The LG CX OLED television garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim, becoming a benchmark for picture quality and gaming performance. One of its standout features, often touted in marketing materials, is its 120Hz refresh rate. But does the LG CX truly deliver a native 120Hz experience across all inputs and resolutions, or is there more to the story? This article dives deep into the technical specifications, testing results, and user experiences to definitively answer the question: Is the LG CX truly a 120Hz TV?
Understanding Refresh Rate: The Foundation Of Smooth Motion
Before we dissect the LG CX’s capabilities, let’s establish a solid understanding of what refresh rate means in the context of television technology. The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to the number of times per second that a display updates its image. A 60Hz display updates the image 60 times per second, while a 120Hz display updates it 120 times per second.
A higher refresh rate generally translates to smoother motion, particularly in fast-paced content like action movies, sports, and video games. It reduces motion blur and judder, creating a more fluid and responsive visual experience. This is why gamers often prioritize high refresh rate monitors and TVs.
LG CX: Specifications And Advertised Features
LG prominently advertised the CX as having a native 120Hz panel. This immediately positioned it as a premium choice for gamers looking to take advantage of the latest consoles and PCs capable of outputting high frame rates. Key features often cited in relation to the 120Hz capability included:
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HDMI 2.1 support: This is crucial for transmitting 4K resolution signals at 120Hz, along with features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
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NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible: This technology synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV with the output of an NVIDIA graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and reducing input lag.
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AMD FreeSync Premium: Similar to G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium achieves the same goal but works with AMD graphics cards.
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OLED technology: OLEDs offer incredibly fast response times, which further enhance the clarity of motion at higher refresh rates.
These features strongly suggest that the LG CX is designed to handle and display 120Hz content effectively. However, specifications alone don’t guarantee real-world performance.
Testing And Verification: Does The LG CX Live Up To The Hype?
Independent testing and user reports largely confirm that the LG CX does indeed support a native 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution through its HDMI 2.1 ports. Numerous reviews from reputable tech publications have verified this capability using specialized equipment and software.
Furthermore, gamers have consistently reported smooth and responsive gameplay experiences when using the LG CX with consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as with high-end gaming PCs. The combination of the 120Hz panel, HDMI 2.1, and VRR technologies results in a noticeable improvement in motion clarity and responsiveness compared to TVs with lower refresh rates.
However, it is important to note some specific requirements to achieve the full 120Hz experience:
- HDMI 2.1 Cables: You need a certified HDMI 2.1 cable to transmit 4K signals at 120Hz. Older HDMI cables may not have the bandwidth to support this.
- Compatible Source Devices: Your source device (console, PC, etc.) must be capable of outputting a 4K 120Hz signal.
- Proper Settings: Ensure that the correct settings are enabled on both the TV and the source device to output at 4K 120Hz. This may involve enabling HDMI Deep Color on the TV and adjusting graphics settings on your PC.
Potential Issues And Misconceptions
While the LG CX generally delivers on its 120Hz promise, there are some potential issues and misconceptions that users should be aware of:
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Input Lag: While the LG CX has very low input lag, using certain picture modes or processing features can increase it. Game Mode is essential for minimizing input lag during gaming.
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Black Frame Insertion (BFI): BFI is a technology that inserts black frames between the regular frames to reduce motion blur. While the LG CX offers BFI, it can significantly reduce brightness and may introduce flicker, especially at lower refresh rates. Using BFI at 120Hz is generally more effective than at 60Hz due to the already high refresh rate.
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Software Updates: Like all smart TVs, the LG CX receives software updates. While these updates often improve performance and add features, they can sometimes introduce new issues. It’s important to stay informed about any potential problems reported by other users after updates.
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Panel Lottery: There can be slight variations in panel quality between individual units of the same TV model. This is known as the “panel lottery.” While rare, some users may experience issues like banding or uniformity problems that can affect the viewing experience. However, this is not directly related to the 120Hz capability itself.
The Verdict: A True 120Hz Champion
Based on thorough testing, user experiences, and technical specifications, the LG CX is undeniably a true 120Hz TV. It provides a significant upgrade in motion clarity and responsiveness compared to 60Hz TVs, especially when paired with compatible source devices and high-quality HDMI 2.1 cables. The inclusion of features like HDMI 2.1, G-SYNC Compatible, and FreeSync Premium further enhances the gaming experience.
While it is crucial to ensure proper settings and use appropriate cables to unlock the full potential of the 120Hz capability, the LG CX delivers on its promise of smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and other fast-paced content. It remains a highly regarded television that set a high standard for picture quality and gaming performance in its time.
Is The LG CX Capable Of Displaying Content At 120Hz?
