test pattern

American  

noun

Television.

1. a geometric design broadcast to receivers for testing the quality of transmission, often identifying the transmitting station and channel.

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Etymology

Origin of test pattern

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Jackson’s image glows blood-red, then flips to a television test pattern as the kids file out into the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2023

During the evening, Mr. Morrisett told the guests that his daughter Sarah was so mesmerized by TV that she would watch the test pattern on weekend mornings until cartoons began.

From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2023

The legacy versions of emergency alerts broadcast on over-the-air television with a test pattern screen and a loud alert noise followed by spoken instructions.

From The Verge • Dec. 15, 2021

If you want to do better than that, you’ll need to use a test pattern.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2018

When he dragged himself back, the television was humming behind a flickering test pattern.

From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte