Decoder: A software, hardware or circuit that is designed to translate a coded or scrambled signal in to a readable form. A common use for this is by cable companies that scramble a signal until a subscriber becomes authorized to view the signal. The cable company then decodes the signal in to a viewable form.

 

Related Words

Decoder: A unit similar to today's cable boxes, which is capable of receiving and decoding DTV broadcasts. A DTV 'Certified' STB can receive all (18) ATSC DTV formats, (including HDTV) and provide a . . . View Full Definition

COder-DECoder (Codec): 1) Short for Compressor/Decompressor. This technology is used for compressing and decompressing data. Codecs are widely used in both hardware and software. A few examples of codecs are: Cine . . . View Full Definition

ntegrated Receiver Decoder (IRD): Satellite TV system receiver with a built-in decoder for unscrambling subscription channels. It is usually called a satellite receiver.

Digital Tuner Or Digital Receiver: A digital tuner serves as the decoder required to receive and display digital broadcasts. Some digital tuners can convert broadcasts for an analog TV or provide a digital signal to a digital . . . View Full Definition