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.