Why These Terms Matter
When you unbox a new TV, soundbar, or streaming device, the spec sheet reads like a foreign language. Terms like HDR, latency, and refresh rate appear on packaging and in setup menus — and making sense of them helps you actually get the most out of what you own.
This glossary covers the terms you'll genuinely encounter on home electronics spec sheets, app settings, and instruction manuals. Each definition is written in plain language, with no assumed technical background. For a broader look at device terminology beyond home electronics, see our decoded device terms guide.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
A display feature that increases the contrast between the darkest and brightest parts of an image. It makes colors appear more vivid and realistic without increasing the pixel count.
Refresh Rate
How many times per second a TV or monitor redraws the image on screen, measured in Hz. A higher refresh rate produces smoother motion, especially noticeable in sports and gaming.
Latency
The delay between a signal being sent and its effect being seen or heard. Low latency is important for gaming and keeping audio in sync with video.
Resolution
The total number of pixels displayed on screen, expressed as a width-by-height measurement (e.g., 3840×2160 for 4K). Higher resolution generally means a sharper, more detailed picture.
HDMI
A standard cable and port type that carries both high-definition video and audio in a single connection. Found on most modern TVs, monitors, and media devices.
Bandwidth
The maximum amount of data that can move through a network connection at once, measured in Mbps. Higher bandwidth supports more devices and higher-quality streaming simultaneously.
Dolby Atmos
A surround-sound audio format that adds overhead height channels to create a more immersive, three-dimensional sound experience. Requires compatible hardware to work.
OLED
A display panel technology where each pixel produces its own light and can turn completely off. This enables perfect blacks, high contrast, and wide viewing angles compared to standard LED displays.
Input Lag
A specific type of latency describing the delay between a user's input (like pressing a game controller button) and the result appearing on screen. Measured in milliseconds.
Hz (Hertz)
A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second. In displays, Hz measures refresh rate; in audio, Hz describes sound frequency or pitch.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
The sixth generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance when many devices are connected at the same time.
Mbps (Megabits per second)
A unit for measuring internet or data transfer speed. Streaming 4K video typically requires 25 Mbps or more, depending on the service.
Display and Picture Quality Terms
Most confusion around home electronics centers on display specs. Here's what the key terms mean in practice.
| Standard HD resolution | 1920 × 1080 pixels (1080p) |
| 4K resolution pixel count | Approximately 8.3 million pixels |
| Common refresh rates | 60Hz (standard), 120Hz (high motion) |
| Recommended speed for 4K streaming | 25 Mbps or higher (Generally cited by major streaming platforms) |
| HDMI 2.1 max supported resolution | Up to 10K at supported refresh rates (HDMI Forum specification) |
| Ideal gaming input lag | Under 20 milliseconds |
Resolution refers to the number of pixels — tiny colored dots — that make up a picture. More pixels generally means a sharper image. For a full breakdown of what 1080p, 4K, and 8K actually look like in a living room, see TV resolution explained in plain English.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) expands the range between the darkest blacks and brightest whites on screen, making images appear more lifelike. It's a separate feature from resolution — a 4K TV with HDR looks noticeably different from a 4K TV without it.
Refresh rate is measured in Hz (hertz) and describes how many times per second the screen redraws its image. A 60Hz display refreshes 60 times per second; a 120Hz display does so twice as fast. Higher refresh rates produce smoother motion, which is most noticeable during sports or fast-action video games.
HDR Formats Are Not All the Same
HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG are all HDR formats, but they differ in how color and brightness data are encoded. Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata that adjusts scene by scene, while HDR10 uses static metadata applied to the whole film. Not every TV supports every format, so it's worth checking your device's spec sheet if a specific format matters to you.
Audio, Connectivity, and Network Terms
Once you move past the screen, you'll encounter a second wave of terminology around sound and connectivity.
Latency is the delay between a signal being sent and received. In gaming, high latency means your on-screen character responds a beat after you press a button. In audio, latency causes lips to appear out of sync with dialogue on screen. Lower latency is almost always better.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the rectangular port found on TVs, monitors, and streaming devices. It carries both audio and video over a single cable. HDMI versions (2.0, 2.1, etc.) support different maximum resolutions and refresh rates — higher version numbers generally support more demanding content.
Bandwidth describes how much data can be transmitted over a connection in a given period of time, usually measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Streaming 4K video, for example, requires more bandwidth than streaming standard definition. Your home Wi-Fi's bandwidth is shared among all connected devices.
Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound format that adds height channels to audio, creating a more three-dimensional listening experience. It's a brand-name technology, and your TV or soundbar must explicitly support it to reproduce the effect.
If you also want to understand technical terms you see on your smartphone — like those in camera settings — this breakdown of smartphone camera settings covers HDR, RAW, and exposure in the same plain-language style. For general tech troubleshooting, the Tech Tips & Troubleshooting hub is a useful ongoing resource.
25 Mbps
Minimum recommended bandwidth for 4K streaming
Most major streaming services cite this as a baseline for reliable 4K playback without buffering.
120Hz
Refresh rate increasingly standard in newer TVs
Many mid-range and higher-tier televisions now include 120Hz panels, up from the 60Hz that was the norm for years.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.