How To Test Input Lag on TV? – Complete Guide

Can’t figure out how to test input lag on TV? Well, that might be an issue for many TV users, but luckily you have visited the right post.

It could be quite tricky when it comes down to testing the input lag of your TV as it is hard to determine whether your video or sound is being out of sync.

Keep reading as we list some of the best methods to measure your TV’s input lag and eventually put a stop to this frustrating interruption.

Measuring your input lags can be done with several approaches, some of them involve splitting the signal between a CRT display and an LCD display.

An alternative way is to use a specific gadget that will let you know what time it takes for the TV to detect an input action.

Although this situation might seem helpless, we have prepared some proven methods that will help you measure your input lag and lower it to unnoticeable levels.

How to Test Input Lag for TV Correctly?

Input lag could be determined by applying a few methods that are proven to work.

As mentioned above you can split the signal between a CRT that is free of lag and an LCD display.

Although, if this isn’t possible for you, we have listed some other methods for you to try in order to measure your input lag.

Method #1 Use a High-Speed Camera to Record Yourself

A great way to determine if your TV has any input lag at all is to record yourself while interacting with the TV you suspect of having input lag.

For instance, gaming involves some fact action and definitely could help you determine any delay in the input of your TV.

Set up the high-speed camera and play for a few minutes.

Afterward, just review the footage and compare the time between the input action and when the actual event on the TV occurs.

It is well-known that when it comes down to gaming, having low lag is a point of great necessity.

That is why it is really important to figure out whether you have any input lag at all because that can impact quite heavily your gaming experience.

If the step above was not enough to teach you how to test input lag on TV, feel free to move on with our next method.

Method #2 Apply Lag Input Test Device

A great way to always have a track on the input lag of your TV is to purchase and put to use a lag input test device.

They are well-known for their accurate and quick measurement but also for the simple and portable design.

Before you can use the device, it must be connected to the TV you are willing to measure and turn on.

Keep in mind that the device is using 2 AA batteries which will be supplied upon delivery.

In order to put it to use you just simply click the featured button on the device and wait for your TV to display a specific prompt.

Next, just apply the device to the surface of your TV and wait for the input lag to be measured at the top of the screen.

In case you want the process in detail, on this specific window, you will be granted a chart that will provide you with the required information, such as the activity and volume of the input lag.

Method #3 Split Signal Between CRT & LCD Display

You have probably heard that most CRT displays are proven to be legless, which will help us easily determine whether your TV has input lag or not.

All you have to do is connect both TVs and start playing a fast-paced game where the lag is easily recognizable.

The CRT display will always run at 0 milliseconds of lag, unlike the LCD one who could reach up to 50 milliseconds of delay.

In some cases, such as gaming the 50 milliseconds lag could be quite unbearable.

Compare both of the TV displays and see if the CRT display is being quite ahead of the LCD one.

If the difference is noticeable, your LCD TV might require some technical troubleshooting in order to lower the input lag.

If you don’t seem to notice any fallback and both of the TVs are running in sync, we are happy to tell you that your TV is free of any input lag that might bother you.

Method #4 Determine Input Lag via App

An easier way to determine the input lag on your TV is to use a tool that is often found in app stores dedicated to your TV.

Keep in mind that this method could only work on smart TVs which could grant the function of downloading apps from the software’s stores, such as TVs that are running Android.

The recommended app is the Human Benchmark which uses a small reaction time test and it can easily tell if there is any input lag on your TV device.

If you have now determined whether your TV has input delay or not.

Now it’s time to straightforwardly talk about how to fix input lag on TV and how to properly troubleshoot the issue that bothers your experience.

How to Fix Input Lag on TV of Any Kind?

Troubleshooting the input lag is not hard at all as there are plenty of proven methods you can try in order to get the issue resolved.

Follow these simple steps in order to lower your input lag into a barely noticeable stage.

Use Game Mode

This is a quite obvious method to mention, but also of great importance.

Use game mode during any session gaming to lower your input lag as much as possible.

It is proven to stabilize your TV for gameplay which will eventually reduce the input lag in order to smoother and acclimate the running game.

If you are interested in picture calibration, we recommend visiting the Picture Settings menu where you can access better adjustments.

Disable Power Saving Settings

Any power-saving settings or options that provide screen dimming will eventually result in a stronger input lag.

The way you can determine whether your TV has any power-saving settings enabled is to check the brightness of the display and the FPS your TV is currently running.

It is proved that disabling any of these settings will significantly lower the input lag up to 10 milliseconds, which is a lot.

Reduce Usage of TV Speakers

For some people, using the provided TV speakers is the only way for them to enjoy watching their favorite shows.

But it is proven that using the inbuilt TV speakers can result in slight input lag which can reach about 8 milliseconds.

If possible, it is strongly recommended to use a separate audio system, such as soundbars or home cinema equipment.

Test Each HDMI Slot

Some community guideline users admit that each HDMI slot wields a different amount of input lag.

Test the lag on each HDMI slot to determine which one performs best, and keep your device plugged into that slot.

If you still haven’t acknowledged yourself on how to fix delays on TV, make sure to scroll back up and read everything that is being necessary for the process over again.

You might have missed an important step that would have solved your issue.

Bottom Line

Having in mind how to test input lag on TV, it should no longer be an issue for you.

After successfully measuring the lag make sure to apply the proven steps we have shared with you in order to lower and eventually fix the delay that is bothering your experience.

Make sure to visit our blog for identical troubleshooting posts that will answer all of your technical-related inquiries.

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