Radeon Technologies Group - Tech update December 2015 - Article Page 1 - LFC and HDMI FreeSync

Radeon Technologies Group - Guru3D Technology update December 2015

The AMD Radeon Technologies Group responsible for everything that is related to Radeon graphics cards and APUs, today shares some new technology enhancements. In this December 2015 update we'll talk HDR, FreeSync for HDMI and the move to DisplayPort 1.3 compatibility for 2016 products.

Low framerate compensation
2015 was a success for AMD when it comes to FreeSync. First and foremost (already announced and implemented) is low frame-rate compensation. This new technology removes the minimum refresh rate concerns of most AMD FreeSync ready monitors.

So where the display isn't receiving frames faster than its minimum refresh rate with v-sync on low framerate compensation (LFC) will prevent both tearing artifacts and motion judder. You will have noticed I specifically mentions VSYNC ON - here's the thing, with v-sync disabled LFC will still reduce tearing and judder (but not eliminate it). So basically once the monitor drops out of its FreeSync range (say below 35 hz) now the software runs an adaptive algorithm on the GPU and is doing intelligent monitoring where extra frame syncs are inserted combined with where the the GPU outs a frame.

LFC will only work on FreeSync displays where the maximum refresh rate is greater than or equal to 2.5 times the minimum refresh rate.

AMD updating FreeSync Technology with HDMI compatibility

Pretty much VSYNC at low framerates is enabled to ensure a much better gameplay experience. Right, back to today’s announcement. AMD is announcing that they are expanding their FreeSync Technology by offering support over HDMI (in early 2016). FreeSync over HDMI will be supported on all AMD APUs and GPUs that already support FreeSync via DisplayPort. AMD is and has been working with partners including LG, Samsung and Acer to deliver FreeSync over HDMI-compatible displays.

The advantage here is that many more affordable monitors in the mainstream segment will now get FreeSync enabled, 70% of the monitors out there lack a DisplayPort connector. It is a little unclear though if some existing monitors will be compatible, but it look like that you still need to purchase a new FreeSync ready monitor. Entrusting is also that this allows for compatible laptops to drive FreeSync monitors. In that thought, AMD is also introducing the first notebook with a validated AMD FreeSync panel, the Lenovo Y700, which will be exclusively available from Best Buy USA starting at $899. The Lenovo Y700 features the AMD FX-8800P “Carrizo” APU and Radeon R9 M380 Graphics with a direct drive LCD display and a 40-60Hz dynamic refresh range.
 

AMD and its partners have now announced or shipped 40 displays across the DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces, making AMD FreeSync the world’s foremost dynamic refresh technology by 2:1. One last note, FreeSync will be available over HDMI and also will work on an eyefinity group.  HDMI enabled monitors will be available starting Q1 2016.

On the next page we'll talk about the new HDR support and upcoing DisplayPort 1.3.