The table below shows the types of television broadcast standards used in most countries around the world.

There are currently three main television standards used throughout the world:

NTSC - National Television Standards Committee. The oldest existing standard, developed in the USA. First used in 1954, NYSC consists of 525 horizontal lines of display and 60 vertical lines. It is sometimes irreverently referred to as "Never Twice the Same Color." Only one type exists, known as NTSC M.

SECAM - Système Électronique pour Couleur avec Mémoire. Developed in France, SECAM was first used in 1967, with a 625-line vertical, 50-line horizontal display. Sometimes referred to by wags as "Something Essentially Contrary to the American Method" or SEcond Colour Always Magenta!" Different types of SECAM use different video bandwidth and audio carrier specifications. Types B and D are usually used for VHF; types G, H, and K for UHF; types I, N, M, K1 and L for both VHF/UHF. Different types are generally not compatible.

PAL - Phase Alternating Line. PAL was developed by German engineer, Walter Bruch, and the German electronic corporation Telefunken. Walter Bruch patented his invention in 1963, and the first commercial application of the PAL system was in August 1967, with a 625/50-line display and it is a variant of NTSC. Proponents call it "Perfection At Last". Because of the high cost of the enormous circuit complexity, critics often refer to it as "Pay A Lot," and engineering students may hear it introduced as "Picture Always Lousy." Different types of PAL use different video bandwidth and audio carrier specifications. Common types are B, G and H and the less common types include D, I, K, N and M. The different types are generally not compatible.