What is meant by the term 'field' in the context of video?

The term 'field' in the context of video refers to one of the two half-frames in interlaced video. Interlaced video is a technique used to improve the display of moving images and minimize flicker. It works by displaying alternate lines of a frame in two passes. Each field consists of half of the lines needed to create a complete image, so the first field might display the odd-numbered lines, while the second would display the even-numbered lines. This approach effectively doubles the refresh rate of the display, creating the illusion of a smoother, more stable image.

Therefore, understanding the role of fields in interlaced video is essential for grasping how video resolutions and refresh rates affect motion portrayal and overall picture quality.