When shopping for a new TV, you’re bombarded with technical terms like “Hz” and proprietary marketing phrases like “True Motion.” It’s easy to assume they’re interchangeable, but understanding the difference is crucial to getting the best viewing experience. So, the question begs to be answered: Is True Motion The Same As Hz? The short answer is no. They’re related but distinct concepts that impact how smoothly motion appears on your screen.
Decoding Hz and Refresh Rate
The term “Hz,” or Hertz, refers to the refresh rate of a display. It indicates how many times per second the screen updates with a new image. A 60Hz refresh rate, for instance, means the screen refreshes 60 times every second. A higher refresh rate generally results in smoother motion, especially during fast-paced scenes like sports or action movies. This is because more frames are displayed per second, reducing the perceived blur between each frame.
Here’s a simple way to understand it:
- 60Hz: A standard refresh rate, suitable for most content.
- 120Hz: Offers smoother motion and reduced blur, ideal for gaming and fast-paced content.
- 240Hz and higher: Provides even smoother motion, often found in high-end gaming monitors.
However, the raw refresh rate is only part of the story. What happens between those refreshes is where “True Motion” and similar technologies come into play. Consider this table comparing refresh rates:
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | Frames Displayed Per Second | Perceived Motion Smoothness |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 60 | Good |
| 120 | 120 | Better |
True Motion, and similar technologies like Motion Rate, Clear Motion Rate, and others are marketing terms used by TV manufacturers to describe their proprietary methods of improving perceived motion smoothness. These technologies typically involve a combination of techniques. They include inserting extra frames (frame interpolation) or using black frame insertion to reduce motion blur.
To understand more about the nitty-gritty differences between these technologies, and learn about how they enhance picture quality, check out the detailed information at rtings.com. You’ll find comprehensive testing and explanations that can help you make an informed decision when buying your next TV.