TV and Digital Display Devices

Module 2
composite video signal
A composite video signal is a type of analog video signal used to transmit both black-and-white
(luminance) and color (chrominance) information over a single cable. It combines these two
components into a single signal, simplifying the connection between video source devices (like
DVD players or gaming consoles) and televisions or monitors.

Here's a more detailed explanation of a composite video signal:

1. **Luminance (Y):** Luminance represents the brightness or intensity of the image. In a

composite video signal, the luminance information is essentially a black-and-white image. It
contains details about the brightness levels of each pixel in the picture.

2. **Chrominance (C):** Chrominance carries information about color. It doesn't contain

full-color information but encodes the color difference between a reference color (usually a
shade of gray) and the actual color of each pixel. By comparing this difference, the television or
monitor can reproduce colors accurately.

3. **Signal Encoding:** In a composite video signal, the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C)
components are combined using a process called modulation. They are both modulated onto a
carrier wave, which is a high-frequency signal. The modulated signal contains the combined
video information.

4. **Single Cable:** The main advantage of composite video is that both the luminance and
chrominance information are sent over a single cable, typically a yellow RCA connector. This
simplifies the cable connection between devices, as there's no need for separate cables for
video and audio.

5. **Compatibility:** Composite video is widely supported by older televisions, VCRs, and video
game consoles. It's also commonly used for connecting devices like DVD players, camcorders,
and older gaming consoles to TVs.

6. **Limitations:** While composite video is convenient, it has limitations in terms of picture

quality. Because the luminance and chrominance information is combined into a single signal,
there can be some color bleeding or artifacts, especially in more detailed or high-resolution
images. Additionally, it typically provides lower image quality compared to component video or
digital video connections.
7. **Phasing Out:** With the advent of newer and higher-quality video connection standards like
S-Video, component video, and HDMI, composite video has become less common in modern
devices. It's still found in some older equipment, but it's gradually being phased out in favor of
digital video connections.

In summary, a composite video signal combines the black-and-white (luminance) and color
(chrominance) information into a single analog signal, making it easy to connect video source
devices to televisions or monitors. While it's a simple and widely supported standard, it has
limitations in terms of image quality and is being replaced by digital video standards in modern
devices.

Horizontal and Vertical blanking pulses

Horizontal and vertical blanking pulses are essential components of analog television and CRT
(Cathode-Ray Tube) display systems. They serve the crucial role of defining the boundaries and
timing for each frame of the video signal. Here's an explanation of horizontal and vertical
blanking pulses:

**Horizontal Blanking Pulse:**

- **Purpose:** The horizontal blanking pulse is used to indicate the end of one horizontal line of
the video image and the beginning of the next line. It serves to reset the electron beam in a CRT
from the right side of the screen back to the left side so that it can start scanning the next line.
- **Timing:** In an analog television signal, the horizontal blanking pulse occurs during the
"horizontal blanking interval" at the end of each scanline. This interval typically lasts for about
10-15% of the entire horizontal line duration.
- **Content:** The horizontal blanking pulse itself is a short, low-voltage signal that is sent to the
CRT electron gun to turn off the electron beam temporarily. It is not visible on the screen and
serves to prevent visible lines from appearing on the display as the electron beam moves from
the end of one line to the beginning of the next.

**Vertical Blanking Pulse:**

- **Purpose:** The vertical blanking pulse marks the end of one frame and the beginning of the
next in a video signal. It is crucial for maintaining synchronization and ensuring that the electron
beam returns to the top of the screen to start a new frame.
- **Timing:** In an analog television signal, the vertical blanking pulse occurs during the "vertical
blanking interval," which is a portion of the signal that falls between the last line of one frame
and the first line of the next frame. The vertical blanking interval typically occurs during the
vertical retrace period when the electron beam moves from the bottom of the screen back to the
top.
- **Content:** Similar to the horizontal blanking pulse, the vertical blanking pulse is a short,
low-voltage signal that instructs the CRT's electron gun to turn off temporarily. It is not visible on
the screen and serves to hide the return of the electron beam to the top of the screen,
preventing it from being seen by viewers.
Both horizontal and vertical blanking pulses are critical for maintaining proper synchronization,
preventing flickering, and ensuring that the video signal is displayed correctly on the CRT
screen. In modern digital display technologies like LCD and LED screens, the concept of
blanking pulses has been largely replaced by digital signaling methods, but they remain
important in the history and understanding of analog television and CRT displays.

