Synchronizing signal for SD equipment.

Black burst is the signal which provides heartbeat to standard definition equipment. The purpose of the signal is to synchronize various pieces of video and audio gear so they may work in concert with each other.

Black burst is a PAL or NTSC signal containing black picture. The actual picture content is of no consequence but black is typically used as means of providing neutral content. It is generated by a sync generator and distributed to various pieces of equipment throughout the facility.

In certain situations it is possible to use the black burst in place of tri-level sync for HD applications.