Hz, or Hertz, refers to the refresh rate of a monitor. It indicates how many times per second the screen can display a new image. For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes its image 60 times every second.
A higher refresh rate generally results in a smoother and more responsive visual experience, especially for fast-paced activities like gaming or video editing. Here are some key points to remember:
- Higher Hz = Smoother Visuals: A higher refresh rate means the monitor can display more frames per second, reducing motion blur and making fast-moving objects appear smoother.
- Gaming Advantage: For gamers, a higher refresh rate is essential for competitive gameplay, allowing for quicker reaction times and a more immersive experience.
- Not All Content Benefits: While high refresh rates are beneficial for fast-paced content, they don't necessarily improve the viewing experience for static images or videos.
Here's a practical example: Imagine watching a video game with a lot of action. On a 60Hz monitor, the screen would refresh 60 times per second, creating a slightly choppy appearance when characters move quickly. On a 144Hz monitor, the screen would refresh 144 times per second, making the movement look much smoother and more realistic.