Indian Head test card - Definition and Overview

The Indian Head test pattern

The Indian Head test card was a black and white television test pattern used by RCA that was introduced in 1939. The card was generated by using a special tube called a monoscope. The Indian Head would could be seen when a station had closed down for the night. It would often be accompanied by the national anthem followed by a 1,000 hertz test tone.

When American broadcasters transitioned to color television, the SMPTE color bars superseded this black-and-white image.

Example Usage of Indian