What if you are playing your favorite game and your monitor isn’t supporting the graphics speed you want? It’s frustrating, right? This is why understanding response time is crucial when purchasing monitors, especially for gaming or graphic design.
Manufacturers often disclose response time as 1ms, 4ms, etc. They don’t highlight the GTG and MPRT entity. But you must ask for it, to be clear about your monitor’s performance. Keep reading to learn in detail.
Response time refers to how quickly a monitor’s pixels can change from one color to another. So, it directly affects the clarity and sharpness of moving images on your monitor screen. Do you know the most confusing thing regarding monitor response time? It’s the difference between GTG and MPRT- the two primary metrics used to measure the monitor response time!
Let’s break down their differences and their implications for users.
Gray-to-Gray (GTG) Response Time
To be very simple, GTG is the time taken for pixel color change between gray shades.
Need TL;DR? Here we go,
- Modern gaming monitors often claim GTG response times as low as 1ms. Some gaming monitors even boast response times under 1 ms, just like the Samsung Odyssey G93SC, which offers a 0.03 ms(GTG) response time.
- A lower GTG value indicates faster pixel transitions, resulting in less motion blur.
- Faster GTG times reduce motion artifacts, enhancing image clarity during fast-paced scenes.
GTG metric is widely used because gray transitions are standard and easy to measure. Have you questioned yourself, why it’s grey to grey no color to color?
Because LCD subpixels are monochrome and color production on the monitor screen is through color filters. In simple terms, the tiny parts of an LCD pixel, called subpixels, actually only produce light in shades of gray (or brightness). The colors we see are created when these gray subpixels are covered by color filters (red, green, and blue).
So, testing with gray transitions gives a more consistent and accurate idea of how fast the pixels can change, which is why GTG is used instead of measuring full-color changes.
Limitation of GTG Response Time
As GTG only refers to grey-to-grey color transition, so it doesn’t give precise elaboration of response time in fast-paced gaming scenarios, where rapid and complex color changes occur. Unlike MPRT, GTG doesn’t give motion blur. Also, GTG is measured in ideal conditions that are impossible in the real world.
Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT)
Moving picture response time is the duration of pixel transition from one image to another image frame.
More simply,
- MPRT values can vary; technologies like backlight strobing can reduce MPRT to around 1ms.
- Lower MPRT reduces motion blur, beneficial for fast-moving visuals.
MPRT is more directly linked to the display’s refresh rate than its GTG response time. For example, consider a 120Hz monitor. Since it refreshes the screen every 8.3ms (1000ms / 120Hz), each frame remains visible for about 8.3ms. Without extra features like backlight strobing, the MPRT will be roughly equal to that refresh interval—so a 120Hz display would have an MPRT of approximately 8.3ms.
How Are GTG and MPRT Measured?
GTG is measured by recording the time it takes for a single pixel to shift from one shade of gray to another—usually from 10% to 90% brightness. Specialized equipment, like an oscilloscope or high-speed camera, captures this transition in a controlled setting, providing a numerical value for how fast the pixel changes.
MPRT measures how long each pixel stays visible before being refreshed. It’s typically determined by using techniques like backlight strobing, where the display’s backlight is turned on and off rapidly. A high-speed sensor records the duration the image remains visible, indicating how much motion blur might be perceived.
1ms GTG Vs. 1ms MPRT in Gaming
You might ask, “is 1GTG the same as 1 MPRT?” The simple answer is No! While both metrics relate to response time, they address different aspects:
- GTG focuses on the speed of pixel color transitions.
- MPRT concentrates on the duration a pixel remains static, influencing motion blur perception.
According to user experience, having a 1ms GTG means your pixels switch colors very quickly, which is great for reducing ghosting. However, 1ms MPRT is more critical for gaming because it shows how long each frame stays visible—directly affecting motion blur.
So, is MPRT better than GTG? Well, it depends!
MPRT is good for gaming and watching movies as it directly correlates with perceived motion blur. Unlike GTG, which focuses on pixel transition speed and has nothing to do with motion blur. However, for graphics, GTG would be a better choice like Samsung S70 high-resolution monitor.
Note:
It’s possible for a monitor to have a fast GTG response time but still exhibit motion blur if the MPRT is high. Conversely, a low MPRT can mitigate motion blur even if GTG isn’t exceptionally fast.
Practical Tips
To get super-fast and good quality monitors in Pakistan, contact MNK Digital. We are the only authorized distributor of Samsung in Pakistan offering advanced Samsung monitors at the best prices in Pakistan.
Here are some quick tips for selecting b/w GTG and MPRT for specific needs:
Gaming: Fast GTG response times minimize ghosting, while low MPRT reduces motion blur, both enhancing the gaming experience.
Professional Use: Graphic designers and video editors benefit from accurate color transitions (GTG) and minimal motion blur (MPRT) for precise work.
General Use: For everyday tasks, extremely low response times may be less critical, but they still contribute to overall display quality.
Conclusion
In short, GTG measures how fast a pixel changes color, while MPRT shows how long each frame is visible, affecting motion blur. For gamers, low MPRT is key for crisp, clear motion, whereas professionals might focus more on GTG for accurate color transitions. Both metrics matter, so it’s important to consider them based on your needs. Whether for gaming or professional work, knowing these differences helps you choose the right monitor.
