[PCPer] Frame Rating Part 3: First Results

[cx-ray]

You are confusing onscreen refresh rate and response times with processed frame times.

For example, the move from 60Hz to 120Hz isn't about eliminating flickering. Do you see less flicker on a 120Hz screen? Of course not.

This depends greatly on the viewing source. Sit in front of a 50-60Hz CRT and you'll notice flicker immediately. If not, then for sure in direct comparison to an LCD or when you increase the refresh rate of the CRT to 75Hz for instance.

Rather it is about being able to drive a display ABOVE the 60 FPS mark with v-sync on. That leads to less input latency.
First and foremost, quicker refresh rates all but eliminate the ghosting and input latency that occurs on lower-frequency LCD displays.

Higher than 60Hz refresh rate isn't essential for minimizing ghosting on LCD screens. I use EIZO Colorgraphic monitors for video work, etc., the ghosting on them is basically non-existent. No consumer grade TN 120Hz or 144Hz comes even close to them in that respect. However, due to the display and hold nature of LCD screens, there's a significant difference in motion perception. This is directly related to the human visual system. The display itself plays a comparatively minor role in the perceived motion blur.

Fast paced gaming without VSync on a high refresh rate LCD also greatly helps to reduce tearing and/or the perception of it, which benefits tracking targets. It also reduces the hindrance of bright muzzle flash. The latter can be very annoying when it tears on a 60Hz screen, to the extent of almost temporarily impairing vision.

With that in mind, the difference between 90Hz and 60Hz will be noticeable on the INPUT side rather than on the overly VISUAL side (other than the ghosting of course).

Finally, they aren't claims. Perceptual latency detection above and below 48 FPS has a ton of science backing it up, much of which was sponsored by major production studios.

Here's a simple test:
1) ensure you have an LCD monitor with PWM controlled brightness
2) ensure the back light burns continuously at 100% brightness

3) wave your hand with fingers spread wide in front of your screen at 100% brightness
4) repeat same test at ~50% brightness.

In test 4 the PWM controlled back light typically flickers at 180Hz. You should clearly see a strobe effect when observing your hand movement.