A video decoder is an electronic circuit, often contained within a single integrated circuit chip, that converts base-band analog video signals (e.g., NTSC, PAL) to digital components video. Video decoders commonly allow programmable control over video characteristics such as hue, contrast, and saturation.
The input signal to a video decoder is analog video that conforms to a standard format such as NTSC or PAL. The output digital video may be formatted in various ways, such as 8-bit or 16-bit 4:2:2, 12-bit 4:1:1, or 8-bit ITU-R BT.656. Usually, in addition to the digital video outputs, a video decoder will also generate and output synchronization, blanking, field, lock, and clock signals.
Functional blocks
The main functional blocks of a video decoder typically include these:
- Analog processors
- Y/C (luminance/chrominance) separation
- Chrominance processor
- Luminance processor
- Clock/timing processor
- A/D converters for Y/C
- Output formatter
- Host communication interface
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