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Glossary

2-WAY
A speaker system with two types of drivers (see also COAXIAL)
3-WAY
A speaker system made up of three different types of drivers.
A2DP
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) This profile defines how high quality audio, stereo or mono can be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection.
A2DP
This profile defines how multimedia audio can be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection (it is also called Bluetooth Audio Streaming)
Android Auto
Android Auto is a smartphone projection standard developed by Google to allow mobile devices running the Android operating system (version 5.0 "Lollipop" and later) to be operated in automobiles through the dashboard's head unit.The standard offers drivers control over GPS mapping/navigation, music playback, SMS, telephony, and web searchits key feature is hands-free operation through voice commands and is compatible with apps including Google Maps, Google Play Music, MLB at Bat, Spotify, Songza, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn.
Android Auto
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features from an Android device, such as a smartphone, to a car's compatible in-dash information and entertainment head unit. The system mirrors qualified apps from the device to the vehicle's display, with a simple, driver-friendly user interface. Supported apps include GPS mapping/navigation, music playback, SMS, telephone, and web search. The system supports both touchscreen and button-controlled head unit displays, although hands-free operation through voice commands is encouraged to minimise driving distraction.
Apple CarPlay-
CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car radio or head unit to be a display and a controller for an iOS device. It is available on all iPhone models beginning with iPhone 5 running iOS 7.1 or later. This feature allows navigation and many other media services.
ATTENUATE
To turn down or reduce.
Attenuator with Smooth Volume Return
Designed to reduce signal overload to correct distortion while returning audio to the correct volume
AUTO BLANK SKIP
Usually accompanies track search and allows the user to skip from the end of one track to the beginning of the next missing out any blank or unrecorded passages on the tape.
Auto EQ
Automatic equalization sets the bass, middle and treble at the optimum level to improve your listening experience
AUTOMATIC VOLUME CONTROL
Head unit's volume automatically increases along with car's speed eg. JVC's Cruise Control.
AUTOSTORE
Benefits the long distance driver by scanning the waveband in the area of travel and automatically storing five or six strongest stations in order of signal strength.
Aux in
Auxiliary Input. A basic connection between an mp3 player & a car stereo. The connection is made via a cable with a 3.5mm headphone jack at each end.
AZIMUTH
The angle of contact between head and tape during recording and playback. Should be as similar as possible for the most faithful reproduction and the best quality.
Back-up Memory
Memory backup stores your pre-set stations and settings when the radio is turned off
BANDPASS FILTER
A combination of high and low pass filters connected in series with an overlap between the lower and upper freqencies, usually used for the mid-range in a 3-way component system.
BASS
The lower end of the frequency spectrum, sometimes also known as mid-bass.
Bass Boost
The Bass Boost button. It's supposed to be used when you're listening to music at lower volume levels. Remember from above that at low volume levels we don't hear the low end and high end as well. When you engage the Bass Boost button on a system it gives a little EQ boost to the low and high end of the material it's processing.
BASS REFLEX
See PORT
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. This data can be text, photographic or audio. Bluetooth is used mainly in car audio for making and receiving telephone calls.
Bluetooth Ready
This unit will be Bluetooth enabled with an optional adapter
BRIDGEABLE TO MONO
Where the two separate outputs of some stereo amplifiers can be conbined to give a mono signal.
Camera Input
Keep an eye on your backside to keep your family safe and manoeuvre more easily in tight spaces
Capactive Touchscreen
Capacitive touchscreens are highly accurate and respond instantly when lightly touched by a human fingerAs opposed to the resistive touchscreen, which relies on the mechanical pressure made by the finger or stylus, the capacitive touchscreen makes use of the fact that the human body is naturally conductive.Capactive touchscreens tend to be more expensive than the Resistive counterparts
Car Play
CarPlay is a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car. CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them on your car�s built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music, all in a way that allows you to stay focused on the road. Just connect your iPhone via USB and go.
COAXIAL
Speakers which have two separate drive units (normally a small woofer and tweeter) moving independently. Essentially this gives better high frequency response and hence greater range and clarity.
