The protocol for the PCoIP display uses an encoding method called progressive building, which attempts to provide an overall optimal user experience during constrained network periods. Initially, the progressive build provides a highly-compressed initial image called a lossy image. The image is progressively built to a full state called lossless. The lossless state displays the image with the full fidelity intended. When displaying an image on a LAN, PCoIP always uses the lossless compression. If the bandwidth available per session drops below 1 Mbs, PCoIP will initially display a lossy text image and quickly "fill in" the image to a lossless state.

Using this approach will allow the desktop to remain responsive while still displaying the best possible image during changing network conditions. This method provides the optimal experience for users.

The attributes of the build-to-lossless feature are as follows: