refresh rate

hardware (Or "vertical refresh rate", "vertical scan rate")

The maximum number of frames that can be displayed on a

monitor in a second, expressed in Hertz.

The scan rate is controlled by the vertical sync signal

generated by the video controller, ordering the monitor to

position the electron gun at the upper left corner of the

raster, ready to paint another frame. It is limited by the

monitor's maximum horizontal scan rate and the resolution,

since higher resolution means more scan lines. Increasing

the refresh rate decreases flickering, reducing eye strain,

but few people notice any change above 60-72 Hz.

(1999-08-01)