PAL

   The German developed TV standard based upon 50 cycles.per second and 625 lines.

Payload

   The load carried by a satellite exclusive of what is necessary for its operation, especially the communications equipment, sensors, antennas, etc.

Plugins

   Computer programs that interact with a main (or host) application (a web browser or an email program, for example) to provide a certain, usually very specific, function "on demand". Examples include Portable Document Format (PDF), and media players such as Flash and Quicktime.

Podcast

   A digital media file, or a series of such files, that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers.

Point of Presence (POP)

   Point of connection between an inter-exchange carrier and a local carrier to pass communications into the network.

Point-to-Point Protocol

   A data link protocol commonly used to establish a direct connection between two nodes over serial cable, phone line, trunk line, cellular telephone, specialized radio links, or fiber optic links. Most Internet service providers use PPP for customers' dial-up access to the Internet.

Point-to-Point Videoconference

   A videoconference between two sites.

Polarization

   A technique used by the satellite designer to increase the capacity of the satellite transmission channels by reusing the satellite transponder frequencies. In linear cross polarization schemes, half of the transponders beam their signals to earth in a vertically polarized mode; the other half horizontally polarize their down links. Although the two sets of frequencies overlap, they are 90 degree out of phase, and will not interfere with each other. To successfully receive and decode these signals on earth, the earth station must be outfitted with a properly polarized feedhorn to select the vertically or horizontally polarized signals as desired. In some installations, the feedhorn has the capability of receiving the vertical and horizontal transponder signals simultaneously, and routing them into separate LNAs for delivery to two or more satellite television receivers. Unlike most domestic satellites, the Intelsat series use a technique known as left-hand and right-hand circular polarization.

Portable Media Player

   A self-reliant electronic device that is capable of storing and playing files in one or more media formats. Digital audio players (DAP) which display images and play videos are also considered as PMPs. Like DAPs, the data is typically stored on a hard drive, microdrive, or flash memory.

Protocol

   A formal set of standards, rules, or formats for exchanging data that assures uniformity between computers and applications.

Public, Educational and Government (PEG)

   Access Both the Cable Acts of 1984 and 1992 permit local governments to include and enforce requirements for public, educational and government entities to access equipment, facilities, services and support in a cable franchise. The federal laws also permit local government to require instructional networks that can be used by local community institutions, including community colleges.