Simple Explanation

A list of options you can choose from on a screen or device.

Concise Technical Definition

A user interface element that displays a list of selectable commands or settings on a device or within software.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a restaurant menu—but instead of food, you pick what you want your device to do.

Industry Usage Summary

Menus are used in AV receivers, TVs, software interfaces, and digital audio devices to access settings such as input selection, speaker setup, EQ adjustments, or firmware updates.

Engineering Shortcut

On-screen options list for user navigation and settings control.

Full Technical Explanation

A menu is a graphical or text-based interface element that presents a structured list of options or commands that users can select to interact with a software program, AV device, or digital system. Menus are central to user interface design, enabling access to configuration settings, feature selections, or system controls. Common in receivers, TVs, media players, and calibration tools, menus may appear as pop-ups, dropdowns, or structured hierarchies, often navigated via remote control, mouse, or touchscreen. Well-designed menus provide intuitive navigation and help prevent user error.