Analog video signals, like those historically used in CRT televisions and older video equipment, transmit visual and timing information to create a picture. We know that these signals primarily convey **brightness** (also known as *luminance*) and **color** (*chrominance* or color information).
Analog video signals, which were fundamental for displaying images on devices like CRT televisions and older video equipment, convey a third essential type of information in addition to brightness, also known as luminance, and color, which is chrominance or color information. This crucial third component is synchronization information, frequently referred to simply as sync pulses.
Synchronization information is absolutely vital for the display device to correctly render the picture. It provides the precise timing signals that instruct the television or monitor exactly when to start drawing each new horizontal line of the image and when to begin a completely new video frame. Without these critical sync pulses, the displayed image would appear distorted, unaligned, or roll uncontrollably because the display mechanism would lack the necessary timing reference to properly position the incoming brightness and color data on the screen.
Specifically, there are two main types of synchronization signals included within an analog video signal. Horizontal synchronization pulses signal the end of one scan line and the beginning of the next, ensuring that the visual information for each line is drawn in the correct sequence across the screen. Vertical synchronization pulses indicate the completion of one entire video field or frame and the start of a new one, which is essential for the smooth progression of the overall picture from top to bottom and for refreshing the display. Therefore, while luminance carries the light and dark details, and chrominance carries the color information, synchronization provides the indispensable timing and structural cues that allow the entire video signal to be accurately interpreted and displayed as a stable, watchable picture on a television screen. This timing data ensures the coherent presentation of visual content from the analog video source.