COMPONENTS
Separate speakers, usually a tweeter and mid-range with appropriate crossover.
CROSSOVER
A selective filter which splits signals into different frequency bands that can be fed independently to separate speakers. A passive crossover filters signals after they have been amplified. An active crossover (more effective and flexible) filters signals before amplification, sending different signals to different amps.
CROSSTALK
The level of stereo separation ie. the isolation of the two channels of a system.
CT
Clock Time. See RDS
DAB
DAB is a digital radio technology for broadcasting radio stations. DAB is more robust with regard to noise and multipath fading for mobile listening.
DAC
Digital-to-Analogue Convertor
DAT
Digital Audio Tape. Medium used in the pro sector for reproducing pre-recorded material in digital format on tape - not to be confused with DCC.
DCC
Philips Digital Compact Cassette, a medium of digital cassette designed to replace the familiar analogue cassette.
Detachable Faceplate
Enables you to remove the car stereo faceplate to deter thieves
DIN
DIN E is the German standard of measurement for most in-dash players to enable sets to be fitted in standard slots.
Disabled System Indicator (DSI)
A red indicator blinks on the unit after the faceplate is removed, warning potential thieves
Divx
A video codec which became popular due to its ability to compress lengthy video segments into small sizes while maintaining relatively high visual quality.
DNR
Dynamic Noise Reduction. Similar to Dolby but not as effective.
DSP
Digital Sound (Signal) Processor. Lets you programme a listening environment pattern and change the sound to suit the music. A type of super equaliser.
DUAL CONE
Speakers which have two cones; the second cone is usually much smaller and glued directly to the centre of the main cone although it has just one voice coil.
Dual zone
Different audio areas of your vehicle, i.e. rear seats rather than front seats
Dual Zone Entertainment
Enables you to set audio to be heard in a particular area of your vehicle, i.e. rear seats rather than front seats
DYNAS
New technology to guarantee perfect FM reception due to much higher selectivity plus improved sensitivity.
EON
Enhanced Other Networks. Allows interruption of RDS bulletins from other local stations.
EQ
Equalisation. Each EQ band influences different qualities of a mix or instrument:50-60 Hz � adds thump in a kick drum and boom in a bassline100-200 Hz � adds punch in a snare and richness200-500 Hz � adds warmth and weight in guitars, piano and vocals500-1000 Hz � adds body and tone to many instruments2 kHz � adds clarity, edge and bite to guitars and vocals5-10 kHz � adds clarity, openness and life, especially drums16 kHz � adds air, space or sparkle
FADER
Control which balances sound from front to rear in a four speaker set-up
FLAC
enjoy FLAC lossless digital audio files in your vehicle with playback output at CD quality, without the need to convert
FLAC Support
Free Lossless Audio Codec compresses audio without any loss in quality
FREE-AIR
Term relating to subwoofers which are designed to work most efficiently in free air using the boot for example, as an enclosure. Also known as 'infinite baffle'
Frequency Response
A car audio system's frequency response represents how much of the audible frequency spectrum it can reproduce. The frequency response of a car audio system can be measured by an instrument known as a real-time analyzer (RTA), which consists of a microphone attached to a processor with a display that has a graph that shows a system's response.
FULL LOGIC
Feature of autoreverse decks where fast forward is always forwards, rewind is always rewind, regardless of tape play direction.
FULL RANGE
Speakers designed to give a wide frequency response.
GAIN
Degree of signal amplification, achieved by an amp, tuner or pre-amp circuit. Expressed in decibels (dB)
Generic Access Profile (GAP)
Controls connections in Bluetooth and enables your device to be visible to the world
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface supports image or video play back on HD TV or PC
HERTZ
Unit of measurement for frequency, oftem written as Hz or kHz
High Level Input
An input configured to accept speaker level signals
HIGH PASS FILTER
(Capacitor) Essentially allows more signal to pass through the higher the signal gets, typically used and supplied with tweeters.
