' button on your Sky
Remote. Find out what's on, when and record available programmes or set a reminder when they're
about to start.
Encryption - Encryption is the process of changing information to make it
unreadable without special means. 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 yellow Ethernet cable
included in the installation package. This requires the user's computer to have an available
Ethernet port.
Estimated Access Line Speed - When you are selecting a Sky Broadband product to
order, we will provide you with an estimate of the fastest download speed that your phone line can
support. This is an estimate based on information including the length and quality of your phone
line, and refers to the download speed that we believe a Sky Broadband connection could achieve
between your router and Sky's broadband equipment in the local telephone exchange.
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 and is open to all UK residents (excludes the Republic of Ireland)
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.
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 digiboxes,
that allows up to four players, each with their own gamepad, to compete with one another in
selected Sky Active games.
GB – 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.
HD Ready - HD Ready is a labelling scheme that has been introduced by the TV
manufacturers’ organisation EICTA. The HD Ready logo is 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.
HD/High Definition TV - 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.
HDCP/High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection - 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 an HDMI connector with HDCP,
high bandwidth digital content protection, (or the slightly lower specified DVI) to receive Sky’s
HD transmissions.
IP - The abbreviation for internet protocol, IP refers to a set of communication
standards that control certain communications activity on the internet. An IP address is the
identifying number assigned to any computer connected to the internet.
Icon - A pictorial image used in a graphical user interface to represent a
program, a 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.
Job Sheet - Contains detailed information, required by an engineer to complete a
customer’s job (Name, Address, Job Type etc). A job sheet exists for each individual customer an
engineer has been allocated, and is signed by the customer to state that each job was carried out
to a satisfactory level.
Keypad - The keypad is a Sky remote control with a built in keyboard which can be
used to type emails on Sky Active applications.
LAN/Local Area Network - A local area network is a computer network covering a
small area such as a home or office. It is possible to set up a LAN with a Sky Broadband box using
either Ethernet cables, a wireless connection or a combination of both.
LCD/Liquid Crystal Display - 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 customer's 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.
Maximum product headline speeds - These are the advertised maximum speeds offered
with your Sky Broadband product, and refer to the fastest download and upload speeds that the Sky
Broadband connection could achieve between a router and the Sky Broadband equipment in the
telephone exchange.
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. Often known as a
'MAC code', it is normally 17 or 18 characters long and start with FTIP, BBDS, BBIP, or L. When
switching to Sky, you will be told at the time of sale if we need a MAC.
Mb – Refers to Megabits per second. This is the speed at which data can be
transferred.
MB - Stands for megabyte, a unit for measuring the size of electronic data. 1 MB =
1024 kilobytes = 1048576 bytes = 8388608 bits.
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 Network Operator - Your phone operator who provides voice and data
services.
Mobile TV - Mobile TV is a great new 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 an additional box
from Sky for each room you want to watch different Sky broadcasts in.
NICAM - This is a type of stereo sound used by terrestrial broadcasters. It is not
available via digital satellite.
Non-LLU - Non-LLU broadband providers supply their product over the existing BT
network using BT's exchange equipment.
OSM/On Screen Message - 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.
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.
PVR/Personal Video Recorder - 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 (like
those in PCs and Macs) 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. You can easily order the latest sports
events or movies by pressing box office on your Sky remote. It is also possible to book some
major Sky box Office sports events online.
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.
Personal Planner - The Personal Planner is a feature of the Sky Guide. This can be
used to store reminders for future programmes, set Series, 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.
Pixellation - 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 send 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 a digibox which can be used
to connect a digibox to a TV or to a VCR.
RGB/Red, Green and Blue - RGB is a method of providing a TV picture via SCART (a
21 pin audio visual connector) 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 an SMS 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-Video - An analogue video signal that separates the picture signal into colour and
brightness information. Normally used to connect a player to a TV or video projector, it is also
commonly used with camcorders. It offers a better picture quality then composite video but slightly
worse then component. This is an output on a Sky+ box and on some models of digibox, and is a small
DIN (circular) socket with four small holes.
SCART - SCART (Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et
Téléviseurs) is a French originated standard connector used to connect audio visual equipment. A
long rectangular connector, with up to 21 different pins, it can be used to carry various signals
such as RGB and composite. Using SCART provides better connectivity between equipment such as VCRs,
set top 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'.
SD/Standard Definition - TV or video broadcast in 576i resolution. Normally refers
to digital TV broadcast in the same resolution as analogue systems, and not HD (high definition).
SPDIF - A cable primarily used with CD players that is also used to connect a Sky+
HD set top box to amplifiers and receivers.
Safari - Safari is a web browser developed by Apple and is available as part of
the Mac OS X operating system.
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+HD. 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. If you are a Sky World HD customer with
a 3D TV, you can experience incredible 3D from the comfort of your living room.
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 Anytime+ - Sky Anytime+ lets you access a vast library of entertainment. Enjoy
hundreds of hour of entertainment on demant with a Sky+HD box and Sky Broadband Unlimited.
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.
Short Message Service - Short text messages that can be sent to a mobile phone.
Sky Guide - This is the interface between Sky digital and you, the customer. Use
the Sky Guide to plan your viewing, record programmes or set reminders. This is displayed on screen
via the search and scan banner, the TV guide, Box Office, services or the interactive keys. You can
also 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.
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 (email that has not been requested), 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 - Generally refers to 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 unknowingly
installed on a computer as part of the installation of other software, such as screensavers or peer
to peer networking clients, 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.
Upload Speed – The upload speed of your broadband connection is the speed that
data is transferred from you to the internet. A faster upload speed should improve your overall
internet experience, as your actions (even clicking on a link while surfing a web page) are
communicated out to the internet quicker.
Usage Allowance – The limit on how much data you can download.
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.
Viewing Card - This is a card that 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.
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 after which programmes with
adult content might be shown. This can include nudity, sexual intercourse, strong language, strong
drug references and graphic violence. The watershed is 9pm. Sometimes Sky will show adult content
before the watershed, but customers must enter their PIN to view it.
Wireless Adapter - A wireless adapter is a device that allows a computer to
communicate with a Sky Broadband box without using cables. To connect a computer to a wireless
network the computer needs to be wireless enabled. 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.
XDA -This is a device carried by our engineers, both a personal organiser and
mobile phone it enables the engineer to receive and record information electronically about their
job schedules and customers. It also carries all their job information and allows the engineer to
complete and suspend jobs, as well as carrying a health and safety check list that the engineers
complete before commencing any jobs.
Y Plug - This is a device used to provide two signals (e.g. a VCR and a digibox)
into one input (e.g. a TV RF input).
