iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Horizontal scan rate is how many horizontal line cycles a video signal or display handles each second, usually expressed in kilohertz (kHz). It describes line-by-line timing—not the number of visible lines on screen and not the same thing as a monitor’s vertical refresh rate.
What horizontal scan rate measures
In a raster video signal, the picture is organized into horizontal lines that are scanned in sequence. Horizontal scan rate, also called horizontal frequency, is the number of those line cycles per second. The unit is usually kilohertz: 1 kHz equals 1,000 cycles per second. Thus, 15.75 kHz means 15,750 horizontal cycles each second, not 15,750 visible picture lines. [Extron’s technical explanation] and a BICSI/InfoComm AV design reference define the term in this line-frequency sense.
How it differs from refresh rate
Horizontal scan rate and vertical rate describe different parts of the signal timing. Horizontal scan rate counts line cycles per second; vertical rate counts fields or frames per second, usually expressed in hertz (Hz). In interlaced video, a frame is built from two fields, each containing one of the two line passes. Consequently, field rate and frame rate are not interchangeable, and neither is the same quantity as horizontal frequency. [Extron]
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What the number means on a CRT
In a CRT, an electron beam sweeps across the screen to draw a line, then returns to the start for the next line. The return interval—often called retrace or blanking—is part of the line cycle. The kHz figure therefore describes the repetition rate of the complete horizontal timing cycle; it does not directly state how many active, visible lines the image contains.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
Historical standard-definition examples
A BICSI/InfoComm International AV design reference (first edition, 2006) gives these historical signal-system examples:
| System | Horizontal frequency | Fields per second | Total lines per frame | Lines per interlaced field |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTSC | 15.75 kHz | 60 | 525 | 262.5 |
| PAL / SECAM | 15.625 kHz | 50 | 625 | 312.5 |
These are format examples from that 2006 reference, not universal specifications for modern displays. The line totals also include timing beyond the active picture, so they should not be read as counts of visible lines.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Why it matters for display compatibility
Horizontal frequency remains useful when checking whether a display or projector can accept a video signal. A source may need conversion to change its horizontal timing to match a target video format; compatibility depends on the receiving device supporting the signal timing. This applies to signal handling by LCD and DLP projectors as well as CRT displays, although only CRTs use the physical electron-beam sweep described above. [Extron]
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
