One of the two high definition (HD) TV formats that are used by Sky+ HD. The resolution of the picture is 1920 horizontal pixels by 1080 vertical pixels and the i stands for interlaced scanning. Interlaced scanning is based on the principle that the screen shows odd lines at each scan of the screen.

The third generation protocol for mobile phones, which supports a much higher data rate, measure in Mbps. This is intended for bandwidth hungry applications, as well as voice, such as full motion video, video conferencing and full internet access. For more details visit www.3gpp.org

One of the two high definition (HD) TV formats that are used by Sky+ HD. 720p refers to a picture resolution of 1,280 horizontal pixels by 720 vertical pixels. The p stands for progressive scan. Progressive scanning offers a smoother picture then the interlaced images on standard definition PAL TVs.

ADSL is a data communications standard used in broadband internet.

An Access Point Name identifies an external network that is accessible from a terminal. An APN has several attributes associated with it that define how you can access the external network at that point. You can request the latest settings from your phone manufacturer.

Apple AirPort is a wireless networking system from Apple Computers and is required to set up a wireless connection between a Sky Broadband box and an Apple Mac. The most recent version of the Apple AirPort is called the Apple AirPort Extreme.

The ratio of the width to height of a TV screen. 4:3, was the standard until the nineties. 16:9, widescreen TV, is more popular now and is the format used by HD TV.

A software application used to access information on the internet e.g. Internet Explorer.

An analogue HD signal input connected from a Sky set top box to a display via three cables coloured red, blue and green.

Contention ratio is the ratio to which available bandwidth is distributed between users. With most broadband technologies some bandwidth is shared between multiple users. For example, if the service is contended at 33:1, it means that you share the bandwidth on your internet connection with up to 32 other users.

Digital Audio Broadcasting is a system used to broadcast radio programmes. In addition to the actual audio information (speech and music), the system is able to transmit graphic images and text information at a low transmission rate.

A video only connector found on some DVD and flat screen TVs. Users can connect DVI TVs to their initial Sky+ HD box via an adaptor. Although, in order for this to work the connector will still have to support HDCP.

Digibox is the generic name given to a Sky digital satellite receiver (e.g. a Sky+ box or a Sky+ HD box) used to receive and view Sky programming and content.

A lead that carries digital sound from a Sky+/Sky+ HD box to an external amplifier.

From September 2007 until 2012, all television signals in the UK will switch to digital. This means that when the switchover happens, any TV set or video recorder that’s not converted to digital will show a blank screen.

Six channel digital audio surround sound format. It accompanies most DVDs and will be used in some HD TV systems including Sky+ HD, which uses Dolby Digital 5.1.

Referring specifically to computing, a driver is a piece of software installed on a computer to allow it to communicate with a specific hardware device (e.g. Printer, scanner, etc.).

This is another name for the SkyGuide which tells you what programmes are available to watch.

Encryption is the process of changing information to make it unreadable without special means. Sky uses a signal which scrambles the original transmitted material to protect subscription or pay per view services.

A common method of networking computers in a local area network. Ethernet provides a fast and efficient connection between devices such as PCs, routers and printers. The Sky Broadband box can be connected to computers using the yellow ethernet cable included in the installation package. This requires the user’s computer to have an available ethernet port.

A security system that can consist of either hardware, software or both that limits the exposure of a computer or computer network to attacks from crackers by blocking selected traffic.

Thursday 21st October 2004 saw the launch of Sky's freesat offer. This service provides customers with over 200 free to view channels, and is open to all UK residents (excludes the Republic of Ireland).

Freeview is a free to air digital television service available in the UK. Broadcast from terrestrial transmitters using the DVB-T standard, launched on October 30 2002 at 6am, it took over the DTT licence on four multiplexes to broadcast from the defunct ITV Digital.

A mobile phone protocol that uses data technology where information is sent in short packets over the network. Often called 2.5G it allows content other then voice to be received and transmitted on a mobile handset.

