[Possibilities and limits of digital imaging]

The progress achieved in microelectronic components can be used very advantageously for X-ray transmission images by digitising the output signals of an image intensifier TV chain and storing the digital values in a semiconductor memory. Problems are caused by the very large data volume and data rates. The increased dynamic range, possibilities of image postprocessing without loss in quality, reduced radiation exposure and instant images displayed on a monitor justify the higher costs compared with film. For long term storage film will be used, especially in the form of multiformat film.