Analog TV — Analog television technology has been around for nearly half a century. Analog transmits conventional or standard television signals to consumers. Because analog signals continuously vary, there are varying degrees in color and brightness.

DCT (Digital Consumer Terminal) — DCT is a device that connects to the cable coming into your home. A DCT allows you to view digital channels on your television. DCTs typically feature an interactive program guide and parental controls -- this also allows you to order Pay-Per-View movies and events right from the terminal or set-top box using your remote.

Digital Cable — Digital Cable is a method of transmitting compressed data (aka television signals). Because digital data is smaller, more information can be transmitted. The result is a better picture, better sound and more channels. Customers typically require a DCT to receive digital channels in their home.

DTV — DTV is also known as Digital Television. DTV signals are recorded, broadcast and processed in a digital format. Currently, 18 different DTV formats have been specified, including SD and HD formats. DTV broadcasts are usually sharper than analog broadcasts.

DVR — DVR stand for Digital Video Recorder. The DVR is a device that allows you to control what you watch and when you watch it. DVRs also allow users to store and access TV programs -- akin to a VCR, but without a videotape. DVRs also allow users to pause live TV and choose the programs to record.

EDTV — EDTV is also known as Enhanced Definition Television. EDTV is defined as television that displays the picture (either from SDTV or HDTV) at a resolution of 480p lines in either 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio. EDTV is not HDTV.

HDTV — HDTV is also known as High Definition Television. HDTV is defined as a TV system having approximately two times the vertical and horizontal picture resolution of today's standard definition TV (SDTV) and having an aspect ratio of 16:9. Two HDTV are currently in use; (a) 1080i - 1920 pixels per line and 1080i lines per frame and (b) 720p - 1280 pixels per line and 720p lines per frame. HDTV can be easily recognized by its spectacular picture resolution and impressive 5.1 channel surround sound.

PPV (Pay-Per-View) — Pay-Per-View is a premium service that allows viewers to order movies and events through their remote or by making a telephone call to their service provider. Since the customer selects which movies or events they choose to see, customers only pay for what they order.

SDTV — Also known as Standard Definition Television. SDTV is based on 480 lines of vertical resolution and may have either 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios and may include surround sound. Several SDTV programs are sent together to form the simulcast bundle.

VOD (Video on Demand) — Video on demand is a premium service that allows viewers to rent movies from their television remote or Digital Consumer Terminal (DCT). VOD differs from Pay-Per-View in that VOD allows viewers to begin watching selected movies usually anytime after they have rented them. VOD also typically allows viewers to fast-forward, rewind, stop and resume viewing selected movies (similar to a VCR).