Many argue about which is better: a 120 Hz monitor or a 60 Hz monitor. This article will help answer this question. It contains information about what this same Hertz is, what and how much it affects, and how these monitors differ. The issue of pricing for this type technology. Reading this short article will not take much time, but after that anyone will be able to accurately answer the question posed.
What is Hertz?
For those who, in principle, have not encountered such a concept, it will be useful to know that in this way a physical quantity is designated that reflects the frequency of certain processes that have periodicity. The unit of measurement was named in honor of its discoverer, the scientist. It was introduced into use back in the 30th year of the last century. And thirty years later it was recognized as the most widely used indicator in the world and included in the international system of units of measurement, also known as the SI system.
Hertz or, more correctly, Hz is the number of repetitions per unit of time - a second.
Hertz, for example, measures the frequency of sound vibrations, the so-called pitch of sound or EMR frequency in the well-known microwave oven.
But how does the frequency unit apply to monitors? Let's take a closer look.
What does monitor frequency affect?
To understand why Hertz is so necessary for a monitor, you need to remember why our eyes can see moving pictures on the screen. To create the illusion of movement, a series of static frames, which capture a certain action, sequentially flash before our eyes at a certain speed. It is very important that the interval between them is the same. In this case, our eyes do not have time to distinguish pauses between frames, and they merge into one continuous action.
This was used in ancient times to create animation, which later became the reference point for the creation of the first movie camera. This led to the then still silent black and white, and then to color, “talking” cinema.
Modern monitors work on approximately the same principle. They flicker at a certain frequency, measured precisely in Hertz, changing the picture each time and thereby creating the illusion of movement, say, of your mouse cursor.
Everyone has probably heard that a long time ago, movies were shot and, accordingly, shown at a frequency of 24 frames per second, that is, 24 Hertz. Today everything is different. For an ordinary monitor, the minimum operating limit of this indicator is a frequency two and a half times higher than then, that is, 60 Hertz.
This allows you to achieve better picture quality - it looks smoother, clearer, more detailed and deeper. This is the key importance of Hertz in modern monitors. The larger it is, the better the picture.
60 Hertz vs 120
However, you should not think that the picture on a 120 Hz monitor will be very different from the image at 60 Hz. In general, this will be noticeable: the smoothness of the movement of objects on the screen will improve, the clarity of graphics will become somewhat better, lighting effects in movies and games will become more voluminous and realistic. However, this will only be felt upon detailed comparison. 120Hz monitors certainly allow you to look at some things with new eyes. But you will notice the difference only if you place two screens next to each other that differ in Hertzian scale and look closely at the details.
In general, after using a 120Hz monitor for a long time, you are unlikely to want to go back to 60Hz. You obviously won’t get the pleasure of looking at a more “clumsy” picture, since the slightest difference in the smoothness of the cursor movement will already be noticeable. After all, the eyes are already accustomed to seeing a higher quality image.
120 Hertz or more?
If it wasn’t enough for you, don’t despair. Today, there are models with a truly cosmic Hertz value, exceeding two hundred updates per second. Such monitors are not yet so common, but it is becoming clear that a simple 60 Hertz is no longer enough for the average user. What can we say about avid gamers, because for a gaming monitor 120 Hz is no longer an entirely acceptable value. It does not always allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of a location or cut-scene. Also important in the game is a detailed depiction of characters, attributes and other plot elements.
Price
Alas, as always, the issue of comfort is inextricably linked with monetary costs. After all, the higher the frequency characteristic of a monitor, the more technically advanced it is and, as a result, more expensive than its less fast counterparts. On average, the price of a 120 Hz monitor ranges from 13 to 20 thousand rubles. The cost for some segments of consumers is really significant, so you should think twice about the advisability of such a purchase. Some people will prefer to purchase a less “fast” monitor, but for others, personal comfort from spending time at the computer is more important than the prices of 120 Hz monitors.
