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Cascading Crossovers - Two crossovers used in
series on the same signal in the same frequency range
causing greater attenuation of the out-of-band signal.
For example, using the crossover in a receiver's bass
management setting and the one in a subwoofer
simultaneously will create an exaggerated loss of
signal.
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Cathode
Ray Tube - (CRT)
Analog display device that generates an image on a layer
of phosphors that are driven by an electron gun.
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CD -
Abbreviation for Compact Disc. Ubiquitous digital audio
format. Uses 16-bit/44.1-kHz sampling rate PCM digital
signal to encode roughly 74 or 80 minutes of
two-channel, full-range audio onto a 5-inch disc.
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CD-R -
Abbreviation for Recordable Compact Disc
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CD-RW
- Abbreviation for Rewritable Compact Disc
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CEA
- Abbreviation for Consumer Electronics Association. An
association of manufacturers of consumer electronics
products.
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Center
Channel - The center speaker in a home
theater setup. Ideally placed within one or two feet
above or below the horizontal plane of the left and
right speakers and above or below the display device,
unless placed behind a perforated screen. Placement is
important, as voices and many effects in a multi-channel
mix come from this speaker.
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Channel
- In components and systems, a channel is a separate
signal path. A four-channel amplifier has at least four
separate inputs and four separate outputs.
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Chrominance - (C) The color portion of a
video signal.
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Coaxial
- (1) A speaker typically with one driver in the middle
of, and on the same axis as, another driver. (2) An
audio or video cable with a single center pin that acts
as the hot lead and an outer shield that acts as a
ground.
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Codec
- Mathematical algorithms used to compress large data
signals into small spaces with minimal perceived loss of
information.
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Coloration - Any change in the character of
sound (such as an overemphasis on certain tones) that
reduces naturalness.
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Component Video - A signal that's recorded or
transmitted in its separate components. Typically
refers to Y/Pb/Pr, which consists of three 75-ohm
channels: one for luminance information, and two for
color. Compared with an S-video signal, a Y/Pb/Pr
signal carries more color detail. HDTV, DVD, and DBS are
component video sources, though most DBS material is
transcoded to component from composite signals.
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Compound
Loading - See Isobarik.
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Composite Video - A signal that contains both
chrominance and luminance on the same 75-ohm cable.
Used in nearly all consumer video devices. Chrominance
is carried in a 3.58-mHz sideband and filtered out by
the TV's notch or comb filter. Poor filtering can
result in dot crawl, hanging dots, or other image
artifacts.
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Contrast
- Relative difference between the brightest and darkest
parts of an image. A contrast control adjusts the peak
white level of a display device.
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Controller - Generic term that typically
refers to a combination preamp/surround processor or
receiver. Can also refer to a handheld wireless remote.
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Crossover - A component that divides an audio
signal into two or more ranges by frequency, sending,
for example, low frequencies to one output and high
frequencies to another. An active crossover is powered
and divides the line-level audio signal prior to
amplification. A passive crossover uses no external
power supply and may be used either at line level or,
more commonly, at speaker level to divide the signal
after amplification and send the low frequencies to the
woofer and the high frequencies to the tweeter.
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Crossover Frequency - The frequency at which
an audio signal is divided. 80 Hz is a typical subwoofer
crossover point and is the recommended crossover point
in theatrical and home THX systems. Frequencies below
80 Hz are sent to the subwoofer; signals above 80 Hz are
sent to the main speakers.
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Crossover Slope - The rate of attenuation
expressed in decibels of change for every octave away
from the crossover frequency.
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CRT
- Abbreviation for Cathode Ray Tube.
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Cut
- To reduce, lower; opposite of boost.
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