Optimized image formatting and display using active format description data (AFD)

This paper describes work currently underway in the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) to define recommended receiver response to active format description (AFD) data transported within the digital video signal. AFD may be utilized by receivers to automatically reformat digital displays for the optimum viewing experience, and to help avoid the all-too-familiar "postage stamp video" problem. The paper gives examples of some of the defined AFD states, and reviews the guiding principles behind development of the recommendation.