SIGGRAPH 97 Basics of Video Animation Systems Conversion of Computer Signals Computer Signal Conversion Using a Down Converter Resolution / Scanrate / Colors More Resolution / Scanrate / Colors = More $$$

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If a computer does not include video output hardware, then a "Down Converter" will need to be used to conert the commputer signals to video.  The higher the image resolution the greater the requirements for the signal conversion, and the more expensive the down converter.

The type of computer imagery being converted directly impacts signal conversion. Generally graphic images, especially animations and images with varying color palletes are easiest to convert. Graphic imagery usually consists of shapes that are easily distinguishable rather than fine lines or text. Text is extreemly hard to down convert, as even a minimal loss of resolution can effect the readability of text. Also text can consist of thin horizontal lines, whiich translate poorly to video. Conversion can produce lines woth noticeable jitter and flicker, which is susceptible to chroma crawl. Spreadsheets are the most difficult to convert, since they usually consist of text separated by fine lines. Conversion errors are extremely obvious and comprimse legibility.