A:AnswerFirst, the author of the answer referencing the 50-60Hz has confused the power consumption of the TV with the video output. In the United States all devices that plug into wall outlets consume electricity at 110v at 50-60Hz. That has nothing to do with the video function of the TV.
Now, more importantly, what is refresh rate? Refresh rate (in very simple terms) is how often the TV is drawing the picture on the TV. The higher the number, the smoother the display of FAST moving pictures, such as video games, action movies and fast paced sports (NASCAR, hockey and maybe basketball). And if you enjoy any of those, you really should be considering a Plasma because it offers 600Hz. More advanced TV companies have technology that simulates a higher refresh rate than the native technology being used. Samsung calls theirs Clear Motion Rate, LG calls their TruMotion rate. These are their artificial, computer enhanced rates. The best number to truly compare is the industry standard refresh rate. That being said, a TV with a lower refresh rate, but better component parts (high end brands) will display better than an inferior brand with a higher refresh rate. So, a Samsung or LG with 60 or 120Hz will look better than many other brands with the same or higher refresh rate. But again, the only time refresh rate matters is with really fast action.