Yes, the LG CX is indeed capable of displaying content at a 120Hz refresh rate. This is one of its key selling points, making it highly desirable for gamers and those who appreciate smooth, fluid motion in their viewing experience. The TV’s panel natively supports 120Hz, meaning it can refresh the image on the screen 120 times per second.
To achieve 120Hz, you typically need to connect a compatible device like a modern gaming console (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S) or a PC with a powerful graphics card via HDMI 2.1. The content being displayed must also be encoded at 120Hz to take full advantage of the TV’s capabilities. Proper settings might need to be configured on both the source device and the TV itself to enable 120Hz output.
What HDMI Version Does The LG CX Use To Support 120Hz?
The LG CX is equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, which are essential for supporting 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 provides the necessary bandwidth (48Gbps) to transmit the high data throughput required for such demanding video signals. This higher bandwidth allows for features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) to function properly alongside 4K/120Hz.
Without HDMI 2.1, it’s not possible to achieve 4K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, as older HDMI versions lack the required data capacity. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 on the LG CX is a crucial factor in its appeal to gamers and enthusiasts seeking the best possible visual performance. It is also vital to use an “Ultra High Speed” HDMI cable to guarantee the connection can support the increased bandwidth.
Does The LG CX Support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) At 120Hz?
Yes, the LG CX fully supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) at 120Hz, enhancing the gaming experience significantly. VRR technology, including both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync compatibility, dynamically adjusts the TV’s refresh rate to match the frame rate outputted by the gaming device (PC or console). This eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering, resulting in smoother, more responsive gameplay.
The implementation of VRR alongside 120Hz capabilities makes the LG CX an ideal choice for gamers seeking a competitive edge and an immersive visual experience. VRR ensures that the image on screen remains stable and consistent, even when the frame rate fluctuates, providing a consistently smooth and enjoyable gaming session. It’s a major advantage over fixed refresh rate displays.
What Picture Settings Are Recommended For 120Hz Gaming On The LG CX?
For optimal 120Hz gaming on the LG CX, it’s recommended to use the “Game Optimizer” picture mode. This mode is specifically designed to minimize input lag and optimize the TV’s settings for gaming. Within the Game Optimizer menu, you can further fine-tune the picture settings to your preference, but it’s generally a good starting point.
Key settings to adjust include enabling “HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color” for the input you’re using with your gaming device. Ensure that “Instant Game Response” is enabled to reduce input lag as much as possible. Also, consider adjusting sharpness and color settings to your liking, while being mindful of over-sharpening, which can introduce artifacts. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your specific game and viewing environment.
Does The LG CX Have Any Issues Displaying 120Hz Content?
While the LG CX is generally excellent at displaying 120Hz content, some users have reported occasional issues, primarily related to compatibility or improper settings. One common issue is the “black screen” problem, which can occur when the TV and the source device are not properly communicating regarding the 120Hz signal. This is often resolvable by ensuring both devices are updated to the latest firmware and that the correct HDMI cable is used.
Another potential issue involves chroma subsampling. At 4K 120Hz, some devices might output a 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 chroma signal to reduce bandwidth, which can result in slightly less vibrant colors and potentially introduce some artifacts. Ensuring that your device is set to output a 4:4:4 chroma signal (if possible) will help alleviate this. It is worth noting that some earlier firmware versions had documented issues with black levels in some specific scenarios; upgrading to the latest firmware typically resolves these issues.
How Can I Confirm That The LG CX Is Actually Displaying Content At 120Hz?
Verifying that your LG CX is actually displaying content at 120Hz requires a few steps. Firstly, check the input settings on your TV. Navigate to the connected HDMI input and confirm that “HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color” is enabled. Without this setting enabled, the TV might not be able to handle the full bandwidth required for 4K 120Hz.
Secondly, check your source device’s output settings. On a gaming console, ensure that the video output settings are configured to output at 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. On a PC, check your graphics card settings to ensure that the display is set to 3840×2160 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Some games also have in-game settings that need to be adjusted. Many devices have on-screen displays or built-in diagnostic tools which will display the current refresh rate.
Can I Use An Older HDMI Cable With The LG CX For 120Hz Gaming?
While you might get an image using an older HDMI cable, it’s highly recommended to use a certified “Ultra High Speed” HDMI cable for 120Hz gaming on the LG CX. Older HDMI cables, such as High Speed cables (HDMI 1.4 or 2.0), may not have the necessary bandwidth (48Gbps) to reliably transmit a 4K 120Hz signal. This can lead to issues such as signal dropouts, flickering, or even a complete lack of display.
Using the correct HDMI 2.1 cable ensures that the full potential of the LG CX’s 120Hz capabilities is realized. These cables are specifically designed to handle the high data throughput required for demanding video signals, guaranteeing a stable and reliable connection for smooth, immersive gaming. Investing in a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is crucial to avoid compatibility issues and ensure optimal performance.