This paper is an overview of electro-optical methods for generating a sequence of pixel clocks related to the angular rotation of a scanner excited in a sinusoidal motion. The emphasis is on the methods of synchronizing the clock generator to the scanner motion and on the trade-offs between scanner frequency, pixel placement accuracy, and the total system resolution. The methods are suitable for data input and output applications. Both digital and analog implementations of a clock generator are explored, and the drift and stability issues examined. Scan field distortion correction capabilities are also detailed.