Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring selected parameters of a video signal wherein the video parameters to be monitored are movingly or randomly contained in the video signal outside the vertical blanking signals and wherein the video signal includes a least one of a luminance signal having positive peaks and negative peaks, a chrominance signal having a peak voltage value comprising: determining at least one video parameter selected from among: (1) an instantaneous peak voltage level of the positive peaks in the luminance signal; (2) an instantaneous peak voltage level of the negative peaks in the luminance signal; (3) the peak voltage value of the chrominance signal; and (4) combinations thereof. Each determined video parameter is compared with a reference DC voltage value selected to correspond with the determined video parameter and an output indication of each such comparison is provided.