If you are buying a new TV and want to use with it your PlayStation, Xbox or gaming PC. You may have come across all sorts of terms and features advertised, like VRR, ALLM, Input Lag, Refresh Rate and HDMI 2.1; and thought what do they all mean?
At first glance, it can all seem overwhelming. But once you look into it deeper these terms are simply ways of explaining how well a TV handles games; and understanding them can really improve your experience.
We are going to break down the most common gaming terms used on modern TVs, explain what they mean and help you choose the right settings to get the most out of your setup.
What Is VRR?
VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate.
When you play a game, your console or PC sends images to your TV many times per second. This is called the frame rate. A smoother game will usually have a higher frame rate.
However, games do not always run at a constant speed. When there is a lot happening on screen, the frame rate can drop or change. If your TV is not ready for this, it can cause visible screen glitches where the picture looks split or jumpy.
VRR solves this problem by allowing your TV to adjust its own refresh rate to match the game's frame rate in real time. This keeps the image clean and fluid, even during fast action or intense scenes.
With VRR, your game will look smoother, with fewer stutters or glitches. This is especially useful for fast-paced games like racing, shooting or sports titles.
What Is ALLM?
ALLM means Auto Low Latency Mode.
Latency is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the result on screen. The lower the latency, the better your game feels and looks.
TVs are often designed to make films and shows look nicer by adding effects like motion smoothing and sharpening. But these extras can slow down how fast the TV reacts, which is not good for gaming.
ALLM automatically turns on Game Mode when your console starts up. Game Mode strips away those extra effects and speeds up the TV's response time, helping you get a more direct, responsive feel while playing.
What Is Input Lag?
Input lag is how long it takes for your button press to appear as action on screen. The higher the lag, the more delayed everything feels.
This is a big deal in competitive or fast games, where timing matters. A TV with low input lag makes gameplay feel snappy and more enjoyable.
Game Mode (or ALLM) helps lower input lag by turning off unnecessary picture processing.
What Is HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 is the newest version of the HDMI port the connection your console uses to link to your TV.
Older HDMI versions (like 2.0) can handle 4K resolution but are limited in how fast they can refresh the image. HDMI 2.1 supports features like:
- 4K at 120 frames per second (for ultra-smooth gameplay)
- VRR and ALLM
- Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which also reduces input delay
Not all HDMI ports are the same, so make sure your TV has at least one HDMI 2.1 port if you want to make the most of a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Tips for Getting the Best Gaming Experience on Your TV
Here are some quick, practical tips when setting up or shopping for a gaming TV:
Look for VRR and ALLM in the specs. These features make a noticeable difference to gaming quality.
Check for HDMI 2.1 ports. This is especially important if you want 4K gaming at high frame rates such as 120Hz.
Enable Game Mode. Even if your TV does not switch automatically, you can turn it on in the settings.
Turn off image features like motion smoothing, noise reduction and dynamic contrast when gaming. These are made for films and can cause delays.
Update your TV's software. Manufacturers often improve gaming features through updates.
Use high-quality HDMI cables. Cheap or older cables may not support newer features.
Final Thoughts
Understanding features like VRR, ALLM and low input lag helps you get smoother graphics, quicker response times and an overall better experience.
A TV that is set up for gaming will make a real difference especially if you are playing fast, competitive games or want the best performance from your next-generation console.
After reading this you should now be a bit more prepared to know exactly what to look for. Read more on other tech terms used for TV’s here (link to this post here).
So, lets plug in, switch on and enjoy your favourite games the way they were meant to be played.