How do I use 120hz HDTV as a Computer monitor

[gannonthorpe]

I've looked over many websites and forums searching for information on this, and have tried editting my EDID and have done such in partial success... now in CCC it tells me my maximum supported refresh rate for my HDTV is indeed 120hz, I just can't get the ability to make that adjustment. From what I understand...unless I can get the PC set to 120hz refresh rate, the TV won't output the 120hz either.

I've also tried ATI Tray tools to no avail.

My vid card is ATI HD4870 1gb version, I have the latest build of driver...

My TV is a Vizio SV420M, and it is connected via the ATI DVI/HDMI adapter.

Please help. I'd like to get my 120hz as an option for watching movies and downloaded tv shows and the such.

 

[deadlee690]

i think it might be your dvi adapter holding you back. you need whats called a dvi d cable to run 120hz. you could get a monitor with a dvi d input to get 120hz, or a video card with a hdmi connector. your card can output 120hz but only with a dvi d cable, hope that helps.

 

[gannonthorpe]

Best answer selected by gannonthorpe.

 

[mdrejhon]

The bleeding edge art of turning an HDTV to a 120Hz computer monitor, is becoming easier:
-- Use a utility such as ToastyX Custom Resolution Utility (if needed)
-- Use direct HDMI to HDMI cable (no DVI adaptors) if your HDTV has no DVI ports. Bypass your receiver.
-- Try 720p@120Hz if 1080p@120Hz does not work
True 120Hz from PC to TV: Make Your HDTV Accept Real 120Hz Refresh Rate

Some success reports:

Successful: Vizio e3d420vx
Resolution: 1920×1080 at 120 Hz
Source: http://120hz.net/showthread.php?852-Managed-to-force-120Hz-on-a-Vizio-e3d420vx

Success: Panasonic VT50 plasma
Resolution: 1920×1080 at 120 Hz
Caveat: More heat output
Source: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1438092/l...z-via-dvi-or-hdmi-from-computer#post_22576928

Confirmed: Seiki 4K HDTV
Resolution: 1920×1080 at 120 Hz
The brand new SEIKI 50″ HDTV with 4K resolution supports 1080p @ 120Hz natively (Multitool confirmed).

Successful: Vizio M420SL not a 3d TV
Resolution: 1920×1080 at 120 Hz

Using a Asus 3D tv driver I was able to force a 120hz output with windows 7 and my Vizio M420SL system info screen displays 120hz vertical frequency as well as my Catalyst control center. This TV is not a 3D but does have a native LCD refresh rate of 120hz.

Thank you blurbusters for your very helpful information. It took all day to find the right question to ask the great google search engine but when I finally asked “force 120hz pc” I found this page and now I am in 120hz, 42 inch, goodness. Next trick is getting passive 3d working. Thanks again.

Successful: Panasonic 50ST30 plasma
Resolution: 1280×720 @ 120hz.
Source: HardForum post (by sadbuttrue)

The OSD reports 60hz and 3D mode detected. Colours are slightly different but there is no 3D being applied. I have verified that it does show 120 unique frames. So, when you try outputting 120hz to your TV don’t assume the OSD is giving an accurate report. It may say 60hz yet actually be showing 120hz.

Successful: Skyworth 39E780U UHD tv (china market model)
Resolution: 1080p @ 140Hz without frame skipping
Source: Overclock.net review by maarten12100

The overclock results:
UHD 3840×2160 was 30Hz max now 38Hz (up to 40Hz by reducing the extra pixels/blanking in the stream but with minor artifacting)
QFHD 2560×1440 was not there now 82Hz
HD 1920×1080 was 60Hz max now 140Hz (I checked with RRMT Refresh Rate Multi Tool and it actually did it without dropping)
QHD 1280×720 was 60Hz max now 254Hz (checked again with RRMT but it was too fast for my eyes then I took pictures and video)
(NOTE: Cost only $600 in China! Not available outside of China yet at this time.)

Successful:
- Sony KDL-50R550A 50″
- Sony KDL-60R550A 60″
- Sony KDL-70R550A 70″
Resolution: 1080p @ 120Hz
Source: AVSFORUM post by bobbitybob

“720p@120hz confirmed working. Kinda funny, before on 1080 I didn't notice a difference figuring I'm just getting too old for this stuff, having never used a 120hz monitor before, but I knew instantly with the real 120hz that it's working. What a huge difference in smoothness and reduction in blur. Just nuts. Tested with RRM (Refresh Rate Multitool) as well to verify.”
(NOTE: 720p was good; 1080p was frameskipping, but may be DVI adaptor (limitation). Best to test using direct HDMI-to-HDMI connection from PC-to-TV.)

This is from the page: HDTV Overclocking Instructions: Get 120Hz from a PC to a television
This way, you can use your HDTV as a computer monitor at 120Hz.