Non-use

Switch the unit to standby mode when it is not in use. If the unit is not used for extended periods, then the mains plug should be removed from the socket.

Accessories

Use only the accessories supplied or recommended in order to avoid the risk of fire and electric shock and possible interference.

Batteries

Insert the batteries as shown in the battery compartment of the remote control. Never mix old and new batteries or use batteries of different types (standard, alkali) at the same time! When the batteries are flat, ensure that they are disposed of according to the regulations and in an environmentally friendly manner.

Copyright

When making use of music files, video files and digital photos, ensure that the copyrights are not infringed.
Any changes or additions, which could no longer be taken into account in the printed documentation, are described in the Read-me file on the CD-ROM supplied.
You will find the Declaration of Conformity (CE Declaration) and the "FCC Compliance Statement" for Pinnacle ShowCenter as a separate PDF file on the CD-ROM supplied.

The concept in words

With Pinnacle ShowCenter you can manage music files movie and other video files and digital photos from different sources, including the Internet, on your PC, view them on your TV set or play them back on your stereo system. Everything is conveniently controlled by remote control from your sofa. Pinnacle ShowCenter is a combination of components readily found in the living room, the home PC, a remote control and a software program for managing the media. Pinnacle ShowCenter arranges all your media in an intelligent multimedia database on your PC so that they can be quickly found and gives you access to all these files in a simple and convenient manner. Do you use your PC with broadband Internet access (DSL or cable modem) for downloading audio and video files and do you want to be able to arrange these and to view or play them back at any time? Do you want to archive your digital photos, videos and audio CDs and have them available at all times? Pinnacle ShowCenter is the right solution in both cases! With Pinnacle ShowCenter you can maintain order in your media collection and have your favourite movies and photos available for viewing on the TV and your favourite music available for playing back on your stereo system at any time. With Pinnacle ShowCenter you can build up a simple system, which will allow you to keep the PC out of your living room and yet still enjoy all the advantages of modern media there. You will find an explanation of all the necessary terms in the "Glossary" section at the end of this manual. In case of doubt, please also refer to the documentation provided with your TV set, your stereo system and your PC components.

The concept in pictures

This overview drawing gives you an example of how the system components may be arranged in the different rooms of your house:

The components

The Pinnacle ShowCenter system consists of the following components:

Hardware

ShowCenter Player The ShowCenter Player, together with your PC and TV set and/or your stereo system, forms a Multimedia Home Network. The ShowCenter Player takes on the function of a network client and enables movies or photos stored on your PC to be viewed on your TV set, or music files to be played back via your stereo system. Depending on the product version, the network can be connected with cables or can be wireless. Remote control (infrared) You can control the menu shown on the TV screen by means of the remote control.

Software

ShowCenter application The ShowCenter application is installed on your PC and is used for importing music files, movies and digital photos into the continuously updated ShowCenter database and for the management and organisation of these files. If you like, you can create playlists in which you can bring together your favourite music, movies or photos arranged in accordance with your own criteria. The media files on your PC can come from the Internet, from your audio CDs or from your digital camera, for example. ShowCenter server The ShowCenter server is installed on your PC and forms the connection between the ShowCenter application and the ShowCenter player. The data, which you call up from your TV screen by means of the menu and that you then want to view on the TV set or play back on the stereo system, is made available to the ShowCenter player by the server.
Basics The ShowCenter server comprises two types of server whose settings can be checked or changed by means of the ShowCenter control: the streaming server, which provides the user interface for the TV set, and the media server, which ensures access to the database, monitors folders and, if necessary, converts the format of media files. ShowCenter database The ShowCenter database is used by the ShowCenter application and the server for information exchange via all media. The database holds all information concerning the storage location and the type of files and stores all available additional information (e.g. playlists). This information can thus be easily found again using the ShowCenter application and can be made available by the server for playing back on the TV set and/or stereo system.

Package contents

Before you begin installation, check that the contents of the package are complete. If a part should be missing or damaged, please refer to your dealer. Keep the packing material in case you ever need to ship the original parts at a later date.

Computer software

Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 installed or Windows XP with Service Pack 1 installed.
Setting up the ShowCenter system
Three steps to the ShowCenter system Overview
This section describes the procedure for setting up the ShowCenter system in the form of an overview. Each step is explained in detail in the following chapters. The following procedure is recommended:

1. Install the software

First install the software on your computer. The following components will be installed: ShowCenter Quickstart Assistant ShowCenter application ShowCenter server Example files

2. Quickstart Assistant

The Quickstart Assistant will start automatically as soon as the software installation is complete. The Quickstart Assistant will help you to set up all necessary preferences for the system step-by-step.

