colorvideo

Color video is video that contains color information, allowing images to be displayed with hues and saturation in addition to brightness. Modern color video typically separates the image into luminance (brightness) and chrominance (color) components, which can improve transmission efficiency while preserving perceived detail.

Early color video was analog, using systems such as NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. These formats encode color using a luminance signal plus a chrominance signal carried on a subcarrier, with regional standards differing in encoding schemes and timing. With digital video, color is commonly represented in RGB or YCbCr color spaces, and standardized by color primaries such as Rec. 601 for standard definition, Rec. 709 for high definition, and Rec. 2020 for wide-gamut ultra-high-definition. Digital video often uses chroma subsampling (4:4:4, 4:2:2, 4:2:0) to reduce bandwidth while preserving luminance detail.

Color capture and display rely on sensors or displays with color primaries, white balance, and color management. Cameras may use Bayer-filter sensors that interpolate color values, while professional workflows use full RGB pipelines with color grading and calibration. Color management ensures consistent appearance across devices, and high dynamic range and wide gamut technologies expand the range of colors that can be reproduced.

Color video has become a standard in broadcasting, cinema, and consumer media, enabling richer storytelling and information conveyance. Its development has driven advances in compression, color science, and display technology, and remains central to streaming, video conferencing, and digital cinema.