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Education - Your Connected Home Glossary
Home EntertainmentCable TV (Jacks)—Wall plates/jacks with a threaded “F” connector commonly used to distribute a video signal from a VCR, cable television service or other video source to televisions over coaxial cable. These coaxial cables and jacks also can provide high-speed Internet connectivity and PC networking services. Satellite TV (Small Dish or Large Dish)—Small dish or Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) is a subscription service that uses high-powered satellites to broadcast a digital TV signal to small 18” dish antennas. Large dish satellite TV, or a C-Band satellite system, uses lower powered satellites to transmit an analog signal to larger dishes. In-Wall Speakers Installed—Audio loudspeakers recessed in
walls or ceilings, typically as part of a home theater or whole
house audio system. Home Theater Pre-wire—Concealed speaker wires that could drive detached, in-wall or in-ceiling audio loudspeakers located to provide front left, center and right main channels, at least two side or rear channels and a subwoofer. CommunicationsTelephone Extensions/Jacks—Any jack that provides access to telephone services from inside or outside of the home. Among the many types of telephone jacks in use, wall plates with the similar square, four-pin RJ-11 jack are the most common. PC Networking and Internet SharingEthernet Local Area Network (LAN)—A network of personal computers and peripheral devices configured to share information within the home. Ethernet is the most common computer network and is usually characterized by RJ-45 jacks. Optical Fiber or Other Network—An optical fiber, or fiber optic, network refers to the high-speed transmission of data to the home as light pulses along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. High-Speed or Broadband Internet Access—A connection to the Internet that transfers data faster than a traditional telephone modem (dial-up) connection. The most common services are digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modems or direct broadcast satellite (DBS). Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)—A dedicated digital high-speed broadband connection that is leased from the local phone company to provide a high bandwidth, always-on Internet connection. Cable Modem—A device that provides high speed Internet access through the local cable television system. Satellite Dish-Based Internet—A high-speed connection that uses a small dish antenna and digital transceiver to connect to the Internet. Home SecurityHome Security System—A system designed to detect the presence of an intruder or other hazard in a residence or surrounding area. Most are professionally installed, will sound an alarm at the site, and report to a central station for a monthly fee. CCTV Cameras—Closed circuit television (CCTV) systems distribute video signals from surveillance cameras to monitors with-in the home. Home Comfort, Convenience and Energy ManagementMulti-Room Lighting Control System—These systems coordinate large numbers of lights without using the switches in each room. Programmable lighting scenes can be activated automatically or from remote controllers, touch screens, keypads or telephones. Home Automation System—Coordinates and controls a home’s appliances and systems including, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and security systems so they can work together to improve the safety, comfort and convenience of a home. Programmed Thermostat or Multi-Zone HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)—A temperature management system that automatically adjusts the temperature based on time of day and/or can maintain different temperature settings in separate parts of the house. Energy Management System—A system that manages the energy consumption of a home’s systems and appliances to maximize their operational efficiency. Window Covering Controls—These devices, which may include a motorized track mounted above the windows, open and close shades and drapes. Structured Wiring SystemStructured Wiring System - A multipurpose system of in-wall wire and cable that can be continuously reconfigured to provide updated services to the homeowner. A consortium of home networking organizations created the Wiring America’s Homes (WAH) program to define and promote structured wiring based on an established industry standard (TIA 570-A). The WAH Minimum Wiring Recommendation requires the presence of one four-pair UTP Cat 5 cable and; one RG-6 coaxial cable to key rooms in the house, including home office/den/study, kitchen, family/great room, and each bedroom. All cables are strung in a star formation to the distribution box. A distribution box is a stand-alone piece of equipment containing distribution devices for voice, data and video. Most structured wiring systems are professionally installed and all should meet industry standards. Bandwidth – the capacity of wire for carrying information.
Similar to plumbing, a bigger wire (pipe) can carry more information
(water). Category 5E (CAT 5E) – 4 twisted pairs of high quality copper wire in an enclosed outer jacket. Used for phone, fax, and high speed digital computer transmissions. Supports four phone lines and is very immune to interference. Relative capacity is equal to a garden hose. RG6 Quad Shield – Coaxial cable with insulted center wire and four layers of shielding. Supports hundreds of channels and digital data. Used for cable TV, digital satellite, cable modem, and high speed interactive video services. High immunity to interference. Relative capacity is equal to a fire hose.
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