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Numbers

Glossary "A"

AC3 Once known as Audio Coding 3, it is considered to be synonymous with Dolby Digital. Dolby Digital allows for audio compression of up to 6 separate channels. Additional entry (AE) A post office other than the office of original entry where a publisher is authorized to mail a Periodicals publication.

Address Change Service (ACS) An automated process that provides change of-address information to participating mailers who maintain computerized mailing lists. The information is captured in Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) units and sent to mailers on electronic media, which reduces the volume of manual change-of-address notices.

Address correction service A system of ancillary service endorsements that allows mailers to obtain the addressee’s new (forwarding) address or the reason for nondelivery.

Address Element Correction (AEC) A process that dentifies and revises incomplete or incorrect computerized address files and then attaches ZIP+4 and carrier route codes. It involves computer matching address records that cannot be coded using CASScertified address matching software.

AFM Frequency modulated audio Audio signal is frequency modulated (increased and decreased about its zero state) by the amplitude of the baseband signal.

Airport mail center/airport mail facility (AMC/AMF) A postal facility at an airport that receives, concentrates, transfers, dispatches, and distributes mail transported by air.

Alternate Mailing System (AMS) A procedure, authorized by the manager, Business Mailer Support, that provides methods for accepting permit imprint mail to ensure proper postage payment and mail preparation without verification by weight. Analog Circuitry in which data carrying signals vary continuously along a scale. This is opposed to digital circuitry in which signals are represented by a series of binary numbers.

Ancillary service endorsement A marking used by a mailer to request the new address of an addressee and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle mail that is undeliverable as addressed. Also see address correction service.

Ancillary service Forwarding, return, or address correction service included within a mail class. Depending on the mail class, these services are performed at a charge or at no additional charge, if and when the service is actually provided. Also see forward.

Aqueous Coating A water-based protective coating used in the printing process for collateral materials.

Area distribution center (ADC) A mail processing facility that receives and distributes mail destined for specific ZIP Codes. ADCs and their associated ZIP Codes can be found in DMM labeling list L004.

Artifacts Flaws in video caused during conversion to DVD. Often caused in the compression process.

Aspect Ratio This is the width to height ratio on a screen. Widescreen ratio for DVD and HDTV is 16:9, while standard aspect ratio for television is 4:3.

Aspect ratio The dimension of a mailpiece expressed as a ratio of length divided by height (for letters and cards, length is the dimension parallel to the address as read). For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility. Also see nonmachinable surcharge.

Asset Client supplied elements used in design, packaging, labeling, preflight. Can be hard copy or electronic.

Authoring The integration, organizing, formatting, and encoding of content for a CD or DVD. Content may range from any combination of sound, text, video, graphics etc. within an interactive presentation. The process resulted in a product ready for emulation testing and premastering.

Automated area distribution center (AADC) A distribution center that uses multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs), barcode sorters, and other equipment designed for processing automation-compatible mail. Also see area distribution center.

Automated Barcode Evaluator (ABE) A computerized program used by business mail entry units to check barcode readability.

Automated vs. Manual CD-R Recording Systems Automated Systems allow you to load up to 300 blank CD’s on a spindle and automatically load and unload the CD’s into the burners. Unlike manual systems that require an operator to physically load the blanks into the burners and unload the recorded CD’s when completed.

Automation discount A postage reduction offered to mailers who barcode their mailpieces and meet addressing, readability, and other requirements for processing on automated equipment.

Automation-compatible mail Mail that can be scanned and processed by automated mail processing equipment such as a barcode sorter.

Autoplay Discs encoded with autoplay will begin immediate playback when inserted into a drive that supports this feature.

Auxiliary service facility (ASF) A mechanized facility, usually part of a general mail facility, that has its own service area and serves as a satellite processing hub for a particular bulk mail center (BMC).

AVI The initial Digital video format that allowed playback on PCs. Standard file provides quarter screen playback at 15 frames per second. AVI files will play on older (slower) computers.