Parrot Technical Glossary

Advanced noise reduction
Signal processing algorithm used to reduce or eliminate outside and surrounding noise picked up by the microphone for crystal-clear calls. Example: this feature is available on all Parrot hands-free kits.

 

Analogue
Refers to a signal processed without the use of a microprocessor or chip.

 

Android
Software platform for mobile phones, based on Linux with support from Google: operating system, middleware and mobile applications.

  

Aspect ratio
Format for the image displayed on a screen. The most frequently encountered formats are 4:3 and 16:9. Example: the PARROT BY ANDREE PUTMAN digital photo frame displays photos with an aspect ratio of 3:2.

 

AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) Bluetooth profile
Bluetooth profile allowing Bluetooth devices to control certain parameters (playback, pause, stop, forward…) on another Bluetooth device reproducing audio and/or video content. With the AVRCP profile, the music controls on a Bluetooth mobile phone can be operated directly from another Bluetooth peripheral. Example: feature available on the MKi range of hands-free kits.

  

Beamforming
Sound technology that uses a double microphone to pick up voices more effectively, while reducing interference from surrounding noise.

 

BIP Bluetooth profile (Basic Image Profile)
Bluetooth profile used to send images between two Bluetooth devices (phones, PCs…), including the possibility of resizing and converting the image to suit the receiving device. Example: feature available on the DF7630 and PARROT BY ANDREE PUTMAN digital photo frames.

 

Bluetooth
Wireless technology enabling data to be sent via a short-distance radio link (100 m for class 1 and 10 m for class 2). All Parrot products use this technology to transfer photos, play music, synchronise phonebooks, make wireless calls, and so on. Example: Bluetooth connectivity is available on all Parrot products.

 

Bluetooth connection
This connection enables a Bluetooth peripheral to access the different functions on a Bluetooth mobile phone (calls, streaming audio, phonebook synchronisation…) by establishing a link between both devices. Example: this connection is available on the entire Parrot product range.

 

Bluetooth dongle / Bluetooth adapter
USB device that adds Bluetooth functionality to an electronic appliance (PCs…). The dongle adapts the appliance to allow data to be transferred to a Bluetooth peripheral. Example: the PARROT DS1120 speakers come with a USB Bluetooth dongle for listening to the audio files on your computer.

 

Bluetooth EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Version of Bluetooth that increases data transmission speeds. Example: version available on Parrot's MKi range of hands-free kits.

 

Bluetooth HFP profile (Hands-Free Profile)
Bluetooth profile for making and receiving calls through an electronic device using the Bluetooth technology. Example: feature available on Parrot's CK range of hands-free kits.

   

Bluetooth HSP (headset profile)
Bluetooth profile enabling a Bluetooth audio peripheral to send and receive upstream audio information (from the mobile phone to the peripheral) and downstream information (from the peripheral to the mobile phone) by Bluetooth. Example: feature available on Parrot car stereos.

 

Bluetooth OPP profile (Object Push Profile)
Bluetooth profile for manually sending data; it is often used when a Bluetooth peripheral does not offer automatic data synchronisation. Example: feature available on the PARROT MINIKIT portable hands-free kit.

 

Bluetooth PBAP profile (Phone Book Access Profile)
Bluetooth profile allowing automatic synchronisation of the phonebook on a Bluetooth peripheral. Example: feature available on the PARROT MINIKIT SLIM and CHIC portable hands-free kits.

 

Bluetooth profile
Bluetooth profiles determine how Bluetooth peripherals and equipment communicate with each other. Each type of data transmission is associated with a Bluetooth profile corresponding to a specific type of use.

 

Bluetooth stereo profile A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
Bluetooth profile enabling an A2DP audio device (MP3 player, mobile phone…) to stream stereo-quality music to a Bluetooth A2DP device by Bluetooth. Example: feature available on the PARROT DS1120 speakers.


CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol
Communication protocol developed by a number of car manufacturers. The protocol helps lighten vehicles by using a single communication bus instead of a large bundle of cables. Example: the PARROT UNIKA uses this communication protocol to control the MKi hands-free kits from the vehicle's steering wheel controls.

 

Class-D amplifier
Space-saving digital amplifier offering good performance and considerably powerful output. It is very often used for car stereo systems. Example: the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers use this type of amplifier.

 

Digital
System that encodes information into binary (base 2), so that it can be processed by a computer.

 

Digital photo frame
Device used to display digital photos. Depending on its connectivity (SD card slot, Bluetooth…), it can receive photos from various sources (PCs/Macs, mobile phones…).

