Module 6

In video processing, "sampled video" refers to the process of converting a continuous analog
video signal into a discrete digital representation by sampling its intensity in three dimensions:
spatial (horizontal and vertical) and temporal (time). This process is crucial for enabling digital
video storage, transmission, and manipulation.
 Continuous to Discrete:
Analog video signals are continuous in both space (x, y coordinates) and time (t). To process
them digitally, these signals need to be converted into discrete representations.
 Sampling:
Sampling involves measuring the light intensity at specific points in space and time.
 Spatial Sampling:
This refers to the process of taking samples in the horizontal and vertical dimensions (x, y) of
the image, determining the resolution of the video.
 Temporal Sampling:
This refers to the process of taking samples in the time dimension (t), determining the frame
rate and how smoothly motion is perceived.
 Quantization:
After sampling, the measured intensities are rounded to a reasonable number of bits, a process
known as quantization.
 Digital Representation:
The combination of spatial and temporal sampling, along with quantization, results in a digital
representation of the video signal, which can then be stored, transmitted, and processed by
computers.
 Examples:
Common video sampling formats include "1080P60", "1080p60" signifies a video resolution of
1080 pixels vertically, displayed progressively (indicated by "p"), with a frame rate of 60
frames per second.
Composite and Component video
The key difference between composite and component video lies in how they transmit video
signals: composite uses a single cable for all video information, while component splits the video
signal into three separate channels (luma and two chrominance) for better quality.
Composite Video:
 Signal:
Combines all video information (luminance and chrominance) into a single signal.
 Connectors:
 Typically uses a single yellow RCA connector for video, with separate red and white
connectors for audio.
 Quality:
Offers lower image quality compared to component video due to the combined signal.
 Use Cases:
Commonly used with older devices like VHS players, DVD players, and classic game
consoles.
Component Video:
 Signal:
Splits the video signal into three separate channels: one for luminance (brightness) and two for
color information (chrominance).
 Connectors:
Uses three color-coded RCA connectors (typically red, green, and blue) for the three video
components, with separate red and white connectors for audio.
 Quality:
Provides significantly better image quality compared to composite video because the signal is
not compressed into a single channel.
 Use Cases:
Used for higher-quality video output from devices like DVD players, Blu-ray players, and
some game consoles

Composite video is an analog video signal format that transmits standard definition video
normally in 480i or 576i.
It combines three elements: brightness (Y), color (U), and color difference (V) into one signal,
making transmission easier.
Composite video was first used in the early period of television but became especially
widespread in the 1950s and dominated the market for a long time.
Technically, the Y signal contains the grayscale image, and U and V contain the colors that
make up the complete picture.
The most prevalent cable type that can pass the composite video signal is the RCA cable which
has a yellow pin for video and red and white pins for the sound at times.
However, composite video is still used for some purposes because of its ease of use and
compatibility with old equipment, even when the modern formats are digital video formats.
Advantages of Composite Video
• Cost-effective and widely available
• Simple to connect and use
• Compatible with a variety of devices
• Supports standard-definition video signals
• Adequate for older analog systems
• Minimal setup requirements
• No need for special cables or adapters Versatile for various applications such as VCRs
and older game consoles
What is Component Video?
Component video is an analog video signal split into two or more components.
It entered the market in the late 1970s and gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, especially
for video equipment.
Technically, component video improves picture quality by splitting the signal into three parts:
Y (luminance), Pb (blue minus luminance), and Pr (red minus luminance).
This separation aids in the reduction of color distortion and interference thus improving the
image quality.
The most typical cables used for the component video are the RCA cables with green for Y,
blue for Pb and red for Pr. This system is different from a composite video where all the videos
are grouped together in one, thus compromising the quality of the picture.
Advantages of Component Video

• Superior color accuracy due to separate transmission of color channels

• Higher resolution capabilities compared to composite and S-Video

• Reduced signal interference and cross-talk

• Compatibility with a wide range of devices and displays

• Better overall picture quality with clearer images

• Maintains quality over longer cable runs compared to other analog connections

• Supports progressive scan, enhancing motion detail and clarity

Digital video formats

Digital video formats, like MP4, MOV, AVI, and MKV, are used to store and transmit moving
images, each with varying strengths and applications, including streaming, playback, and editing.

Here's a breakdown of common digital video formats and their applications:

Common Video Formats:

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14):

This is the most common and versatile format, known for its good quality and relatively small
file sizes. It's widely supported by devices and platforms and is often used for streaming and
online content.

