ETP-1 was a test card designed and used by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA). After test transmissions from the IBA's Engineering Regional Operations Centre (ROC) in Croydon from 1978 it was phased in on ITV over a period starting from 1979, replacing, in different ITV regions: Test Card F, Test Card G and full screen height EBU colour bars. After ITV went 24 hours in 1988, the card ceased to be seen on the channel. It was used for both 625-line PAL and 405-line monochrome broadcasts.
Off-air recording of ETP-1 as seen on ITV from 1979 to 1988
A test card, also known as a test pattern or start-up/closedown test, is a television test signal, typically broadcast at times when the transmitter is active but no program is being broadcast.
First RTF test card (1953) for the French 819-line TV system. Also used in French Algeria, with modifications also used by TMC in Monaco, Telesaar in the Saar Protectorate, and TVN in Chile
A 1952 Philips TD1410U television set showing the optical monochrome Telefunken T05 test card.
A monoscope.
Close-up of the test-card image from a monoscope