JVC and other manufacturers are rolling out a new standard of HDTVs that will natively run at 120Hz . The change from NTSC’s 60Hz should smooth out playback of 24 / 23.99 fps DVDs, as 24 divides evenly into 120. This means that the content can be played back without the fugly 3:2 pull down, so there are no added motion artifacts or characteristics. A little napkin math reminds us that 120 is also a multiple of 30 / 29.97 fps.

From what I understand, the new LCD displays don’t actually play back at 120 fps, but refresh internally at that rate. The only change you see is a smoother moving image.

In related news, self-professed “frame counter” David Bordwell has a unique essay on the topic, and how the differences in formats effect the impact of an edit. A fascinating read (found at DVGuru).