Play VGA SMPTE bars

Problem

Test a VGA video projector by playing the SMPTE colour bars pattern.

Solution

ffplay \
    -f lavfi \
    -i smptebars=640x480

General command

ffplay \
    -f lavfi \
    -i smptebars=widthxheight

Command syntax

ffplay

starts the command

-f lavfi

uses lavfi, FFmpeg’s virtual input device

-i smptehdbars=widthxheight

The smptebars source generates a color bars pattern, based on the SMPTE EG 1:1990.

Discussion

The VGA resolution is 640 x 480 pixel, therefore use the parameter smptebars=640x480 when testing an VGA video projector. Of course, the command may be adapted for other resolutions.

2021-11-24