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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Clear Motion Rate (CMR) and Refresh Rate?

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Clear Motion Rate (CMR) and Refresh Rate are related to the display of images on a screen, particularly in the context of televisions. They differ in the following ways:

  • Refresh Rate: This measures how many times a panel can refresh the on-screen image in 1 second. TVs typically have a 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate, which means the display redraws the image on the screen 60 or 120 times per second, respectively. A higher refresh rate produces a clearer image and is strongly correlated to the response time of the TV.
  • Clear Motion Rate (CMR): This is a marketing term created by Samsung to describe the overall speed at which a screen can send a live feed through image processing. CMR is often measured as twice the value of the true refresh rate. For example, a 60Hz refresh rate TV will have a 120Hz Clear Motion Rate. CMR employs techniques such as frame interpolation, black frame insertion (BFI), and backlight strobing to simulate a higher refresh rate and improve motion handling.

In summary, refresh rate is a hardware attribute that determines how many times a display can redraw an image per second, while Clear Motion Rate is a marketing term that combines refresh rate with additional image processing techniques to create a smoother viewing experience.

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  • What is the Difference Between Clear Motion Rate (CMR) and Refresh Rate?
  • Comparative Table: Clear Motion Rate (CMR) vs Refresh Rate

    • Comparative Table: Clear Motion Rate (CMR) vs Refresh Rate

    Clear Motion Rate (CMR) and Refresh Rate are both related to the display of images on a screen, particularly in the context of televisions. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Clear Motion Rate (CMR) Refresh Rate
    Definition A marketing term created by Samsung to describe the overall speed at which a screen can send a live feed through image processing. The speed at which a TV "refreshes" or changes the image on screen, measured in Hz.
    Measurement Often measured as twice the value of the true refresh rate. For example, a 120Hz CMR is likely just a 60Hz refresh rate. The true refresh rate is the actual number of images displayed on screen per second.
    Purpose Encapsulates software techniques used to improve motion, such as frame interpolation and black frame insertion (BFI). Refresh rate is the TV's "frame rate," although functionally, the two are a bit different.
    Relevance for Gaming For PC gamers and console gamers, a true higher refresh rate is the best option, as games are rendered as-is and external software enhancements may improve the image but reduce true accuracy. For gaming, a higher refresh rate is generally preferred, as it creates a more fluid viewing experience.

    In summary, Clear Motion Rate is a marketing term that describes the overall speed at which a screen can send a live feed through image processing, often including software techniques to improve motion. In contrast, Refresh Rate is the true speed at which a TV displays images on screen per second.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.