LG Electronics has announced a groundbreaking new OLED gaming monitor capable of a blistering 480Hz refresh rate, the fastest ever achieved on a consumer display. Unveiled at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the unnamed 27-inch 1440p monitor represents a massive leap forward for gaming display technology.
Blinding 480Hz Refresh Rate Sets New Standard
The showcase spec of LG’s latest gaming monitor is its lightning-fast 480Hz refresh rate, more than double the previous limit of 240Hz on 2021’s top gaming displays. This enables the monitor to redraw the screen a staggering 480 times per second, allowing for unprecedented fluidity and motion clarity while gaming.
According to LG, the monitor leverages an Oxide backplane and innovative EX Technology to achieve the lightning quick pixel response time of 0.03ms for seamless on-screen motion. When combined with the 480Hz refresh rate, this results in an effectively nonexistent input lag that should have esports professionals and competitive gamers frothing at the mouth.
Key Specs:
- 27-inch 1440p OLED panel
- 480Hz refresh rate
- 0.03ms response time
- 1000 nit peak brightness
Unrivaled Image Quality Thanks to OLED
In addition to its class-leading refresh rate, LG’s new gaming monitor also benefits hugely from its use of OLED technology. Unlike traditional LCD displays, OLED utilizes self-lit pixels which allow for essentially infinite contrast and perfect blacks.
When combined with its stellar color reproduction, covering 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and remarkable brightness peaking at 1000 nits, the 480Hz OLED monitor should offer visuals unmatched by any existing gaming display. Reviewers that have seen the monitor in person confirm it delivers an extraordinarily vibrant and lively image that has to be seen to be believed.
Tailor-Made for Competitive Gaming
While a 480Hz refresh rate might seem like overkill for single player experiences, it’s a game changer for esports and competitive gaming. The unmatched fluidity and lack of blurring or ghosting gives players an edge in lightning-fast paced titles like shooters and racing games.
Pro gamers who have trialled the monitor confirm it provides an almost surreal level of smoothness that aids tracking, aiming and reaction times. LG claims their 480Hz display effectively eliminates motion blur, providing a level of clarity that could usher in a new generation of elite gamers.
Next-Gen Gaming Consoles Can’t Keep Up…Yet
One downside to such an incredibly fast display is that existing gaming hardware struggles to keep up. Neither current generation consoles or graphics cards can consistently deliver 480 frames per second required to take full advantage.
However next generation GPUs expected later this year should help bridge that gap. There are also rumors Sony and Microsoft plan mid-cycle PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X upgrades specifically to better leverage advances in display technology.
Until then, the 480Hz monitor will likely only meet its full potential with less graphically intense esports titles like CS:GO, Valorant and Rocket League. Of course this makes it perfect for its intended professional gaming audience.
Availability and Pricing
LG is yet to announce firm pricing or availability for their groundbreaking new 480Hz OLED gaming monitor. As a specialist piece of kit aimed primarily at hardcore gamers, expect it to command a significant premium over standard gaming displays.
Industry analysts predict the 27-inch model will retail for $1500-2000. LG is also rumored to be working on larger 32-inch and 42-inch models likely aimed more at the consumer space, though similarly priced.
Regardless of cost, the release of the world’s first 480Hz gaming monitor represents a watershed moment. For PC builders and next-gen console owners, it provides a glimpse into a blur-free future that promises unmatched smoothness. Esports athletes will also eagerly await its arrival as they search for any possible performance advantage.
Love it or hate it, displays like LG’s 480Hz monitor suggest gaming visuals are set to reach dizzying new heights in the coming years. The age of the 240Hz monitor already feels ancient – the time of 480Hz and beyond is now.
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