RP 219:2002 - SMPTE Recommended Practice - High-Definition, Standard-Definition Compatible Color Bar Signal

This practice specifies a color bar pattern compatible with both high- and standard-definition environments. The multi-format color bar signal is originated as an HDTV signal with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and may be down converted to an SDTV color bar signal with an aspect ratio of either 4:3 or 16:9. — The color bar signal is generated with unconventionally slow rise and fall time value, and is therefore only intended to facilitate video level control and monitor color adjustments (see note) of HDTV and SDTV equipment. It can be applied to HDTV video productions, especially in a multi-format environment where HDTV video sources are frequently converted and used as SDTV video content either in 525 or 625 environment with same frame frequencies as in the original HDTV signal. — NOTE – This signal should not be used to set luminance level or black or white color balance on monitors. The small size and off-center locations of the black and white bars are not suitable for this purpose, especially on CRT-based displays