3. Connect the equipment

Now make the connections between the ShowCenter Player and your computer and to the TV set and/or your stereo system. Depending on the product version, the network can be connected with cables or can be wireless.

Installing the software

This section describes the installation of the ShowCenter software on your PC. In the course of the installation, the Pinnacle ShowCenter program group will be created with its sub-groups, into which all necessary software components will be copied. You must have administrator rights in order to carry out the installation under Windows 2000 / Windows XP. You must be a member of the "main user" group or higher to be able to use the applications.
Insert the installation CD
Place the installation CD provided in the appropriate drive of your computer. The setup program will now start automatically or you can start autorun.exe from the CD-ROM. The installation program will now start with the following dialog box:
Choose language, click Next
Choose the required language for the installation process and the software to be installed and then click Next.
Click Next Accept the licence agreement and click Next
Click again on Next to continue with the installation. Please read the licence agreement carefully, confirm your agreement by choosing the appropriate option and then click Next.
Enter the user information and click Next
Enter the required user information and the serial number (see CD sleeve). Choose whether the application is to be available for use by all users of the computer or only by you. Then click Next.
Choose Setup type, click Next
Here you can choose which type of installation you want to carry out. Complete The program will be installed with all functions. Requires the most memory space. Custom You can choose the options to be installed yourself. Recommended for experienced users. Amongst other things, you can change the target path for the folder in which the software is to be installed here. When you have made your choice, click Next.

Choose components, click Next
If you have chosen the custom setup, you can choose those specific components that you want to install in the following window. After you have defined the installation, click Next. This installation step is not necessary if you have chosen the Complete setup.

Start installation

The system is now ready for installation. Click the Install button to start the copying process.

Desktop shortcut

If you want a shortcut on your desktop, now click Yes.

10. Restart the system

If Windows suggests restarting the system, do this now.
11. Installing third-party applications
After the system has been restarted, further programs will be installed if you have selected these as components (e.g. Acrobat Reader).
12. Continue with the section "Quickstart Assistant"
On completing the software installation, please continue with the section "Quickstart Assistant".

The Quickstart Assistant

The Quickstart Assistant will start automatically as soon as the software installation is complete. The Quickstart Assistant will help you to set up all necessary preferences for the system step-by-step. You can close the Quickstart Assistant at any time and run it again later from the Start menu via the Pinnacle program group. Most preferences can also be set up in the ShowCenter application. To do this, open the ShowCenter application either from the Start menu via the Pinnacle program group or by double-clicking on the desktop shortcut. The following window will open:
The individual steps are explained here in brief. In each case, follow the instructions on the screen.
Importing the Windows Media Player database
This function is only supported from Version 9 of the Windows Media Player. If only an older version of Windows Media Player is installed, then the import function is not available.
Pinnacle ShowCenter The Windows Media Player database on your PC is searched for information on compatible media files (music, videos, photos). In doing so, not only are the Microsoft demo files found but also other files, which may be on your computer and stored in the Windows Media Player database. All files in question will be imported into the ShowCenter database.
Importing TV recordings from a Pinnacle PCTV product
This function is only available when a Pinnacle PCTV product is installed on your PC. TV programmes, which have been recorded with a Pinnacle PCTV product, can be imported into the ShowCenter database and you can view these on your TV set via the ShowCenter Player. A watched folder can be created for these recordings on your computer so that all recordings that are made are imported into the ShowCenter database automatically.

The ShowCenter application The window view changes depending on the choice of different functions and list types and the three areas work interactively and closely together. You will find detailed information on the individual areas in the following sections. The Media Library and the Media Player area are explained first in order to provide the basic tools for working with the application. The special functions, Import, Organize, Playlists and Export as well as the menus are explained in the later sections.

