RCA Indian Head Test Pattern
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Background
The Indian Head Test Pattern is a test card introduced in 1939 by RCA.
Test Card (1938-1960s)
Visuals: On a white background, a grid comprised of various lines and shapes is seen, with a pencil portrait of a Native American (Indian) chief's head. These elements functioned to assess technical aspects of TVs such as aspect ratio, resolution, contrast, and brightness. For instance, circles and grids aided in evaluating perspective, framing, and linearity. Resolution and frequency response were assessed using tapered lines with markings. Additionally, thin lines with specific numbers denoted the number of lines discernible on the screen. Finally, the radiating gray bands served to measure differential gain, contrast, and white level.
Trivia: The chief's head was drawn by an artist named Brooks using pencil, charcoal, ink and zinc oxide.
Variant: In 1938, only the portrait of the Indian's head is seen. The grid was introduced later in 1939.
Technique: A still graphic.
Audio: An audio test tone for the purposes of calibrating aural system frequency response measurements.
Availability: This test card was originally made for RCA's TK-1 monoscope and was later used in television stations in the United States. It was also later adopted by various stations from around the world, including Canada's CBC, Rhodesia's RTV, Venezuela's Venevision, among others.
Legacy: This is one of the most iconic test cards of all time, often referenced and parodied in popular culture.
