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VESA Adds Adaptive-Sync to DisplayPort Video Standard - Updated AMD
The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) today announced the addition of 'Adaptive-Sync' to its popular DisplayPort 1.2a video interface standard. This technology delivers several important capabilities to computer users: Adaptive-Sync provides smoother, tear-free images for gaming and judder-free video playback. It also significantly reduces power consumption for static desktop content and low frame rate video.
Computer monitors normally refresh their displays at a fixed frame rate. In gaming applications, a computer's CPU or GPU output frame rate will vary according to the rendering complexity of the image. If a display's refresh rate and a computer's render rate are not synchronized, visual artifacts-tearing or stuttering-can be seen by the user. DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync enables the display to dynamically match a GPU's rendering rate, on a frame-by-frame basis, to produce a smoother, low latency, gaming experience. In applications where the display content is static-such as surfing the web, reading email, or viewing a slide presentation-DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync allows the display refresh rate to be reduced seamlessly, lowering system power and extending battery life.
During the playback of lower frame rate video content, Adaptive-Sync allows the source to optimize transport of the video format leveraging OS and DisplayPort interfaces. In addition to providing smoother video playback, the lower frame rate enabled by Adaptive-Sync also reduces power demand, extending battery life.
"DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync enables a new approach in display refresh technology," said Syed Athar Hussain, Display Domain Architect, AMD and VESA Board Vice Chairman. "Instead of updating a monitor at a constant rate, Adaptive-Sync enables technologies that match the display update rate to the user's content, enabling power efficient transport over the display link and a fluid, low-latency visual experience."
Adaptive-Sync is a proven and widely adopted technology. The technology has been a standard component of VESA's embedded DisplayPort (eDP) specification since its initial rollout in 2009. As a result, Adaptive-Sync technology is already incorporated into many of the building block components for displays that rely on eDP for internal video signaling. Newly introduced to the DisplayPort 1.2a specification for external displays, this technology is now formally known as DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync.
"VESA is constantly evaluating new methods and technologies that add value to both the end user and our OEM member companies. Adaptive-Sync delivers clearly visible advantages to the user for gaming and live video, and contributes to the development of sleeker mobile system designs by reducing battery power requirements," said Bill Lempesis, VESA Executive Director. "VESA has developed a test specification to certify Adaptive-Sync compliance. Systems that pass Adaptive-Sync compliance testing will be allowed to feature the official Adaptive-Sync logo on their packaging, informing consumers which DisplayPort-certified displays and video sources offer Adaptive-Sync."
Implementation of DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync is offered to VESA members without any license fee.
Update, AMD just submitted the following FAQ to us:
Q: What is DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync?
A: DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync is a new addition to the DisplayPort™ 1.2a specification, ported from the embedded DisplayPort™ v1.0 specification. DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync provides an industry-standard mechanism that enables real-time adjustment of a monitor’s refresh rate of a display over a DisplayPort™ link.
Q: What is Project FreeSync?
A: Project FreeSync is an AMD effort to leverage industry standards, like DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync, to deliver dynamic refresh rates to gamers. Dynamic refresh rates synchronize the refresh rate of a compatible monitor to the framerate of a user’s AMD Radeon™ graphics to reduce or eliminate stuttering, juddering and/or tearing during gaming and video playback.
Q: How are DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync and Project FreeSync different?
A: DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync is an ingredient DisplayPort™ feature that enables real-time adjustment of monitor refresh rates required by technologies like Project FreeSync. Project FreeSync is a unique AMD hardware/software solution that utilizes DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync protocols to enable user-facing benefits: smooth, tearing-free and low-latency gameplay and video.
Q: Is DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync the industry-standard version of Project FreeSync?
A: The DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync specification was ported from the Embedded DisplayPort™ specification through a proposal to the VESA group by AMD. DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync is an ingredient feature of a DisplayPort™ link and an industry standard that enables technologies like Project FreeSync.
Q: What are the requirements to use FreeSync?
A: To use Project FreeSync, users will require: a monitor compatible with DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync, a compatible AMD Radeon™ GPU with a DisplayPort™ connection, and a compatible AMD Catalyst™ graphics driver. AMD will release a compatible graphics driver to coincide with the introduction of the first DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync monitors.
Q: When can I buy a monitor compatible with Project FreeSync?
A: AMD has undertaken every necessary effort to enable Project FreeSync in the display ecosystem. Monitor vendors are now integrating the DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync specification and productizing compatible displays. AMD is working closely with these vendors to bring products to market, and we expect compatible monitors within 6-12 months.
Q: What AMD Radeon™ GPUs are compatible with Project FreeSync?
