Newb asking about 120hz

[sirrahnor]

Hey All, Looking to get my first HDTV and it is boiling down to an LG 42LG70 with 120hz as an option vs the Sony KDL 42V4100 with no 120hz.....I have heard and read 120hz is good for watching sports in HD...Can a Newbie get some opionions on 120hz as an option? Is it that important?

[doctorsteve]

In some instances, 120 Hz makes things look really cool and life-like, especially fast moving scenes (like sports events). Initially, I left it on a low setting because it made movies 'too' realistic and weird. But, now if I keep in at low or off, I just feel that the picture isn't as clear as it could have been. So for me- now that I'm used to it, I keep it on high all the time.

I wouldn't recommend a tv WITHOUT 120 Hz...

Doc

[ryoohki]

Originally Posted by doctorsteve

In some instances, 120 Hz makes things look really cool and life-like, especially fast moving scenes (like sports events). Initially, I left it on a low setting because it made movies 'too' realistic and weird. But, now if I keep in at low or off, I just feel that the picture isn't as clear as it could have been. So for me- now that I'm used to it, I keep it on high all the time.

I wouldn't recommend a tv WITHOUT 120 Hz...

Doc

I always find that funny. We have 1080p witch finally offer a realtic 'Windows like' picture but since 24 fps have been around since cinema (well not silent cinema tought as it wasn't constant) well then it's 'too Real' and 'Too' realistic. Isn't that the ultimate goal? and don't bring director intent, because directors have no choice of shooting 24fps because of the theater format so it's not their intent, but their limitation.

Just asking..

[ricky_rocket]

Originally Posted by ryoohki

I always find that funny. We have 1080p witch finally offer a realtic 'Windows like' picture but since 24 fps have been around since cinema (well not silent cinema tought as it wasn't constant) well then it's 'too Real' and 'Too' realistic. Isn't that the ultimate goal? and don't bring director intent, because directors have no choice of shooting 24fps because of the theater format so it's not their intent, but their limitation.

Just asking..

I've heard that if you're watching a Blu-ray disc that displays the picture in 1080p/24 fps format then it's best to turn OFF the 120Hz motion enhancer on the TV. That's what I do.

Any other opinions ?

[definitivejx]

120 makes movies look weird sometimes id keep it on low or off

[thunda]

I just recently got my 52" Sammy LCD with 120 hz. Haven't tried it on any Blu Rays yet, but it makes regular tv programs look really "Soap Opera" like. Pretty good for sports programs like b-ball, football, etc but I'm not used to watching tv programs with it.

Maybe it'll grow on me.

[crazyBLUE]

When I watch regular TV I have it off ! When I'm watching NASCAR or A BD I have it on high !!

[durden26]

I only use 120hz to "enhance" the picture when watching some TV shows and sparingly when I do. I tested out The Dark Knight on my new LN52A630 to see what 120hz would add to a Bluray. In the opening IMAX shot where the single window blows out, the left building was shimmering and strobing. I then put the enhancement to off and picture was perfect.

[jsteinhauer]

Once again, you CAN NOT turn 120Hz off on your display. You can ONLY turn off the video processing that smooths motion (reduces judder or flicker). With everything turned off, high quality displays will perform 5:5 pulldown to 24p sources, simply repeating each frame exactly as it is 5 times. Lesser displays will perform inverse telecine and perform 2:2 pulldown. If the refresh rate is 120Hz, you will see 120 frames per second.

With the motion processing features turned on, the displays will perform some form of interpolation of frames to smooth out the motion. This is what creates the weird, 3D-like pictures. Some like it, some don't. To each his own. This smoothing also can have the effect of increasing motion blur and improving motion resolution.

[lettucenpico]

I have the Ln630 series. I love the 120hz. I leave it on high. On top of that I tweaked my settings a bit so it makes 120hz better. Whatever you get just make sure it's 120hz, I did notice that 120hz tv looks like crap when u turn it off compare to a regular 1080p 60hz. That's just me.

[aramis109]

GAH.

120hz = refresh rate. It means the set refreshes at 120x a second, as opposed to 60. The refresh rate can NOT be changed.

Motion enhancers are NOT 120hz. They happen to come on the set, and can be turned off/low/high. This is what provides the "very smooth" motion.