 

Docking station
Device featuring a connection for directly plugging in an electronic device. Example: the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers come with an iPod and iPhone docking station.

 

DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
This term refers to all the signal processing technologies and algorithms used to improve picture and sound reproduction. Example: feature available on the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers.

 

DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) signals
Combination of frequencies used for dialling phone numbers. Each key on the phone corresponds to a pair of audible frequencies played at the same time. As such, eight distinct frequencies can encode 16 keys. These frequencies are recognised by electronic devices and are used for interactive voice servers. Example: this feature is available on all Parrot hands-free kits.

 

Echo cancellation
Sound processing technology that eliminates the echo from the caller's voice to improve call quality. Example: feature available in the PARROT CK3100 range; voices are reproduced over the speakers.

 

Fitted hands-free system
Hands-free system fully fitted inside the vehicle: the system is built into the car during assembly or later by a fitting specialist, and works with the car's speakers. A microphone is fitted inside the car, along with steering wheel controls.

  

Firmware
Built-in software enabling electronic devices to operate. The firmware manages various functions, such as smart card control, display, buttons and menu navigation.

 

Flash memory
Semiconductor memory whose contents are not wiped when the power supply is cut off. Flash memory can be built into any electronic product to save specific settings. It is similar to a computer's hard drive.

  

Format (audio / video / photo)
Type of file that can be read by an electronic device. There are several audio formats: MP3, WMA, LCPM… / Video: MPeg4, DivX, DVD… / Photo: JPEG, GIF, EXIF, TIFF… Example: the PARROT MKi9200 hands-free kit displays photos in JPEG format and plays audio files in MP3 format.

  

Frequency range
All the frequencies that a product is capable of reproducing; measured in hertz. Example: the frequency range of the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers is 50 Hz to 20 kHz.

 

Full duplex
Two-way communication in which speech can be transmitted and received at the same time. Example: feature available on all Parrot hands-free kits.

 

Hands-free kit or system
System that gives users access to the main functions on a mobile phone at the steering wheel without needing to hold the phone. Hands-free kits most often feature the wireless Bluetooth technology for connecting to the phone, so that users have remote access to the functions on their phone.

 

Hardware
All the components that electronic devices use to process information. The components input data into the device before storing, processing and outputting the information in human-readable format.

 

ISO connector
Connection frequently used by car manufacturers to connect the car stereo to the various audio components and power supply. Example: connection available on all Parrot hands-free kits.

 

Jack connector
The most frequently used connector for audio equipment. Jack connectors come in various diameters (2.5 mm, 3.5 mm…). The conventional jack connector (3.5 mm) is used for earphones. Example: connection available on Parrot's MKi range of hands-free kits.

 

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen
Type of screen used as the display on a large number of mobile devices. Its uses light polarisation technology. Example: screen of the PARROT DF7700 MMS/SMS frame.

 

Line-in
The line-in socket enables devices to receive an audio source and reproduce the audio information through amplification. Example: this feature is available via the music cable shipped with the MKi hands-free kits.

 

Line-out
The line-out socket feeds non-amplified audio information into an audio peripheral, such as a pre-amplifier. Example: this feature is available on all MKi hands-free kits.

 

Low power mode
Mode that allows electronic devices to use less electricity and prolong battery life. Example: feature available on the PARROT PARTY BLACK.

 

LP cover
Album cover. Album covers are displayed as thumbnails on music hands-free system screens when playing tracks from the album. Example: this feature is available on the MKi ranges.

 

Made for iPod
Certification from Apple guaranteeing users that their peripheral is fully iPod-compatible. It means that an electronic device has been designed to connect specifically to an iPod and is compliant with Apple's performance criteria. Example: Apple certification has been given for the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers and the entire MKi range.

 

Microprocessor
Set of integrated circuits that process information within a microcomputer or complex electronic devices.

 

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)
Short text message (SMS) to which multimedia can be added (photos, audio, videos). Example: feature available on the DF7700 digital photo frame.

 

MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Silicon Field-Effect-Transistor)
High-performance integrated circuit used for certain amplifiers. MOSFETs increase the quality of the sound reproduced on powerful audio amplifiers. Example: feature available on Parrot car stereos.

 

Mute cable
Cable connecting a hands-free kit to the car's audio system, which automatically cuts off the music when making or receiving a call. Example: feature available on all Parrot hands-free kits.

 

Music hands-free system
Hands-free system with music functionality. With various audio connections, these systems can read music from different sources. Example: MKi ranges.