MOV (QuickTime Film):

Developed by Apple for use with QuickTime Player, MOV files store high-quality video, audio,
and effects, but tend to be larger in file size.
AVI (Audio Video Interleave):

AVI offers high quality but also large file sizes, and it's known for its compatibility with various
platforms.

MKV (Matroska):

This is an open-source container format that supports multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and various
codecs.

WMV (Windows Media Video):

Developed by Microsoft, WMV files offer a good balance of video quality and file size, making
them suitable for online streaming and sharing.

WebM:

An open-source format designed for efficient web video streaming and playback, WebM delivers
high-quality video at smaller file sizes.

AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition):

Specifically designed for high-definition video, AVCHD is commonly used for recording and
storing high-quality video content.

FLV, F4V, and SWF:

These Flash video formats are designed for Flash Player, but they are commonly used to stream
video on platforms like YouTube.

Applications of Digital Video Formats:

Streaming:

MP4, WebM, and MKV are popular choices for streaming video content online due to their
compatibility and efficiency.

Playback:

MP4, MOV, AVI, and MKV are widely supported by various media players and devices.

Editing:

AVI, MOV, and MKV are commonly used in video editing software for their versatility and
ability to handle complex video projects.

Sharing:
MP4, WMV, and AVI are suitable for sharing videos via email or social media platforms.

Archiving:

MKV and AVI are often used for archiving high-quality video content due to their ability to store
various audio and video streams.

DVD/Blu-ray:

MPEG-2 is commonly used for burning video to DVDs, while AVCHD is used for high-
definition video storage on Blu-ray discs.

COMPOSITE VIDEO CABLE

A composite video cable — also known as an RCA or “yellow plug” cable — is an old
standard that transfers a video signal through one cable and connector. It doesn’t support HD
content or progressive scan images. Because the video signal is forced to travel through a
single cable it is heavily compressed, losing much of its resolution and picture clarity. The
cables also suffer from radio frequency interference, degrading picture quality.

Composite Uses

Composite video is a dying technology, because it can’t support HD video signals. When
given the option, go for component over composite every time because this connection will
always provide a better picture at higher resolutions. The only practical use for composite
video today is when using older equipment, such as older video game systems or VCRs,
which do not support the component video format. Because of this, some new HDTVs
include at least one composite video input to make them compatible with old equipment.
COMPONENT VIDEO CABLE

Component video splits the video signals into three cables — green, blue and red — with
each transmitting a specific component of the video signal. The green cable (also called Y)
transmits the brightness information of the signal. The blue and red cables (called Pb and Pr,
respectively) transmit the blue and red components of the picture’s color. Green components
are inferred by a combination of all three signals. Since component video is spread across
three separate cables, it does not need to be as compressed as composite video, allowing
support for HD resolutions as high as 1080, as well as progressive scan images that create
smoother images with more defined edges.

Component Uses

Component cables initially replaced composite as the de facto analog video cable, thanks to
its improved picture quality and HD support. Nearly all HDTVs made today have at least one
set of component inputs. Component video is also supported by most video game consoles,
DVD players, digital video recorders, cable set-top boxes and Blu-ray players.
Difference between Component Video vs. Composite Video
Feature Component Video Composite Video

Analog video signal split into

Analog video signal combined into a
Signal Type three separate channels (Y, Pb,
single channel
Pr)

High color fidelity due to Lower color quality due to combined

Color Quality
separate chrominance channels chrominance and luminance

Supports higher resolutions up Limited to standard definition (SD)

Resolution
to 1080p or higher resolutions (480i or 576i)

Bandwidth Higher bandwidth due to Lower bandwidth as only one

Requirements separate signals combined signal is transmitted

Connector Three RCA connectors (typically Single RCA connector (usually

Types red, green, blue) yellow)

Cabling More complex, requiring three Simpler, requiring only one cable for
Complexity cables for video video

Interference Less susceptible to interference More prone to interference and

and Crosstalk and crosstalk crosstalk due to combined signals

Compatibility
Widely used in HD televisions Mostly found in older analog devices
with Modern
and DVD players like VCRs and older TVs
Devices

Requires separate cables for Often paired with separate RCA

Audio Signal
audio audio cables (red and white)

Signal Lower signal degradation over Higher signal degradation over

Degradation longer distances longer distances

Preferred for high-definition Used for legacy standard-definition

Usage
content like Blu-ray and HDTVs devices

Market Becoming less common as Rarely used in modern consumer

Availability HDMI becomes standard electronics

Generally higher due to the

Cost Lower cost, fewer cables needed
need for multiple cables