Whether you‘re a gamer striving for peak visual fluidity or a casual streamer, separating 60Hz and 120Hz marketing hype from measurable improvements is key. This definitive guide digs into refresh rate technology so you can maximize your display purchase.
Refresh Rate Defined
Before weighing 60Hz vs 120Hz, let‘s demystify the terminology:
- Refresh rate: How many times per second a display fully redraws the image. Expressed in Hertz (Hz).
- Frame rate: The frequency at which consecutive images (frames) are encoded for output to a display. Measured in Frames Per Second (FPS).
While related, these have distinct impacts:
- Refresh rate affects motion clarity, input lag and screen tearing
- Frame rate determines perceived smoothness of the video itself
Since the dawn of television, the industry standard refresh rate has been 60 Hz, meaning the display refreshed 60 times per second. This was adequate for most programming filmed at 24 to 30 FPS.
But modern media like video games and movies with intensive CGI effects demand faster frame rates. This drove monitors manufacturers to push refresh rates higher to keep pace – all the way up to 360 Hz on cutting-edge displays!
For discerning gamers, matching a blazing fast GPU with an equally quick 120Hz+ screen is the recipe for sublime smoothness and hyper-realistic immersion.
But are the differences actually detectable to the human eye? And do more casual users miss out by settling for 60Hz?
The March to Higher Refresh Rates
Television manufacturers adopting 120 Hz panels were targeting gamers and home theater enthusiasts looking for a more responsive big-screen experience.
Reviewers consistently found tangible improvements in motion resolution, resulting in "cleaner, smoother, better looking" images with fast content like sports. Nine years ago, CNET already declared 120Hz as "the new normal."
To wit, adoption of 120Hz televisions has rapidly accelerated:
| Year | % 120Hz+ Televisions Sold |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 17% |
| 2018 | 26% |
| 2021 | 49% |
120Hz grew from a niche enthusiast spec to mainstream in just five years. The cycle of TV replacement means over 75% of sets in households will support 120 Hz by 2025.
Yet displays keep evolving well beyond this threshold…
Diminishing Returns Beyond 120Hz
The push to 240Hz and 360Hz came from PC gaming monitors where twitch reactions and frame rates stretch into the hundreds of FPS. Television content simply hasn‘t advanced to leverage this potential.
So while 165Hz or 200Hz computer monitors deliver cutting-edge speed, they‘re overkill for television watching and streaming media.
Frankly, most viewers will struggle to discern a major improvement in a side-by-side comparison of 120Hz and 240Hz televisions. Reviewers found the differences manifest only with slow-motion panning shots.
Ultimately, chasing ever-higher refresh rates offers diminishing returns. And often, improvements come at the expense of brightness, contrast ratio and viewing angles when using cheaper panel types.
This isn‘t to say future content won‘t one day catch up. But 120Hz covers modern usage very comfortably for several years.
Why Gamers Crave Speed
Now you might be wondering — what makes refresh rate so crucial for gaming?
Two factors set gaming apart when judging refresh rate needs:
Responsiveness is everything. Multiplayer shooters and fighting games demand split-second reactions. Higher refresh rates translate mouse movements into on-screen actions quicker thanks to reduced input lag. This literally means the difference between winning and losing!
Higher frame rates showcased properly. A powerful GPU can output frame rates exceeding 200+ FPS. Displaying all that speed potential requires an equally capable monitor to deliver an uncompromised experience.
Essentially, blazing fast graphics cards and monitors transform gaming. Once you experience the liquid smooth visuals and real-time control enabled by 120Hz+, you can‘t go back to laggy 60Hz.
What Refresh Rate Do You Need?
So when does it make sense to seek out higher refresh rates? Here are a few general guidelines:
Primary Use Case
| Usage | Minimum Recommended |
|---|---|
| Console Gaming | 120Hz |
| PC Gaming | 144Hz |
| Streaming Video | 60Hz |
| Sports and Action Movies | 120Hz |
| General TV Viewing | 60Hz |
Of course, faster is better across the board. But based on typical content frame rates, 120Hz delivers a superb experience for gaming and movies.
You‘d need incredibly niche usage like professional eSports to justify spending up for 240Hz+.
Screen Size
Bigger screens increase the impact of refresh rates:
| Screen Size | When 120Hz is Beneficial |
|---|---|
| 40-50" | Nice to have |
| 55-65" | Recommended |
| 70-85" | Highly Advised |
On smaller displays, your eyes have less field of view to perceive added smoothness. So prioritize panel quality and smart features at 40-50".
But for home theater setups, especially with gaming usage, don‘t hamper the experience with 60Hz — splurge for 120Hz+ at screen sizes over 65"!
Budget Considerations
Higher specs translate directly to higher prices. Here‘s how refresh rate affects budgets:
| Refresh Rate | Price Increase* |
|---|---|
| 60Hz | $ |
| 120Hz | $$ |
| 144Hz | $$$ |
| 240Hz | $$$$ |
Of course, sales and model-specific features also influence cost. But expect at least a $200 premium bumping from 60Hz to 120Hz. Know what Refresh brings the most enjoyment for your budget.
Technical Features Enhancing Refresh Rate
Television makers utilize a few other technical features to enhance motion clarity. Keep an eye out for these when shopping:
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) matches the panel‘s refresh rate to the source signal rather than having a fixed refresh rate. This prevents screen tearing.
Black Frame Insertion (BFI) inserts a black frame between the display‘s native refresh cycle. While it slightly dims overall brightness, it improves motion clarity.
Backlight Strobing (ULMB) flashes the backlight in sync with the refresh rather than keeping it constantly illuminated. Reduces perceived blur during gaming.
Choosing Your Perfect Display
Still overwhelmed? Take a breath. Focus on use case, screen size, and budget. Getting the best television doesn‘t have to be rocket science.
For gaming and home theater, invest where the enjoyment payoff is highest: screen real estate and fast refresh rates. Level up to 120Hz on any display over 50".
As a streamer, don‘t blow the budget on 240Hz. Enjoy flawless motion and beautiful visuals combining 120Hz panels with 4K and HDR.
For sports fans and diehard movie buffs, even 60Hz will enable stunning images. But fast-moving sports and action flicks exhibit the most motion clarity improvements at 120Hz.
General viewers enjoy excellent experiences with affordable 60Hz models focused on screen size, streaming features, and smart connectivity.
Armed with this breakdown, you can shop displays with confidence and zero in on features that provide the most tangible upside. Getting ensnared by marketers pushing 8K and 240Hz possibilities is now a thing of the past!
