AACS |
Advanced Access Content System is an industry cryptographic standard for DRM that restricts access and copying of high definition media.
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Blu-ray |
A high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital media, including high-definition video. The Blu-ray disc is the same size as a CD or DVD but incompatible. Current technology allows for up to 50GB per disc. Competes with but is incompatible with HD-DVD (see below).
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DisplayPort |
DisplayPort is a proposed video connector for both PCs and home theater components. It will compete with DVI, HDMI, and UDI. It is HDCP compatible. It is supported by AMD, Dell, HP, NVIDIA, and VESA.
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DVI |
Digital Visual Interface is the successor to the VGA connector. Used to pass digital video signals between devices, such as a computer and a monitor. It is compatible with HDMI and HDCP (see below).
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DRM |
Digital Rights Management is a euphemism for various encryption schemes applied to intellectual property that restrict the user's rights to view or listen to media. FairPlay and PlaysForSure are examples of DRM.
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FairPlay |
A proprietary Apple DRM scheme used in iTunes media, not licensed to other companies. It is similar in concept to PlaysForSure.
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HD-DVD |
High Definition DVD, a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital media, including high-definition video. An HD-DVD disc is the same size as a CD or DVD and an HD-DVD is compatible. Current technology allows for up to 30GB per disc. Competes with but is incompatible with Blu-ray (see above).
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HDCP |
High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection is an Intel technology that provides DRM to digital video and audio. It is necessary to play encrypted high definition video and audio streams at full definition. Devices that do not include HDCP will downscale high definition content when played. Older equipment does not include HDCP and so will not play high definition content, both video and audio, at full scale.
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HDMI |
High Definition Multimedia Interface is a unified digital video and audio interface that connects devices. This connector eliminates the need for separate cables for audio and video content. It is an evolving standard currently at version 1.3a. The newer the equipment the more likely it is to have the most up-to-date HDMI version.
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Home Theater Personal Computer is a PC connected to the internet, an HDTV and a surround sound system. The HTPC uses the HDTV as its monitor and the surround sound system for its speakers. It can record and play TV (if it has a TV tuner) like TiVo, as well as play digital music, digital video, CDs, DVDs, and digital photographs. AKA media server, media center or media PC.
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PlaysForSure |
A proprietary Microsoft DRM scheme, licensed to other companies for use on digital media. It is similar in concept to FairPlay.
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S/PDIF |
Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format is an older digital audio standard for transmitting audio signals such as surround sound. It is not compliant with AACS or HDCP standards.
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TOSlink |
Toshiba-originated optical fiber connection system for transmitting digital audio signals such as surround sound. It is compliant with AACS or HDCP standards.
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TotalHD |
A Warner Brothers technology that allows the manufacture of optical discs containing both Blu-ray and HD-DVD content on the same disc. This eliminates the need for retailers to carry two different versions of high definition titles, Blu-ray and HD-DVD.
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UDI |
The Unified Digital Interface is a proposed interface specifically designed for the PC display. The UDI connector will be interoperable with HDMI and HDCP. UDI is supported by Apple, Intel, LG among other companies..
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