A purpose built wireless games controller compatible with Sky digiboxes, that allows up to four players, each with their own gamepad, to compete with one another in selected Sky Active games.

A unit of information, this term can be used when describing computer storage, file sizes and the speed with which information can be transferred.

HD Ready is a labelling scheme that has been introduced by the TV manufacturers’ organisation EICTA. The HD Ready logo is appearing on an increasing number of TV displays, and any TV set that carries the HD Ready label will work with Sky’s HDTV service.

Generally refers to TV with at least twice the vertical and horizontal picture resolution of current digital and analogue TV systems. This makes the picture at least four times as detailed.

A copy protection scheme used for many HD TV transmissions to ensure that TV footage cannot be copied or shared illegally. HDCP is used on the Sky+ HD service.

Sometimes referred to as the digital SCART, HDMI is a digital video standard using both a specific lead and socket that can transmit both uncompressed HD digital audio and video signals. Screens require a HDMI connector with HDCP, high bandwidth digital content protection, (or the slightly lower specified DVI) to receive Sky’s HD transmissions.

The abbreviation for internet protocol, IP refers to a set of communication standards that control certain communications activity on the internet. An IP address is the identifying number assigned to any computer connected to the internet.

A pictorial image used in a graphical user interface to represent a program, a command, or a link to a web page on a computer screen.

The i button on your Sky Remote Control reveals further information, such as synopsis and start times, when pressed whilst watching a programme.

The interactive button allows access to interactive services such as shopping, banking, information, email and games.

This is a company which provides internet access to its customers. If you're a Sky Broadband subscriber, Sky is your ISP.

Contains detailed information, required by an engineer to complete a customer’s job (Name, Address, Job Type etc). A job sheet exists for each individual customer an engineer has been allocated, and is signed by the customer to state that each job was carried out to a satisfactory level.

The keypad is a Sky remote control with a built in keyboard which can be used to type emails on Sky Active applications.

A local area network is a computer network covering a small area such as a home or office. It is possible to set up a LAN with a Sky Broadband box using either ethernet cables, a wireless connection or a combination of both.

LCD televisions use liquid crystals that act as shutters to produce a picture on a television screen. HD LCD screens are compatible with Sky+ HD transmissions if they carry the 'HD-Ready' logo.

LLU broadband providers supply their product using a privately owned local network between the local BT exchange and the customers premises. They have their own dedicated equipment located within the BT exchange. (See also Non-LLU).

Letterbox mode is a method of viewing a widescreen programme in full on a non-widescreen TV with a 4:3 ratio. This is achieved by adding black lines to the top and bottom of the picture.

A migration authorisation code, this is issued by your broadband provider and used to switch from them to another provider with the minimum of down-time.

Stands for megabyte, a unit for measuring the size of electronic data. 1 MB = 1024 kilobytes = 1048576 bytes = 8388608 bits.

MPEG4 is an efficient means of compressing the data that makes up an audio-visual signal such as a digital TV broadcast. This is the format used by Sky+ HD.

A microfilter typically separates signals of different bandwidths. ADSL uses a filter to separate the voice component of the signal on the copper phone line from the internet communications signal. Hence, it is possible to use the one telephone line entering a home to carry normal voice telephone conversations and broadband internet without any interference between the two.

Your phone operator who provides voice and data services.

Mobile TV is a great new service that enables you to watch TV on your mobile phone. Delivered via a mobile phone network direct to your phone, mobile TV offers a wide range of television channels including news, sports, entertainment, music and films.

With Sky Broadband, this is the amount of data that a customer can download from the internet in one month.

Sky Multiroom allows you to watch different Sky channels in different rooms at the same time. To get Sky Multiroom you need an extra subscription and box from Sky for each room you want to watch different Sky broadcasts in.

This is a type of stereo sound used by terrestrial broadcasters. It is not available via digital satellite.

