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BCC Videoscope Filter

What is IRE in the video level meter?

An IRE is a unit used in the measurement of composite video signals. Its name is derived from the initials of the Institute of Radio Engineers. 

 A value of 100 IRE was originally defined to be the range from black to white in a video signal. A value of 0 IRE corresponds to the zero voltage value during the blanking period. The sync pulse is normally 40 IRE below the zero value. So, peak to peak, an all white signal should be equal to 140 IRE. The reason IRE is a relative measurement (percent) is because a video signal may be any amplitude. This unit is used in the ITU-R BT.470 which defines PAL, NTSC and SECAM.

Understanding IRE

Rapport II/Rapport II PRO measures the combined Luminance and Burst levels of a composite video signals as the Video Level. The Sync signal is embedded between the Luminance and Color Burst signals. See the following chart for a description of the levels that are expected.

TV System Item Value
NTSC Luminance Level  100 +/- 10 IRE
Color Burst Level 40 +/- 5 IRE
Video Level 140 +/- 15 IRE
Sync Level 40 +/- 5 IRE
PAL Luminance Level  700 +/- 140 mV
Color Burst Level 300 +/- 35 mV
Video Level 1000 +/- 175 mV
Sync Level 300 +/- 35 mV

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