Light is the essence of endoscopic imaging, and is the starting point of the imaging chain. In the broadcast field, the quality of HD cameras is dependent on the performance characteristics of the lighting system being used, and it is much the same with medical endoscopy. Endoscopy requires a high-performance light source with sufficient intensity to ensure adequate illumination—even for light-critical applications. The illumination must ensure especially true-color properties and brilliant image presentation. The light sources must combine sufficient brightness and contrast to enable surgeons to distinguish healthy tissue from suspect tissue requiring treatment. Moreover, during therapeutic procedures, the light source must adequately illuminate the operative field to allow the surgeon to clearly visualize anatomical structures and control the delicate movements of surgical instruments.

HD endoscopy generally places even greater demands on surgical light sources. To acquire crisp, clear HD endoscopic images with superior resolution, optimum illumination must be provided to the operative field. Because HD cameras have lower sensitivity due to smaller pixel size, a powerful 300W Xenon light source is most often recommended. Additionally, the ability to control surgical lighting, such as switching from active to standby modes, offers additional advantages to surgeons using HD imaging systems.