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Definition: analog video format


Following are the encoding variables for the analog NTSC, PAL and SECAM broadcasting and recording formats. For digital formats, see video format.

PAL and SECAM are still used in some countries. VHS tapes use these formats, and modern TVs may provide an analog input to accommodate them. DVDs were on the market before digital TVs were commonplace, and although encoded in the MPEG-2 digital format, DVDs conform to NTSC and PAL/SECAM resolutions and frame rates.

Resolution, Frame Rate and Interlace
NTSC, PAL and SECAM are interlaced standard definition (SD) formats. NTSC has 480 lines of resolution at 30 frames per second (fps), and PAL and SECAM have 576 lines at 25 fps. See NTSC, PAL, SECAM and interlace.

Component, S-Video and Composite
NTSC and PAL are mastered in the YUV color space, which requires three "component video" cables to carry the video signals (SECAM uses a variation of YUV). Single-cable "S-video" provides lower resolution, and single-cable "composite video" is lower yet. See YUV, component video, S-video and composite video.

   Summary of Analog Video Attributes

   1 - horizontal/vertical resolution
   2 - frame rate
   3 - progressive scan vs. interlace
   4 - component, S-video and composite