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Definition: 120 Hz


The frame rate of many modern TVs and monitors. The 120 Hz rate is designed to improve fast action in movies, sports and games by providing smoother transitions from frame to frame. The display doubles the common frame rate of 60 frames per second (fps) to 120 by duplicating each frame twice (see below).

Better Conversion from 24 fps
Another advantage of 120 Hz is improved conversion of 24 fps movies. In order to fit 24 movie frames into a 60 Hz screen, the traditional telecine method generates uneven transitions because 24 does not divide evenly into 60 (see telecine). However, because 24 divides evenly into 120, every movie frame can be interpolated into five video frames (see below). See 240 Hz and 480 Hz.




From 60 to 120 Hz - Duplicate and Smooth
By doubling the frame rate, a transition frame can be created between each two original frames. The duplicated frames are altered (interpolated) to transition between the frames.






From 24 to 120 Hz - 5:5 Pulldown
Because 24 divides evenly into 120, each 24 fps movie frame can be converted into the same number of video frames. HDTVs have also been made with 48, 72 and 96 Hz frame rates because 24 divides evenly into these numbers. See telecine.