PAL

Phase Alternating Line

A color encoding system used in broadcast television systems in large parts of the world. Developed in the 1960s and first used in 1967, PAL is the standard for countries in Europe, parts of Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania. It’s one of three main television standards used worldwide, alongside NTSC and SECAM.

The PAL system is designed to transmit 625 lines of resolution at 50 fields (half-frames) per second. This contrasts with NTSC, which operates at 525 lines at 60 fields per second, used primarily in North America and Japan. PAL’s method of alternating the phase of the color signal reduces the color errors that can occur with NTSC, making for better color stability and quality, hence its adoption in many countries where NTSC’s shortcomings were especially problematic.

However, with the advent of digital broadcasting and high-definition television, the distinctions between these analog standards have become less relevant. Newer digital and high-definition systems do not use PAL, NTSC, or SECAM, but rather digital standards that can operate at much higher resolutions and with better color accuracy.