RCA HDTV needs 59 Hz refresh rate from computer

jjmartin

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Local time
11:57 AM
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2
Location
Canada
I use my 40" HDTV as my computer monitor (usually at 720p, 1280x720), as well as a TV with cable (1080p).
Last July my Dynex TV died, so I bought an RCA.
After a few months I noticed that videos played on my computer at 720p looked ok, but at 1080p dark areas were all black. The same video was ok viewed at 720p.
The cable video was fine at 1080p or 720p.
I found some test images on the net, and the results (photos of my TV screen):
At 720p (all greyscales ok):
2016-04-26  Photo - Blacktest at 1280x720 s.JPG
at 1080p (dark greyscales are black):
2016-04-26  Photo - Blacktest at 1920x1080 s.JPG
When I contacted RCA (actually Curtis, using the RCA name) they suggested trying different refresh rates.
My video card is Nvidia GeForce 210. I selected 1920x1080 at 50 Hz. The display was now correct. So I tried 59 Hz. Again, a good display.
RCA had no idea why the TV liked 1080p from a cable box but not from my computer, but thanked me for the info in case anyone else reported this problem.
I can now watch my computer videos at 1080p, so I'm happy.

I'm posting this for anyone else who has a similar problem.

When I searched for info as to why my video card had both 59 and 60 Hz rates, I learned the NTSC standard is actually 59.94 Hz. My TV reports the input is 1080p 60Hz at either the old or new setting. I don't know what the actual difference is, but since it works ...
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
OS
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
CPU
AMD
Motherboard
Gigabyte
Memory
8 GB
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA
Hard Drives
1 TB
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AVG
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Firefox
HDTV`s make for a terrible PC monitor anyway :(

Awesome for HDTV and the PS3, terrible for the PC, I mean it`s watchable but I`d rather watch my PC movies on my PC monitor. JMO.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Skylake Special #666
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 6700K
Motherboard
Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
Memory
GSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36
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EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
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Realtek High Definition
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AOC G2460PG
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1920 x 1080 144Hz
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Samsung 860 Pro 256GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
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EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
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Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
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Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
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Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
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Logitech G700s
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Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
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Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Free 3.8.3
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Chrome
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Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp, Corsair H2100 Wireless 7.1 Headset
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