Motion Smoothing on TVs and Projectors: To Keep or Not to Keep?

In the world of home cinema, motion smoothing technology on TVs and projectors has sparked a heated debate among enthusiasts and filmmakers. At the heart of this discussion is the traditional filming standard of 24 frames per second (fps), a rate that has been the backbone of cinema due to its artistic integrity and lifelike pacing. However, modern televisions and projectors typically operate at a minimum of 60Hz, or 60 fps, presenting a mismatch that necessitates a technical workaround.

The Artistic Merit of 24P

Films and many high-quality TV shows are shot in what is known as the 24P format—24 progressive frames per second. This format is celebrated for its cinematic quality and its ability to mirror the temporal dynamics of how we perceive the real world. Advocates for this frame rate argue that it offers a visual storytelling that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.

The Challenge of Modern Displays

The issue arose when 24P content is displayed on devices that operate at much higher frame rates. To bridge this gap, motion smoothing algorithms are employed. These systems convert the 24 fps content to fit the 60 fps or higher frame rate of contemporary displays, leading to what is commonly referred to as the "soap opera effect." This effect makes the cinematic content appear unnaturally smooth and overly realistic, akin to the look of daytime television dramas, which are often shot at higher frame rates. For many viewers, this results in a viewing experience that feels artificial and detached from the intended cinematic look.

Industry Responses and Recommendations

The debate over motion smoothing has reached such prominence that high-profile figures in the film industry, such as Tom Cruise, have intervened. Cruise has openly advocated for viewers to disable motion smoothing when watching films, particularly for works like his Mission Impossible series, which are crafted to be seen at 24 fps. Turning off motion smoothing allows the content to be presented more faithfully to its original frame rate and pacing, although this can sometimes introduce judder or blurring on screens not optimized for 24P playback.

Technical Solutions

The optimal solution seems straightforward yet technically demanding: implementing a native 24P mode that can adjust the refresh rate of the screen to match the original content. This approach avoids the need to artificially alter the frame rate through motion smoothing. TVs and projectors now feature dedicated "filmmaker modes." These settings are designed to respect the director’s original vision by disabling all frame rate enhancements and maintaining the integrity of the 24 fps presentation. This includes turning off motion smoothing, sharpness, black level enhancement, and modifications to gamma and aspect ratios.

Conclusion

The decision to keep motion smoothing on or off boils down to a preference for either technological enhancement or cinematic authenticity. For purists and cinephiles, turning off motion smoothing on TVs and projectors is essential to preserve the original look and feel of movies and TV shows. This ensures that the artistic intent and traditional charm of 24 fps cinema are not lost in translation to modern high-frame-rate displays.

As technology evolves and more devices come equipped with adaptable frame rate capabilities, the choice between smooth motion and cinematic authenticity might become less of a compromise. Until then, turning off motion smoothing is the recommended route for those who value the traditional cinematic experience.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.