Q: Dear Ms Connected,

I’ve been doing some research before I buy a new TV, and a few salespeople have mentioned a feature called “100 hertz”. What is this, exactly, and do I need it?

Justine K., Netherby, South Australia

A: Dear Justine,

Thanks for your note.

This is actually top of mind for me right now. Many of Australia’s major consumer-electronics suppliers are launching their new TV ranges in time for the upcoming Olympic Games, and – as you’re already discovering – 100 hertz (100Hz) technology seems to be one of the key selling points.

Let’s pretend for a moment that you’re watching Grant Hackett sprinting home in the final lap of the 1500 metres freestyle. He appears on your screen as a moving image, right? But what you’re actually seeing is a sequence of still images that are being changed over so quickly that they appear as one fluid motion – like in those cartoon flip books we used to have as kids.

Twice as nice: 100Hz technology can help clear up the action on your television screen.

When we’re talking about televisions, the “hertz” figure refers to the number of still images shown per second on the screen. The traditional frequency is 50Hz. However, on today’s large, flat-panel screens, this can produce some blurring of fast-moving images – in sports broadcasts, for example, or action movies.

Televisions suppliers have responded by doubling the number of still images that appear on-screen per second. This is the 100Hz technology to which your salespeople are referring. It is designed to deliver smoother, more life-like action.

Now suppliers are focusing on improvements to 100Hz itself. Samsung, for instance, is about to release a new range of televisions with what they’re calling “Real 100Hz”. According to Samsung, this technology “intelligently estimates the middle image between two frames and inserts it between them to create a seamless picture that is as realistic as reality itself”.

As for whether or not you need 100Hz in your new TV. Only you can decide that. But if you’re buying a flat-screen TV (who isn’t these days?), and if you live in a household that likes watching sport and movies, it’s definitely worth a look.

Yours in simplified technology,

Ms Connected

For her contribution to Ms Connected, Justine has won a ViewSonic digital photo frame valued at $199. Send your question to msconnected@connectedaustralia.com.

Dear Ms Connected, I am looking to purchase a new microwave oven in the near future. It's been many years since I've done this and I always felt happy with my old and very basic Sharp Carousel, as I only ever warmed food and didn't use it for cooking much. I might become a little more adventurous, if I knew more about the advanced technology of the latest ones. Can you give me a rundown on the latest technology and what microwaves can do now? Megan, St Clair, NSW ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, I like the look of kitchen appliances that match your current kitchen cabinets and décor- I wanted to get this feature when I bought a new dishwasher…what options do I have here? Carly Peters, North Sydney, NSW  ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, What is Pyrolytic cleaning? One of my friends mentioned it’s like a self cleaning oven? Please explain! If it is- I want one! Angela, Baulkham Hills NSW  ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, My current vacuum cleaner will be dying of old age soon and I was thinking of upgrading to one of those new bagless models…but what is the difference between a Bagless or a Bagged Vacuum Cleaner? Is one better than the other? Kerry Nettle, Avoca Beach NSW  ... Read More

I keep hearing about something called podcasts. What are they? ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, I’ve heard of an RSS feed- but what exactly is it? Karen Collins, Richmond NSW  ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, When looking for new appliances I’m noticing more and more have “energy ratings”. Does the energy rating of my appliances really make that much of a difference? Fran K., Gladstone, QLD ... Read More

I know about plasmas and LCDs. But what is an OLED television? ... Read More

My husband and I want to buy a new TV, and we keep seeing references to “HDMI inputs”. What are these? ... Read More

I heard recently that makers of portable navigation devices are adding a new feature called “Live Traffic”. What is this, and how do I get it? ... Read More

What is meant by the term "Bluejacking"? ... Read More

I am finally upgrading from dial-up Internet access to broadband. My Internet provider has told me I need some “line splitters”. What are these? ... Read More

What is meant by the term “Bluetooth”?  ... Read More

What is the difference between a mobile phone and a “smart” phone? ... Read More

I’ve been doing some research before I buy a new TV, and a few salespeople have mentioned a feature called “100 hertz”. What is this, exactly, and do I need it? ... Read More

How necessary is it to use name-brand ink cartridges? They are so much more expensive than generic brands! ... Read More

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about digital TV, but what about digital radio? Do you know when we’re getting this in Australia?  ... Read More

Ceramic hair straighteners are great. But is it safe to use them on your hair at those heats? ... Read More

I recently arrived home from a holiday in the USA. I bought some DVDs while I was there, but they won't work on my DVD player. Do you know why? ... Read More

I have heard that it is better to switch off some appliances - for example, the TV, kettle and washing machine - at the wall when not in use, rather than leave them on standby. Is this true, and if so, why? ... Read More

I read somewhere recently that "digital" television will soon replace "analogue" television. What's the difference, why are we changing, and is it true that when this happens my TV may no longer work?  ... Read More

I have seen a lot of advertisements lately for "Blu-ray Discs". They sound like some kind of futuristic sea creature. What are they, exactly?  ... Read More

I know this probably seems like a silly question, but I would like to know the answer so I can understand what my kids are talking about. What is the difference between an iPod and an MP3 player?  ... Read More