What characterizes progressive images?

Progressive images are characterized by the way they display the individual frames of video content. In a progressive scan, each frame of video is drawn sequentially in order, meaning that every line of the image is drawn one after the other from top to bottom. This results in a smoother and more cohesive image quality, especially during motion, as all lines are rendered at once without the need for interlacing or skipping any lines.

This characteristic makes progressive video particularly advantageous for a variety of applications including film and high-definition content, where clarity and fluid motion are paramount. In contrast, interlaced images, which use techniques like drawing odd and even lines in separate passes or relying on interlacing methods, can lead to artifacts and are generally less preferred for modern high-quality displays.

The notion of resolution in progressive scan versus interlaced media is also important; in progressive scanning, the entire image is processed in one go, thus maintaining the maximum potential resolution for display. This is why the definition aligns with the concept of drawing all lines in order, emphasizing the inherent advantages of progressive imagery in contemporary video technology.