 

NFC (Near Field Communication)
Contactless technology for exchanging data intuitively and easily with security guaranteed. Communication is established by bringing two NFC-compatible electronic devices within a few centimetres of each other. NFC and Bluetooth can be combined to simplify the stages involved in pairing and connecting peripherals. Example: feature available on the PARROT PARTY BLACK and PARROT SPECCHIO BY MARTIN SZEKELY.

 

NXT
Groundbreaking technology in terms of acoustic design. It uses an extremely flat membrane - an NXT vibratile panel - which vibrates microscopically across its entire surface and optimally disperses the sound. The NXT technology allows for incredible flexibility when positioning speakers in a room for 360° sound. Example: technology available on the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers.

 

OBEX(Object Exchange) FTP (File Transfer Protocol) profile
Bluetooth protocol for transferring files between two devices. This profile is generally used to update products by sending software including new functionality from a computer by Bluetooth. This profile also lets users upload and fetch files. Example: this feature is available on the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers for sending updates by Bluetooth. The PARROT SPECCHIO BY MARTIN SZEKELY can also retrieve photos.

 

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Term used in the motor, aeronautical, computing and electronics industries to refer to a company that manufactures spare parts or complex systems which are then built into an assembly. Example: Parrot develops several systems alongside automobile OEMs. Manufacturers include Renault, PSA and Nissan. See www.parrotoem.com

 

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screen
Screen using organic LEDs. The organic compounds emit light when a current is passed through them. Example: screen of the PARROT MKi9100 hands-free kit.

  

Pairing
This procedure involves authorising a link between two Bluetooth devices. This link enables both devices to recognise each other and exchange a number of parameters (e.g. device name, services available, etc.), which are stored in their respective memories until deleted by the user. Example: this procedure applies to the entire Parrot product range. Parrot photo frames do not need to be paired.

 

Parameters
Set of data and information defining how a given device is used.

 

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
Pocket or handheld computer.

 

Peripheral
Device connected to an electronic system (computer, games console, speakers…) that adds extra functionality.

 

Pixel
Smallest colour element in a digital image. All pixels are contained in a two-dimensional grid that makes up the final image. Digital photo frames use pixels to reproduce images. Example: the PARROT DF7630 digital photo frame features a screen with 720x480 pixels.

 

Plug-and-Play
A Plug-and-Play peripheral is instantly recognised by the operating system when powered up and plugged into an electronic device. Example: the PARROT DF7990 digital photo frame offers a Plug-and-Play USB port.

  

Portable hands-free kit / speakerphone
Hands-free kit not fitted inside the vehicle. Mobile hands-free kits are plug-and-play systems with their own speaker and do not require fitting. Example: MINIKIT, MINIKIT SLIM AND MINIKIT CHIC

 

Radiation pattern (audio)
Spatial distribution of the sound energy emitted by a speaker. It is generally represented by a diagram according to the angle and frequency.

 

R-Ladder protocol
Analogue communication protocol developed by a number of car manufacturers. The R-Ladder technology offers high resistance to electromagnetic and automotive interference. Example: the PARROT UNIKA uses this communication protocol to control the MKi hands-free kits from the vehicle’s steering wheel controls.

 

Resolution
A digital image is made up of pixels. A pixel does not have a clearly defined size. To represent the size of a pixel, you need to know the resolution used to represent the pixel. The resolution defines the number of pixels per unit of length (centimetre or inch). Example: the PARROT SPECCHIO BY MARTIN SZEKELY digital photo frame has a seven-inch display with a high resolution of 720x480 pixels, i.e. 125 pixels per inch. 

  

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed
Data description format simplifying the broadcasting of information (text RSS feed) or photos (photo RSS feed). With the RSS format, all or part of another site's content can easily be republished. RSS feeds are captured across a network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) in the case of Wi-Fi digital photo frames, meaning that photos can be shared from social networking sites. Example: feature available on the PARROT SPECCHIO BY MARTIN SZEKELY digital photo frame.

  

RF remote control
Radio frequency remote control. RF remote controls can be placed wherever required and provide remote control over your appliances. Example: feature available on the MKi range of hands-free kits.

 

SBC (Low Complexity Subband Codec)
Audio and video compression codec specially designed for Bluetooth audio and video applications, allowing for high-quality streaming (128 Kb/s) with low computational complexity. Example: feature available on Parrot's MKi range of hands-free kits and the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers.

   

SD card (Secure Digital Card)
Removable digital data memory card mainly used for storing files in digital cameras. Card storage space can reach 32 GB and higher (SDHC). Example: SD card slots are featured on all Parrot digital photo frames.

