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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Progressive video builds each frame as one complete image; interlaced video builds a frame from two alternating-line fields captured or displayed at different times. For most modern editing and computer-display workflows, progressive is easier to handle. Interlaced footage still matters when you work with legacy recordings or a delivery target that requires it.
What is the difference between interlaced and progressive scan video?
The letter in a format label describes how the picture is scanned:
- Progressive (p): all the lines in a frame are drawn from top to bottom in one pass. The lines belong to a single time instant.
- Interlaced (i): a frame is split into two fields containing alternating lines. The fields are drawn in sequence, with one field beginning one field period after the other. Field order specifies which field comes first.
In Adobe’s description, the upper field contains odd-numbered lines and the lower field contains even-numbered lines. Since the fields represent different moments, a moving subject can occupy different positions in each. Treating both fields as one simultaneous image may produce comb-like edges.
How to read 1080p, 1080i, 60i and 60p
The number generally indicates the vertical scan-line count in labels such as 480p, 720p and 1080i; the letter indicates scan mode. Rate notation matters too: an interlaced rate can count fields rather than complete frames.
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| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1080i60 | Adobe’s example denotes 60 interlaced 1920 × 1080 fields per second, approximately 30 frames per second. |
| 720p30 | Adobe’s example denotes 30 progressive 1280 × 720 frames per second. |
So 60i does not necessarily mean twice as many complete pictures as 30p. Sony also uses labels such as 24p, 30p and 60p for progressive examples, and 30i and 60i for interlaced examples. Conventions can depend on the camera, codec and region, so check the specific recording format rather than inferring everything from the label.
Why interlacing was used—and where it still matters
Interlacing was developed to transmit television pictures with limited bandwidth. Analog television used it, and digital standards have included both interlaced and progressive formats. It remains relevant in some legacy recordings and delivery workflows, while modern digital systems typically use progressive scanning.
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For current editing, the practical choice is usually to preserve an interlaced source’s field structure when the destination requires interlaced video, or deliberately deinterlace it for progressive output. Simply changing a format label does not convert the underlying fields. Adobe warns that scaling, rotating or applying effects to interlaced footage can create crossed-field artifacts; field-aware handling is important for interlaced or field-rendered material.
Which scan type should you use?
- Choose progressive for most modern editing and computer-oriented workflows, especially when you need clean still frames, slow motion, scaling or effects.
- Keep interlaced structure when your source is interlaced and the delivery target specifically calls for it. Confirm the field order in the editing workflow.
- Deinterlace intentionally when the final destination expects progressive video. Review motion and fine detail after conversion rather than assuming a label change is sufficient.
- Follow the actual destination specification. The recording system or delivery requirement—not a blanket rule that one format is always best—should determine the output.
What artifacts can interlaced video cause?
When fields from different instants are combined as a single frame, motion can appear as comb-like edges. Adobe also notes that thin horizontal lines may flicker, and that freeze frames and slow motion can be difficult with interlaced footage. Correct field order and field-aware editing help avoid mishandling the source; deinterlacing is the option when a progressive result is required.
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