DBS 

   Direct broadcast satellite. Refers to service that uses satellites to broadcast multiple channels of television programming directly to home mounted small-dish antennas.

 

Decoder

   A television set-top device which enables the home subscriber to convert an electronically scrambled television picture into a viewable signal. This should not be confused with a digital coder/decoder known as a CODEC which is used in conjunction with digital transmissions.

 

Descriptive Narration

   Aids blind and visually impaired viewers with descriptive narration of key visual elements of video programming, including descriptive information on scenery, action, expressions/movements and costumes/props – everything that will give the viewer a better “picture” of what is happening.

 

Desktop Videoconferencing

   Videoconferencing on a personal computer.

 

Dial-up Teleconference

   Using public telephone lines for communications links among various locations.

 

Digital

   A quantification scheme that allows the conversion of analog information into bits of data. Digitization allows for signal compression and for maintaining signal integrity.

 

Digital Television

   A telecommunication system for broadcasting and receiving moving pictures and sound by means of digital signals, in contrast to analog signals used by analog (traditional) TV.

 

Distance Education 

   Instruction in which the instructor and student are separated by distance and interact through a variety of communication methods.

 

Distance Education Course

For purposes of curriculum approval, this is any course where, by design, the student(s) and faculty are separated by a distance for any portion or element of the student contact hours. For purposes of reporting to the CCC Chancellor's Office, this is any course whereby 51% or more of the instruction is delivered at a distance.

 

Downlink

   The satellite to earth half of a 2 way telecommunications satellite link. Often used to describe the receive dish end of the link.

 

DVB

   Digital Video Broadcasting is harmonized digital TV that covers all media (satellite, cable and terrestrial). It supports Internet services at speed up to 6 Mbps and can be used on mobile devices.