5 Features to Look For When Buying a TV for Gaming

When it comes to finding the perfect television for gaming, there are a few key features you'll want to look for. From low latency inputs to high refresh rate displays, this guide will give you everything you need to make an informed purchase decision when buying a new gaming TV.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a gaming TV. The refresh rate indicates how many times a display redraws the image on the screen in one second, measured in Hz. Higher refresh rates enable faster response times and improved motion clarity, making them ideal for gaming. Look for models with 120- 144Hz displays for optimal performance.

Size and Resolution of the Screen

You'll also need to consider the size and resolution of the TV you purchase. Higher resolutions provide crisper images and better color detail but will require more powerful graphic cards to run them smoothly. Aim for a model with a 4K ultra HD resolution to get the best gaming experience with current titles. However, if your budget doesn't stretch that far, look for 1080P televisions as an affordable option to get quality gaming performance.

Motion Interpolation Technologies

Motion interpolation technologies help to make games look smoother by interpreting motion frames that the TV's native refresh rate can't support. These technologies often require users to manually activate them in their device settings and will differ among televisions, but it's important to find a model that is capable of this feature. Higher-end TVs typically have more advanced motion interpolation technology than budget models, allowing players to experience high-quality content with less visual lag.

Response Time

Response time, otherwise known as input lag or input delay, is a critical factor to consider when shopping for a gaming TV. This measuring point is the amount of time it takes for a television to go from receiving an image signal to displaying that image on the screen. Look for models with low response times — generally 10 to 20 milliseconds — which provide gamers with smooth and lag-free performance during fast-paced content. Higher-end gaming TVs usually have lower response times than budget models.

HDR Capabilities

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is the latest must-have feature in the world of gaming TVs. HDR-enabled displays deliver a far more lifelike picture quality than standard dynamic range (SDR) models can offer, with richer and vibrant colors and greater detail in both dark and bright parts of an image. If you’re looking for the best possible experience, make sure your gaming TV has HDR10 or Dolby Vision capabilities — these are some of the most popular HDR formats available in today's market.