The Media Library

An overview of the Media Library
Types of media The Media Library represents the contents of the database with reference to the three different types of media, divided into the Music tab Movies tab and the Photos tab. Categories Within the media types, you can switch between the following categories on the right-hand side: Library: All files contained in the database are shown. Last imported: The last files imported are displayed. If, for example, 3 CDs are imported one after the other, then only the song titles of the third CD will be visible here. New media: The last files imported over a period of one day are displayed. Playlists: The files contained in the selected playlist are displayed. When the application is installed, example files are copied to the hard drive of your PC and automatically imported into the ShowCenter database. These are visible in the appropriate categories the very first time the application is started.
The ShowCenter application Details Different details concerning the individual files will be displayed in the list on the right-hand side depending upon whether you have selected the Music, Movies or Photos tab/media type. These sort criteria are also referred to as fields. Depending upon the media type currently selected, you will see the following information in the columns, for example: file status, name of the song title/movie/photo, date created etc. If no information has been stored in the database for the individual fields, then the corresponding columns will remain empty. As in Windows Explorer, you can click on the individual column title with the left mouse button to change the sortation of the files in the list. You can change the order of the columns by dragging the column title while holding the left mouse button pressed. By clicking with the right mouse button, you can open the context menu from which you can select which columns are to be displayed and which are not. Please read how the Media Library can help you to sort and manage your media files in the following sections.

The Media Library browser
You can switch the browser on or off with the button on the right-hand side next to the tabs. When you click on this button, the list divides horizontally into two parts.
The top half of the list can now be used to sort the media files displayed in the bottom half or to narrow them down according to certain criteria. You therefore define a filter in the top half for displaying the files in the bottom half. Example: You have activated the Music tab and now want to display all the song titles in the database belonging to the pop genre. Tip: By clicking with the right mouse button on the column title in the top half of the list, you can use the context menu to select which columns are to be displayed.
The Media Library Search function
You will find the Search function on the extreme right-hand side of the Media Library: Enter any search word in the input field to quickly find a particular media file in the database. The files containing the search word will now be shown in the list. If you want to enter a new search word, click in the input field and overwrite the previous one or delete it with the button.
Deleting and moving files in the Media Library
Deleting files button. On the right-hand side, next to the tabs, you will see the Mark one or more entries in the list and then click on this button. The entries will be deleted from the database but will still remain stored on your PC's hard drive. To make them visible in the database once more, they must be reimported. Moving files If files are moved to a different folder on your PC hard drive, then they will no longer be accessible via the ShowCenter application. To make them visible in the database once more, the entries must first be deleted and the files then reimported.

The Media Player

Using the Media Player and its controls
The Media Player is used for viewing the media files that are present in the database on the PC. Video files and photos are reproduced on its 16:9 screen. Audio files are reproduced via the sound adapter and your computer's speakers. The Media Player controls are also used for this. For better orientation, all functions are provided with a QuickInfo field, which is displayed when you move the mouse over the buttons.

In the Start column, you will see a selection box for each song title. You can now select individual titles or all titles for importing by clicking with the mouse. Tip: If you want to select all song titles at once, click with the right mouse button on the title of the Start column and choose Select all from the context menu. Start When all settings have been made, click on the Start button. You will see a progress bar for each song title during the import process. The lower progress bar will show 100% when all the selected titles have been imported. You will now be able to see the song titles imported from your audio CD in the Media Library under the Music tab, e.g. in the Last imported category. If you have not defined a different folder for this purpose under Preferences in the File menu or in the Quickstart Assistant, the imported audio files will be stored by default in the.\My Computer\My Music folder on the hard disk of your PC. A dedicated subfolder with the name of the album/artist will be created for each audio CD imported. Eject CD from drive You can eject the CD from the drive by clicking on this button.

Import - Digital camera

Only cameras with WIA driver are supported at the present time. As only Windows XP supports WIA, this function is not available under Windows 2000. When you select the Digital camera category on the Import tab in the function area, the window is made up as follows:
Camera If you want to import photos into the ShowCenter database directly from a digital camera, choose the appropriate camera from the drop-down Camera list. If you connect a new camera to your PC while the application is active, click on the Refresh button so that this will be displayed in the drop-down list. Album Now specify the name of the album. Remove after import If you activate this checkbox, the photo files will be deleted from the camera memory after they have been imported.
The ShowCenter application Start When all the settings have been made, click on the Start button. The progress bar will show 100% when the import process is complete. You will now be able to see the imported files in the Media Library under the Photos tab, e.g. in the Last imported category. If you have not defined a different folder for this purpose under Preferences in the File menu or in the Quickstart Assistant, the imported photo files will be stored by default in the.\My Computer\My Pictures folder on the hard disk of your PC.

