When shopping around for an LED screen, you’ll encounter a variety of specifications, each one influencing quality and cost. But which ones truly matter? In this blog, we will break down LED refresh rates to ensure you make the right decision for your LED displays.
The refresh rate measures how many times per second an LED screen updates its display. But do they matter? The short answer is yes, refresh rates matter. But only in the context of the LED display’s other specifications and the limitations of the human eye. Measured in hertz (Hz), the LED refresh rate indicates how many times per second the individual LEDs are signaled to update. For example, a screen with a refresh rate of 60Hz updates 60 times per second. A higher refresh rate generally means smoother video quality, which can enhance immersive viewing experiences. For instance:
Now that we’ve introduced what LED refresh rates are, let’s discuss how this is affected by a video’s frame rate. A screen’s refresh rate works in tandem with its frame rate (how many frames per second, or fps, a video was filmed or created). Most video content today is shot at 24 fps, the standard that delivers that “cinematic” look audiences in today’s world have come to expect.
Picture this: on a 120Hz screen, each frame of a 24fps video is displayed 5 times (120 divided by 24), this creates fluid motion. While on a 60Hz screen, frames don’t divide evenly, which can lead to irregular motion blur and stuttering playback.
Some modern LED screens use adaptive sync technologies to match the refresh rate of the screen to the frame rate of the content, effectively reducing screen tearing and input lag, the delay between a user action and the corresponding response appearing on the screen, resulting in a much smoother, more immersive viewing experience.
Human perception also affects this. After a certain threshold (like 480Hz), the human ability to detect additional improvements diminishes. So, investing in screens with ultra-high refresh rates could potentially be overkill unless you’re managing specialized applications like ultra-slow-motion footage or high-speed sports broadcasting.
We’ve covered how high refresh rates could be overkill, but what about low refresh rates? Sometimes manufacturers will try to compensate for low refresh rates by using motion interpolation. Motion interpolation is essentially inserting an extra frame in between each refresh. While this smooths motion blur, it often results in the phenomenon known as “soap opera effect” where video appears unnaturally smooth and unrealistic, which viewers often don’t like.
But how do you know if investing in a higher refresh rate is right for you? Let’s break it down. If you are upgrading from 60Hz to 120Hz then yes, it is absolutely worth it. But if you are upgrading from 120Hz to 480Hz or higher, it depends. Start by answering this simple question: What type of content are you going to be showcasing? For most cases – broadcasting, live events, and general video displays – anything beyond 120Hz becomes less efficient.
It’s important to remember that every use case is unique. Whether you’re designing an LED screen for retail displays, massive outdoor events, or corporate installations, the right combination of specs can make all the difference.
A screen’s performance isn’t just about refresh rates. Here are a few other key specifications to consider:
Understanding how these factors align with your goals can make or break your display’s success.
While we covered a ton of useful information, it can still be difficult to know what truly matters when shopping around for an LED screen. That’s where we come in. At Insane Impact, we believe an informed customer is an empowered customer and that choosing the right display is all about balance. We want to match you with an LED screen that fits the real-world needs of your business or event.
If you want personalized advice that is tailored to your specific needs, you’re in the right place. Our team of approachable experts will guide you every step of your LED journey. Whether you need more insight into refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies to minimize screen tearing, differing pixel pitches, or want to explore our custom-built LED display solutions, we’re here to guide you confidently through your options. Reach out to a member of our team today and experience what makes Insane Impact the go-to source for stunning, high-performance LED displays.
