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Vertical scan frequency is the number of vertical display cycles per second, measured in hertz (Hz). In progressive scan, it generally corresponds to the display’s refresh rate. With interlaced video, check whether a quoted rate counts fields or complete frames: those are different quantities.

What does vertical scan frequency mean?

A vertical scan cycle is the display’s progression through a frame or, in interlaced video, a field. The frequency tells you how many such cycles occur each second. One hertz means one cycle per second.

The term is closely associated with raster displays, especially CRTs. A CRT draws an image by sweeping an electron beam across the screen in horizontal lines. After the raster reaches the bottom, vertical synchronization signals the transition to the next cycle. Texas Instruments describes the example timing in its CRT application note this way: “The vertical sync pulse is repeated at a 60 Hz rate.” That is an example, not a universal CRT specification. Texas Instruments AN-656

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How does it relate to refresh rate?

For progressive scan, each cycle draws a complete image, so vertical scan frequency generally corresponds to the refresh rate: a 60 Hz progressive mode refreshes the image 60 times per second. Modern display settings and documentation commonly use “refresh rate” for this property. Analog Devices defines vertical frame rate as the inverse of the time for a complete frame and notes that it is also called “refresh rate” or “vertical refresh rate.” Analog Devices glossary

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That equivalence needs care with interlaced video, where a complete image is divided into two fields. The field rate counts individual fields; the frame rate counts complete images. A specification that says only “vertical frequency” may not make clear which one it means, so use the explicit unit—fields per second or frames per second—when interpreting an interlaced signal.

How is vertical frequency different from horizontal scan frequency?

Horizontal scan frequency counts how often the display scans a horizontal line. It is commonly expressed in kilohertz (kHz). Vertical scan frequency counts vertical cycles and is expressed in hertz (Hz). They describe different parts of the raster timing, so horizontal frequency alone is not enough to calculate vertical frequency: the full signal timing, including total lines and blanking intervals, also matters.

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Historical television-format figures illustrate the difference. The BICSI/InfoComm AVDRM first edition lists NTSC at 15.75 kHz horizontal frequency and 59.94 Hz vertical frequency, and PAL/SECAM at 15.625 kHz and 50 Hz, respectively. These are examples for those formats, not general specifications for modern monitors. BICSI/InfoComm AV Design Reference Manual

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How should you compare vertical scan rates?

  • Identify the scan type: In progressive scan, a cycle generally represents a complete image. In interlaced scan, determine whether the rate refers to fields or frames.
  • Check the display mode: A display’s supported rates depend on the device and selected mode. The term itself does not establish what a particular display can accept.
  • Consider the full timing: Horizontal frequency and other signal timings matter alongside the vertical rate; do not infer compatibility from one number alone.

Windows documentation discusses selecting refresh rates in relation to video frame rates, including integer multiples for 24 fps film playback. The available choices depend on the actual display and mode. Microsoft: Change the refresh rate on your monitor in Windows

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