A system and method for enabling the automatic setting of a mask for displaying live endoscopic images on a monitor device. An imaging node processor selects a pre-determined mask setting based on an automatically detected solid state imager (CCD) type when connected to the video processor, and a selected magnifying ratio. Based on this information, a mask pattern is automatically generated in a main memory. A merge function enables the mask to be displayed with cutout portions where information including, live or frozen image, thumbnail image associated with a static image capture, and patient demographic information is displayed. The user may select the frame coordinate locations corresponding to the corners of the live viewable area, captured image display and other system and demographic information to be displayed. Further, while the system is configured to include pre-defined masks, users are additionally able to create additional masks or modify the system-defined masks. The user can associate a mask to one or more scopes or video chip (imager) types.