Non-LLU broadband providers supply their product over the existing BT network using BT's exchange equipment.

An on screen message appears on the TV screen to give you information about your Sky service or equipment. An example of an OSM is: "For your information no satellite signal is being received."

This socket is used to connect a Sky box to an external amplifier using a digital optical lead. Note that only Sky+ and Sky+ HD can supply a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack.

The TV system currently in use in the UK and much of Europe, it offers 625 lines of resolution though only 575 are visible. HD signals have up to twice the resolution of PAL standard definition signals.

A personal video recorder is the term given to equipment, such as Sky+ and TiVo, which can digitally record TV programmes onto a hard disk (like those in PCs and Macs) for future playback.

A rating allocated to a programme by broadcasters. This gives an indication which programmes are suitable for which age groups.

A system of forming networks between computers which allows individuals to share data, from their hard drives and other storage devices, between users on the same network. Internet peer to peer software is frequently used to share music and video files.

The Personal Planner is the feature of the SkyGuide. This can be used to store reminders for future programmes, or set Series Links , Autoview and Sky+ recording functions.

Phishing is the act of attempting to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details on the internet, commonly by sending fake emails claiming to be from reputable organisations.

Used to describe the affect where the picture, or parts of the picture, breaks down into small squares.

Plug and play is a computer protocol that allows the addition of new devices, such as a router, without requiring configuration or manual installation of device drivers.

Port Blocking is the restriction of internet services on certain ports. A port is a data connection that can be used by programs to exchange data directly, instead of going through a file or other temporary storage location.

This is information we sent prior to ordering a line from BT in order to establish whether the line is acceptable for broadband.

This is the network which connects all the telephone lines in the United Kingdom into a single network capable of handling voice communications from anywhere in the country.

The RF Output is a socket on the back of a digibox which can be used to connect a digibox to a TV or to a VCR.

Red, green and blue are the three primary colours used by a television set. RGB is also a method of providing a TV picture via SCART (a 21 pin audio visual connector) which has greater clarity then three lead composite connectors. When RGB is selected you must also set SCART control to on.

A service that allows you to send an SMS text message if you are away from home to your Sky+ box to set up a recording.

A device in a network that handles data transfer between computers.

An analogue video signal that separates the picture signal into colour and brightness information. Normally used to connect a player to a TV or video projector, it is also commonly used with camcorders. It offers a better picture quality then composite video but slightly worse then component. This is an output on a Sky+ box and on some models of digibox, and is a small DIN (circular) socket with four small holes.

SCART (Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs) is a French originated standard connector used to connect audio visual equipment. A long rectangular connector, with up to 21 different pins, it can be used to carry various signals such as RGB and composite. Using SCART provides better connectivity between equipment such as VCRs, set top boxes and TVs.

This is an option in the Service menu that prioritises your set top box to use SCART over any other input by choosing On.

TV or video broadcast in 576i resolution. Normally refers to digital TV broadcast in the same resolution as analogue systems, and not HD ( high definition).

A cable primarily used with CD players that is also used to connect a Sky+ HD set top box to amplifiers and receivers.

Safari is a web browser developed by Apple and is available as part of the Mac OS X operating system.

This is an on screen display that is accessed by pressing the Select button while watching a channel. The Search and Scan Banner provides information on programmes currently showing, and are coming up in the next few hours.

A method of adding a series of programmes to the planner, or recording a series of programmes on Sky+. Series Link can be selected from within the Personal Planner when highlighting a programme, if made available by the broadcaster, by pressing the green button.

Short Message Service - Short text messages that can be sent to a mobile phone.

Sky Anytime Mobile is an application that you can download and install on your mobile phone handset (assuming it's compatible), which lets you watch Sky broadcasts on your phone.

Sky Anytime TV automatically downloads a selection of movies and programmes to your Sky+ or Sky+ HD box each day, allowing you to watch what you want, when you want.

