Form of video distortion characterized by lines that should be straight curving or bending. This effect causes images such as fence posts on a video screen to look like they bend to one side. The effect is normally fairly subtle (the fence post does not bend back on itself into a U shape), but it can be distracting when an actor’s head seams to lean to the side. Bowing is more of a problem with precise images that should have straight lines. It can be seen most easily using a test pattern composed of rows of straight horizontal and vertical lines.