Human Interface Device Profile (HID)
Enables the connection of devices used by Bluetooth HID such as keyboards, pointing devices, gaming devices and remote monitoring devices.
Impedance
Impedance is a measure of something that opposes/restricts the flow of current in an electrical circuit. In this case, that something is a speaker.
INFINITE BAFFLE
See FREE-AIR
Inrix Services
Connects you to the Inrix network, the world�s leading provider of traffic information
Installer Memory
This function stores the optimum acoustic field set by an expert installer to suit your vehicle
INTRO SCAN
Plays approximately the first 10 seconds of every track on a tape/CD
ISO
ISO 10487 was created in 1995 and defines a standard for connectors for the head unit to the car's electrical system, consisting of a system of four different connectors typically used in head units for car audio.Most headunits have their own connector but come with a power loom that converts to standard ISO. Some headunits are ISO ready.
ISO connector
Allows audio devices to be quickly connected without need for wiring
KEY-OFF
Pinch roller release when cassette is not in use to prevent tape damage
LOCAL/DX
Two levels of sensitivity for tuner searching, local and distant.
LOUDNESS
Boosts low frequencies. Useful at low volumes but most loudness circuits can cut off an unacceptable amount of treble.
LOW PASS FILTER
(Inductor or Choke) Allows more signal to pass through the lower the signal gets - ideal for a sub.
Made for ipod
Play your iPod/iPhone on this unit via the front/rear USB port
MASH
Panasonic's Multi Stage Noise Shaping - Latest Digital/Analogue technology.
MDF
Medium Density Fibreboard. Used for building bass enclosures, door panels etc.
MHL
Mobile High-Definition Link allowing mobile phones, tablets and other devices to be connected
MIDRANGE
As the name suggests, frequencies in the middle of the frequency range.
MOSFET
Amplifier power supply switching device designed for optimum performance.
MSS
(Denon, Philips, Radiomobile) Music search system. See TRACK SEARCH
MULTIPATHING
Annoying 'chopping' interference on FM caused by reception of a signal that's been reflected (ie. off tall buildings)
OHM
A measurement used of how much the flow of electricity is restricted or impeded. The higher the measurement the higher the resistance.
OVERSAMPLING
Method used in a CD player to reproduce digital information as faithfully as possible in analogue form, a part of the digital to analogue conversion process.
PI
Programme Identification.
PLL
Phase Locked Loop keeps FM signals locked on station.
PORTED
If the port length and diameter is correctly matched to the box volume and subwoofer's characteristics it will greatly increase efficiency and a good ported box offers lower distortion.
POWER FADER
Controls volume relation between front and rear speakers connected to built-in amplifier.
POWER LOADING
System loads and ejects CD or tape automatically.
PRE-AMP
Holds controls for volume, bass and treble but has no on-board amplification.
PRE-AMP FADER
Adjusts front/rear balance at pre-amp level, used in combination with pre-outs and external amplifiers.
PRE-AMP OUTPUT
A pre-amp output (pre-out) on a head unit allows the addition of an amp or other peripherals when system building.
PRESETS
Stations which can be held in a tuners memory for instant recall.
PROGRAMME SELECTOR
Cassette function which allows user to switch from one side to the other.
PS
Programme Service
PTY
Programme Type
QRB
Quick Release Bracket, denotes extractable unit.
R-CAM Caution on screen display
Displays on screen warning of a hazard when you are reversing your car
R-CAM interrupt
When you reverse your car the reverse camera automatically switches to the camera
RADIO MONITOR
Radio reception when tape is set for fast forward or rewind
RCA
An RCA connector, sometimes called a phono connector is a type of electrical connector commonly used to carry audio and video signals. The name "RCA" derives from the Radio Corporation of America, which introduced the design by the early 1940s for internal connection of the pickup to the chassis in home radio-phonograph consoles.
RDS
RADIO DATA SYSTEM. Traffic information system on FM. RDS shows station name display (PI/PS) and delivers traffic bulletins (TP/TA) Also locks onto best possible frequency for a station in a particular part of the country (AF) Can display time and date on the receiver (CT) Sets with PTY (Programme Type) will automatically tune into a station broadcasting Pop, Classical, News etc.
