Abstract: A method of pre-analyzing video signals obtained from a digital image stores the digital image in a frame buffer store in a specified video digital format. The amplitude, saturation and frequency of the stored digital image when converted into another video format, such as RGB or composite broadcast video, are each analyzed independently to identify areas of the stored digital image that might produce distortions in the final video format when displayed. Amplitude analysis is accomplished by converting the stored digital image into an RGB image, and each component is compared with predetermined limits to detect amplitude errors. Saturation analysis is accomplished by generating a saturation signal from the chrominance components of the stored digital image, and then comparing a function of the saturation signal with predetermined limits to detect oversaturation errors.