The world of TVs has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with 4K resolution becoming the new norm and refresh rates playing a crucial role in enhancing the viewing experience. One of the most debated topics among TV enthusiasts is the refresh rate, particularly the 120Hz feature. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of the QN700A model and answer the burning question: Is QN700A 120Hz?
What is Refresh Rate and Why Does it Matter?
Before we dive into the QN700A’s capabilities, it’s essential to understand the concept of refresh rate and its significance in the TV world. Refresh rate refers to the number of times a TV screen updates the image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion and the more immersive the viewing experience.
A higher refresh rate is particularly important for:
- Fast-paced content: Sports, action movies, and video games benefit from higher refresh rates, as they reduce screen tearing and motion blur.
- Gaming: High-refresh-rate TVs can handle fast-paced games with ease, providing a competitive edge for gamers.
- Cinematic experiences: Higher refresh rates allow for a more cinematic experience, making you feel like you’re part of the action.
The Evolution of Refresh Rates
TV manufacturers have steadily increased refresh rates over the years to provide a more seamless viewing experience. From the early days of 60Hz to the current standards of 120Hz, 144Hz, and even 240Hz, the industry has witnessed significant progress.
| Refresh Rate | Year Introduced | Key Benefits |
| — | — | — |
| 60Hz | Early 2000s | Basic smoothness for standard content |
| 120Hz | Mid-2000s | Improved motion handling, reduced screen tearing |
| 144Hz | Late 2000s | Enhanced gaming experience, smoother motion |
| 240Hz | 2010s | Ultra-smooth motion, ideal for fast-paced content |
QN700A: A Closer Look
The QN700A is a high-end TV model from a reputable manufacturer, boasting an impressive array of features designed to elevate your viewing experience. But does it support the coveted 120Hz refresh rate?
Specs and Features
The QN700A boasts an impressive spec sheet, including:
- 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160)
- Quantum Dot technology for enhanced color accuracy
- Wide Color Gamut for a broader color spectrum
- HDR10+ support for improved contrast and color depth
- 10-bit color panel for a more nuanced color palette
- AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro for reduced screen tearing in gaming
Refresh Rate Speculation
While the official specifications don’t explicitly mention a 120Hz refresh rate, some users have reported achieving higher refresh rates through specific settings and configurations. However, it’s essential to note that these claims are anecdotal and not officially supported by the manufacturer.
What do the official specs say?
According to the manufacturer’s documentation, the QN700A supports a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz for standard content. There is no official mention of 120Hz support, leaving many users wondering if it’s possible to unlock the higher refresh rate.
Can You Achieve 120Hz on QN700A?
While the QN700A’s official specs don’t support 120Hz, some users have reported success in achieving higher refresh rates using specific workarounds. These methods often involve tweaking settings, such as:
- Enabling the “Game Mode” or ” Graphics Mode” to reduce input lag and improve motion handling
- Adjusting the “Motion Settings” to optimize motion interpolation and reduce blur
- Using specific HDMI ports or cables capable of supporting higher refresh rates
- Installing custom firmware or using third-party software to unlock hidden features
It’s essential to note that these methods are not officially supported and may not work consistently across all units. Additionally, attempting to bypass the official specs can potentially void your warranty or cause issues with your TV’s performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the QN700A is an excellent TV model with impressive features, its official specs don’t support the 120Hz refresh rate. However, some users have reported success in achieving higher refresh rates through specific workarounds. If you’re looking for a TV with native 120Hz support, you might want to explore other options.
That being said, the QN700A is still an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality viewing experience with features like 4K resolution, Quantum Dot technology, and HDR10+ support. Just be aware of the limitations and potential workarounds when it comes to refresh rate.
Before You Buy…
Before making a purchase, consider the following:
- Check the manufacturer’s official specs and documentation for refresh rate support.
- Research online forums and user reviews to see if other owners have achieved higher refresh rates.
- Consider factors like gaming and motion handling when deciding between TV models.
By doing your due diligence, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect TV for your needs.
Is QN700A a true 120Hz TV?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While the QN700A is advertised as a 120Hz TV, it doesn’t quite live up to that promise. The panel itself is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which means it can only display 60 frames per second. However, Samsung has implemented a technology called “Motion Xcelerator” which uses various tricks to create the illusion of a higher refresh rate.
