Are 4K TVs 120Hz?

Answered by Willie Powers

Are 4K TVs 120Hz? This is a common question among consumers who are looking to purchase a high-quality television. The short answer is that not all 4K TVs have a 120Hz refresh rate. However, there are some 4K TVs that do offer this feature, particularly the higher-end models.

To understand why not all 4K TVs have a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s important to understand what refresh rate means and why it matters. The refresh rate refers to the number of times an image on the screen is refreshed per second. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion, especially when watching fast-moving scenes or playing video games.

Traditionally, most TVs had a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, meaning the image on the screen was refreshed 60 times per second. However, as technology has advanced, manufacturers have introduced higher refresh rates to improve the viewing experience. Nowadays, it’s common to find 4K TVs with a refresh rate of 120Hz, 240Hz, or even higher.

However, it’s important to note that not all content is produced at 120 frames per second (fps) or higher. Most movies and TV shows are filmed at 24fps, while sports and video games often utilize 60fps. This means that even if you have a 120Hz TV, you may not always see the full benefits of the higher refresh rate.

That being said, there are still advantages to having a 4K TV with a higher refresh rate. Even if the content you’re watching is not produced at 120fps, a higher refresh rate can still help reduce motion blur and make the overall viewing experience smoother. Additionally, some 4K TVs with a higher refresh rate also come with advanced motion interpolation technology, which can further enhance the perceived motion smoothness by creating additional frames.

When shopping for a 4K TV with a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s important to pay attention to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Some TVs may advertise a “motion rate” or “effective refresh rate” that is higher than the actual native refresh rate. This can be misleading, so it’s always a good idea to dig deeper and find out the true native refresh rate of the TV.

While not all 4K TVs have a 120Hz refresh rate, there are models available that offer this feature. It’s worth considering if you are someone who values smoother motion and wants to future-proof their TV for potential higher frame rate content. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the benefits of a higher refresh rate may not always be noticeable depending on the content you watch.