Multiburst

A multiburst test pattern, as displayed on a TV screen

A multiburst waveform is a useful test pattern used to quickly ascertain the frequency response of a video system. The name derives from the multiple bursts of sinewave in the active video section of the waveform which are generated with (usually) increasing frequency but identical in amplitude. The test pattern is usually input at the start of the signal chain and analysed at the end. By measuring the amplitude of each of the 'bursts' of waveform at the end of the video chain, spot measurements of the frequency response of the system can be obtained and errors in the response quickly identified.

Importance of Frequency Response

In a video system, the frequency response needs to be as flat as possible or distortion in the picture displayed will occur.[1] Analogue video signals contain a frequency content from 25Hz up to around 5MHz, and so variations in frequency responses will affect the picture in various ways depending on whether it is high frequency (>1MHz) or low frequency (<1MHz) distortion. Low frequency distortion will cause field-rate impairment, manifesting itself as luminance variation between the top and bottom of a picture. High frequency distortion causes problems with sharpness of the picture: high frequency roll-off causes loss of definition, while high frequency peaking emphasises edges and adds noise to the picture.[2]

See also

• Indian Head test card
• Images of test cards
• List of video topics

References

1."MediaCollege.com" "Multiburst Video Test Pattern"

2."Tektronix Application Note on Frequency Response Testing"