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[llien]

It's finally happening - a variable refresh rate (VRR) technology is hitting the mainstream. Microsoft's Larry Hyrb and AMD's Antal Tungler announced the coming of the feature to the Xbox family of consoles yesterday, on an Xbox live stream (follow the link for the correct time stamp). This move likely marks a turning point in the VRR landscape, as this is likely just the beginning of FreeSync support on consoles - while the PlayStation side of the equation has remained silent until now, the usage of AMD-powered graphics on that console also marks an opportunity for FreeSync to increase its market impact even more. Where does this leave NVIDIA's G-Sync? Well, it depends on the market development, but one thing is for sure: FreeSync already is a royalty-free solution, and is now in the process of receiving a much more relevant consumer base than G-Sync could ever dream of.

FreeSync 2 + HDR support was touted for the Xbox One X from its introduction, but has been absent post launch. Now, users on the Xbox Insider fast ring should receive an update in the next few days that delivers the technology to their Xbox One X and Xbox One S games consoles. Users of the original Xbox One will also receive FreeSync support, albeit on its gen 1 iteration - which is still the more relevant today. All in all, this likely means that console games will move away from their locked 30 or 60 FPS frame rates in favor of variable refresh rates - which, when paired with a FreeSync-capable monitor (or TV set) will bring much improved graphics smoothness.

Of course, FreeSync being introduced to TVs is still a pretty barren landscape, so news of G-Sync's demise may be a Mark Twain-esque exaggeration. However, with 2018 TV sets moving to support the HDMI 2.1 standard with its built-in VRR technology means the opportunity cost for actual FreeSync implementation in TVs is very low. Should this scenario actually come to pass, then yes, G-Sync may have its days counted.



Techpowerup

 

[Vasto]

Cool stuff that I look forward to seeing when the Free Sync TVs come.

 

[Shifty]

Oh neat, I remember hearing the rumblings on this when it first came out. Nice to see it solidify into something usable!

In for open standards winning out over proprietary ones.

 

[Leonidas]

This was the best news to come out of the inaugural Inside Xbox. Here's hoping other console manufacturers soon adopt VRR technology as well.

 

[GoldenEye98]

Impressive that it's coming to Xbox One S as well. Thought it was only coming to the X.

Doesn't seem to be many FreeSync 2 monitors out there yet. Hoping someone will release a 1080p one.

 

[Armorian]

Will it work on monitors or what? Xbox S in support means there is no reason for PS4 Pro not to support it (outside of Sony idiocy).

 

[JimboJones]

Will it work on monitors or what? Xbox S in support means there is no reason for PS4 Pro not to support it (outside of Sony idiocy).

Don't see why not, guess well see in the coming weeks i'm sure there will be lots people testing it out!

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Another feature that is being implemented is 1440p support which I still feel is the better sweet spot vs 4k gaming. I have 4k displays and yes at times games can look amazing but prefer gaming on my 1440p.

I would take 1440p 60 FPS over 4k 30 any day of the week IF games could go that way.

I have had this monitor for awhile now and look forward to getting these features.

And yes it supports Freesync 2 over HDMI.

https://www.samsung.com/us/computin...ming-monitor-with-quantum-dot-lc27hg70qqnxza/

A decent review of the 32" version here.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/samsung_c32hg70.htm

 

[DemonCleaner]

great that this feature is upgradable on older Hardware. so we certainly will see this on ps4 also. bums me out even more that HDMI2.1 wasn't shown at the last CES and the subsequent TV lines.

 

[Insane Metal]

This is amazing, props to MS.

 

[LOLCats]

cant wait to see g-sync die and freesync become the standard (free/included at no cost) feature.

Death to GSYNC!

 

[Damerman]

Sony needs to jump on this

 

[Jigsaah]

Will this matter on a Samsung KS8000? Not a tech saavy guy.

 

[INC]

Freesync + 1440p native support for my pspro would be music to my ears

 

[llien]

Will this matter on a Samsung KS8000? Not a tech saavy guy.

Not an answer to your question, 2018 models will:


My humble opinion on your hardware is, technically likely doable, whether Samsung will bother, nobody knows.

 

[demigod]

Will this matter on a Samsung KS8000? Not a tech saavy guy.

Nope it won't. Good that this will be standard but the bad news is, it won't affect many people at all unless you currently have a freesync monitor and want to hook up your xbox to it.

