Multiburst

A multiburst waveform is a useful test pattern used to quickly ascertain the frequency response of a video system.

The name derives from the multiple bursts of sine wave in the active video section of the waveform which are generated with (usually) increasing frequency, but identical in amplitude.

In a video system, the frequency response needs to be as flat as possible or distortion in the picture displayed will occur.

Low frequency distortion will cause field-rate impairment, manifesting itself as luminance variation between the top and bottom of a picture.

[2] Ideally, each of the frequency bursts should produce a group of distinct, black and white vertical bars on the monitor screen.