Gaussian noise

(1) In communications, a random interference generated by the movement of electricity in the line. It is similar to white noise, but confined to a narrower range of frequencies. You can actually see and hear Gaussian noise when you tune your TV to a channel that is not operating. Contrast with white noise and pink noise. See Gaussian distribution and Gaussian blur.

(2) A random distribution of artifacts in analog video images that makes everything look soft and slightly blurry. On close inspection, one can see tiny specks in random patterns. Found on films shot with older cameras as well as films and videotapes that have been archived for a long time, dynamic noise reduction (DNR) circuits can eliminate much of the Gaussian noise when the analog material is converted to digital. See dynamic noise reduction.