Jargon Buster

Amplifier

TV or Radio Signal amplifier/booster

Antenna

Term for an aerial used in European/U.S.

Attenuator

Reduces Signal Strength

BBC Freesat

New non subscription digital satellite system from BBC & ITV, featuring over 80 digital channels and estimated 200 by 2009. Broadcast in HD with no subscription required

Booster

TV or Radio Signal amplifier/booster

CAI

Confederation of Aerial Industries - represents manufacturers, installers & other interested parties.

CATV

Community Aerial TV - covering a set neighbourhood/Town/City/County

Chimney lashing kit

Used to secure an aerial to a chimney
 

Coax coupler

Used to join together 2 Coax Plugs

Coax plug

Terminates coaxial cable for insertion to TV etc via a coax plug

Coaxial cable

Aerial lead to appliance

Cob

Coaxial (aerial lead) outlet box, surface mounted within the room

Combiner

Combines two or more aerial leads into one single aerial (coaxial) lead

DAB

Digital audio broadcast

DAB Radio

Stereo Digital Radio Offeringa wide range of channels, as an alternative to FM.

DAB aerial

Enhances DAB reception

Db

Decibel - signal measurement

Digital Aerial

Aerial/Antenna capable of receiving the new digital signal, providing more channels and enhanced services for the UK

Diplexer

Combines two or more aerial leads into one single aerial (coaxial) lead

Dipole

This element connects to the aerial downlead, receiving signals from the director and reflector elements.

Director element

Forward of the dipole, these are a series of tuned elements.

Dish pack

The satellite dish or external part of a sky installation

Distribution amplifier

When sending signals to two or more TV’s or Radio, this is the signal booster.

Downlead

This is the cable which connects the aerial or dish to TV, radio or set top box

DTT

Digital Terrestrial TV

F connector

Terminates coaxial cable for insertion to appliance

F coupler

Enables 2 f connectors to be joined

Fascia mount

Used to mount an aerial to a soffit

FM

Stereo analogue radio reception, alternative to DAB, but cannot receive all radio signals

FM aerial

Boosts FM radio reception

Freesat

Sky Broadcasting subscription free package

Freeview

Digital Terrestrial TV, channels are provided by the UK’s mainstream broadcasters

Ghosting

Repeat image(s) on analogue TV sets, caused by a reflected signal

Grid aerial

A TV aerial with 2 or more dipoles and a grid reflector

Grouped aerial

A TV aerial that will receive a segment of UHF (terrestrial TV) channels

High-gain aerial

Multi-element aerial that utilises 32 elements, or more

IRS

Integrated Reception System: A system providing UHF, Sky and radio, wich also enables connection of individual Sky boxes

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display: A flat panel TV, alternative to plasma screens.

LNB - Quad

This is a dish mounted device, which converts Sky signals to send the reception through to multiple (2 - 4) Sky boxes via the Coaxial (Aerial) cable.

LNB - Quattro

This is a dish mounted device, which converts Sky signals to send the reception through to multiple switches

LNB - Solo

This is a dish mounted device, which converts Sky signals to send the reception through to a single Sky box via the Coaxial (Aerial) cable.

Loft mount

Internal aerial mounting.

Magic eye

Device which the Sky box can be controlled from another room.

MATV

Master Aerial TV: a UHF (terrestrial TV) reception distribution system

Multiplexer - MUX

This is where groups of freeview channels are broadcast on a single UHF channel. This is known as a multiplexer

Multi-switch

One Sky dish receives the signal for multiple Sky boxes, usually used in apartment buildings & hotels.

Outlet plate

Mounted to the backbox or Patras, this plate is flush to the mount.

Pixellating

Caused by a defective signal which produces a mosaic or frozen image on the screen.

Plasma

Flat Panel/Screen TV which is an alternative to LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

Polarity

The UHF signal is transmitted on either horizontal or vertical polarities.

Pre-amplifier

The signal booster is installed directly on the aerial, with a power supply unit which is required.

PSU - Power Supply Unit

This converts the mains voltage to 12v, and is used to energise the pre-amplifier via the downlead.

Reflector element

Rear element of an aerial
 

Set back amplifier

Sits next to the TV and boosts TV reception signal.
 

Set top box

Sits on top of the TV set - usually a Sky box, Freeview box, DVD player or VCR

Sky Digital

Sky digital satellite system providing access to hundreds of digital channels and a vast range of pay to view movies, interactive services and radio stations

Sky+

Sky digital with recording facilities. Provides the viewer to control what they watch by pausing, rewinding and playing live TV! You can also record and watch 2 channels at the same time

Sky HD

Sky HD brings a new home viewing experience, providing images in much greater detail and vibrant colours, complete with full recording facilities as Sky+. HD Compatible TV & Subscription required to take full advantage of a Sky HD system

Sky Freesat

Sky digital system providing access to a range of Free To Air channels, no monthly subscription required

SMATV

Satellite Master Aerial TV: Sky/UHF reception distribution system

Splitter

Splits signal to two or more TV’s

Tetra

Terrestrial Trunked Radio. Used by the Emergency Services.

Tetra filter

Blocks interference from Tetra transmissions

Top-Up TV

Pay as you view Digital TV

UHF

Terrestrial TV reception

VHF

Redundant frequency bands 1, 2 & 3. Part of Band 3 is now used for DAB.

Wall bracket

Secures an LCD or Plasma screen TV to the mounting surface.

Wideband aerial

A TV aerial used to receive UHF channels 21-68

Yagi

A tv aerial that has a dipole, director and reflector elements