Play HD SMPTE bars

Problem

Test an HD video projector by playing the SMPTE colour bars pattern.

Solution

ffplay \
    -f lavfi \
    -i smptehdbars=1920x1080

General command

ffplay \
    -f lavfi \
    -i smptehdbars=widthxheight

Command syntax

ffplay

starts the command

-f lavfi

uses lavfi, FFmpeg’s virtual input device

-i smptehdbars=widthxheight

The smptehdbars source generates a colour bars pattern, based on the SMPTE RP 219-2:2002.

Discussion

The HD resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixel, therefore use the parameter smptehdbars=1920x1080 when testing a HD video projector. Of course, the command may be adapted for other resolutions.

2021-11-24