Glossary: New Media

hardwired

In equipment such as mobile phones or set top boxes, refers to functionality that cannot be changed. In software applications, refers to features that users can’t manipulate or defeat. Online, refers to an ad module’s fixed position in a website layout.See also: 302 redirect

HDML

Handheld Device Markup Language is Openwave’s proprietary modification of HTML that formats web content for internet-enabled cell phones, pagers and PDAs. HDML works only on mobile devices that use Openwave’s browser.

HDTV

See High Definition Television.

headend

A cable company’s operations center that houses the satellite receivers and converter equipment required to download programming signals from broadcast satellites and convert them for delivery via coaxial cable (the “cable” in cable TV).

header

HTML source code that provides general page information to web designers and search engines, but with the exception of the page title, appears nowhere in visitors’ web browsers.

hidden text

Keyword-laden text fields that search engine crawlers can index, but site visitors cannot see. Used overzealously, search engines may perceive that the hidden text does not accurately reflect page content, and will accordingly ban the site from its index and search results pages.

high definition television

TV display technology that transmits its signal digitally, allowing for considerably more sound and picture information than permitted by the analog signals that Standard Definition TV uses. HDTV’s 16:9 screen aspect ratio and surround sound capabilities result in a greatly enhanced viewing experience.

hit

A hit is a client computer’s request for each bit of information contained on a web page. If a photo sharing site displays 15 pictures per page, a single page request will register 16 hits (one for the page, 15 more for each graphic). Since a single visitor can register hundreds of hits in a minute or two, hits measure server workload more than they indicate site popularity.

home page

The first page in a website’s navigation structure. The home page welcomes new visitors, describes the site’s purpose and provides hyperlinks to resources placed throughout the site.

host

A computer or device that offers services to the computers and devices that connect to it. A web server is a host; a web browser is a client of that host.

hotspot

Sometimes called a target, a hotspot is a defined area of an image file associated with a hyperlink. Clicking anywhere within the hotspot opens an associated web page or media file.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language is the programming language used to code websites’ appearance, behavior and function.

HTML email

Email messages formatted with Hypertext Markup Language. Contrary to plain text email, HTML mail can incorporate graphics and hyperlinks.

HTML optimization

The practice of “cleaning up” the underlying program code that governs web page behavior and appearance. This includes limiting large embedded files (to speed up page loads) and incorporating style sheets and scripts (to more efficiently transfer page elements).

HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the set of standards that govern how computers contact web servers to receive web pages.

HTTPS

Standard HTTP protocol that incorporates secure socket layer encryption (SSL). URLs for secured sites append an “s” to the standard URL prefix and begin https://. To assure e-commerce customers that it’s safe to provide personal and financial information, secure encryption is a must.

hyperlink

Highlighted text or graphical hotspot coded to direct visitors who click on it to a specified online destination.

hypertext

Text within web pages coded to link to different web resources when clicked. Typical resources include videos, streaming audio, file folders and other web pages.

hypervideo

Video that includes one or more clickable hotspots or links. Clicking on the video, or on a predefined object within the video, loads new content such as related informational websites or demonstration videos.