At the moment, the point of purchasing a regular monitor on a TN+Film matrix is zero. Modern affordable e-IPS models handle games no worse, and when compared with some displays, even better. Greater viewing angles, less color shift, more choice in almost any price range put them in first place among other possible candidates for purchase. In addition, I will not tire of repeating, a monitor is bought for many years and therefore it is necessary to take a more serious approach to its choice. Think about your eyes and nerves (this is the main thing).
You shouldn’t think that I’m completely against Twisted Nematic panels, not at all. They are almost the only option when a diagonal of no more than 19-20 inches is needed and money is really tight. In other cases, from my point of view, they have no place on your table. And it doesn’t matter at all what type of activity the user does at his computer. Internet, office, movies, music, games - there is no difference, unless, of course, you are an ardent fan of modern (and not so modern) games. So, without a doubt, it is worth taking a closer look at TN+Film models with a vertical scanning frequency of 120 Hz.
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As you know, almost all liquid crystal displays in the current Full HD 1080p high-definition video standard can only operate at a frequency of 60 Hz, very rarely - 70-75 Hz. In other words, regardless of the power of the video card, the monitor produces an image at a frequency not exceeding 60-75 frames per second. Maybe it's the old CRT displays with 100-120 Hz. It’s still a sin to throw such specimens in the trash – they will still serve.There will be debate for a long time that the human eye cannot catch more than 24 frames, and there is no point in increasing the scan frequency/number of fps. But, as our acquaintance with the 120 Hz gaming monitor BenQ XL2420T, provided by our partner company Regard, showed, it’s time to finish them. There is a difference and it is obvious. Another thing is that the noticeable advantages are not “a carriage and a small cart” at all, but many fewer. Details in this material.
Testing methodology
This article was written using a new method, dated January 27, 2012. It is based on the experience I have gained over the last couple of years of working with monitors (both as an author of articles/tests and as a person who constantly deals with setup and calibration various models displays). The equipment used includes X-Rite instruments (two different colorimeters and one reference spectrophotometer), and software– only freely distributed programs and utilities.
Today we will look at another product from iiyama - the G2773HS monitor. I have already reviewed one representative of this line - iiyama E2773HDS-1. They differ in their focus on different customer segments. iiyama G2773HS aimed at gamers.
One of the main differences from the younger models of the 2773 line is the frequency of 120 Hz. Whether this will result in an improvement that justifies an overpayment of 4,000 rubles (30%) will be seen using the example of this test.
Support for a frequency of 120 Hz makes it stand out not only among its peers, but also in the market of 27-inch models. There are four more models available, but all of them come with support for 3D technology. But is this necessary on a monitor without a three-dimensional image? For me, this is a dubious advantage. I’ll try to substantiate my opinion: frequency affects the number of image updates per second. The history of this measure dates back to the time of CRT televisions, which were characterized by a value of 50Hz. Monitors increased the frequency to 85Hz, and at a time when I was beginning to become more familiar with the world of PCs, 100Hz was considered a luxury and the ultimate dream. As time passed, technologies changed, LCD monitors appeared on the market and began systematically displacing their “plump” counterparts; for them, the frequency of 75 Hz became the norm. For the end user, lowering the frequency from the recommended value resulted in noticeable flickering of the picture. On the same old monitors, the 100 Hz mark created the feeling of a static image. But with the advent of LCD came not only a new matrix and a reduction in thickness, the principle of image output also changed. 60-75 Hz for new monitors already gives a static picture. The emergence of 3D technologies has entailed the need to increase the frequency to 120 Hz, this applies to both TVs and monitors.
It’s difficult to say what a frequency of 120 Hz gives the user if 3D is not displayed; probably, “superheroes” are unlikely to read this material, and even if they do, they will most likely be concerned about the response speed. And everyone else will receive an additional headache when setting up the monitor, associated with obtaining this frequency at the output. Firstly, it is only supported with DVI-D, and secondly, if at least NVIDIA drivers it is supported, then with AMD everything is very sad, and the setup ends with banal roulette and just luck.
Availability of iiyama G2773HS
At the time of testing, the average cost of the iiyama G2773HS, according to the Yandex.Market service, was 15,850 rubles.
