Higher frame rates for television

This paper describes the current understanding of the issues behind higher frame rate television, and recent work at the BBC which has provided an insight into the advantages of moving to frame rates of 100 frames per second (fps) or higher, and of the problems of frame-rate down-conversions from 120 fps to 50 fps. To enable this work it was necessary to devise display and playout systems capable of supporting frame rates of up to 150 fps, and to capture a range of suitable test material. This work is also described. Conclusions are drawn about the very significant advantages, even at HD resolutions, of moving to higher frame rates.