Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Practice Exam

When using a Vectorscope, what aspect of the signal is primarily examined?

1. Temporal changes

2. Color resolution

3. Waveform timing

4. Color balance and saturation

The correct answer is: Color balance and saturation

The primary function of a Vectorscope is to analyze the color balance and saturation of a video signal. It displays the color information in the form of a polar graph, with hues represented as angles around the circle and saturation indicated by the distance from the center. By examining the Vectorscope, a technician can determine if the colors in a video signal are being accurately represented, how saturated the colors are, and whether there is any imbalance among the colors present in the signal. This is crucial in ensuring that the video material looks visually consistent and accurate, especially in professional settings such as broadcasting and post-production. In contrast, examining temporal changes focuses on the time aspect of the signal rather than color information. Color resolution pertains to the detail and clarity of color representation but does not directly relate to the primary analysis offered by the Vectorscope. Waveform timing involves looking at the timing of the signal but doesn’t convey information about color balance, which is the central function of the Vectorscope.