The younger models of this line will cost buyers 11,830 rubles. for iiyama E2773HDS-1 and 11,938 rubles. for iiyama E2773HS-1. In the meantime, only three of the 27-inch models with 120 Hz are available: BenQ XL2720T (RUB 17,690), Samsung SyncMaster S27A750D (RUB 24,335), Acer HN274Hbmiiid (RUB 25,190). What distinguishes them is mainly 3D support. If in the case of the last two the advisability of spending additional money may be in question, then with BenQ it is already more difficult not to decide to spend another 2000 rubles and get a monitor with more “tasty” functionality. You can, of course, talk about the weight of brands, after all, iiyama is a Japanese company, and in the eyes of my compatriots it is associated with high quality, but let’s not hide the fact that, according to surveys of friends who are far from the PC world, the BenQ and iiyama brands are equally unfamiliar to them.
Equipment iiyama G2773HS
The first thing that stands out when you meet the iiyama G2773HS is the packaging. Simple faceless cardboard with typing and a company logo is a thing of the past.
The monitor is supplied in a narrow black cardboard box with bright yellow printing.
The focus on the gaming segment is indicated by a large letter G. And, of course, marketers did not forget to mention support for 120 Hz.
The packaging also contains information on the characteristics, model name and device code.
Found inside: a power cable, HDMI and DVI-D cables, instructions and flexible fasteners for cable management.
Unlike the iiyama E2773HDS-1, the manufacturer was generous and replaced the VGA cable with HDMI.
Appearance of iiyama G2773HS
General appearance iiyama G2773HS is a classic glossy monitor. Yes, yes, precisely gloss, this is both a plus and a significant minus. Its impressive appearance loses its attractiveness when touched frequently due to the presence of fingerprints. I can’t say that you have to wipe it often with a cloth (which, by the way, is not included in the kit, although microfiber would be nice), the soilability is at a satisfactory level. I think the iiyama G2773HS will not have such problems.
The monitor dimensions are 647x455x239 mm and weighs 5.60 kg.
The display matrix is framed around the perimeter by glossy plastic with a minimal set of elements.
Before use, you will need to screw the stand to the central hub. This is not difficult to do. I recommend doing this carefully: the locking mechanism uses plastic, which is relatively hard, and if taken apart frequently, the hooks can break.
It is possible to use a bracket; the holes in the monitor are made according to the VESA standard.
Returning to the monitor stand, its contact surface area allows the monitor to sit stably on the desktop. The leg makes it possible to change position only forward and backward within 20 degrees. In justification, I will say that such a mechanism simplifies the centering of the panel.
There are ventilation holes on the top of the iiyama G2773HS. On the opposite side, below, there is built-in acoustics, the quality of which is no different from other monitors and is at a very mediocre level. There are no high and low frequencies; any, even ultra-budget speakers or headphones will give a richer sound. The question of why manufacturers continue to blindly equip LCD monitors with acoustics remains open.
In the upper left corner is the name of the model, accompanied by two logos - one on the back and another on the front.
All connection interfaces are located on the back of the case, these are: HDMI, D-Sub, DVI-D, 3.5 mm audio input and output and power socket. The parts fit tightly to each other, there are no protrusions, creaks or play. The only thing I would like to see is a higher quality matte plastic or at least a coating, like, for example, the previously tested AOC d2757Ph.
Control of iiyama G2773HS
The iiyama G2773HS monitor settings are made using five touch keys on the bottom edge of the monitor. Only the power button has a light indication.
There are also quick settings: Sound control, source selection and color modes. I'm pleased with the monitor's responsiveness to touch.
Navigating through menu items occurs without delay. The only thing missing is backlighting of the control buttons, which complicates the setup process in the dark. If you really need the presence of backlighting, you can make it switchable for a short time upon the first click.
I will not dwell on each point; it will not cause difficulties at first acquaintance. The entire setup process is intuitive.
Testing iiyama G2773HS
Test bench used:| Model | Data |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aerocool Strike-X Air |
| Motherboard | MSI Z77MPower |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge |
| CPU cooler | DeepCool Ice Blade Pro v2.0 |
| RAM | GeIL EVO Veloce DDR3-2400 Frost White 16 GB Kit CL11 |
| Video card | MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Power Edition |
| Hard drive | ADATA XPG SX900 256 GB |
| Hard drive 2 | WD Red WD20EFRX |
| power unit | Aerocool Templarius 750W |
| Wi-Fi adapter | TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 |
| Audio | Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage |
| Monitor | iiyama ProLite E2773HDS |
| Mouse | Defender Warhead GMX-1800 |
| Keyboard | Defender Oscar SM-660L |
| operating system | Microsoft Windows Ultimate 7 64-bit |
Maximum brightness
iiyama G2773HS - 251 cd/m²
I was unable to get the stated 300 level for this monitor. Although this value was closer for its brother E2773HDS, what is this due to - a change in the filling or problems during measurements, but I took the data again, and these are average parameters. In general, 250 cd/m² is considered a comfortable level.
Minimum brightness
iiyama G2773HS– 0.29 cd/m²
There is also a discrepancy here - junior model more close to 0. Apparently, the frequency of 120 Hz led to its own compromises.
Brightness discrepancy
From center to edge iiyama G2773HS-GB1 – 76%
Brightness change at an angle of 45 degrees iiyama G2773HS – 48%
But at angles and brightness uniformity, the iiyama G2773HS looks stronger. In general, the change is at the same level, this is due to the fact that an IPS matrix is used.
Contrast
iiyama G2773HS – 441
Color temperature
iiyama G2773HS – 6519K
Color deviation from the standard
iiyama G2773HS – 21K
In terms of color rendering, the iiyama G2773HS also demonstrates better results.
Delay iiyama G2773HS
The data obtained are satisfactory, iiyama G2773HS can also be considered as a gaming monitor. For comparison, data obtained from other solutions on the same diagonal and matrix.
Latency, Highlights iiyama G2773HS – 3.9ms
Latency, dark tones iiyama G2773HS – 12.1ms
Latency, mixed tones iiyama G2773HS – 9.9ms
The focus on the gaming segment is reflected in the reduced response time. Currently, this is the leader in our ranking in terms of latency.
Energy consumption
Graph (sleep - 0.4W, black - 37.2W, white - 33.9W)
Price
iiyama G2773HS – 14,780 rub.
Video review of iiyama G2773HS
Results for iiyama G2773HS
When summing up the results, I was left with a mixed feeling after testing. And it is rather negatively colored. If in the case of the iiyama E2773HDS I was completely satisfied and the monitor received a well-deserved award from the editors, then when I tested the iiyama G2773HS I was looking for a justification for the cost that had increased by a third. And personally, I haven’t found them for myself; it would be more appropriate to spend the amount of 3,000 rubles on an SSD drive or a more powerful video card, saving and taking the E2773HDS. 120 Hz in the case of the iiyama G2773HS is rather simple marketing ploy, there is currently no support in the drivers of video cards of this model for outputting this frequency in 3D mode. And whether gamers need this is a big question; a noticeable difference can appear in games only at a frame rate of more than 120 per second. If the system allows you to get 60 fps out of the game, the need for a high monitor refresh rate disappears. This is indirectly confirmed by game and hardware developers. I tried to find games that support 120Hz separately, and I just couldn't find any.Pros: build quality, good equipment, a set of interfaces for graphics input, a wide range of brightness changes, color rendition, fast response, affordable cost.
Cons: lack of 3D with 120 Hz, need for calibration, unstable color temperature, small viewing angles, glossy body, lack of backlighting for menu buttons.
Choosing a monitor will not be an easy task for everyone. Some will approach this with all the seriousness of the matter, while others will choose the first one they get from their favorite manufacturer. In order not to buy a pig in a poke, it is better to study reviews and testimonials. This is how you will be able to choose the best 120 hertz monitor without disappointment.