Calculation of BW in T. V.
The calculation of bandwidth (BW) in a television (TV) signal involves determining the range of
frequencies required to transmit the complete TV signal, which includes both video and audio
components. In analog TV systems, such as NTSC, CCIR/SECAM, and PAL, the calculation is
based on various parameters specific to each standard. Here's a simplified explanation of how
to calculate the bandwidth for an analog TV signal:

**For NTSC (National Television System Committee):**

- NTSC uses a frame rate of approximately 30 frames per second (29.97 fps).
- Each frame consists of 525 horizontal lines.
- In NTSC, each line is scanned twice (interlaced), so there are effectively 525 * 2 = 1050 line
scans per frame.
- To calculate the bandwidth, you need to consider the horizontal resolution and the color
subcarrier frequency.
- NTSC typically supports a horizontal resolution of about 330 lines, but for simplicity, you can
use 330 lines.
- The color subcarrier frequency for NTSC is 3.58 MHz (3,580,000 Hz).

Now, let's calculate the bandwidth:

**Bandwidth = Horizontal Resolution x Frame Rate x 2 x Color Subcarrier Frequency**

**Bandwidth = 330 lines x 29.97 fps x 2 x 3,580,000 Hz = 57.52 MHz**

So, for NTSC, the bandwidth required is approximately 57.52 MHz.

**For PAL (Phase Alternating Line):**

- PAL also uses a frame rate of approximately 25 frames per second.
- Each frame consists of 625 horizontal lines.
- PAL uses interlacing, so there are effectively 625 * 2 = 1250 line scans per frame.
- PAL typically supports a horizontal resolution of about 440 lines (for simplicity, use 440 lines).
- The color subcarrier frequency for PAL is also 4.43 MHz (4,430,000 Hz).

Now, let's calculate the bandwidth for PAL:

**Bandwidth = Horizontal Resolution x Frame Rate x 2 x Color Subcarrier Frequency**

**Bandwidth = 440 lines x 25 fps x 2 x 4,430,000 Hz = 55.375 MHz**

So, for PAL, the bandwidth required is approximately 55.375 MHz.

These calculations provide an estimate of the bandwidth needed to transmit the complete TV
signal, including both video and audio components, in analog TV systems like NTSC and PAL.
It's worth noting that these calculations are simplified and do not account for additional factors
such as audio frequencies and guard bands, which are important in real-world broadcasting
systems. Additionally, modern digital TV standards, such as ATSC and DVB, use different
encoding methods and have their own bandwidth requirements.

Vestigial side band transmission

Vestigial Sideband (VSB) transmission is a modulation technique used in various
communication systems, including analog television broadcasting, to efficiently transmit signals
while conserving bandwidth. VSB is particularly known for its application in ATSC (Advanced
Television Systems Committee) digital television broadcasting in the United States. Here's an
explanation of vestigial sideband transmission:

1. **Basic Idea:** VSB is a modulation technique that transmits a main carrier signal along with
a portion of one of the sidebands (either the upper or lower sideband), while significantly
reducing or "vestigializing" the other sideband. This approach is used to save bandwidth
compared to traditional AM (amplitude modulation) or FM (frequency modulation) transmission.

2. **Sideband Reduction:** In VSB transmission, the sideband that is not completely

suppressed but rather reduced is typically the one that contains most of the energy or
information. This is the "vestigial sideband." The other sideband, often referred to as the "full
sideband," is suppressed to a much greater extent.

3. **Bandwidth Efficiency:** The primary advantage of VSB transmission is its bandwidth

efficiency. By transmitting only one complete sideband along with a portion of the other
sideband, VSB conserves bandwidth while still delivering the necessary information. This is
especially important in applications like digital television broadcasting, where multiple channels
can be accommodated within a limited spectrum.

4. **Application in ATSC:** VSB is a key component of the ATSC digital television standard used
in the United States. In this standard, the VSB modulation is applied to the digital television
signal, allowing for the transmission of high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD)
television signals over the airwaves. The vestigial sideband transmission in ATSC helps
optimize the use of available spectrum for broadcasting multiple channels.
5. **Reception:** VSB signals require specialized receivers that can effectively demodulate the
vestigial sideband transmission. These receivers can recover the original digital information and
display it on a television screen.

6. **Guard Interval:** VSB transmission often includes a guard interval, a short time gap
between symbols or frames in the signal. The guard interval helps mitigate the effects of
multipath interference, where signals bounce off obstacles and arrive at the receiver at different
times.

In summary, vestigial sideband transmission is a modulation technique used to efficiently

transmit information while conserving bandwidth. It is widely used in digital television
broadcasting, particularly in the ATSC standard, where it enables the delivery of high-quality
television signals over the airwaves while accommodating multiple channels within a limited
frequency spectrum.

Sound signal transmission

Sound signal transmission in television engineering, whether for analog or digital television, is a
critical aspect of the broadcasting process. The sound signal, which carries the audio
component of television programming, must be transmitted alongside the video signal to ensure
a complete viewing experience. Here's how sound signal transmission works in television
engineering:

**Analog Television (e.g., NTSC, PAL):**

In analog television broadcasting systems like NTSC, PAL, or SECAM, sound signal
transmission is typically handled using frequency modulation (FM) for audio transmission.
Here's how it works:

1. **Audio Signal:** The audio signal, which includes dialogue, music, and other audio content,
is initially captured by a microphone or audio source in the television studio. This analog audio
signal is often in the form of an electrical waveform.

