Input lag is a hot topic these days. While gamers across the globe are using input lag as a convenient excuse for constantly getting spanked in online deathmatches, television manufacturers appear to have become engaged in an arms race to deliver the lowest possible input lag figures.
At the same time, games consoles are delivering a more cinematic experience than ever before, particularly in terms of sound, and many gamers are taking advantage of that by connecting their machines to a soundbar or even an AV amplifier.
The question is, though, whether placing an audio device in the chain between the console and TV increases the input lag. And, if it does, is there an alternative way to set everything up? With our trusty Leo Bodnar input lag tester, we set out to find out.
What is input lag?
First things first, though – just what is input lag anyway?
Put simply, input lag is the time it takes for the button presses on a gamepad to appear as actions on the screen. A large amount of lag means you’re always slightly behind the action – even if it is only a fraction of a second – and that’s a recipe for disaster in fast-paced online games, not to mention a frustrating experience all round.
In truth, while a lot of input lag certainly is frustrating, a little too much emphasis is placed on the differences between very low scores. Anything under about 40ms is simply imperceptible to almost everyone, and the insistence by some that they can tell the difference between 10ms and 12ms rings of nonsense.
Bu hikaye What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision dergisinin October 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision dergisinin October 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The slim, not shady soundbar
Shaking up the category and its nomenclature, Sony is pulling no punches with the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9.
New world charm
The Music System (Gen 2) doesn't mince words, does it? It does exactly what it says on the wrapper play music. Simple.
Singing the verse
One of the most hallowed Indian hi-fi brands, Sonodyne has been making speakers for virtually every kind of application for decades now.
Radio Ga Ga
FOR Build quality, retro design, natural sound, simple controls
Maximizing on Mini
FOR Bright panel, calibrated modes, great picture quality
Vertere Dark Sabre
Details matter in audio design.
INDOOR PLANTS IN FULL BOOM
These premium wireless speakers are designed for use in the home - where they will raise the roof
RAISING THE BAR
Elevate your home cinema sound with this trio of convenient soundbar packages
I SPENT 24 HOURS IMMERSED IN DOLBY ATMOS MUSIC - THESE ARE 8 KEY THINGS I LEARNED
What Hi-Fi? UK deputy editor Andy Madden gained some interesting insights from the world of immersive audio on a visit to a Dolby Atmos studio
TAKE TO THE FLOOR
From pumping dance music to grand orchestral heft, these pillars of strength will deliver in spades