Automatic video format identification system

Abstract

A video format identification system includes a master clock circuit which provides timing and counting signals, a synchronization activity detector operatively coupled to the master clock circuit, and a synchronization width qualifier configured to filter out noise or reference burst signals from showing up as sync signals. The system also includes a synchronization detector which regulates the rate of the incoming sync signal, a color burst sampler providing a window for sampling a reference color burst after the sync signal has occurred, and a color burst detector which looks for at least three transitions from a burst signal before it qualifies the as an appropriate reference color burst. A format sample timer generates sample clock signals. A format sample counter produces 'take format' signals which are utilized by a set of format counter. The system further includes a video format identifier which enables a particular video format to be directed to a respective video connector.