What is "genlock"

n. (context television English) A technique whereby the video output of one source, or a specific reference signal, is used to synchronize other sources. vb. (context transitive English) To synchronize in this manner.

Genlock (generator locking) is a common technique where the video output of one source, or a specific reference signal from a signal generator, is used to synchronize other television picture sources together. The aim in video applications is to ensure the coincidence of signals in time at a combining or switching point. When video instruments are synchronized in this way, they are said to be generator-locked, or genlocked.