Don't confuse the two. I swear, I've posted this same information in 3 different threads today.

[lettucenpico]

Thanks for the input Einstein

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by lettucenpico

I have the Ln630 series. I love the 120hz. I leave it on high. On top of that I tweaked my settings a bit so it makes 120hz better. Whatever you get just make sure it's 120hz, I did notice that 120hz tv looks like crap when u turn it off compare to a regular 1080p 60hz. That's just me.

Originally Posted by lettucenpico

Thanks for the input Einstein

And way to read and comprehend information provided to you.

In case you missed it, 120Hz is the refresh rate and CANNOT be turned on/off or adjusted. This is not a difficult concept to understand, but you obviously do. I suggest you read jsteinhauer's post and your TV user's manual several more times until this simple concept finally sinks in. After that, you may want to apologize for the smartass comment to jsteinhauer.

[lettucenpico]

Oh ok no problem. thanks, ANYTHING ELSE?!

[HD 335]

I was also going to post AGAIN about the 120hz not being the video processing setting and that it's a refresh rate, but decided not to since I posted this information quite a few times here and many people either ignore it or can't seem to get it to sink in. It amazes me how so many people get slightly offended and replies back with condescending remarks instead of actually taking the opportunity to learn something they enjoy daily. Other forum members take their time to spread correct information and this is the thanks they get

Anyways, to the OP. The 120hz is a great feature to have especially since those sets tend to have additional post video processing features such as auto motion, true motion, motion enhancer... etc since it helps to smooth out sports events a bit better. And if you like the "video" or "soap opera" look for your movies, you can turn it on or off at your discretion. Is the 120hz feature a night and day difference, I wouldn't think so for the average user but it is an improvement and you should see if some stores display it and look at it yourself.

[dereksworl]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

Once again, you CAN NOT turn 120Hz off on your display. You can ONLY turn off the video processing that smooths motion (reduces judder or flicker). With everything turned off, high quality displays will perform 5:5 pulldown to 24p sources, simply repeating each frame exactly as it is 5 times. Lesser displays will perform inverse telecine and perform 2:2 pulldown. If the refresh rate is 120Hz, you will see 120 frames per second.

With the motion processing features turned on, the displays will perform some form of interpolation of frames to smooth out the motion. This is what creates the weird, 3D-like pictures. Some like it, some don't. To each his own. This smoothing also can have the effect of increasing motion blur and improving motion resolution.

Thank you! I dont know where people get this idea that a refresh rate can be turned off. 120hz is the refresh rate, it is to reduce motion blur. What you're turning off and on, low or high, is the frame interpolation

[dereksworl]

Originally Posted by HD 335

There are many home theater enthusiasts or people wishing to actually learn about their equipment who wish to get correct information rather than read posts from user who don't know or don't care what they are talking about. This is a forum dedicated to information about LCD TVs is it not? When I first looked into purchasing the XBR4, I had to weed through tons of incorrect information. The OP had a legitimate question about 120hz and it's capabilities, no need to confuse him with your false post about 120hz technology.

What do you mean? what was confusing?

[HD 335]

There are many home theater enthusiasts or people wishing to actually learn about their equipment who wish to get correct information rather than read posts from user who don't know or don't care what they are talking about. This is a forum dedicated to information about LCD TVs is it not? When I first looked into purchasing the XBR4, I had to weed through tons of incorrect information so that I could make the correct purchase based on my requirements. The OP had a legitimate question about 120hz and it's capabilities, no need to confuse him with your false post about 120hz technology.

[dereksworl]

Originally Posted by HD 335

There are many home theater enthusiasts or people wishing to actually learn about their equipment who wish to get correct information rather than read posts from user who don't know or don't care what they are talking about. This is a forum dedicated to information about LCD TVs is it not? When I first looked into purchasing the XBR4, I had to weed through tons of incorrect information so that I could make the correct purchase based on my requirements. The OP had a legitimate question about 120hz and it's capabilities, no need to confuse him with your false post about 120hz technology.

What do you mean? what was confusing?

[HD 335]

Originally Posted by dereksworl

What do you mean? what was confusing?

The fact many people think 120hz is frame interpolation processing setting rather than refresh rate.

*edit* it looks like a mod might have deleted lettucenpico's post regarding how he didn't really care and that we take it too seriously. I was posting in reference to his remark.