Monitors
If you decided to seriously take on the choice of a monitor, most likely you would be bogged down in this for days and weeks. The world has never seen so many screens before. And while the poor buyer is trying to understand the new products, manufacturers continue to release them.
120 Hz monitors have been around for a very long time, so it’s impossible to call them new. Some even consider them outdated. Although, as statistics show, many gamers still cannot part with their “oldies” at 60 Hz.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to call a 120 Hz gaming screen, since there are already options for 144 and 240 Hz. These giants will definitely give a head start and will more than leave the observed frequency behind. The above gaming models are now very expensive, and therefore we have to look for an alternative.
It's for an alternative like 120 hertz that gamers come. We will look at a couple of interesting and affordable models.
Alienware
In 2012, the Alienware OptX AW2310 monitor became popular. Now it has become more difficult to find it, but if you set yourself a goal, it is possible. This monitor was released with interesting design. It can hardly be called gaming, but even 5 years ago this option would have attracted many gamers.
The aspect ratio of this model was 16:9 with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels giving an excellent picture. 23 inches is considered optimal for gaming and work in general.
The screen was placed on a massive stand of an unusual shape. Of course, Alienware now has much more interesting models. The OptX AW2310 had the company logo on the front panel. There are no more graphic elements.
The rear panel had the necessary interfaces, including DVI-D and HDMI, audio outputs and a pair USB type A and B.
The monitor worked on a TFT TN matrix. The option is not the best, especially considering the popularity and availability of IPS. The maximum frame refresh rate was 120 Hz.
The response time is 3 ms - not the most record-breaking figure. The functionality isn't the best either. There was color calibration, which worked well.
Alienware: reviews
Comparisons of 120 hertz monitors must be accompanied by reviews, since this is the only real assessment. So this model turned out to be quite good, judging by the opinions of many users.
They positively noted the correct colors, sufficient brightness, appearance and the right number ports. The clarity of the image was praised. I also liked the height adjustment of the screen.
Speaking about the shortcomings, it is worth saying that most buyers encountered problems touch control. In most models it broke in the first months of use. On the one hand, the breakdown seems insignificant, but in fact it is upsetting due to its spontaneity. Some owners complained about self-shutdowns.
Viewsonic
Viewsonic VX2268wm turned out to be quite good and also received the trust of buyers. It looked familiar to many; it could stand out due to its glossy finish, which not everyone likes.
The monitor operates with a diagonal non-standard resolution of 1680 x 1050. The aspect ratio is 16:10. Again we see a cheap TFT TN matrix, which does a good job of broadcasting images.
Equipped with VX2268wm (120 hertz) 3D. The screen response time is 2 ms. The only inputs are DVI-D. But the model was equipped with two stereo speakers of 2 W each. There is automatic color calibration.
Viewsonic: reviews
This option turned out to be a complete disappointment for many, but for others, on the contrary, it helped them in work and even in games. On the plus side: buyers were able to highlight the presence of 3D and a frame refresh rate of 120 Hz. The color rendition turned out to be quite good. The operational response time of 2 ms does not negatively affect the game.
The owners also noted the unusual 16:10 format, which, although not everyone liked it, became a godsend for many. The monitor's performance turned out to be fast; it functions smoothly as if on maximum frequency, and at lower rates.
Negative reviews turned out to be very different. Some users could not figure out how to set 120 hertz on the monitor, which is why they mistakenly thought that the model was faulty.
Among the serious shortcomings is a weak support, which bothered many. It turned out to be flimsy, unstable, and at the slightest vibration of the table it could topple the monitor. Many were also dissatisfied with the viewing angles, although we shouldn’t have expected more from the TFT TN matrix.
BenQ
Another good model was the 120 hertz monitor. This model works with a diagonal of 23.6 inches. Screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The matrix is still TFT TN, there is also 3D support.
Externally, the monitor looks very good. It was placed on a large, stable stand. They tried to make it a “frameless” model. A specially dedicated panel was made for the buttons. Ports were placed at the back: VGA, DVI-D, HDMI and audio input.
