Abstract: A system and method for encoding an optional video disc to inhibit unauthorized recording of played back signals by conventional videotape recorders is provided. A source program is mounted on a video signal generating means. The video signal is modified by increasing and decreasing time durations from a standard horizontal line duration of pre-established maximums and minimums. The modified video signal is recorded on a previously blank optical video disc.

Abstract: A wide screen video signal is encoded for transmission as a composite signal having standard line and field rates and the standard frequency color burst. The signal includes chrominance components modulated on a color subcarrier frequency greater than the standard in proportion to the aspect ratio of the wide screen signal divided by the aspect ratio of the standard. A decoder converts the wide screen signal to a given broadcast standard without component separation or chroma demodulation by time expanding center samples of each active line of the wide screen signal.

Abstract: A high definition television signal for use in a studio production facility is formed by scanning an image in progressive rather than interlaced fashion to form luminance and first and second color-difference signals and by reducing the resolution of the color-difference signals in both the horizontal and vertical directions but leaving the resolution of the luminance signal substantially unaltered.