Import - Watched folder

When you select the Watch folder category on the Import tab in the function area, the window is made up as follows:
Here, you can specify/create any number of folders on your PC as watched folders. Each time the ShowCenter Server is started, it will check these folders for new files and will cause them to be automatically imported into the ShowCenter database. This will also take place when the ShowCenter application is not active. You can allocate your own names to the watched files and you will see all of them in the clearly arranged list in the right-hand part of the window. Create new watched folder Click on this button to specify/create a new watched folder. Either choose an already existing folder on your hard disk and confirm with OK, or create a completely new folder by means of the Create button and then confirm with OK. Newly added watched files are initially active by default. In order to deactivate a watched file, click on the checkmark in the first column of the list. The converted files folder cannot be specified as a watched folder!
The ShowCenter application Options for watched folders If you click with the mouse on the last column in the list of watched folders, you can choose further options from a menu for each watched folder:

Subfolder

When this option is activated, all subfolders will also be watched. In the case of photos, the names of the subfolders will be imported as the photo album names. Movie titles will be used as the name for the collection. If a movie consists of several files, these will be grouped together in one collection. Delete watched folder Click on this button to delete a watched folder from the database. The folder will only be deleted from the database and will still be present on the hard disk of your PC. To make it visible in the database again, you must specify it as a watched folder once more.

Organising media files

Organisational file tags
The three different types of media (music, videos, photos) that you can manage with the ShowCenter application, have different organisational tags. These sorting criteria define a hierarchy within the files of a media type. Organisational tags are exclusive tags, i.e. if a music file is assigned to the "Pop" music genre, it cannot belong to the "Classic" genre at the same time. Tags for digital photos - Examples Photo album My wedding My wedding My wedding Photo At the registry office In the church In the restaurant
User-defined file tags (keywords)
User-defined tags (keywords) can be assigned in addition to the organisational tags. These are so-called non-exclusive tags, on the basis of which the media files can be sorted. Assigning a keyword - Example You can create the keyword "My wedding", for example, and assign this to all associated media files. At a later date, you can then easily filter out the files, which belong to "My wedding", from the overall contents of the Media Library, based on this keyword. Assigning several keywords - Example Several keywords can be associated with one and the same file. In this way, you can assign an additional keyword or several additional keywords to some of the files that are already associated with the keyword "My wedding". For example, "At the registry office", "In the church" or "In the restaurant". Show keywords You can activate the display of the keywords in the Library view from the menu by right-clicking in the browser.

File conversion

The ShowCenter Player can only play back a few music and video formats directly. Others, such as Windows Media Audio (WMA) or DV AVI video clips, must first be converted into a format known to the ShowCenter Player. This is controlled by the ShowCenter application, but also takes place in the Media Server when the application is closed. When this happens, a converted copy is created - the original file is not changed. You specify which formats are to be automatically converted after importing and also define the target format under Preferences in the ShowCenter application. As standard, music files are automatically converted. On the other hand, video files are only converted when you initiate this by selecting the file in the Media Library, then clicking with the right mouse button and choosing "Convert to." in the menu. Converted files are stored in the location, which you have specified in the Quickstart Assistant. This location can also be changed under Preferences in the ShowCenter application. Please note that the conversion, especially of video files, can take up a large amount of space. File status In the Media Library, different details concerning the individual files are shown in the list on the right-hand side for each type of media. In the first column, you will see a description of the conversion status for each file.
The ShowCenter application Each file in a selected category can have the following file status (recognisable by the symbol):
The file is not ready for playing/displaying on the TV set or stereo system. It must be converted first. The file is in the waiting list for conversion and is not ready for playing/displaying on the TV set or stereo system. The file is currently being converted and is not ready for playing/displaying on the TV set or stereo system. An error has occurred during conversion of this file. Examples of this could be an unknown codec or no memory space. If there is no symbol in the file status column, then the file is ready for playing/displaying on the TV set or stereo system. Conversion functions Right-clicking on a file in the list will open the context menu and you can choose between the following options:

Convert to

The selected file will be converted. This may also be appropriate, for example, when the file is already compatible with the ShowCenter system but is to be converted to a special format for a CD or DVD. The target format is likewise chosen via the context menu. For movies, the following formats are available:

Setting server preferences with the ShowCenter control panel
The server settings can be checked or modified using the ShowCenter control panel. You can start the ShowCenter control panel either from the Start menu via the Pinnacle program group or by clicking with the mouse on the icon in the information area of the task bar.