The Sky Broadband box acts as a bridge between your computer and the internet allowing you to get online, wher you can do things like browse web pages, send and receive email and download files.

Sky Gnome is a wireless receiver that allows you to listen to your favourite Sky TV and radio channels in any room of the house, and even the garden. This gives you the freedom to listen to Sky entertainment on the move, within a typical range of 30 meters from your Sky set top box.

This is the interface between Sky digital and you, the customer. This is displayed on screen via the search and scan banner, the TV guide, Box Office, services or the interactive keys. This is used to access things such as games services, programme listings, digibox settings and to book Box Office events.

The Sky navigator is a Sky remote control that opens into a keypad.

Sky Player lets you browse, download, and watch hundreds of films from Sky Movies and top sporting highlights from Sky Sports on your computer.

Sky text is Sky's digital teletext service, available on any Sky branded channel on Freeview. It's free to access and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and publishes over 500 pages of up to the minute information on news, finance, sport, weather, holidays and travel.

Sky+ 160 is the name of Sky's enhanced version of the Sky+ service. Identified by the number 160 on the front of the box, it contains a 160 gigabyte hard drive and 2 USB ports for future functionality.

Refers to unsolicited email (email that has not been requested), often sent to large numbers of people with the intention of illegally advertising products or services.

A limit set up by the user where a PIN number has to be entered to book and view events over a certain cost.

Generally refers to software that is secretly installed onto a user’s computer to monitor its use in some way without the user's consent. Spyware is usually unknowingly installed on a computer as part of the installation of other software, such as screensavers or peer to peer networking clients, or from visiting dubious websites.

A tvLINK connects a digibox to a second TV and allows full remote control from the second viewing point. A tvLink can be used with Sky+, digibox and minibox.

TPON is a network that BT uses to carry the equivalent of several hundred copper telephone lines over relatively few optical lines. This can cause slow speeds and/or no broadband.

All programmes on Sky+ HD channels are broadcast in High Definition. The picture quality may be slightly higher, however, if the programme was originally recorded in HD - this is known as True HD, and is the highest picture quality currently available. If the programme was recorded in conventional media, then it will be put through a conversion process to make it suitable for broadcast on Sky+ HD channels.

A USB port is commonly used to connect devices to PCs or Macs. This connection is also used for the Sky wireless adapter. The Sky+ 160 box features two USB ports, however there is no functionality attached to them at present.

This is a card that fits in your set top box and enables you to watch Sky programming. An active viewing card is needed to receive Sky services as well as encrypted free channels on freesat.

WPA-PSK is extra strong encryption that provides wireless protection for the Sky Broadband box. It employs a consistent, easy to use method to secure the wireless network, using a network key that must be entered in order to log on. The name of the wireless network (SSID) and the network key are printed on the bottom of the Sky Broadband box (and on a separate wireless network settings card), for safe but easy to use accessibility.

The watershed is the time in the evening after which programmes with adult content might be shown. This can include nudity, sexual intercourse, strong language, strong drug references and graphic violence. The watershed is 9pm. Sometimes Sky will show adult content before the watershed, but customers must enter their PIN to view it.

A wireless adapter is a device that allows a computer to communicate with a Sky Broadband box without using cables. To connect a computer to a wireless network the computer needs to be wireless enabled. If a computer is not wireless enabled, either a card that fits into the machine or an external USB device, such as the Sky wireless adapter, will provide this functionality.

A form of wireless communication, most commonly found on mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), whose principle application is to provide internet access.

This is a device carried by our engineers, both a personal organiser and mobile phone it enables the engineer to receive and record information electronically about their job schedules and customers. It also carries all their job information and allows the engineer to complete and suspend jobs, as well as carrying a health and safety check list that the engineers complete before commencing any jobs.

This is a device used to provide two signals (e.g. a VCR and a digibox) into one input (e.g. a TV RF input).