The first discrete GPUs compatible with Project FreeSync are the AMD Radeon™ R9 290X, R9 290, R7 260X and R7 260 graphics cards. Project FreeSync is also compatible with AMD APUs codenamed “Kabini,” “Temash,” “Beema,” and “Mullins.” All compatible products must be connected via DisplayPort™ to a display that supports DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync.
Q: How is Project Freesync different from NVIDIA G-Sync?
While both technologies have similar benefits, G-Sync uses expensive and proprietary hardware. In contrast, Project FreeSync utilizes the industry-standard DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync specification to promote wider adoption, lower cost of ownership, and a broad ecosystem of compatibility.
Q: Why should gamers purchase a system that utilizes Project FreeSync?
A: Project FreeSync’s ability to synchronize the refresh rate of a display to the framerate of a graphics card can eliminate visual artifacts that many gamers are especially sensitive to: screen tearing, input lag, and stuttering. Project FreeSync aims to accomplish this through an open ecosystem that does not require licensing fees from participants, which encourages broad adoption and low end-user costs.
Q: What is the supported range of refresh rates with FreeSync and DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync?
A: AMD Radeon™ graphics cards will support a wide variety of dynamic refresh ranges with Project FreeSync. Using DisplayPort™ Adaptive-Sync, the graphics card can detect and set an appropriate maximum and minimum refresh rate based on the capabilities reported by the display. Potential ranges include 36-240Hz, 21-144Hz, 17-120Hz and 9-60Hz.
jbmcmillan
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#4816435 Posted on: 05/12/2014 07:54 PM
Is that the same as Gsync?
But it only works if the monitor has the hardware for it?
Is that the same as Gsync?
TheDeeGee
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#4816437 Posted on: 05/12/2014 07:57 PM
Probably.
Why can't they make something that's between the two ends of the cable so it can be used on all DisplayPort Monitors.
Is that the same as Gsync?
Probably.
Why can't they make something that's between the two ends of the cable so it can be used on all DisplayPort Monitors.
Denial
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#4816444 Posted on: 05/12/2014 08:12 PM
The monitor has to support Displayport 1.2a but I don't think it requires specific hardware. It does require firmware changes obviously to account for variance in the frame display. So I doubt any previously released monitors will ever get support. But it should work on the last few generations of AMD hardware + a monitor that has support for it.
The monitor has to support Displayport 1.2a but I don't think it requires specific hardware. It does require firmware changes obviously to account for variance in the frame display. So I doubt any previously released monitors will ever get support. But it should work on the last few generations of AMD hardware + a monitor that has support for it.
TheDeeGee
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#4816445 Posted on: 05/12/2014 08:19 PM
Guess i'm stuffed then, since mine only supports 1.1a.
The monitor has to support Displayport 1.2a but I don't think it requires specific hardware. It does require firmware changes obviously to account for variance in the frame display. So I doubt any previously released monitors will ever get support. But it should work on the last few generations of AMD hardware + a monitor that has support for it.
Guess i'm stuffed then, since mine only supports 1.1a.
Denial
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#4816447 Posted on: 05/12/2014 08:26 PM
I dunno I might not even be right although I'm inclined to believe AMD over random forum users but a guy over at overlock.net posted this.
Maybe Hilbert or someone can look into this from AMD itself because the original press release AMD definitely made it sound like there would be no hardware required + their current GPU's are capable.
Like I said I'm inclined to believe in AMD over some random forum poster but I really don't know enough about monitors to say.
I dunno I might not even be right although I'm inclined to believe AMD over random forum users but a guy over at overlock.net posted this.
I REALLY don't want to have to have the FreeSync discussion again, because that horse has been beating to death on this forum; by myself and a few others. So let me just sum it up this way, and if you don't believe me check the forums here for the sources....
VBlank is an OPTIONAL standard within DP 1.2a - Just because a device has 1.2a doesn't mean it has the OPTIONAL VBlank feature.
Any display that is going to use it WILL need an ASIC (scaler), just like we see with G-Sync. AMD has said they won't develop this, and they want display vendors to do it. Nvidia did it themselves, thus G-sync module.
The one time FreeSync was "shown" was actually proof of concept demo using eDP on a very specific notebook.
The hardware to do variable refresh rate on a desktop display hasn't been developed yet outside of G-Sync, which is an ASIC. "FreeSync" would require its own ASIC - who is going to develop that at who's expense?
I literally can not stress enough, outside of paper, FreeSync doesn't exist. The hardware for it doesn't exist yet, the supply chain of vendors don't exist, hell AMD doesn't even have VBlanking enabled on their GPUs even! Although I heard a rumor that someone did dig into their driver and found a disabled option for VBlank to work.
VBlank is an OPTIONAL standard within DP 1.2a - Just because a device has 1.2a doesn't mean it has the OPTIONAL VBlank feature.
