Are There TVs That Can Make Movies into 60fps or Higher?

Movies inherently come in a standard frame rate of 24fps (frames per second). While you can watch these on a TV set with a refresh rate up to 120fps, the material itself remains at 24fps. Let's delve deeper into this fascinating topic, understanding how frame rate is determined during the movie production phase and why a high frame rate is more crucial for different types of content like video games and live sports.

Understanding Movie Frame Rates

The 24fps standard for movies has been around for decades. This frame rate is captured on film or video by the camera during the recording process. Once the movie is edited and finalized, the frame rate remains fixed at 24fps. It's important to note that a high frame rate, such as 240fps, which might be used for slow-motion footage, creates footage that is slow motion when played back. A movie shot at 240fps will always be played back at 24fps, effectively stretching a second of time over ten seconds during playback.

The Need for High Frame Rates

High frame rates, such as 60fps or higher, are not typically necessary for movies. However, they are highly beneficial for other types of content, particularly video games and live sports. These formats can benefit from higher frame rates because they allow for smoother and more fluid motion, enhancing the viewing experience. Television news, certain reality shows, and soap operas may occasionally use higher frame rates to improve visual fluidity and reduce the judder or jerkiness that can occur at lower frame rates.

How Frame Rate Is Affected in TVs

TVs are designed to be receiver devices, meaning they receive and display content but do not have the capability to record it. If you need to record content, you will require a camera. There are high-end movie and professional cameras capable of recording at such high frame rates as 240fps in full 4K resolution. These are tools used by professionals in the film industry for specialized slow-motion shots.

Can TVs Display High Frame Rate Content?

TVs can technically display higher frame rates, but they are limited by the native frame rate of the content they are receiving. For example, a high-end 120fps TV can display 60fps or 24fps content, but it cannot convert 24fps content into 60fps. The frame rate is baked into the content and cannot be altered by the TV itself. These higher frame rates are beneficial for content that is already recorded at that rate, such as sports broadcasting and fast-paced video games.

Conclusion

While it's a common myth that TVs can change the frame rate of movies, the reality is that movies inherently run at 24fps and cannot be converted by a TV to 60fps or higher. High frame rates are more necessary for video games and live sports, allowing for smoother and more natural motion. For those who want to experience higher frame rates, investing in professional-grade recording equipment or choosing the right TV model is essential. Understanding the limitations and benefits of different frame rates can greatly enhance one's viewing and gaming experience.