Abstract: Brightness control apparatus for a video signal image reproducing system including a video signal processing channel, a source of reference voltage for establishing a desired level of image brightness, and a keyed comparator circuit. The comparator forms a closed control loop with the signal processing channel, and is keyed during periodic blanking intervals of the video signal to sense the magnitude of the reference voltage and a brightness representative blanking level of the video signal which may vary undesirably. The comparator provides an output control signal indicative of a voltage difference between the reference voltage and the blanking level. The control voltage is applied to the signal channel for translating the blanking level in a direction to minimize the voltage difference, so that a desired relationship between the reference voltage and the blanking level is preserved.

Abstract: In a PAL color television system for processing a color signal including burst and chrominance components alternating in phase at the image line scanning rate, identification and control circuitry for rapidly correcting an incorrect mode of line to line color demodulator switching. A bistable circuit generates timing signals for controlling line by line switching of a selected color demodulator (e.g., R-Y). An identification signal representative of an incorrect line switching mode is derived from information contained in the burst component, and serves to reset the bistable circuit such that timing signals corresponding to a correct switching mode are produced. The identification signal is derived by a filter circuit exhibiting a fast response time relative to the line scanning time, in order to rapidly respond to the switching mode identification information occurring at the line rate and thereby rapidly restore the correct demodulator switching mode.