2. **Frequency Modulation (FM):** To transmit this audio signal alongside the video signal, the
analog audio signal undergoes frequency modulation (FM). In FM, the frequency of the carrier
wave is varied in proportion to the amplitude (strength) of the audio signal. This modulation
process encodes the audio information onto the carrier wave.

3. **Multiplexing:** The modulated audio signal is then multiplexed (combined) with the
modulated video signal to form a composite television signal. This combined signal is what is
transmitted over the airwaves or through cable television systems.
4. **Receiver Processing:** At the receiving end, the television receiver demodulates the audio
signal to retrieve the original audio waveform. This involves reversing the frequency modulation
process to recover the audio content.

**Digital Television (e.g., ATSC, DVB):**

In digital television broadcasting systems such as ATSC (used in the United States) and DVB
(used in Europe), sound signal transmission is more sophisticated and involves the encoding of
audio in digital form. Here's how it works:

1. **Digital Audio Encoding:** Audio signals from the source are digitized using analog-to-digital
converters (ADCs) to convert the audio waveform into a digital format. This digital audio is
typically encoded using various compression algorithms (e.g., Dolby Digital, AAC) to reduce the
amount of data required for transmission.

2. **Multiplexing with Video:** The compressed digital audio is multiplexed with the digital video
and other data (e.g., subtitles, metadata) to create a complete digital transport stream.

3. **Transmission:** The digital transport stream, containing both video and audio data, is
transmitted over the airwaves (via terrestrial broadcasting) or through cable, satellite, or
internet-based delivery systems.

4. **Receiver Processing:** At the television receiver, the digital audio is extracted from the
transport stream and decoded. This involves reversing the compression and encoding
processes to recreate the original audio waveform, which is then played through the television's
speakers.

Digital television systems provide improved sound quality, support for multiple audio channels
(e.g., stereo, surround sound), and more efficient use of bandwidth compared to analog
systems.

In both analog and digital television, the sound signal transmission is synchronized with the
video signal to ensure that viewers hear the audio corresponding to the displayed images,
providing a complete and immersive television experience.

Color T.V. transmission

Color television transmission is a process that allows the transmission of television signals in full
color, providing viewers with a vibrant and lifelike viewing experience. The transmission of color
television involves encoding, transmitting, and decoding the color information in addition to the
black-and-white (luminance) information. Here's an overview of how color television
transmission works:

**Color Encoding:**
1. **RGB to YUV Conversion:** In the studio or at the source, the original full-color image is
typically represented in the RGB color space, which stands for Red, Green, and Blue. To
facilitate efficient transmission and compatibility with black-and-white TVs, this RGB color
information is converted into a format known as YUV, which consists of three components:
- **Y (Luminance):** Represents the brightness or intensity of the image.
- **U (Chrominance Blue):** Represents the difference between the blue component and the
luminance.
- **V (Chrominance Red):** Represents the difference between the red component and the
luminance.

**Color Subcarrier Frequency:**

2. **Color Subcarrier:** A high-frequency signal known as the color subcarrier is used to carry
the U and V chrominance information. In NTSC, for example, the color subcarrier frequency is
3.58 MHz.

**Modulation:**
3. **Modulation:** The Y (luminance) and U/V (chrominance) signals are modulated onto
separate carrier waves. The luminance signal is typically modulated using amplitude modulation
(AM), while the chrominance signals are modulated using phase modulation (PM) or quadrature
amplitude modulation (QAM).

**Multiplexing:**
4. **Multiplexing:** The modulated luminance and chrominance signals, along with the monaural
(or stereo) audio signal and any other ancillary data, are combined into a single composite video
signal. This composite signal contains all the necessary information for both color and sound.

**Transmission:**
5. **Transmission:** The composite video signal is transmitted over the airwaves or through
cable or satellite systems to the receiving TV sets.

**Reception and Decoding:**

6. **Reception and Decoding:** At the receiving end (the television set), the composite video
signal is received. The color television receiver demodulates the luminance and chrominance
signals and extracts the original YUV color information.

**Color Decoding:**
7. **Color Decoding:** The YUV color information is converted back to RGB color space for
display on the television screen. The Y component represents the brightness and is combined
with the U and V components to recreate the original color.

**Display:** Finally, the reconstructed RGB color information is used to display the full-color
image on the television screen.
The specific standards and methods for color television transmission can vary depending on the
region and the television system in use. For example, NTSC is commonly used in North
America, PAL is used in Europe, and SECAM is used in some parts of Europe and Asia. Each of
these standards has its own variations and specifications for color television transmission, but
the fundamental principles of encoding, modulation, and decoding color information are similar.