What is a characteristic of film-screen systems compared to digital systems?

Film-screen systems are distinguished from digital systems primarily by their reliance on chemical processing to develop images. This characteristic means that after exposure, film must undergo several steps, including developing, fixing, and drying, before a usable image is obtained. This processing often results in longer turnaround times compared to digital systems, which can deliver images almost instantaneously after exposure.

In contrast, digital systems convert x-ray data into images electronically, allowing for immediate display and evaluation. Therefore, the need for chemical processing in film-screen systems is a critical factor that highlights their operational differences from digital systems.