PAL, or Phase Alternating Line, is a color encoding system that was developed for use in broadcast television systems. It is widely adopted in many countries around the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of South America. The system was introduced in the early 1960s as a solution to some of the limitations and issues associated with earlier color television systems, such as NTSC (National Television System Committee).

One of the key features of PAL is its ability to reduce color errors that can occur during transmission. This is achieved by alternating the phase of the color signal with each line, which helps to cancel out phase errors and results in more accurate color reproduction. PAL typically operates with a frame rate of 25 frames per second and a resolution of 625 lines, which provides a good balance between picture quality and bandwidth requirements.

The PAL system has been instrumental in the development and expansion of television broadcasting, allowing for consistent and reliable color television across different regions. It has been used in a variety of applications, from traditional over-the-air broadcasts to cable and satellite television. Despite the rise of digital broadcasting standards, such as DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting), PAL remains an important part of the history and evolution of television technology.