 

SMS (Short Messaging Service)
Short text message sent from a mobile phone. Example: feature available on the PARROT DF7990 digital photo frame, which can receive SMS messages.

 

Software
All the programs, procedures and rules that control the workings of a data processing system. Example: the software installed in Parrot's products can be updated free of charge at www.parrot.com. To simplify the update procedure, Parrot has created the Parrot Software Update Tool.

 

Sound spatializer
Sound effect that reproduces sound in a three-dimensional space. Example: this feature is available on the PARROT MKi9200 hands-free system.

 

Speech synthesis or TTS (text-to-speech)
Computer technology that creates artificial speech from text. A hands-free system can pronounce a menu's different options or the names in the phonebook. Example: feature available on the PARROT MKi and MINIKIT SLIM hands-free kits.

 

Stereo widening
Widening of the sound field. This effect simulates the ideal listening conditions that would be found in an auditorium. Example: feature available on the PARROT PARTY BLACK speakers.

 

Streaming audio
Principle based on continuous playback, where audio or video data is streamed as and when available, unlike downloading, where the entire music track or video clip needs to be retrieved before it can be played. Example: several types of streaming are available with Parrot's products, including streaming by Bluetooth and streaming from MP3 players / USB flash drives.

 

Subwoofer
Part of a speaker system specialising in bass frequencies.

 

SynchroAT
AT command from the GSM specification. This command is used to exchange and fetch data with a mobile phone. Parrot's hands-free kits use AT commands, particularly this type of synchronisation command for reading address book entries and retrieving phonebook information from the phone and SIM card, and the call records.

 

Synchronisation
Action that standardises the data on two devices. Example: feature available on Parrot's MKi range of hands-free kits. Synchronisation enables data to be retrieved from the phonebook (contacts, photos…).

 

SyncML (Synchronisation Mark Up Language)
Data synchronisation language (calendar, diaries...) between mobile devices and desktops. Example: feature available on the PARROT MKi9000 hands-free system.

 

TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) screen
Technology for liquid crystal displays (LCD) that enables faster scrolling images. Example: screen of the PARROT DF7630 digital photo frame.

 

Updating / flashing
Updating the software to improve how the product functions.

 

USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Bus standard operating in serial mode allowing for the connection of an external plug-and-play peripheral. This connection provides an easy way of retrieving data (music, photos…) from a USB flash drive. Example: feature available on the PARROT SPECCHIO BY MARTIN SZEKELY photo frame.

 

Vibratile panel
Card membrane replacing conventional speakers. The panel oscillates according to an electrical field and reproduces natural, clear sound. Example: technology available on the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers and the PARROT MINIKIT SLIM and CHIC hands-free kits.

 

Wi-Fi
Broadband wireless computer network operating over a range of hundreds of metres in ideal conditions; the distance indoors is a dozen metres. It can be used to connect communicating objects and exchange data securely. Example: connectivity available on the PARROT SPECCHIO BY MARTIN SZEKELY digital photo frame and the ZIKMU PARROT BY STARCK speakers.

 

Virtual SuperBass
Sound effect that provides virtual amplification of the bass frequencies. This technology combines two methods: the first widens the background soundtrack and the second uses an algorithm to give the illusion of hearing bass frequencies. Example: feature available on the PARROT PARTY BLACK.

   

WMA (Windows Media Audio)
Audio compression format developed by Microsoft.

 

Voice recognition
Technology that analyses a word or phrase captured via a microphone and then turns that word or phrase into a machine-readable format. Users first record voiceprints on the mobile phone or hands-free system and can then use voice commands in hands-free mode. With the MKi and MINIKIT SLIM ranges, Parrot has taken voice recognition a step further by adding user-agnostic voice recognition. Without any prior voice training, a call can be made directly by saying a name from the phonebook. Example: user-agnostic voice recognition is available on Parrot's MKi range of hands-free kits.

 

Voice tag or voiceprint
Voice recording of a contact in the phonebook. A call can be made directly by saying the corresponding voice tag. Example: feature available on the PARROT MINIKIT portable hands-free kit.

 

VoIP (Voice over IP)
Technology that routes conversations over the Internet or a computer network. Example: feature available on the PARROT CONFERENCE.

 

Works with iPhone
Certification from Apple guaranteeing users that their peripheral is fully iPhone-compatible. It means that an electronic device has been designed to connect specifically to an iPhone and is compliant with Apple’s performance criteria. Example: certification available on Parrot's MKi range of hands-free kits.

 

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