Video and displays
Refresh rate
How many times per second a display redraws its image, measured in hertz, which sets the ceiling for smooth motion and high frame rate input.
Refresh rate is the number of complete frames a display can show each second. Film is 24 frames per second, broadcast video 50 or 60, and games can run at 120 or higher. The display must refresh at the source rate or an integer multiple to avoid judder.
For movies the key feature is showing 24p at 24, 48, 72, or 120 Hz rather than with 3:2 pulldown. For games, a native 120 Hz panel with HDMI 2.1 input allows 4K at 120 fps and pairs with VRR to remove tearing.
Ignore 'effective' or 'motion rate' figures that inflate the true number; native panels are 60 or 120 Hz, with 144 on some. A 120 Hz panel adds nothing to 24p film unless motion smoothing is on.