What is 23.976hz and why does it matter?

[Smoblikat]

I dont understand why everyone wants a perfect 23.976hz refresh rate. It doesnt make sense to want such a low specific number, what does it even do/mean?

 

[imagoon]

It is the NTSC frame rate. It prevents the image from starting to tear / get out of sync since the feed is just out of sync with the expected frame rate of the TV. IE 24hz vs 23.976

 

[BurnItDwn]

23.976hz is the framerate that 24fps film gets converted to when playing on NTSC tv.

24fps is the rate at which most film has been recorded over the history of film, so it's very popular for movie fans..

 

[Smoblikat]

Is there any reason 24fps/23.967 is the number that was chosen?

 

[imagoon]

Is there any reason 24fps/23.967 is the number that was chosen?

35MM file is 24fps. 23.976 is the closest NTSC framerate to 24hz. Most bluray stuff is 23.976 for that reason.

 

[Anteaus]

Is there any reason 24fps/23.967 is the number that was chosen?

It was an economic decision. The 24 fps standard was implimented early on in the motion picture industry. It is a fast enough frame rate that the eye doesn't see the individual frames, but low enough to minimize the amount of film needed for a film. Film was a major expense back then. Now that digital cameras are the norm, framerates are creeping up. Peter Jackson is filming the new Hobbit movie in 48 FPS (24 FPS per side 3D). It's supposed to eliminate eye fatigue.