Progressive vs. interlaced scanning

In simplest terms, progressive sensors scan images as a single set of lines that represent the entire image; interlaced sensors scan images as two half sets of alternate lines. Interlaced scanning has been the norm for the broadcast industry for decades since the standard provided a better solution to its bandwidth limitation. Because its bandwidth was limited to 1 million pixels per 1/60 second, TV broadcasters adopted two standards, 720p and 1080i. Progressive scanning is superior for capturing fast-moving objects and still photography while interlaced imaging is better at providing high temporal resolution.

For example, ESPN and ABC use 720p, progressive scanning of 720 lines of resolution, for HD broadcasts of sporting events where action is very fast and interlaced scanning would generate severely blurred images. On the other hand, NBC, CBS and Showtime use 1080i resolution, offering higher spatial resolution, for their dramatic shows.

Because endoscopic images are not being produced for broadcast use, KARL STORZ has actually combined these two formats to offer HD at 1080p60, the FULL HD standard. We can do this because we are transmitting HD endoscopic video signals over cables to the monitor, without broadcast bandwidth limitations.