Consumer Electronics Key Terms

Speak the professional language of consumer electronics

By Gail_Roberts

Consumer electronics are devices that have circuit boards and are manufactured for day-to-day use by consumers. There's a broad range of consumer electronics, including cameras, computers, clocks, video-playing devices, TVs, radios and more. No glossary will contain all the relevant key terms for this industry, but as a business that resells or uses consumer electronics you should be familiar with some jargon, including associations and organizations, electronics-recycling terms and technical references.

Region codes

Region codes are encrypted onto DVD discs to prevent them from being played in regions other than where they were intended to play. Different regions are assigned their own code. If DVDs don't contain a region code, they're called region 0 DVDs and can be played in any region. DVD players that are modified to be region-free or code-free will be able to play all discs no matter what their coding is.
Try: Firebird-Systems examines region codes and their purpose.

Consumer Electronics Association

The Consumer Electronics Association is the trade association for many companies in the consumer electronics industry, including manufacturers, distributors, installers and online retailers.
Try: Find out how the Consumer Electronics Association serves its members.

ecycling

Ecycling refers to the recycling of electronics to preserve landfill space and ensure that hazardous materials are disposed of properly. Ecycling includes refurbishing electronics, donating them or separating the materials and recycling as many of them as possible. Companies and individuals that donate electronics are usually eligible for tax deductions.
Try: The EPA educates consumers and businesses on the importance of ecycling and offers options for ecycling opportunities.

Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC)

The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is a nonprofit organization that sets standards for digital television. The organization exists to advance digital TV broadcasting and to encourage compatibility with other media.
Try: Marketing opportunities and benefits of membership are described by the Advanced Television Systems Committee.

PVR and DVR

A personal video recorder (PVR) or digital video recorder (DVR) are electronic devices that store video in internal memory in a digital format.
Try: Abby'sGuide explains some of the uses of PVRs and DVRs.

Electronics Representatives Association

The Electronics Representatives Association is an advocate of consumer electronics manufacturers. It hosts educational programs and activities for industry representatives. It also offers low-cost training for members.
Try: Get more information from the Electronics Representatives Association.