480i/480p 540p/960i 720p/1080i Capability - Indicates the scanning capacity of the display as either interlaced (i) or progressive (p) and whether the unit is capable of displaying a standard (SDTV) or high definition (HDTV) signal. HDTV signals are either 720p or 1080i.

Aspect Ratio - The shape of the display screen, expressed as a ratio of width by height. Standard television displays have a 4:3 aspect ration, while widescreen televisions come with a 16:9 display.

Built-In Protective Screen Shield - These shields protect the screen from scratches and other hazards. They may also have an anti-glare coating. They are also thought to give the picture a smoother look.

Center Channel Input - This input jack allows you to utilize the TV's front speakers as your surround system's center channel. This can be especially handy if you are trying to set up a home theatre system using existing components.

Channel Labeling - Lets you input a text label of up to four letters for each channel.

Comb Filter - A comb filter improves picture resolution and quality by separating colour information from contrast. There are five types of comb filters, listed here in order of increasing quality: normal (glass), CCD (2-line), 2-line digital, 3-line digital, 3D Y/C comb filters.

Commercial Skip - This feature makes it possible for you to channel surf during commercial breaks, automatically bringing the TV back to the channel you were watching when the commercial break is over.

Component Video Inputs - Input jacks that can accept a video signal in component video format. Component video is a high end video signal that delivers better picture quality.

Digital Focus - In a projection television, the set of technologies that control the alignment of the CRTs (red, blue and green) for improved picture quality.

Display Type - Type of display provided. (I.e. LCD, Colour, Fluorescent)

Dolby Digital Surround Sound - A surround sound format that offers five discrete channels of full-range sound and a subwoofer for low frequency effects.

First Surface Mirror - In a Projection TV, the mirror's silver is placed close the surface of the glass. This improves both brightness and contrast ratios by reflecting more light.

HDTV Compatible - The television is compatible with High Definition television broadcast systems, and will display the HDTV signal.

Invar Shadow Mask - Invar is a heat resistant metal alloy. And invar mask reduces color blur by providing resistance to overheating.

Lenticular Screen - The outer screen of a Projection TV containing a pattern of vertical ridges and valleys

Multi Sync Multi Source - The television can tune to and display two video signals simultaneously from multiple video sources.

Parental Control - When this feature is activated on the TV, it will only show the channels you have pre-selected for viewing by children. This might save you from having to explain the facts of life to your young ones before you had planned on doing so.

Picture-In-Picture - A PIP-equipped TV is capable of displaying two channels or other video inputs simultaneously, with the second input appearing in a small inset window overlaid on the corner of the screen. This is great for keeping an eye on the game while watching a movie or your favorite TV show.

Remote Control Type - The type of remote control that comes with the TV. Standard remotes control the TV only. Universal remotes control not only your TV, but other components - such as your VCR, DVD player and receiver - as well. Some remotes also have light-up or glow-in-the-dark buttons to help you hit the right button when the lights are low.

RF Inputs - These inputs receive the broadcast signal into your TV, such as cable or dish. Multiple RF inputs allow you to easily switch between different antenna sources using your remote control.

Scan Velocity Modulation - A type of circuit that speeds the passage of electrons and increases the sharpness of the image.

Screen Size - Diagonal measurement of a screen. Larger screens can be easier on the eyes, and are best for multimedia presentations. A 15" screen has a viewable image that is only 12% smaller than the standard 17" desktop CRT and provides an adequate viewing experience for most users while keeping the notebook a manageable size.

Sleep/Alarm Timer - This feature automatically shuts off the TV at a time you pre-set, or in a certain amount of time (for example, 30 minutes). This is handy if you like to watch TV in bed - it saves electricity and can help prevent strange dreams.

Sound Logic Audio Leveler - Maintains a consistent volume level from your television by reducing the effect of increased volume during commercial breaks and boosting softer sounds during programming (i.e. a hushed conversation).

Speaker Output Jacks - TVs with this feature allow you to attach external speakers for better stereo sound separation.

Speed Channel Surf - This feature lets you quickly and easily scan through many channels.

Surround Sound - An audio technology that splits the sound into un to six distinct channels, for output to speakers placed around the viewing area. The result is a more realistic listening experience that closely resembles a movie theatre as you are literally surrounded by the audio.

TV Guide Plus - An interactive on-screen Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that shows TV listings for up to three days in advance right on the TV screen. This feature eliminates the need to buy a TV listings magazine while still enabling you to catch all your favorite shows.

Up-conversion Technology - A technology that will convert a standard NTSC formatted signal into high definition video (HDTV).

Variable Audio Output - Lets you control television volume with your TV remote when the audio output of the television is connected to you home theatre system.

Vertical Compression - Lets you view a widescreen (16:9) video signal on a television with a standard 4:3 display without distortion. Two modes of compression are available - 1080i shows full resolution and places black bars above and below the image, 810i scans the entire image and displays grey bars above and below the image.

VGA/SVGA Inputs - VGS/SVGA is the display technology used on most computer monitors. Delivers better picture quality from an external digital video source such as your DVD player, assuming a component video output is available.

Video Input Labeling - Lets you change the on-screen input signal labels so you can quickly tell if you have selected the right one - for example, you can label your DVD player as "DVD" instead of "VIDEO 1" or "VIDEO 2".

Watts Per Channel - The power the TV allocates to each audio channel, expressed in watts (W). The greater the power allocated, the greater the capacity for loud and clear sound.

Wide Band Video Amplifier - A high-end form of video amplifier that maintains higher frequencies usually lost during amplification. The result is higher video resolution and improved reproduction of HDTV or DVD video signals.