1. In video and television technology, a device that allows the reformatting of a digital data stream originating from one sampling structure (lines per frame, pixels per line) into a digital data stream of another sampling structure for the purposes of recording or passing the original data stream through distribution devices designed to accommodate the latter structure. Note: Since, in format conversion, the data still represent the original sampling structure, this process is not the same as standards conversion (from PAL to NTSC, for instance. ) A format converter can, for instance, accept a signal introduced in a proposed format, and convert it for recording on, and subsequent reproduction from, a high-definition television digital recorder designed for the 1125/60/2:1 format. 2. In television technology, a system that converts display information from the familiar 3 x 4 aspect ratio to the newer 9 x 16 aspect ratio.