PALplus (ITU-R BT.1197) is 16:9 aspect ratio version of PAL, and is compatible with standard (B, D, G, H, I) PAL. Normal (B, D, G, H, I) PAL video signals have 576 active scan lines. If a film is broadcast, usually 432 or fewer active scan lines are used. PALplus uses these unused "black" scan lines for additional picture information. The PALplus decoder mixes it with the visible picture, resulting in a 16:9 picture with the full resolution of 576 active scan lines. Widescreen TVs without the PALplus decoder, and standard (B, D, G, H, I) PAL TVs, show a standard picture with about 432 active scan lines.

PALplus is compatible with standard studio equipment. The number of pixels of a PALplus picture is the same as in (B, D, G, H, I) PAL, only the aspect ratio is different.