SSTV mode information
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This web site is intended to provide programmers, and anyone else who might be interested, with technical information about the different SSTV modes used by radio amateurs.

8 second imageThe term SSTV is derived from the name "slow scan television".  In the early days small black and white images were sent, and even short multi-frame moving image sequences were tried successfully. With modern equipment, single images in full colour with medium or high definition are the norm.  The term "television" is therefore a misnomer, but the name SSTV seems to have endured.

These pages are primarily concerned with so-called analogue SSTV in which the picture information is sent by means of a frequency modulated audio sub-carrier.  The sub-carrier may be transmitted by single side band (SSB) equipment, frequency modulated equipment (usually at VHF or UHF), or even amplitude modulated (AM) transmitters.

Digital picture transmission using multiple phase and amplitude modulated sub-carriers (DRM) is not covered at present.

W8FBIThe main objective of this web site is to provide a public source of reference information so that SSTV programmers can implement these modes to a common standard.  Although SSTV developers might have different ideas about the way in which an SSTV program should interface with its users, it makes little sense for different programs to use different parameters for the same modes. The image quality should be the same irrespective of which SSTV workstation you opt to use. It should be noted, however, that these pages do not aim to lay down rigid specifications.  The parameters given here are not necessarily correct, and anyone who has more accurate information is welcome to submit details.  It should also be noted that some SSTV developers regard the specification of the modes which they have developed as their own intellectual property.  If anyone objects to the inclusion of any information they are likewise invited to comment.

24 January 2008