Abstract: A method and apparatus for self-testing of a multimedia subsystem is accomplished by retrieving a pattern from a first section of memory, where the retrieving is done by a video graphics circuit. Having retrieved the pattern, the video graphics circuit provides it to a video capture circuit via a television encoder. Upon receiving the pattern, the video capture board generates a capture pattern therefrom. The capture pattern is then provided by the video capture circuit to memory via the video graphics circuit. Once the video capture pattern is stored in memory, the capture pattern is compared with the original pattern. When the comparison is favorable, the video capture circuit, the television tuner, and the interconnecting paths have passed testing.