Scan and Video Converters

Scan converters and video converters transform a digital computer image to a standard video signal for use with broadcasting or video devices such as televisions, monitors, or VCRs or vice versa. Scan and video converters allow equipment operating with differing video signal formats to be used together. A video format converter takes video and computer generated images and converts them to another output format or standard. For example, a video converter can convert composite video to 720p, SXGA (1280x1024) graphics to S-video, or mix 720p HD programming with 768p PC graphics. Video format converters are also known as seamless switchers, video scalers, and scan converters. A VGA to video converter converts video graphics array (VGA) red-green-blue-horizontal-vertical (RGBHV) video sources, which are color video signals used by computers and high definition video, to Y-Pr-Pb component video for use with high-definition televisions (HDTVs). Scan and video converters such as an S video converter separate color and brightness signals using a video signal, which separates luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals for displaying VHS or Beta ED images.

Scan converters and video converters convert computer-video signals into signals that are compatible with National Television System Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alternating Line (PAL) display devices such as televisions. The role of a scan converter is to convert the faster scan rate of a source video signal to the slower scan rate that is compatible with TV technology. This basic process is called scan rate conversion. These types of scan and video converters are also known as TV converters. A progressive scan converter decreases resolution by taking progressive-scan video from computers and reducing it in resolution to interlaced composite or component video. These types of scan and video converters draw odd and even scan lines in sequential order without interlacing to reduce flicker. Progressive-scan video provides a better final picture quality than interlaced video when editing with filters and other features that affect motion, including rotating a frame or compositing live-action video with special effects.

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