In practice, what this means is that the QN700A can display 120 frames per second, but only in very specific circumstances. For example, when watching content that has been mastered in 120Hz, such as some sports broadcasts, the TV can display it correctly. However, when watching regular 60Hz content, the TV will use its motion interpolation technology to create additional frames, which can sometimes lead to the “soap opera effect” that some people find distasteful.
What is Motion Xcelerator, and how does it work?
Motion Xcelerator is a technology developed by Samsung to improve the motion clarity on their TVs. It’s a combination of hardware and software enhancements that work together to create a smoother and more realistic motion experience. When enabled, Motion Xcelerator can insert intermediate frames between the original frames of the content, creating the illusion of a higher refresh rate.
In reality, Motion Xcelerator is a form of motion interpolation, which can sometimes introduce unwanted artifacts like the “soap opera effect”. This is why Samsung allows users to adjust the level of motion interpolation, or disable it altogether, depending on their personal preference. While it’s not a true 120Hz panel, Motion Xcelerator can still provide a noticeable improvement in motion clarity, especially in fast-paced content like sports and action movies.
Can I enable 120Hz on the QN700A for gaming?
Unfortunately, the QN700A’s limitation to a 60Hz panel means that you won’t be able to take full advantage of 120Hz gaming, even with the Motion Xcelerator enabled. However, the TV does support HDMI 2.1, which allows for variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto-low latency mode (ALLM). These features can still provide a great gaming experience, especially when paired with a console or PC that supports them.
That being said, if you’re looking for a TV that can handle 120Hz gaming, you may want to consider other options. The QN700A’s limitations in this area may be a deal-breaker for serious gamers. However, for casual gaming, the TV’s motion interpolation and VRR features can still provide a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Does the QN700A support 4K at 120Hz?
Unfortunately, the QN700A’s 60Hz panel means that it cannot support 4K resolution at 120Hz. The highest refresh rate you can get on this TV is 60Hz, and that’s only at lower resolutions. If you want a TV that can handle 4K at 120Hz, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
That being said, the QN700A is still a great TV for watching 4K content, and it supports a wide range of HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. The TV’s motion interpolation and upscaling capabilities can also help to create a great viewing experience, even if it’s not at 120Hz.
Is the QN700A’s motion interpolation any good?
The QN700A’s motion interpolation is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it can be very effective at reducing motion blur and creating a smoother motion experience, especially in fast-paced content like sports and action movies. On the other hand, it can sometimes introduce unwanted artifacts like the “soap opera effect”, which can be distracting.
Samsung has implemented several features to help mitigate these issues, including adjustable levels of motion interpolation and the ability to toggle it on and off. However, the effectiveness of the motion interpolation will ultimately depend on the type of content you’re watching and your personal preferences.
Can I use the QN700A for PC gaming?
Yes, you can use the QN700A for PC gaming, but you’ll need to be aware of its limitations. As mentioned earlier, the TV’s 60Hz panel means that you won’t be able to take full advantage of 120Hz gaming. However, the TV’s support for HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM can still provide a great gaming experience, especially if you’re playing games that don’t require the highest refresh rates.
One thing to keep in mind is that the QN700A’s input lag is relatively low, which makes it well-suited for gaming. Additionally, the TV’s wide color gamut and HDR support can create a great visual experience. Just be aware that you may need to adjust your graphics settings to compensate for the TV’s limitations.
Is the QN700A a good value for the price?
Despite its limitations, the QN700A is still a great TV that offers a lot of value for its price. The TV’s excellent picture quality, wide color gamut, and HDR support make it well-suited for watching movies and TV shows. Additionally, its motion interpolation and upscaling capabilities can help to create a great viewing experience, even if it’s not at 120Hz.
That being said, if you’re looking for a TV that can handle 120Hz gaming or support 4K at 120Hz, you may want to consider other options. However, if you’re looking for a great all-around TV for watching movies and TV shows, the QN700A is definitely worth considering. Its price point makes it an attractive option for those who want a high-quality TV without breaking the bank.