Most currently offered HDTVs have a resolution of 1080p, and most also have a refresh rate that's divisible by both 60 (for the 60Hz refresh rate of video broadcasting) and 24 (for the frames-per-second rate that film is shot). That's why most LCD HDTVs have a refresh rate of 120 or 240 Hz. Plasma typically refreshes at 600 Hz.
If you have an older HDTV or one of the down-market models with a 720p engine, your TV won't even accept a 1080p signal, let alone a 24fps one. It'll accept a 1080i signal, but downconverts it to 720p.
Concerning the predominant resolution, however, assuming you have a 1080p HDTV, the only source I know of that will feed it its maximum resolution and refresh capabilities is a Blu-ray player. Over-the-air and cable HD broadcasts are 720p or 1080i. I don't know about satellite, but I suspect it's also 1080i or 720p. Apple TV HD downloads are 720p. HD Instant Watch programming from Netflix is also a max of 720p.
Only Blu-ray also offers 1080p output PLUS 24 fps (1080p/24) as well. This synchronization with the speed the film was shot at gives you better smoother motion with less judder.
If you have an older HDTV or one of the down-market models with a 720p engine, your TV won't even accept a 1080p signal, let alone a 24fps one. It'll accept a 1080i signal, but downconverts it to 720p.
Concerning the predominant resolution, however, assuming you have a 1080p HDTV, the only source I know of that will feed it its maximum resolution and refresh capabilities is a Blu-ray player. Over-the-air and cable HD broadcasts are 720p or 1080i. I don't know about satellite, but I suspect it's also 1080i or 720p. Apple TV HD downloads are 720p. HD Instant Watch programming from Netflix is also a max of 720p.
Only Blu-ray also offers 1080p output PLUS 24 fps (1080p/24) as well. This synchronization with the speed the film was shot at gives you better smoother motion with less judder.