Refresh Rate Explained: 60Hz vs 120Hz vs 240Hz TVs
Humpy Adepu
60Hz TVs refresh the screen sixty times per second, delivering acceptable motion clarity for movies, news, and everyday television viewing.
120Hz TVs refresh twice as fast as 60Hz models, resulting in smoother motion, reduced blur, and better performance for sports and gaming.
240Hz TVs often use motion interpolation rather than native refresh rates, providing marginal smoothness improvements in specific fast-moving scenes.
Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur and screen tearing, especially noticeable during fast sports broadcasts, action movies, and competitive gaming sessions.
Most TV content is produced at 24 to 60 frames per second, limiting visible benefits beyond a 120Hz refresh rate.
Gaming consoles benefit most from 120Hz TVs, offering lower input lag and smoother gameplay when paired with compatible high-frame-rate titles.
Motion interpolation features can create the soap opera effect, making films appear unnaturally smooth and reducing cinematic visual authenticity.
HDMI 2.1 support is essential to fully utilize 120Hz or higher refresh rates for next-generation gaming and video sources.
For most users, a 120Hz TV offers the best balance between performance, price, future-proofing, and noticeable real-world improvements.