Media Server settings

The Media Server safeguards access to the database and makes data available via the ShowCenter Player, which you want to call up on your TV screen by means of the menu and then view on the TV or play back on the stereo system. The Media Server also undertakes the monitoring of the specified folders as well as converting the format of media files, which cannot be played in their original form on the ShowCenter Player. These are converted to a suitable format in the background and can then be played or viewed. In order to view the Media Server settings, click on the appropriate button in the ShowCenter control panel.
Pinnacle ShowCenter Start / Stop Conversion can take a lot of computer power and thus interfere with your work on the PC. If this should be the case, conversion can be stopped by means of this button and resumed later by clicking again. However, this will cause the current conversion to be lost and it will be started again from the beginning. OK With this button, you confirm the current settings and the window will close. Quit With this button, you can shut down the ShowCenter control panel and the window will close.
Streaming Server settings
The Streaming Server provides the data for the TV user interface in the form of HTML/PHP pages. These enable you to navigate by means of the remote control to musical tracks, movies and photos in your database that you want to play back or view. In order to view the Streaming Server settings, click on the appropriate button in the ShowCenter control panel.
Network interface settings If you have several options for setting up a network connection in your system, choose the connection to which the ShowCenter Player is connected here. The associated IP address will be displayed.

Enter any search term here and then choose OK. The media, which could then be associated with the search term, will now be displayed in the list on the righthand side.

The remote control

Remote control key commands
You will find an overview of the individual functions of the ShowCenter remote control in the following drawing:
Description of the keys in detail
Your ShowCenter remote control enables you to call up the many functions of your ShowCenter application from the comfort of your TV chair or sofa. To enable you to better understand the functions of the individual buttons, these are described in detail below:

On/Off

You can switch the ShowCenter Player on and off with this button.

Sound On/Off

You can switch the sound on and off with this button.
Open Music/ Movies/ Photo start menu, open summary page
With these buttons, you can open the music, movies or photo start menus or the summary page from where you can make a more detailed selection of the functions you require.

Change video outputs

You can switch between the individual video outputs by means of this button. The video output selected at any time will be shown on the screen. If you cannot see a picture on the screen, press the "Change video outputs" button until a picture is displayed.

Full-screen

With this button, you can enlarge the preview window that appears when you start to play a movie or display a photo to the full size of your screen or switch it back to a preview window again.

Various functions

These buttons have different functions depending upon the type of media and category selected. These are shown in each case at the bottom right-hand edge of the screen. The appropriate function is carried out when a button is pressed.
You can call up the interactive Help for the TV menu with this button. An appropriate movie will be shown on your TV screen depending upon which type of media you have currently selected.
Cursor keys (Up, Down, Left, Right)
With these keys, you can navigate within a window in order to select a function. You can tell which function has been selected by the background highlighted in colour.

License information herein and that is returned to Pinnacle. This limited warranty shall be void if failure of the Software has resulted from any accident, abuse, misuse or misapplication by you. Any replacement Software will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or 30 days, whichever is longer. 9. NO OTHER WARRANTIES. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH ABOVE, THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ON AN AS IS BASIS. YOU ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PINNACLE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. LICENSOR DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE SOFTWARE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE. 10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. YOU AGREE THAT IN NO EVENT WILL PINNACLE BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, EVEN IF PINNACLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL PINNACLES LIABILITY EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE FEES PAID FOR THE SOFTWARE. Some states/jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages in certain circumstances, so the above limitations may not apply in some circumstances. 11. General. This License is governed by the laws of the State of California and by the federal laws of the United States, without reference to conflict of laws principles. The federal and state courts within the County of Santa Clara, California shall have excusive jurisdiction to adjudicate any dispute arising out of this License and you hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts within the County of Santa Clara, California. This License is the entire agreement between you and Pinnacle and supersedes any other communication with respect to the Software. No modification of or amendment to this License will be effective unless in writing signed by both parties. If any provision of this License is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this License will continue in full force and effect.

