from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
refresh rate
screen refresh
<hardware> (Or "vertical refresh rate", "vertical scan rate")
The maximum number of {frames} that can be displayed on a
{monitor} in a second, expressed in {Hertz}.
The scan rate is controlled by the vertical sync signal
generated by the {video controller}, ordering the monitor to
position the {electron gun} at the upper left corner of the
{raster}, ready to paint another frame. It is limited by the
monitor's maximum {horizontal scan rate} and the {resolution},
since higher resolution means more {scan lines}. Increasing
the refresh rate decreases flickering, reducing eye strain,
but few people notice any change above 60-72 Hz.
(1999-08-01)