Techie Terms

You don´t have to tell us that the technology world can be a confusing place! Team Intempo like to keep things nice and simple so we have put together a quick glossary which will help you pick your perfect product.....or just make you look really clever in front of your Friends.

 

A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)

Software that allows audio streaming over Bluetooth. Devices with A2DP support wireless headphones and can send audio to Bluetooth speakers. Often found with AVRCP which gives you remote control of the music on a device.

 

Bit rate

A measure of the speed of data transfer or the quality of a piece of digital music or video. Typically measured in Kbps or Mbps, the larger the number, the faster the transfer or superior the quality.

 

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless networking standard. Typically used to exchange data between mobile phones and wireless headsets or to empower wireless mice, keyboards, and headphones (see A2DP).

 

Broadband

A high-speed Internet connection. Home broadband can be delivered via phone lines (ADSL) or cable TV, with each requiring a different type of modem to pass the signal onto a PC.

 

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting

Digital radio is transmitted in the form of a digital stream and rarely suffers from the annoying effects of interference caused by adverse atmospheric conditions or electrical interference which can spoil analogue broadcasts. With DAB digital radio you get far more robust reception and hiss & crackle free sound, as long as you are within a good coverage area.

 

Ensemble/Multiplex

Unlike analogue systems, digital radio groups together separate signals from a number of stations and transmits them as a complete, interleaved data stream. This is known as an Ensemble or Multiplex. Up to ten digital services can be transmitted in a single multiplex, thus allowing several programmes or services to be transmitted on a single frequency.

 

Ethernet

A common form of wired computer network. Devices on an Ethernet are physically connected together and can communicate and share data with one another. Media can be streamed and internet connections can be shared (using a router)

 

FireWire

One of several names for the IEEE 1394 high-speed data transfer standard that you would use, for example, to transfer video from a camcorder to a computer. It comes in two speeds (400 and 800) that use different cables.

 

GB (Gigabyte)

A unit of storage equal to 1024MB.

 

Internet Radio

An audio broadcast streamed across the internet. As with traditional radio, listeners cannot control with broadcast. Internet radio stations are usually accessible from anywhere in the world.

 

MP3

The most popular compressed digital audio format. Typical MP3 file size is 4MB

 

Router

A device that’s connected to a modem and used to control a broadband internet connection, allowing it to be shared between multiple internet-ready devices. Also provides the basis for a home network, either wired Ethernet or wireless Wi-Fi.

 

Subwoofer

The large, boxy speaker in a speaker system that’s dedicated to producing low bass frequencies. Usually has one or two larger drivers.

 

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)

Wired (Ethernet) and Wireless (Wi-Fi) connection that promises straightforward home networking and instant compatibility between UPnP devices.

 

WEP/WPA

Security that prevents unwanted users from gaining access to Wi-Fi networks. WEP is relatively easily cracked but most modern devices support the stronger WPA and WPA2 standards.

 

Wi-Fi (Wife-eye)

The wireless networking standard. Devices equipped with Wi-Fi can communicate and share data. Wi-Fi hotspots allow Wi-Fi devices to connect to the internet, and home wireless networks use Wi-Fi.