A) Device used to recover the component signals from a composite (encoded) source. Decoders are used in displays and in various processing hardware where component signals are required from a composite source such as composite chroma keying or colour correction equipment.

b) Device that changes NTSC signals into component signals; sometimes devices that change digital signals to analogue (see DAC). All colour TV sets must include an NTSC decoder. Because sets are so inexpensive, such decoders are often quite rudimentary. c) An embodiment of a decoding process.