Interlaced vs progressive scans are two commonly used methods for generating a video signal, each with its history, advantages, and disadvantages. These signals account for the ‘i’ of 1080i and the ‘p’ of 1080p. Understanding the differences between these ways is vital for enhancing the viewing experience.
Here, we’ll look at what interlaced and progressive scans are and some of the differences between them.
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Interlaced vs Progressive Scan – Definitions
Interlaced Scan
Each frame in the interlaced scan video is divided into two fields: odd scan line fields (that is, odd-numbered lines) and even scan line fields (that is, even-numbered lines). These fields are alternately displayed, giving the illusion of a complete image when the frame rate is high enough that it is imperceptible to the human eye.
Interlaced video was created to save the bandwidth necessary for broadcast television while retaining smooth motion. This was significant in the early days of broadcasting, considering the limited bandwidth available at the time. While using less bandwidth, interlaced video is associated with a fluid motion, making it excellent for analog television systems and standard-definition broadcasts.
Progressive Scan
Progressive scan video (also known as “progressive scan signals”) is a display way in which each line of a video frame is drawn consecutively from top to bottom. Different from other ways that might divide a frame into different segments, progressive scan presents the full video frame at one time.
Each frame in progressive scan video is complete, resulting in a smooth and detailed image, particularly in fast-moving scenarios. As a result, progressive scanning is commonly used in digital formats such as Blu-ray, HDTV, and online streaming, where high definition and seamless motion are crucial. It is also crucial for modern displays like computer monitors and TVs because of its improved video quality and more immersive viewing experience.
Interlaced vs Progressive Scan – Differences
The primary difference between progressive and interlaced scan video is the way each frame is drawn on screen: all lines displayed (progressive) vs alternate lines displayed (interlaced).
This translates to particular benefits and downsides of each kind of video display technology.
Benefits and Downsides of Progressive Displays
Benefits of progressive scan:
- Superior picture quality. Clearer and more detailed signals, particularly in fast-moving scenarios.
- No combing artifacts. Full display of every frame with no artifacts.
- Digital compatibility. Works perfectly with digital displays and technologies such as HDTVs, streaming services, and computer monitors.
Downsides of progressive scan:
- Higher bandwidth. Full frames demand more bandwidth to transmit.
- Increased data. Uses more data, demanding storage and processing power.
Benefits and Downsides of Interlaced Displays
Benefits of interlaced scan:
- Lower bandwidth. Saves bandwidth by dividing frames into odd and even fields.
- Fluid motion. Effective in creating smooth motion in standard-definition broadcasts.
Downsides of interlaced scan:
- Artifacts. Produces combing artifacts in fast-moving scenarios because of displaying alternate fields.
- Reduced compatibility. Less compatible with modern digital displays, usually needing deinterlacing for correct viewing.
- Reduced picture quality. Lower overall picture quality when compared to progressive scan.
Also learn: What Is Deinterlacing & How to Deinterlace Video
Progressive vs Interlaced Video
Below are the major distinctions between progressive and interlaced scan video:
| Progressive video | Interlaced video | |
| Combing effect | None | Arises, particularly in fast-moving scenarios |
| Picture resolution | Full resolution for every frame | Lower effective resolution (field dividing) |
| Display speed | One-pass – smooth or consistent motion | Alternates between fields – motion artifacts |
| Audio-image synchronization | Better synchronization | Potential synchronization problems |
| The typical use case | Digital formats (like Blu-ray, HDTV, and streaming) | Traditional broadcast TV |
Final Words
Now that you understand the definition and difference between interlaced vs progressive scan, this is crucial to optimizing your video viewing experience. We hope you find this useful.
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About The Author
Position: Columnist
Jocelin is keeping a strong passion for the multimedia industry with her first thoughts and visions. While continuously absorbing relevant knowledge, she believes that pictures, videos, and music can bring so much pleasure to life. To go deeper into the industry, she has acquired many skills in video editing. Also, she can provide readers with ways to solve problems on image, video, and auido topics.