GeneinChi Loc: Chicago, IL

Buying a new television and it's been awhile since I've done this. Best Buy is telling me about refresh rates that are 60, 120, and 240 whatevers. I'm being told that 60 is fine and when I asked about 120 the answer was something about what do I watch and when I asked about 240 I was told there is really no such thing. So....I know there are a boatload of experts here who can explain what this is all about and what refresh rate I should be looking for.

Thanks as usual in advance

Gene

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

We have one of the original Sharp Aquis 52" LCD TVs. The refresh rate is 60. I've watched football, soccer, Nascar, Grand Prix Racing and never encountered any blur or halo effects. IMHO the "rate wars" are something to sell new products. How's the market for 3D TV's this year??? I'm glad
I don't buy everything they tell us we have to have. Go to Costco and compare a bunch of brands by the features you need and want. Then be happy
with your purchase for at least 10 years.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

I wouldn't worry or even concern myself with refresh rates with the newer solid state TVs. It mattered more with the older analog CRT (picture tube) TVs. It's a digital world now, I'd look to get at least a 4K (Horizontal resolution) and of course HDMI and WiFi compatible.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Personally, I can see a difference betweeen 60Hz and 120Hz refresh, both for movies (filmed at 24fps) and some sports. I have two almost identical Sony 46" LED LCD TVs, one 60 Hz, and one 120 Hz, and I can see a difference (for the better) in the 120Hz version, and many people comment on how good this display is. I have also looked carefully at 240Hz displays, and I can't see a noticeable difference from 120Hz. Short answer is I would pay extra for 120Hz, but not for 240. If you Google HDTV refresh rates, you can read lots of opinions, but here's one that is pretty balanced: https://www.cnet.com/news/what-is-refresh-rate/

whitewolfowner

60 and 120Hz is a real refresh rate. The 240 and 480 (yes, there is 480) are not pure like the 60 and 120 is but (not sure how explain,m read it years ago) but it is manipulated. I cannot watch any amount of motion on a 60 HZ TV and action hurts to watch on a 120Hz. The best was the plasma TV's that had a 600Hz refresh rate but they stopped making them; those I could watch without any problem. They are getting better each year, but if you are concerned about them, go to a store and watch football or someother fast action sport where there is fast panning. If it bothers you, you will see it; otherwise don't worry about it.

nison777 Loc: illinois u.s.a.

These people that work in these stores and try to look smart and knowledgeable,
To the customers in order to sell the latest thing,
Seen it all my life,
The best thing you can do is ask about this stuff in a place like this website or find someone, who doesn't have a interest in personal gain posing as an expert,throwing around terms that even they know nothing about,
This is so true in so many things,
I have found it true in the photography sales counter, computer sales, etc.
If you do not know what you need, these people will certainly tell you whether they actually know anything or not ,just to get the sale. I have had many encounters in these situations due to my simple research I have found to many times a sales clerk attempting to tell me what they think I want to hear, and the dumbfounded look on their faces when I ask them real questions that a knowledgeable person would ask about the product..
Educate yourself regarding your purchases.
Check the real customer reviews.
Look at what others you know have purchased , go to their house look at it in person.

See for yourself if it is right for your needs
And most importantly.....
Do not ever be the first one on the block to buy the latest newest products,.most of this stuff can and will be improved and much cheaper if you do not fall for the need to have it now lie..
Some of you will remember things from the past like the Bata video player etc.

Ask questions here.
Do not trust minimum wage store clerks for your purchases.

GeneinChi Loc: Chicago, IL

I want to thank everyone who has responded so far. Great information and it will all be taken into consideration when I make my final decision. I never doubted that I would get the knowledgeable responses I did from UHH'ers. Thanks again.

Gene

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When I was a kid, TVs had controls for Channel, Fine Tuning, Brightness, Contrast, Vertical, and Horizontal. Then things got simpler. Now it's gotten ridiculous. My TV must have two dozen connection port on the back and sides. The Menu is worse than on my Nikons. I can understand why some stores offer to set them up for a fee. As for the refresh rate, I would try Google.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

60 works for most things just fine. If you want to game, you need 120.

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

The advice to go and watch at Costco or an ABT was good advice.

We have several TVs and as a general rule I would say TV tech changes quickly (Moore's law, etc), so when you finally break down and buy one I would say go with either the very latest or the tech right before the very latest. As a note, refresh rates DO mean something and watching side by side you will see it. As for all the 3D/he/I'd stuff, the only advice is to go with the tech right before the very latest as there are usually few broadcasts that use the very, very latest.

Have fun!

TMeitz

You will never notice the refresh rate unless you have two tv's side by side. I seen this at Best Buy a few years back. One tv was 60 and the one next to it Was 120. Then you can see the comparison. They had a football game on and whenever there was fast action you could see the blur next to the object on the 60 and no blur on the 120. Otherwise you will never notice it unless your looking for it.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Costco doesn't sell Sony. Sony is the best in my opinion. Samsung is all hype. Who needs a curved screen??? ridiculous. I have a top of the line Sony with 60HZ and have NO "fragmenting".

Past Pro Loc: Spring Hill, Florida

If you want the best get an LG OLED screen, even Mac is or will be using that technology on their laptops. A bit pricey, but if you enjoy TV nothing is better!