feltyp

Feltyp is a term that refers to a digital artifact or visual distortion that appears as a series of short, horizontal lines or streaks, often resembling a cat's whiskers. These artifacts are commonly encountered in digital imaging and video, particularly when dealing with older or lower-resolution formats, or when data is corrupted or improperly processed. The appearance of feltyp is generally attributed to issues with image data interpretation or transmission.

The phenomenon can arise from various technical causes. In the context of digital video, it might be linked to problems with frame synchronization, where the timing of incoming video data is slightly off, causing horizontal elements to be misaligned. In still images, feltyp could be a result of errors during data compression or decompression, or issues with the storage medium. Some older display technologies or faulty cables could also contribute to the appearance of these lines.

While often considered undesirable, the term "feltyp" is typically used in a descriptive, almost informal way among those who work with digital media. It highlights a specific type of visual anomaly that is recognizable by its characteristic streaky pattern. The presence of feltyp can sometimes indicate underlying problems with the digital file or the playback system, prompting investigation into the source of the distortion.