Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E2B
E2B02E2B

How many horizontal lines make up a fast-scan (NTSC) television frame?

Deep Dive: E2B02

The correct answer is C: 525. How many horizontal lines make up a fast-scan (NTSC) television frame is 525. NTSC television uses 525 lines per frame. For amateur radio operators, this is important for fast-scan TV operation. Understanding this helps when operating fast-scan TV.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (30): Incorrect. 30 is the frame rate (frames per second), not the number of lines - NTSC has 525 lines per frame. 30 is frame rate. Option B (60): Incorrect. 60 is the field rate (fields per second), not the number of lines - NTSC has 525 lines per frame. 60 is field rate. Option D (1080): Incorrect. 1080 is for high-definition TV, not NTSC - NTSC has 525 lines per frame. 1080 is HD.

Exam Tip

NTSC frame = 525 horizontal lines. Think 'N'TSC = '5'25 lines. NTSC television uses 525 lines per frame. Not 30 (frame rate), not 60 (field rate), not 1080 (HD) - just 525 lines.

Memory Aid

NTSC frame = 525 horizontal lines. Think 'N'TSC = '5'25 lines. NTSC television uses 525 lines per frame. Important for fast-scan TV operation.

Real-World Example

A fast-scan (NTSC) television frame: It consists of 525 horizontal lines. NTSC is the standard used in North America. The frame is divided into two fields (262.5 lines each) that are interlaced. This is the number of lines - 525 horizontal lines per frame.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E2B

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E2 - Operating Procedures

Key Concepts

Fast-scan television NTSC 525 horizontal lines Television frame

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E2B topic.