Resistive Touchscreen
The resistive touchscreen has always been the most common type used in industrial electronics. This is mostly because they�re cheaper to make and are easier to use in difficult environments.The technology relies on resistance, meaning the pressure that�s applied to the screen itself.
RMS
Root Mean Square. "RMS power" is sometimes used in the audio industry as a synonym for "mean power" or "average power".
RMS
Root Mean Square, a realistic measurement of the maximum output of an amplifier. The higher the figure the more powerful the unit.
ROLL OFF
The point at which the frequency level/performance of a speaker decreases.
RTA
Real Time Analyser. Piece of equipment which measures frequency response and SPL level.
SD Card
Secure Digital or (SD) is a memory card format for use in portable devices, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, sat nav units, tablet computers & more recently car stereo units.
SDK
German traffic information system.
Security Code Function (user set)
Set your own number-based security code, deters thieves by disabling unit when input incorrectly
Sensitivity
The sound pressure level a speaker produces when fed by a given input power, measured at a specific distance on axis directly in front of the speaker. Typically specified in dB SPL at 1 meter with 1 watt of input signal
Serial Port Profile (SPP)
Enables you to connect more than one Bluetooth device to your car audio system
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO
Indicates how much irritating background hiss is produced as a proportion of the full output power. Numbers higher than 90dB are acceptable. A good indicator of the quality of the amp.
Simple Secure Pairing (SSP)
Enables you to connect any one Bluetooth device to your car audio system
Siri Eyes Free
make use of your iPhone's Siri functionality through your unit's external microphone and the speakers of your vehicle
Smooth GUI
Smooth Graphical User Interface � visually smooth graphics that respond quickly to inputs
SPL
Sound Pressure Level. Monitored using pro kit and measured in decibels - basically the amount of volume produced.
Spotify Link App
Recognises music streaming service Spotify, enabling you to play your Spotify playlists
STAGING
Where the listening perceives the origin of the music to be coming from.
Stalk Control
Maintain the controls of your steering wheel with an optional adapter.
Steering wheel controls
Maintain the controls of your steering wheel with an optional adapter.
SUB BASS
The 'thumping rumble' in a system.
SUBWOOFERS
Large speakers designed to produce the low frequencies, designed to be used in a cabinet, tube or free-air application.
THD
Total Harmonic Distortion
TMC
Traffic Message Channel (TMC) is a technology for delivering traffic and travel information to drivers. It is typically digitally coded using the FM-RDS system on conventional FM radio. It can also be transmitted on DAB
TP/TA
Traffic Programme/Traffic Announcement. See RDS
TRACK SEARCH
Tape facility which means you can rewind or forward to the next track and in some cases to any selected track.
Tri-Mode
Tri mode speaker connection is a configuration in which a subwoofer is bridged onto the amplifier and stereo speakers are connected independently to the left and right. It allows connection of THREE speakers to TWO power outputs on the amplifier
TWEETERS
Reproduce the higher frequencies (treble), they are generally fairly small.
UNILINK
Sony bi-directional 8-pin BUS connector for centralised multi-media control from a master unit.
USB
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s that defines the cables, connectors and communications protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between computers and electronic devices & more recently car audio products. You can play back your saved music or video content in many formats such as mp3, wma, aac, divx, avi.
Wireless CarPlay
iOS 9 adds support for wireless connectivity for WiFi enabled headunits. The iPhone exchanges network credentials with a supporting CarPlay receiver over Bluetooth, and then establishes a two-way Wi-Fi connection between the devices.
WMA
Windows Media Audio (WMA) is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft.
Works with iPhones
This unit will work with your iPhone with either an optional cable or the white USB cable which came bundled with your iPhone.
WOW AND FLUTTER
Caused by any variation in the speed of the tape transport. The lower the figure the better and hence the lower the level of variation through the speakers.