tételszint

Tételszint, also known as "télészint" or "televíziós szint" in Hungarian, refers to a specific reference level used in television broadcasting to ensure consistent audio and video signal quality. The term originates from the Hungarian language, where "tétel" means "program" or "content," and "szint" translates to "level." This reference level was developed to standardize the output of television signals in Hungary and neighboring regions during the mid-20th century.

The tételszint standard was primarily used in analog television broadcasting systems, particularly in the PAL (Phase Alternation by Line) format, which was widely adopted in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. It defined the maximum permissible amplitude of the composite video signal, ensuring that the audio and video components remained within safe limits to prevent distortion or damage to receivers. The tételsint level was set at approximately 1.0 volt peak-to-peak for the video component and 0.3 volt peak-to-peak for the audio component, measured at the output of the broadcasting equipment.

Over time, as digital broadcasting and new standards like HDTV (High-Definition Television) emerged, the relevance of tételszint diminished. Modern systems rely on digital signal processing and standardized protocols such as ITU-R BT.601 or BT.709, which provide more precise and flexible control over audio and video quality. However, the term remains of historical significance in the context of analog television technology and broadcasting regulations in Hungary and the former Eastern Bloc countries.

Today, tételszint is primarily of interest to enthusiasts of vintage television equipment, restorationists, and historians of media technology. Understanding this standard can provide insights into the technical evolution of broadcasting and the challenges faced in maintaining compatibility across different systems.