Abstract: A video amplifier for a raw video signal permits increasing the gain of the ignal so that it stands out from background noise prior to processing. The amplifier uses a sample and hold circuit between two gain stages to permit the raw video signal to only be sampled at a preset rate. This type of device is especially suitable for charge coupled device video where sampling is desired after a predetermined integration time for the pixel elements of a CCD array. This processing permits low voltage level signals to be amplified relatively isolated from background noise and then processed after being amplified to a level significantly above processing noise. The final gain stage permits amplifying suitable for standard video monitors to use the signal.