Any display that is going to use it WILL need an ASIC (scaler), just like we see with G-Sync. AMD has said they won't develop this, and they want display vendors to do it. Nvidia did it themselves, thus G-sync module.
The one time FreeSync was "shown" was actually proof of concept demo using eDP on a very specific notebook.
The hardware to do variable refresh rate on a desktop display hasn't been developed yet outside of G-Sync, which is an ASIC. "FreeSync" would require its own ASIC - who is going to develop that at who's expense?
I literally can not stress enough, outside of paper, FreeSync doesn't exist. The hardware for it doesn't exist yet, the supply chain of vendors don't exist, hell AMD doesn't even have VBlanking enabled on their GPUs even! Although I heard a rumor that someone did dig into their driver and found a disabled option for VBlank to work.
Maybe Hilbert or someone can look into this from AMD itself because the original press release AMD definitely made it sound like there would be no hardware required + their current GPU's are capable.
Like I said I'm inclined to believe in AMD over some random forum poster but I really don't know enough about monitors to say.
automaticman
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#4816449 Posted on: 05/12/2014 08:29 PM
It sounds more like an official version of what AMD announced as "Free-Sync" a few months back. They pointed out that VESA already incorporates most of what is required for this feature, without all of the specialized hardware and licensing fees that Nvidia's Gsync requires (somewhat unnecessarily it seems now).
But yeah, the end result is Gsync features built into all devices conforming to VESA and displayport spec.
Is that the same as Gsync?
It sounds more like an official version of what AMD announced as "Free-Sync" a few months back. They pointed out that VESA already incorporates most of what is required for this feature, without all of the specialized hardware and licensing fees that Nvidia's Gsync requires (somewhat unnecessarily it seems now).
But yeah, the end result is Gsync features built into all devices conforming to VESA and displayport spec.
CoMa666
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#4816469 Posted on: 05/12/2014 08:54 PM
Do you think VG248qe has 1.2a standard?
I mean i will be ready for AMD Freesync?
Do you think VG248qe has 1.2a standard?
I mean i will be ready for AMD Freesync?
Denial
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#4816475 Posted on: 05/12/2014 09:07 PM
Do you think VG248qe has 1.2a standard?
I mean i will be ready for AMD Freesync?
No, not only does the 248QE not have 1.2a but now, from what i'm reading, freesync does require VBLANK support on the scalar chip. So it does technically require hardware although anyone can integrate it via ASIC chip as oppose to having to go through Nvidia. So Freesync monitors should be significantly cheaper. Although I have no idea if they will be better at doing what they are supposed to do or how the input lag would workout.
So basically I guess this is how it goes:
AMD Freesync Requirements - Monitor w/scalar chip with VBLANK support + Any Graphics card that supports it. Scalar chip can be ASIC (which is significantly cheaper than an FPGA) and it can be developed by anyone which should also drive down costs.
Nvidia G-Sync Requirements - Nvidia supported GSync Monitor (FPGA implementation although Nvidia could eventually switch this to a ASIC implementation as well) + Nvidia graphics card that supports it.
AMD's solution should be cheaper when it eventually comes out (it could be a while). Nvidia's solution should be upgradable in the future via firmware (why else would they use an FPGA?).
One may be better than the other in terms of performance. Nvidia's FPGA carries some beefy hardware (ram and stuff) so I'm not sure what exactly it's doing but maybe it could lead to lower input lag.
Dunno, until one of these companies discloses more stuff on what's going on it's like impossible to say.
Do you think VG248qe has 1.2a standard?
I mean i will be ready for AMD Freesync?
No, not only does the 248QE not have 1.2a but now, from what i'm reading, freesync does require VBLANK support on the scalar chip. So it does technically require hardware although anyone can integrate it via ASIC chip as oppose to having to go through Nvidia. So Freesync monitors should be significantly cheaper. Although I have no idea if they will be better at doing what they are supposed to do or how the input lag would workout.
So basically I guess this is how it goes:
AMD Freesync Requirements - Monitor w/scalar chip with VBLANK support + Any Graphics card that supports it. Scalar chip can be ASIC (which is significantly cheaper than an FPGA) and it can be developed by anyone which should also drive down costs.
Nvidia G-Sync Requirements - Nvidia supported GSync Monitor (FPGA implementation although Nvidia could eventually switch this to a ASIC implementation as well) + Nvidia graphics card that supports it.
AMD's solution should be cheaper when it eventually comes out (it could be a while). Nvidia's solution should be upgradable in the future via firmware (why else would they use an FPGA?).
One may be better than the other in terms of performance. Nvidia's FPGA carries some beefy hardware (ram and stuff) so I'm not sure what exactly it's doing but maybe it could lead to lower input lag.
