Generation of NTSC Color Signals

The generation of compatible color signals according to NTSC specifications is covered in this paper. The equation for the composite signal is stated in terms of voltages existing in the red, green, and blue channels, and methods of calculating and measuring the composite video signal produced by a synthetic color bar chart generator are given. The development of the signal from the channel outputs of a color flying-spot scanner is illustrated with block diagrams, and the performance of a number of units in the chain is described. The signal specifications described in this article were used by the NTSC for field testing during the latter part of the year 1951 and also during the year 1952. On the basis of these tests certain modifications of signal specifications were made in January, 1953. These are listed at the conclusion.