This model in many descriptions is presented as a gaming model with an LCD display. It got a WLED backlight, which significantly affected the picture quality. The response time is 2 ms and the frequency is 120 Hz. There is automatic color calibration and several temperature modes inside.
Every time we open our laptop, the first thing we look at is the LCD display. A mid to high-end panel, Full HD physical resolution, and anti-glare coating are considered minimum requirements to display gaming laptop. Some gamers also pay attention to the type of screen coating. What else do you need to know about a laptop display before buying? In this article we will talk in detail about the key points of this issue.
Dynamic blur and matrix response time
Before we talk about color formation on a laptop display, let's remember how LCD panels work. The problem of image blur on LCD displays is well known to fans of sports television programs, racing simulators and first-person shooters. Blurring of the picture occurs when liquid crystals do not have time to change their position when replacing one frame with another. At 60 frames per second, each subpixel must change its light transmission in 16.7 ms (1 s = 1000 ms). If this process is a little slower, a noticeable trail or shadow will appear behind moving objects on the screen. In particularly severe cases, the image may even slow down.Sensor response time is today used as a formal measure of dynamic blur. But in fact, this is not an entirely accurate indicator, since it characterizes the time it takes for a pixel to transition from deep black to maximum white. Thus, the real color image will be formed in a different time. In most cases, moving objects across the screen involves a more subtle change in grayscale, which can take a much longer time (due to the way LCD panels work and the technology used to make them).
MSI gaming displays with extreme settings of 120Hz / 5ms and 3ms
Over the past year, MSI has introduced a range of gaming laptops with 120Hz/5ms (refresh rate/response time) panels, becoming the first brand to embrace such extreme displays. The increased refresh rate of the screen, combined with a reduced response time of the matrix, provided much clearer video images with greater detail of fast-moving objects. Whether you're playing racing simulators or enjoying the latest blockbuster, you'll experience a whole new visual experience with more vibrant, natural images and sharper outlines of dynamic objects on your laptop display.Plus, it's always fun to try out your favorite and new games on a higher-end system. In addition to the 120Hz/3ms performance, MSI displays feature 94% NTSC color space reproduction. This parameter is especially important for specialists in the field computer graphics and photographs, as it characterizes the total number of colors that the display can reproduce. In simple terms The wider the color space and the higher its gamut, the more natural the image looks on the laptop screen. For example, if you put the display MSI nearby with a monitor whose color rendition is limited to only 50% NTSC, and open a photo of a green forest on them, then the difference in shades between the treetops, leaves and dark forest will be much less. High color detail makes a huge difference in the visual perception of the picture. A display with a 94% NTSC color gamut brings picture quality to a whole new level. Users who are lucky enough to play or work on an LCD display with a rich color gamut will never want to go back to a less advanced monitor, because they will always notice the colossal difference in color quality.
Modern film production uses an unimaginable variety of technologies, including technologies for increasing the naturalness of color reproduction. Some of them are color calibration technologies for filming equipment, as well as high dynamic range (HDR) image processing technologies. Neither crazy special effects, nor professional editing, nor successful directorial moves will be able to convey all the splendor of the picture without good work with color. As HDR video becomes more and more popular, let's take a look at the difference between MSI's 120Hz/94% NTSC panel and other brands' IPS panels using a famous Hollywood movie as an example.
Having checked the quality of display of the light areas of the image, let’s move on to the “shadows”. For example, we took another scene from the same film. When some colors do not fall into a particular color model, they are said to be out of the color range. The image on a 94% NTSC display appears more detailed and informative, thanks to which the viewer can see everything that the director wanted to show him.
Among MSI gaming laptops, the 120Hz/5ms panel is available on the GT75/GT73/GT72, GS73, GE73/GE72 and GP72/GL72. This is an optional feature, so be sure to check the specifications of the laptop before purchasing it. Moreover, the GS63 and GE63 models support the installation of an optional 120Hz/3ms gaming panel. The display quality on these laptops proves to be too stunning for some users, so be careful when purchasing them as you will never want to own anything less than stunning again.
Reviews