 

[ShirAhava]

I owned a PS4 for four years but sold it recently this kind of stuff is going to push me towards Xbox for the first time in many years

Waiting for Freesync 2 monitors/tvs now...between Freesync, 4k BD, BC and the overall difference in media support the Xbox one is really crawling out of the grave to look like the choice for a new generation sony just isn't doing anything I care about VR and cinematic exclusives bore me

 

[Shpeshal Nick]

How is it possible on the One S though?

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

I owned a PS4 for four years but sold it recently this kind of stuff is going to push me towards Xbox for the first time in many years

Waiting for Freesync 2 monitors/tvs now...between Freesync, 4k BD, BC and the overall difference in media support the Xbox one is really crawling out of the grave to look like the choice for a new generation sony just isn't doing anything I care about VR and cinematic exclusives bore me

Samsung already has a monitor that supports Freesync 2 though its only 1440p

 

[Vitacat]

This is potentially a great development.

Unfortunately, it will mean very little to most people for at least a few years, since they'll need brand new TV's with freesync support.

 

[MrTroubleMaker]

nice!

 

[elmalloc]

Unless Nvidia switches over to use FreeSync, I could be wrong but I doubt GSync will die. From what I remember FreeSync is AMD's solution, and XBOX ONE X uses an AMD GPU, hence Free Sync support.

 

[Jigsaah]

Not an answer to your question, 2018 models will:


My humble opinion on your hardware is, technically likely doable, whether Samsung will bother, nobody knows.

You'd think that because Samsung has a partnership with Xbox that they would push for this on all their 4k TV's right?

Maybe I'm just being super hopeful here. The games I play (specifically Fortnite, Gears, Halo, Forza...look ridiculous on this TV. I know there's better now but geez, how much better can it get?

 

[Trogdor1123]

Wait, I thought this required special hardware?

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

The early specs of the X always said it was going to have HDMI 2.1.

Only being able to speak to the monitor I have it doesnt have full HDMI 2.1 even though it has FreeSync 2.

 

[Reizo Ryuu]

Unless Nvidia switches over to use FreeSync, I could be wrong but I doubt GSync will die. From what I remember FreeSync is AMD's solution, and XBOX ONE X uses an AMD GPU, hence Free Sync support.

...nobody is stating otherwise.
Freesync is going to have the biggest marketshare after this, more support for freesync potentially means less support for gsync, because why make your TV/monitor more expensive by supporting both?

 

[elmalloc]

Well someone is wishing for Gsync to die, that is why I mentioned that. I didn't say I have a preference, although most of my video cards are Nvidias. It helps for consoles to have FreeSync for sure, but before this announcement FYI, Nvidia has 73% of the GPU market share and AMD's market share is falling (down to 27%). Although GSync is usually a premium item compared to FreeSync, I hope Nvidia adopts FreeSync and there is only one. I kind of liken GSync to Nintendo (sometimes), they don't care about a mass market appeal, they have a market they address.

Nvidia loves to sell you a $1000 GPU to pair with a $300 monitor, that's definitely beens Gsync's main issue, price - Nvidia doesn't really care.

 

[Dice]

This will be nice for TEW2.

 

[Rourkey]

Aren’t FreeSync and Gsync both about to be replaced by VRR beng included in the HDMI spec?

 

[Zuzzissm0]

Another feature that is being implemented is 1440p support which I still feel is the better sweet spot vs 4k gaming. I have 4k displays and yes at times games can look amazing but prefer gaming on my 1440p.

I would take 1440p 60 FPS over 4k 30 any day of the week IF games could go that way.

I have had this monitor for awhile now and look forward to getting these features.

And yes it supports Freesync 2 over HDMI.

https://www.samsung.com/us/computin...ming-monitor-with-quantum-dot-lc27hg70qqnxza/

A decent review of the 32" version here.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/samsung_c32hg70.htm

I have the 32“ and loving it although the hdr is not that good

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

I have the 32“ and loving it although the hdr is not that good

I agree the HDR is fake but the colors are amazing even with the HDR off.

Honestly I have an HDR 10 TV and I don't think I would want a full HDR 10 monitor sitting 2-3 feet from my face, I like my eyes too much as this monitor already hurts my eyes looking at something bright.

 

[llien]

Unless Nvidia switches over to use FreeSync, I could be wrong but I doubt GSync will die. From what I remember FreeSync is AMD's solution, and XBOX ONE X uses an AMD GPU, hence Free Sync support.

nVidia's point of Gsync-ing is carving out market share to get premium money for VRR.

