AMD shows off the new VESA DP 1.2a "FreeSync" at Computex

jigger · 8 Jun 2014 at 15:24

Adaptive-Free Sync is looking very good.

http://www.pcper.com/news/Graphics-...ync-Monitor-DisplayPort-Adaptive-Sync-Feature

The demo system is powered by an AMD FX-8350 processor and Radeon R9 290X graphics card. The monitor is running at 2560x1440 and is the very first working prototype of the new standard. Even more interesting, this is a pre-existing display that has had its firmware updated to support Adaptive Sync. That's potentially exciting news! Monitors COULD BE UPGRADED to support this feature, but AMD warns us: "...this does not guarantee that firmware alone can enable the feature, it does reveal that some scalar/LCD combinations are already sufficiently advanced that they can support some degree of DRR (dynamic refresh rate) and the full DPAS (DisplayPort Adaptive Sync) specification through software changes."

Seems like you can update the firmware of monitors that are all ready available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAWtKK9ga2k

1kiwi · 8 Jun 2014 at 15:53

I wonder if nvidia will support it in light of gsync?

Sin_Chase · 8 Jun 2014 at 17:20

1kiwi said:
I wonder if nvidia will support it in light of gsync?

Errr, no.

jigger said:
Seems like you can update the firmware of monitors that are all ready available.

AMD warns us: "...this does not guarantee that firmware alone can enable the feature, it does reveal that some scalar/LCD combinations are already sufficiently advanced that they can support some degree of DRR (dynamic refresh rate) and the full DPAS (DisplayPort Adaptive Sync) specification through software changes."

Some monitors MAY be able to have updates to support some/all elements of FreeSync. Also, just because they can does NOT mean the hardware vendors will release any updates. Especially if they are releasing new models that specifically target FreeSync. Why give away for free what you can sell a new product for?

llamadal · 8 Jun 2014 at 17:27

sin but amd are the good guys of the world, they wouldn't let people charge a premium for this - thats what the evil nvidia team do

Sin_Chase · 8 Jun 2014 at 17:32

llamadal said:
sin but amd are the good guys of the world, they wouldn't let people charge a premium for this - thats what the evil nvidia team do

jigger · 8 Jun 2014 at 17:58

Sin_Chase said:
Errr, no.

Some monitors MAY be able to have updates to support some/all elements of FreeSync. Also, just because they can does NOT mean the hardware vendors will release any updates. Especially if they are releasing new models that specifically target FreeSync. Why give away for free what you can sell a new product for?

But AMD have given adaptive sync away to monitor makers. I can't see how they will make money from a VESA standard apart from increased graphics card sales maybe.

Ive done a little digging and the monitor they showed is one of the generic grey import Korean models. Like the DGM 27" 2560x1440 screen.

LtMatt · 8 Jun 2014 at 18:10

jigger said:
But AMD have given adaptive sync away to monitor makers. I can't see how they will make money from a VESA standard apart from increased graphics card sales maybe.

Ive done a little digging and the monitor they showed is one of the generic grey import Korean models. Like the DGM 27" 2560x1440 screen.

Really? I have that monitor. :cool:

jigger · 8 Jun 2014 at 18:13

Yeah, it's this one with some tape over the badge. Took forever to find.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7385/nixeus-nxvue27d-27-a-450-wqhd-256x1440-ips-led-dponly-monitor-

LtMatt · 8 Jun 2014 at 18:18

jigger said:
Yeah, it's this one with some tape over the badge. Took forever to find.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7385/nixeus-nxvue27d-27-a-450-wqhd-256x1440-ips-led-dponly-monitor-

Yeah that's not the monitor i have. That one is DP only. All DP only monitors will work with freesync i think.

Sin_Chase · 8 Jun 2014 at 18:29

jigger said:
But AMD have given adaptive sync away to monitor makers. I can't see how they will make money from a VESA standard apart from increased graphics card sales maybe.

Ive done a little digging and the monitor they showed is one of the generic grey import Korean models. Like the DGM 27" 2560x1440 screen.

AMD have not given anything 'away'. It's a VESA standard, an OPTIONAL one at that.

Monitor makers WILL charge you for it one way or another. Why would a money making business give something like FreeSync away in their monitors as a software update when they can make an absolute killing selling monitors with it?

Just because ONE company has given a firmware update to AMD to DEMO FreeSync does not mean:

1 - It will go to general release as a free update
2 - It will even be released AT ALL for existing monitors of this model
3 - It was not compiled by AMD themselves

jigger · 8 Jun 2014 at 18:31

If you do a little reading on the Nixeus brand they just import and repackage S-IPS screens and offer a domestic warranty. Like DGM do for the UK market.

jigger · 8 Jun 2014 at 18:34

Sin_Chase said:
AMD have not given anything 'away'. It's a VESA standard, an OPTIONAL one at that.

Monitor makers WILL charge you for it one way or another. Why would a money making business give something like FreeSync away in their monitors as a software update when they can make an absolute killing selling monitors with it?

Just because ONE company has given a firmware update to AMD to DEMO FreeSync does not mean:

1 - It will go to general release as a free update
2 - It will even be released AT ALL for existing monitors of this model
3 - It was not compiled by AMD themselves

I think you need to chill out a bit mate. You seem to have gotten a little too excited.

Sin_Chase · 8 Jun 2014 at 20:39

jigger said:
I think you need to chill out a bit mate. You seem to have gotten a little too excited.

I think you need to think before you post such broad statements as "Seems like you can update the firmware of monitors that are all ready available."

Right after your own quotation which says this will in all likeliness not be the case. It seems you are the one whom is a little bit too excited about a technology and business you do not understand.

ICDP · 9 Jun 2014 at 19:00

Sin_Chase said:
I think you need to think before you post such broad statements as "Seems like you can update the firmware of monitors that are all ready available."

Right after your own quotation which says this will in all likeliness not be the case. It seems you are the one whom is a little bit too excited about a technology and business you do not understand.

His statement is factually correct, it is not explicitly stating we will get those firmware updates made available, but it can be done.

Though it is not unheard off for monitor firmware upgrades to be released it is usually for fixes. I can't imagine firmware updates will be made available for feature updates to be honest. The manufacturer would more likely want to ensure we purchase a "new" model.

jigger · 9 Jun 2014 at 19:38

ICDP said:
His statement is factually correct, it is not explicitly stating we will get those firmware updates made available, but it can be done.

Though it is not unheard off for monitor firmware upgrades to be released it is usually for fixes. I can't imagine firmware updates will be made available for feature updates to be honest. The manufacturer would more likely want to ensure we purchase a "new" model.

I would normally agree but if the generic Korean 2560x1440 monitors support the feature then it's going to be impossible for Catleap to charge extra for feature that QNIX offer for free. I think the bigger firms like Asus and Dell will push the standard and market monitors as Display port 1.2a and "FreeSync" ready, but leave the Korean manufactures to it as they can't really compete.