How high of a refresh rate does your TV really need? An expert's buying advice
Foto: ZDNet
While the standard 60 Hz remains the market foundation, the choice between 120 Hz and 144 Hz has become a key dilemma for modern viewers when purchasing a new television. Refresh rate determines how many times per second the screen updates the displayed image, which directly translates into motion smoothness and the reduction of motion blur. For most users consuming movies and series, a 60 Hz matrix remains sufficient, as traditional cinematic productions are recorded at 24 frames per second. The jump to 120 Hz will be primarily felt by gamers using PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X consoles and fans of sports broadcasts, where motion dynamics are significantly higher. Meanwhile, the highest values, such as 144 Hz, are the domain of the High-end segment, dedicated mainly to those connecting powerful PCs to their televisions. In practice, choosing a higher refresh rate is often linked to access to Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) technologies, which eliminate screen tearing and minimize lag. Investing in a 120 Hz panel is currently the most cost-effective compromise, ensuring readiness for future multimedia standards without overpaying for parameters that the human eye can barely distinguish under typical home conditions. When selecting equipment, it is worth remembering that interface smoothness and image stability in games are now a standard rather than a luxury.
In the world of modern televisions, manufacturers compete with numbers designed to grab our attention. 4K resolution has become the standard, 8K is knocking on the door, and brightness measured in nits is reaching levels no one dreamed of a decade ago. However, the parameter currently generating the most excitement — and at the same time, the most questions — is the refresh rate. Do we actually need 120 Hz or 144 Hz screens, or is the standard 60 Hz still enough for everyday use?
The refresh rate is simply the number of images a television is capable of displaying in one second. Expressed in Hertz (Hz), it directly affects the smoothness of motion. A higher value means that the transitions between frames are denser, which theoretically eliminates blurring and makes dynamic scenes look more natural. The problem is that our eyes have their limits, and the content we watch rarely keeps up with the capabilities of the latest hardware.
Standard 60 Hz versus gaming 120 Hz
For most users, a television with a 60 Hz refresh rate is absolutely sufficient. Traditional TV programs, streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, and Blu-ray movies are recorded and transmitted at 24, 30, or a maximum of 60 frames per second. In such a scenario, a 120 Hz panel won't "conjure up" extra details, though it can help in displaying the 24 fps cinematic format more smoothly through better frame matching (so-called 5:5 pulldown).
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However, the real revolution begins when you connect a next-generation console, such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. These devices support the HDMI 2.1 standard, which allows for transmitting a 4K signal at 120 frames per second. The difference in smoothness while playing dynamic shooters or racing games is colossal and immediately noticeable. If you are a gamer, 120 Hz is not a luxury — it is currently the foundation of a modern setup.
- 60 Hz: Ideal for movies, series, and standard television.
- 120 Hz: Essential for console gamers and sports fans (smoother ball movement).
- 144 Hz+: The domain of gaming monitors and the most advanced premium televisions, aimed at PC users.
Is 144 Hz in a TV already overkill?
More and more models offering 144 Hz are appearing on the market. This value is borrowed directly from the world of monitors for professional gamers. In the context of a television, such a specification makes sense almost exclusively if you plan to connect a powerful gaming PC to it. Most consoles won't exceed the 120 Hz barrier anyway, so the extra hertz will remain unused in typical living room use.
It is also worth paying attention to VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology. This is a feature that dynamically adjusts the TV's refresh rate to the number of frames currently being generated by the console or PC. Thanks to this, even if a game "stutters" and drops from 60 to 45 frames, the image remains consistent without the tearing effect. It is VRR, combined with a 120 Hz panel, that constitutes the real technological advantage of modern receivers.
Sports and cinema at high refresh rates
Sports fans are a group that, alongside gamers, stands to gain the most from investing in a higher refresh rate. Fast camera movements during a football match or Formula 1 coverage on cheap 60 Hz panels often result in a "ghosting" effect or ball blur. 120 Hz televisions handle this much better, offering sharper edges on moving objects. Even if the source signal is only 60 Hz, better image processors in 120-hertz models interpolate motion more effectively.
On the other hand, classic cinema lovers often turn off all "motion smoothers" (the so-called soap opera effect) to maintain the filmic character of the production. Paradoxically, however, a 120 Hz matrix allows for displaying a 24 fps movie without judder, because 120 is a multiple of 24. A 60 Hz panel must use a complicated 3:2 pulldown process, which sometimes leads to slight image stutters visible during slow camera pans.
The choice between 60 Hz and 120 Hz is not just a matter of smoothness; it is a decision about how your equipment will handle signal errors and the demands of interactive entertainment.
In summary, if your main activity in front of the TV is watching the evening news and series, paying extra for a 120 Hz matrix might be an unnecessary expense that is better redirected towards better panel technology (e.g., moving from LED to OLED). However, if a next-generation console resides in your home or you passionately watch sports, 120 Hz with HDMI 2.1 support is an investment that will drastically increase user comfort and ensure your equipment remains up-to-date for many years.