Glossary

16:9 Format: Also referred to as "widescreen format". Television picture format, in which the ratio of width to height of the picture area is 16:9 as opposed to the normal format of 4:3. During transmission, part of the picture is transmitted in black (black bars and the top and bottom edges of the picture) to maintain compatibility with the traditional 4:3 format. An additional coding is transmitted in the television picture itself, which tells a 16:9 television to enlarge the picture. (See also "4:3 Format") 4:3 Format: This is the traditional television picture format. The ratio of width to height of the picture area is 4:3. (See also "16:9 Format").
Aspect ratio: The ratio of width to height of a pixel. With many video data formats, this is an important parameter for the correct reproduction of the picture. If the aspect ratio is equal to 1, the pixel is said to be square. If the aspect ratio is not equal to 1, the pixel is said to be rectangular. Without correction, circles would be reproduced as ovals. This is corrected by taking into account the aspect ratio. (See also "Pixel") AVI: Abbreviation for "Audio Video Interleaved", the standard format for digital video on PCs. (See also "Video for Windows").

JPEG: Abbreviation for Joint Photographic Experts Group, file extension "JPG". Graphics compression process developed by C-Cube Microsystems. This bitmap format provides 24-bit colour depth and is particularly suitable for photos and photo-realistic pictures with many colour nuances. It takes advantage of certain physiological characteristics of the human eye and deliberately takes
Pinnacle ShowCenter into account data losses that are not visually perceivable. Very high compression rates are achieved as a result. JPG: (See "JPEG").
LAN: Abbreviation for "Local Area Network". A local network within a building or company site in which private transfer media and switching equipment are used. Well-known LAN technologies are Ethernet and token ring, for example. Letterbox: A picture shown on a normal TV (4:3) is said to be in letterbox format when the picture is actually provided in the wider 16:9 format (or wider). Typical of this is a picture with black bars at the top and bottom edge of the screen. The designation comes from the English and probably originates from the slot-shaped picture that is equivalent to looking through the slot of a letterbox.
Modem: Abbreviation for "MOdulator DEModulator". A device that converts digital signals ("the language of the computer") into analogue signals ("the language of the telephone") and vice versa. It is used to connect a computer to the Internet via a "dial-up connection". MOV: Indication that a digital video is in Apple's QuickTime format. MP3: MP3 is a pure audio format, which still achieves a comparatively good sound quality at high compression rates (measured against the uncompressed original). It is therefore outstandingly suitable for storing and exchanging musicrecording media on the Internet. Many so-called MP3 players support this format and enable several hours of sound to be stored in almost hi-fi quality on just a few megabytes. MPEG: Abbreviation for Motion Pictures Experts Group. Standard for the compression of moving pictures. Discrimination is made between different formats depending upon the type of compression, e.g. MPEG 1, MPEG 2.
NTSC: Abbreviation for "National Television Standards Committee". A television standard with 525 lines and 60 frames per second, which is used in North and Central America, for example. (See also "PAL", "SECAM", "Frame").
PAL: Abbreviation for "Phase Alternation Line". A television standard developed in Germany, which works with 625 lines and 50 frames per second. This is the predominant TV standard in Europe. (See also "NTSC", "SECAM", "Frame"). PCMCIA: Abbreviation for "Personal Computer Memory Card International Association". A PCMCIA card is a lightweight, removable module of the size of a credit card that expands the function of a portable computer. For example, this can be the expansion of the working memory, the hard disk storage space or for providing network capability. Peer-to-peer (P2P): Peer-to-peer file sharing sites are forums on the Internet, which offer freely accessible media files. In the meantime, more than 70 such forums are known. PHP: The abbreviation PHP officially stands for "Hypertext Preprocessor". PHP is a widely used script language intended for general use, which is especially suitable for Web programming and can be embedded in HTML. The language is distinguished above all by the fact that it is easy to learn, by its outstanding database connections and Internet protocol integration and for supporting a large number of other function libraries. For the Web designer, PHP therefore represents the ideal tool for creating dynamic content. PIN: Abbreviation for "Personal Identification Number". A PIN is a multi-digit personal secret number for identifying a user. PiP: Abbreviation for "Picture in Picture." Pixel: Also "Picture element" or "pel". Colloquially "picture point". In the case of a recording device (e.g. a camera) or a reproduction device (e.g. monitor), a pixel is a light-sensitive or light-transmitting surface with a defined width and height. An electronically stored pixel contains information about brightness and colour of a picture element. When reproducing video data, the aspect ratio is also an important parameter. It is stored separately in the files depending upon the data format used. (See also "Aspect ratio"). PNG: Abbreviation for Portable Network Graphics. Graphics format with interlacing capability for pixel images with up to 24-bit colour depth and lossfree compression. (See also "Interlace").