Term
| Convergence, or digital convergence (pg. 369) |
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Definition
| Describes the combining of several industries- computers, communications, consumer electronics, entertainment, and mass media- through various devices that exchange data in digital form |
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Term
| Tree-and-branch telecommunications model (pg. 371) |
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Definition
| A centralized information provider sends out messages through many channels to thousands of consumers |
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Term
| Switched-network telecommunications model (pg. 371): |
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Definition
| A common carrier provides circuit switching among public users; that is, a temporary connection is established by closing a circuit. |
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Term
| MP3 digital audio player (pg. 372) |
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Definition
| Portable devices that enable you to play MP3 digital audio files. MP3 is a format that allows audio files to be compressed so they are small enough to be sent over the internet or stored as digital files. |
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Term
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Definition
| The number of times, expressed in kilobits per second, that a song is measured (sampled) and converted to a digital value |
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Term
| Satellite radio (pgs. 375-376) (digital radio) |
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Definition
| A radio service in which digital signals are sent from satellites in orbit around the Earth to subscribers owning special radios that can decode the encrypted signals |
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Term
| High-definition (HD) radio |
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Definition
| Provides CD-quality sound and allows broadcasters to squeeze two digital and one analog station on the same frequency |
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Term
| Single-lens reflex (SLR) (pg. 381) |
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Definition
| A camera, either film or digital, that has a reflecting mirror that reflects the incoming light in such a way that the scene viewed by the viewer through the viewfinder is the same as what’s framed by the lens |
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Term
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Definition
| Millions of picture elements, the electronic dots making up an image |
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Term
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Definition
| Lets you interact with the show you’re watching |
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Term
| Personalized TV (pg. 388) |
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Definition
| Consists of hard-drive-equipped personal video recorders (PVRs), also known as digital video recorders (DVRs) |
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Term
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Definition
| Lets you read email, internet text, and web pages on your television set, using a set-top box |
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Term
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Definition
| Television sets equipped with hard drives and Wi-Fi capability that allows users to connect to wireless networks |
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Term
| Digital television (DTV) (pg. 388) |
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Definition
| Uses a digital signal, or series of 0s and 1s |
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Term
| High-definition television (HDTV) (pg. 389) |
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Definition
| Works with digital broadcasting signals and has a standard television |
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Term
| Standard-definition television (SDTV) (pg. 389) |
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Definition
| Has a lower resolution, a minimum of 480 vertical lines, and a picture quality similar to that required to watch DVD movies |
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Term
| Video on demand (VOD or VoD) (pg. 390) |
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Definition
| Consists of a wide set of technologies that enable viewers to select videos or TV programs from a central server to watch when they want |
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Term
| Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) (pg. 391) |
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Definition
| Television and video signals are sent to viewers using internet protocols |
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Term
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Definition
| Cellular telephones with microprocessor, memory, display screen, and built-in modem |
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Term
| Short message service (SMS) (pg. 393) |
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Definition
| A text message service originally designed for GSM mobile phones but now available on a range of networks |
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Term
| What are the benefits of convergence, portability, and personalization? (pgs. 369-371) |
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Definition
The ability to have one device perform multiple functions allows for higher productivity
The ability to bring something wherever you go allows for one to keep up with events, whether it be a phone call or the news
You may make things “your own” |
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Term
| What are the drawbacks to convergence, portability, and personalization? (pgs. 370-372) |
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Definition
Not all hybrid gadgets are practical
Others may find you easier
There may be too much to choose from |
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Term
| What features of MP3 players affect the circumstances under which and locations where the players can be used? (pgs. 372-374) |
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Definition
Battery life
FM radio reception |
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Term
| How could an MP3 player enhance learning? (pgs. 374-375) |
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Definition
| One may use a MP3 player to record lectures in class and store notes |
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Term
| Compare the benefits of satellite radio, high-definition radio, internet radio, and podcasting. (pgs. 376-379) |
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Definition
Satellite radio: A radio service in which digital signals are sent from satellites in orbit around the Earth to subscribers owning special radios that can decode the encrypted signals (You may avoid endless commercials and limited number of formats of regular AM/FM stations, and the broadcasters serve a diverse group of niche markets
High-definition radio: Provides CD-quality sound and allows broadcasters to squeeze two digital and one analog station on the same frequency (HD radio can introduce more local or innovative programming and blunt the threat from satellite radio. AM radio could have the sound quality of FM radio and both AM and FM radio would be static-free and crystal-clear. Wireless data services could include on-demand audio, featuring services such as on-demand news, weather, and traffic reports.
Internet radio: You can listen to any radio station from the internet
Podcasting: Involves the recording of internet radio or similar internet audio programs (Requires no studio or broadcast tower, and there’s no FCC regulation (so hosts can say whatever they want)) |
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Term
| When choosing a digital camera, what two things should one know about the megapixels? (pg. 381) |
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Definition
The number of megapixels
The type of megapixel |
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Term
| If you plan to use a digital camera for outdoor photography, what type of lens and what viewfinder and LCD screen options are best for your use? (pgs. 381-382) |
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Definition
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Term
| How might you use a personal digital assistant (PDA) while traveling? (pg. 386) |
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Definition
| You may wirelessly check the news and weather, send emails, and surf the web. |
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Term
| What options exist for transferring files from a PDA to a desktop computer or laptop? (pg. 386) |
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Definition
One may pull out the PDA’s storage card and plug it into the computer’s card reader.
One may do it via USB
One may use the PDA’s built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability |
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Term
| Contrast digital television (DTV), high-definition television (HDTV), and standard-definition television (SDTV). (pgs. 388-389) |
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Definition
Digital television (DTV): Uses a digital signal, or series of 0s and 1s
High-definition television (HDTV): Works with digital broadcasting signals and has a standard television
Standard-definition television (SDTV): Has a lower resolution, a minimum of 480 vertical lines, and a picture quality similar to that required to watch DVD movies |
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Term
| How has technology changed the way people experience television? (pgs. 390-391) |
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Definition
| There are so many different types of television; Additionally, one may use his or her television in order to do other activities such as surfing the web or listening to music. |
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Term
| Summarize the smartphone services that would benefit field personnel of an insurer or an insurance producer. (pgs. 392-396) |
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Definition
| He or she may use a smartphone to look something up on the internet. Additionally, he or she may use the device’s GPS device during traveling to analyze different claims. |
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