What is luminance in the context of video signals?

Luminance refers to the intensity of light that a pixel emits or reflects and is a crucial aspect of video signals. It represents the brightness level of a color, allowing an image to convey varying shades of gray alongside color information. In the context of video signals, luminance is essential as it helps to define the apparent brightness of the images being displayed on-screen, ensuring that viewers can perceive details accurately regardless of the colors present.

The significance of luminance lies in its ability to inform how light and dark spaces are rendered. This is particularly important for television broadcasts, video production, and image processing, as it affects overall picture quality and viewer experience. By understanding luminance, individuals involved in video production can make informed decisions about lighting, color grading, and other aspects that impact the final visual output.