LCD TV Rating

Is a 120Hz LCD TV better than a 60Hz LCD TV or are they just pulling my money?

Aren't humans supposed to see higher than 60 cycles per second of frame rate. Or is this for another purpose?

Public Comments

1. it is better coming from a gaming standpoint, but as far as watching tv or dvds it will make no noticeable difference
2. 120Hz is definately better than 60Hz if you are going to play video games, watch sports, or other fast-moving programs. Since there are more cycles per second, there will be a lot less "artifacts" or "comet-tails" when watching fast moving videos. So if you plan to watch fast-moving programs or play games, then 120Hz is a fantastic addition!
3. Movies are filmed at 24 frames per second. With a 60hz TV, 60 does not evenly divide by 24. With a 120hz TV, 120 does evenly divide by 24. What this means is that with a 120hz TV, you'll get a smoother picture when watching movies. 60hz TVs compensate by using what's called 3:2 pulldown. This involves taking the first frame of the 24 frames (for one second of film) and duplicating it 3 times, then taking the second frame and duplicating it 2 times. You end up with two frames of film for every five cycles of TV frames. Continue this throughout all 24 frames and you eventually get to 60 cycles. So this uneven distribution of 3 followed by 2 followed by 3 followed by 2, etc., results in a jumpy, stuttery, or juddery picture. Of course, this is hard to discern to the naked eye and is only visible in images that are panned across the screen. With a 120hz TV, you don't have this problem 'cause every frame of a 24 frame per second film is reproduced five times, and 24 times 5 equals 120. So the answer is yes, a 120hz TV is better.
4. 120Hz is better 120Hz image interpolation technology provides smoother motion.
5. 120 Hz is definitely an improvement in LCD technology. It does help reduce the inherent blurring in fast action, like a long pass in football. Just be aware that it doesn't eliminate the blur entirely. You will still see it somewhat; that's just the nature of LCDs. But all things being equal, you'll like the 120 set much better than the 60.