<<Refresh Rates
The rock-solid, flicker-free images for which MultiSync® monitors are recognized are due to their high refresh rates. Here is a look at what makes refresh rates so important to overall quality.
Refresh rate refers to the rate of speed at which a monitor screen refreshes itself.
If the refresh rate is 60Hz, the screen will refresh itself, or "redraw" itself, every 1/60 of a second. The refresh rate impacts a monitor's perceived image quality. If a monitor is refreshing too slowly (at a slow rate), the picture will appear to pulsate or flicker-a situation that is uncomfortable for the user and can lead to eyestrain. Setting the refresh rate higher (or faster) will result in a picture that appears more solid and without flicker.
The refresh rate on most monitors can be adjusted through the PC. This is one way of helping users feel more comfortable with the screen image.
What is the best refresh rate?
An optimum refresh rate is a highly-individualized setting. The best refresh rate for a particular user depends on what the individual sees on the screen. Some users don't notice flicker at 70Hz, while some people claim they can actually see the screen redraw itself at this level. However, according to user studies, 70Hz has been indicated as the point at which most people stop seeing flicker. 70Hz is also the best starting point when trying to eliminate flicker for a particular user.
Why do we talk about maximum refresh rates?
A maximum refresh rate specification, based on the horizontal frequency range of the monitor, is often listed in product literature. While this number is used to indicate the maximum capabilities of the monitor, most users do not need to use the maximum refresh rate. In fact, without the use of a special graphics card, most systems do not have the capability of reaching the maximum refresh rate level. However, some niche applications - such as 3D imagery - do require ultra-high refresh rates where vertical refresh can be increased to 160Hz.
How can refresh rates be adjusted?
MultiSync monitors are Plug-and-Play compatible. This means that, when used with a Windows®95 system, they should automatically default to a high refresh rate. This setting should perform extremely well for most users. In some cases, the monitor may not be recognized by Plug-and-Play. If this happens, go to the "display" control panel and select the "settings" menu. Click on "change display type". From there, you should be able to designate the correct monitor and accompanying video card. For earlier monitors that launched before Windows'95, you can Download NECMSINF.ZIP, which has the file "NECMON97.inf. The inf file directs the computer and video card to the best signal for the selected monitor. >>
<<The lower the refresh rate, the more noticeable the flicker
Flicker, which can cause eyestrain and even headaches after long periods of staring at the screen, is a problem for users. Standard VGA displays are refreshed at 60Hz and at this frequency most people can detect a flicker in the image, so an adequate monitor should support a refresh rate of 75Hz at all the display resolutions. This is recommended or commonly used. It is regarded by the Video Equipment Standards Association (VESA) as the minimum refresh rate at which flicker is imperceptible>>
