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Writer's pictureThe K-WAV Lumenary

Get Technical: The Difference Between Refresh Rate & Frame Rate

We are kicking off a new series in weekly Friday posts deemed "Let's Get Technical" In these blog segments we will deep dive into sometimes very simple technical questions, and other times complex technical differentiators. First up? The difference between refresh rate & frame rate. When it comes to understanding LED displays, there are two important terms that often cause confusion: frame rate and refresh rate. While these terms may sound similar, they refer to different aspects of how images are displayed on a screen.


Let's delve into the difference between frame rate and refresh rate to gain a better understanding of their roles in optimizing display performance.


Frame rate, also known as frames per second (FPS), refers to the number of individual frames or images that a display can show in one second. In the context of video content, a higher frame rate results in smoother motion and a more realistic viewing experience. Frame rate is crucial for video playback, gaming, and other dynamic content where movement is key. Common frame rates include 24, 30, 60, and 120 frames per second.






Refresh rate, on the other hand, pertains to how many times per second the display refreshes the image being displayed. It is measured in hertz (Hz) and represents the frequency at which the entire screen is redrawn. A higher refresh rate means the screen updates more frequently, leading to reduced motion blur and a smoother visual experience, especially during fast-paced action sequences. Common refresh rates for LED displays include 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz.


While frame rate and refresh rate are interconnected, they serve distinct purposes in optimizing display performance. A high frame rate ensures smooth motion and more lifelike animations, while a high refresh rate enhances overall visual quality by reducing motion blur and screen tearing. Both factors play a critical role in delivering an immersive viewing experience, particularly in applications that involve rapid movements or dynamic visuals. It is essential to consider both frame rate and refresh rate when selecting an LED display for specific applications for your next project. For instance, gamification may prioritize a higher refresh rate to minimize input lag and motion blur, while filmmakers and content creators may focus on achieving the desired frame rate for smooth video playback. Understanding the differences between frame rate and refresh rate empowers users to make informed decisions when choosing an LED display that meets their requirements.


In summary, frame rate relates to the number of frames shown per second, influencing motion smoothness and realism, while refresh rate determines how often the screen refreshes the image, impacting visual quality and motion clarity. By grasping the distinctions between these two factors, users can optimize their viewing experience and leverage the full capabilities of LED displays for various applications.

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