Why did the adoption of synchronized sound necessitate 24 fps standardization urgently?

Answer

Silence is forgiving of speed variations, recorded audio is not

The standardization on a 24-frame-per-second projection speed was driven far more urgently by the introduction of recorded audio than it ever was by silent film requirements. Silent film projection speed could vary slightly without severely degrading the audience experience, as silence is inherently forgiving of minor temporal fluctuations. However, recorded audio, whether optical or disc-based, relies on a precise playback rate to maintain correct pitch, timing, and intelligibility. If the speed varied, the recorded sound would be distorted, making the 24 fps agreement a crucial technical benchmark necessary for reliable optical sound reproduction.

Why did the adoption of synchronized sound necessitate 24 fps standardization urgently?

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