Honestly I have an HDR 10 TV and I don't think I would want a full HDR 10 monitor sitting 2-3 feet from my face, I like my eyes too much as this monitor already hurts my eyes looking at something bright.

My thoughts exactly. Remember displayport certification for HDR. The go for much less than 1000 nit too.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

nVidia's point of Gsync-ing is carving out market share to get premium money for VRR.




My thoughts exactly. Remember displayport certification for HDR. The go for much less than 1000 nit too.

Thats true because my Samsung monitor shows it displays HDR 10 but its not near as bright as my TV.

I

 

[Zuzzissm0]

I agree the HDR is fake but the colors are amazing even with the HDR off.

Honestly I have an HDR 10 TV and I don't think I would want a full HDR 10 monitor sitting 2-3 feet from my face, I like my eyes too much as this monitor already hurts my eyes looking at something bright.

So Freesync 2 is now working with it but not with HDR Games

 

[Gek54]

Forza Horizon 4 unlocked framerate with FreeSync.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Forza Horizon 4 unlocked framerate with FreeSync.

With a 1440p unlocked frame rate option please, let it get close to 100 fps.

 

[Zuzzissm0]

With a 1440p unlocked frame rate option please, let it get close to 100 fps.

Are you in the preview alpha ring? Since the Freesync update my Samung chg70 switches from 1440p to 4K when I start a HDR game. I think the Xbox is outputting 4K and not 1440p like before

 

[Inviusx]

So is freesync basically like having vsync turned off and still without tearing?

 

[Joyful]

So is freesync basically like having vsync turned off and still without tearing?

yes

 

[CeeJay]

Any freesync support for OG Xbox One?

 

[Armorian]

Any freesync support for OG Xbox One?

Too old HDMI i guess.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Are you in the preview alpha ring? Since the Freesync update my Samung chg70 switches from 1440p to 4K when I start a HDR game. I think the Xbox is outputting 4K and not 1440p like before

I will have to look closer at that as I havent noticed the X switching but will check.

 

[deriks]

God level of console gaming

 

[JohnnyFootball]

While I’m not complaining about options I don’t see this being much of a big deal. I mean aren’t by and large the vast majority of games locked at 30 FPS with some locked at 60 fps.

Wouldn’t they have to unlock the frame rate to take advantage?

 

[shpankey]

Aren’t FreeSync and Gsync both about to be replaced by VRR beng included in the HDMI spec?

This

 

[GoldenEye98]

This

I think the Nvidia showing off those BFGD TV's tells me they are trying to head that off..

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

If you read the wording on HDMI 2.1 support it sounds a lot like VRR will not be a forced feature and up to the manufacturer.

Enhanced Refresh Rate Features
Q: Are these primary for gaming applications?
A: Certain aspects are better suited for gaming, but it depends on how the manufacturers implement the features. For example, for better gaming, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that synchs up source and display with continually changing refresh rate, and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) that allows frames to transmit faster from the source, both allow for smoother, no-lag, and no screen tearing gaming experiences.

Q: How is video or movie viewing any better?
A: When you switch between sources and their content sometimes there is a lag or dead screen while devices change resolutions, refresh rates or TV viewing modes; but Quick Media Switching (QMS) switches and sets those automatically and very quickly so viewing is uninterrupted and smooth.

Q: Can products have a combination of these features?
A: Yes, but it depends on each manufacturer’s implementation, so it is necessary to carefully check their specifications and marketing materials.

Q: Are these features backwards compatible or do all the components have to be HDMI 2.1 enabled?
A: The devices have to be 2.1 enabled and also have the same feature capabilities enabled on both the source and display.

 

[entremet]

MS has been super aggressive with rebounding on the XB1. Great job from the awful initial showing.

 

[Dienekes]

If you read the wording on HDMI 2.1 support it sounds a lot like VRR will not be a forced feature and up to the manufacturer.

Q: Can products have a combination of these features?
A: Yes, but it depends on each manufacturer’s implementation, so it is necessary to carefully check their specifications and marketing materials.

Thanks for that info. That is REALLY dissapointing. The whole point of having a standard is completely defeated. Ugh.

 

[Zuzzissm0]

I will have to look closer at that as I havent noticed the X switching but will check.

Just open your monitor menu. The information tap will show you what resolution it is