What is the smallest element of data in a video image known as?

The smallest element of data in a video image is called a pixel. A pixel, short for "picture element," represents the individual points of illumination that, when combined with many others, form a complete image. Each pixel contains information about its color and brightness, and adjustments to these properties at the pixel level ultimately affect the overall quality and appearance of the video image being displayed.

In video and digital imaging, understanding pixels is crucial because they are the fundamental building blocks that determine the resolution and detail of the video. Higher pixel counts generally lead to higher resolution images, providing clearer and more detailed visuals. This concept is essential in fields like broadcasting, digital art, and any video technology where image quality matters.

The other terms, such as frame, sample, and segment, refer to different aspects of video data. A frame is a single image in a sequence of images that make up a video. Sampling typically refers to the process of converting real-world signals into digital form, while a segment usually implies a portion of a video or data stream rather than an individual point within an image.