What is progressive scan and why would I want to have it turned on?

Question

In relation to a DVD player connected to a HDTV.

Answer 1

First, let me briefly explain what the difference between progressive scan and interlaced is.  These are both methods that are used to draw images onto a TV screen.

Televisions are made up of horizontal lines.  The resolution of your TV dictates how many of these lines there are.  With interlaced, your TV begins by drawing the odd lines on the screen in order from top to bottom.  It then goes back and draws the even numbered lines.

In progressive scan, the TV draws all of the lines sequentially on every pass.

As for why you would want to have it turned on... If you are using a standard DVD player, outputting to a Hi-Def TV at 480p will improve your picture quality as compared to outputting in an analog interlaced format.    To what degree it improves quality depends on several different factors.  Honestly, the easiest way to tell is to look at it with it turned on and off.  However, I'll say there really isn't any reason to not have it turned on if you're connected to a hi-def tv and have the DVD player properly connected to the TV for it to be able to accept that input.  The DVD player has to be connected using component video cables for it to actually be outputting in progressive scan.

Answer 2

In lame terms,  progressive scan refreshes the screen quicker and is really good for faster moving pictures. That's why there is the big argument over 720p vs 1080i. 1080i will technically show you a better image if it is still, 720p will be a bit better the more movement you have. Progressive scan is going to be better than interlaced. Unless the resolution is different. Then there will be debates.