Dunno, until one of these companies discloses more stuff on what's going on it's like impossible to say.
Hilbert Hagedoorn
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#4816500 Posted on: 05/12/2014 09:33 PM
News-item updated with a QA/FAQ from AMD.
News-item updated with a QA/FAQ from AMD.
semantics
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#4816509 Posted on: 05/12/2014 09:49 PM
There is a big difference between AMD's and Nvidia's implementations. AMD's predicts the framerate, nvidia doesn't predict the framerate. So i'd rather take nvidia's implementation.
There is a big difference between AMD's and Nvidia's implementations. AMD's predicts the framerate, nvidia doesn't predict the framerate. So i'd rather take nvidia's implementation.
yasamoka
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#4816581 Posted on: 05/13/2014 12:02 AM
That's not true. It's a baseless assumption. Both work the same at the low level.
There is a big difference between AMD's and Nvidia's implementations. AMD's predicts the framerate, nvidia doesn't predict the framerate. So i'd rather take nvidia's implementation.
That's not true. It's a baseless assumption. Both work the same at the low level.
sykozis
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#4816593 Posted on: 05/13/2014 12:31 AM
No. It's not the same as G-Sync. G-Sync is "proprietary" and will only ever work with NVidia hardware. Adaptive-Sync is now part of the DisplayPort 1.2a standard and can be used by both AMD and NVidia, if NVidia chooses to support it.
Is that the same as Gsync?
No. It's not the same as G-Sync. G-Sync is "proprietary" and will only ever work with NVidia hardware. Adaptive-Sync is now part of the DisplayPort 1.2a standard and can be used by both AMD and NVidia, if NVidia chooses to support it.
PhazeDelta1
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#4816595 Posted on: 05/13/2014 12:32 AM
Nvidia has its own Adaptive Sync.
Nvidia has its own Adaptive Sync.
the11ama
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#4816600 Posted on: 05/13/2014 12:40 AM
I REALLY don't want to have to have the FreeSync discussion again, because that horse has been beating to death on this forum; by myself and a few others. So let me just sum it up this way, and if you don't believe me check the forums here for the sources....
VBlank is an OPTIONAL standard within DP 1.2a - Just because a device has 1.2a doesn't mean it has the OPTIONAL VBlank feature.
Any display that is going to use it WILL need an ASIC (scaler), just like we see with G-Sync. AMD has said they won't develop this, and they want display vendors to do it. Nvidia did it themselves, thus G-sync module.
The one time FreeSync was "shown" was actually proof of concept demo using eDP on a very specific notebook.
The hardware to do variable refresh rate on a desktop display hasn't been developed yet outside of G-Sync, which is an ASIC. "FreeSync" would require its own ASIC - who is going to develop that at who's expense?
I literally can not stress enough, outside of paper, FreeSync doesn't exist. The hardware for it doesn't exist yet, the supply chain of vendors don't exist, hell AMD doesn't even have VBlanking enabled on their GPUs even! Although I heard a rumor that someone did dig into their driver and found a disabled option for VBlank to work.
That guy is a blow-hard, and I don't think he really gets it. Not until competing products start coming out, that is.
I fully expect Nvidia to cave on this one since AMD's solution will end up being cheaper than their own, and by a sizable-enough portion. Also, it allows hardware vendors to support more potential customers than with Nvidia's proprietary setup.
I REALLY don't want to have to have the FreeSync discussion again, because that horse has been beating to death on this forum; by myself and a few others. So let me just sum it up this way, and if you don't believe me check the forums here for the sources....
VBlank is an OPTIONAL standard within DP 1.2a - Just because a device has 1.2a doesn't mean it has the OPTIONAL VBlank feature.
Any display that is going to use it WILL need an ASIC (scaler), just like we see with G-Sync. AMD has said they won't develop this, and they want display vendors to do it. Nvidia did it themselves, thus G-sync module.
The one time FreeSync was "shown" was actually proof of concept demo using eDP on a very specific notebook.
The hardware to do variable refresh rate on a desktop display hasn't been developed yet outside of G-Sync, which is an ASIC. "FreeSync" would require its own ASIC - who is going to develop that at who's expense?
I literally can not stress enough, outside of paper, FreeSync doesn't exist. The hardware for it doesn't exist yet, the supply chain of vendors don't exist, hell AMD doesn't even have VBlanking enabled on their GPUs even! Although I heard a rumor that someone did dig into their driver and found a disabled option for VBlank to work.
That guy is a blow-hard, and I don't think he really gets it. Not until competing products start coming out, that is.
I fully expect Nvidia to cave on this one since AMD's solution will end up being cheaper than their own, and by a sizable-enough portion. Also, it allows hardware vendors to support more potential customers than with Nvidia's proprietary setup.
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But it only works if the monitor has the hardware for it?