Video Signal Formats

Today, the predominant signal formats are television, S-Video, and Composite which are connected through video ports by televisions, camcorders and most VCRs and other consumer electronics.

Television signal format
This format is the average NTSC or PAL signals your TV receives through a normal cable or TV antenna.

Composite video signal format
This is used for less expensive types of video devices that produce a single individual video signal, like for instance, VHS camcorders or VCRs.

S-Video signal format
This format produces separate video signals resulting in better quality and is used with video devices such as S-VHS, Hi-8 camcorders or Hi-8 VCR.