What Is a 120 Hertz TV?
A 120 hertz TV refers to a high-definition television. Commercially, these televisions are marketed as having smooth and clear picture quality, which is especially useful when watching action movies, sporting events or other fast-moving pictures.
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Meaning
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Hertz is a unit of measurement, which is basic terms means the television screen refreshes the picture at a rate per second. Thus, 120 hertz means the television refreshes the picture 120 times per second.
History
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Standard-definition televisions refresh usually around 30 times per second (30 hertz). The first few generations of high-definition televisions refreshed at 60 hertz. Newer generations of high-definition televisions refresh at 120 hertz or higher.
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Significance
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Movies have traditionally been filmed 24 hertz, meaning a 30 hertz or 60 hertz television would need a film to be adapted from its filmed speed. However, 120 hertz is a multiple of both 24 and 30, eliminating the need for adaptations that may cause picture choppiness.
Types of Televisions
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A120 hertz television is almost always an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) unit. Plasma televisions generally range from 480 to 600 hertz, but should not be compared apples to apples with LCD televisions, as they utilize a different type of technology with regard to hertz.
Value
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A 120 hertz television is considerably more expensive than 60 hertz televisions, but whether the extra expense is worth it depends on viewing interests. Video games and fast-moving pictures look better on the 120 hertz displays, but the difference is not always noticeable on slower-moving programs.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Blake Patterson
