SECAM

Séquentiel Couleur à Mémoire

A color television broadcasting standard that was first developed in France. It was introduced in the early 1960s and implemented in many countries, including France, the former Soviet Union, and various Eastern bloc countries. Also referred to as Sequential Color with Memory, it was a unique method of broadcasting color information.

Unlike NTSC and PAL, SECAM transmits color information sequentially rather than simultaneously, using a memory circuit to store one line of color information, which is then applied to two lines of the image. This method aims to eliminate certain types of artifacts and provide a more stable and consistent color reproduction than NTSC. SECAM transmits at a resolution similar to PAL, with 625 lines per frame, but like PAL, it uses a 50 Hz refresh rate, which aligns with the electrical systems in countries where it was primarily used.

Despite these differences, the three systems—NTSC, PAL, and SECAM—were roughly equivalent in picture quality and resolution, with their main differences lying in the method of color transmission and regional electrical standards compatibility. With the shift towards digital television, the relevance of these analog standards has diminished, as digital broadcasting and high-definition standards have taken precedence.

SECAM has been phased out in most areas, with digital systems providing higher quality, more channels, and additional services like electronic program guides and interactive television. However, the legacy of SECAM remains in certain regions and contexts, such as the aforementioned resale market for vintage equipment, where SECAM compatibility may still be a selling point for consumers with a need for such technology.

• Abbreviation: SECAM