Progressive scan (video display method)

Progressive scan is a method of producing images by drawing every line of a frame in sequence. Widely used in digital displays, it reduces interlacing artifacts and is standard for modern HDTV and computer screens.

Progressive scan is a technique for rendering video and still images in which each frame is drawn line by line from top to bottom so that the complete image appears in a single pass. This contrasts with interlaced scanning, where a frame is split into two fields and displayed in alternating passes. The term is commonly used in discussions of television, video production and display technology and is associated with clearer motion portrayal on modern screens. Learn more

How it works

In a progressive system every horizontal scanline that makes up a frame is transmitted or displayed in sequence. When a display refreshes at a given frame rate (for example 24, 30 or 60 frames per second), each frame contains the full image. Progressive rendering eliminates the need to merge fields and preserves spatial detail and temporal consistency within each frame, which helps reduce visible artifacts on motion.

Comparison with interlaced scanning

Interlaced video splits a frame into two fields (odd and even lines) shown at staggered times; this can save bandwidth for certain analog systems but can produce combing and flicker when objects move. Progressive scan avoids those problems but may require more data for the same effective temporal resolution. When interlaced sources are shown on progressive displays they need deinterlacing to prevent comb artifacts.

Common formats and examples

480p, 720p and 1080p are common progressive formats used for DVDs, broadcast and streaming.
Film captured at 24 fps is often converted to progressive formats for digital distribution.
Many modern LCD, OLED and projector technologies are intrinsically progressive.

History, variants and practical notes

Progressive scanning became more prominent with the shift to digital television and flat-panel displays. Broadcast and consumer video began to favor progressive formats because they match the native behaviour of computer displays and digital projectors. Variants include progressive segmented frame (PsF), a method that packs progressive frames into an interlaced stream for compatibility, and hardware or software deinterlacing algorithms which reconstruct progressive frames from interlaced material. For filmmakers, gamers and many professional imaging tasks, progressive scan is generally preferred for its sharper stills, easier editing and more consistent motion rendering. Television, video and interlaced systems are often compared when choosing delivery formats.