1. A method for reading a bar code symbol in a pixel image, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a first scan line substantially parallel to the bars and spaces of said symbol; (b) scanning said symbol along said first scan line to generate a first value based on intensity values of two or more pixels of the pixel image that are crossed by the first scan line; (c) selecting a second scan line substantially parallel to the bars and spaces of said symbol, wherein the distance between said first and second scan lines is less than the width of a pixel of said image; (d) scanning said symbol along said second scan line to generate a second value based on intensity values of two or more pixels of the pixel image that are crossed by the second scan line; and (e) decoding said symbol in accordance with said first and second values.