VESA Introduces Adaptive-Sync 1.1a Standard for Dual-Mode Gaming Displays
In preparation for the upcoming CES 2024 trade show, VESA has announced the release of an update to their Adaptive-Sync Display standard. The new version, known as Adaptive-Sync Display 1.1a, is specifically designed to support forthcoming “dual-mode” gaming displays. These displays will have multiple resolution-dependent maximum refresh rates, allowing for higher refresh rates at high-DPI resolutions like 4K, and even higher refresh rates at 1080p and similar resolutions. This update to the standard will enable display manufacturers to certify their products accordingly.
The Rise of Dual-Mode Gaming Displays: What You Need to Know
Dual-mode displays, which offer higher maximum refresh rates at lower resolutions, are not entirely new in the gaming space. PC enthusiasts may be familiar with this concept from their experience with 4K TVs. In the past, HDMI 2.0-era sets offered either 60Hz support at 4K or 120Hz support at 1080p, due to cable bandwidth limitations. While the concept has diminished with the arrival of HDMI 2.1, it has not disappeared entirely. As we enter 2024, VESA and display manufacturers are set to launch a new generation of PC gaming displays that utilize the dual-mode concept to achieve even higher refresh rates at lower resolutions.
How Bandwidth Limitations Drive the Need for Dual-Mode Displays
VESA’s decision to update the Adaptive-Sync Display standard to include dual-mode certification for gaming displays is primarily driven by cable and processor bandwidth limitations. Despite the introduction of DisplayPort 2.1 as the fastest display cable standard, with UHBR 20 mode offering nearly 80Gbps of bandwidth, few source devices currently offer that level of bandwidth. AMD restricts UHBR 20 mode support to its Radeon Pro cards, and NVIDIA’s current-generation hardware does not support DisplayPort 2.x. Consequently, forthcoming 4K displays are capable of refresh rates exceeding 480Hz, but the necessary bandwidth to achieve such rates consistently at 4K is lacking.
LG and ASUS Tease Dual-Mode Gaming Displays: A Look at What’s to Come
Even though the VESA consortium does not announce specific products, LG and ASUS have both been teasing dual-mode gaming displays in recent months. These displays are expected to feature prominently at the CES, where more details will likely be unveiled. LG’s forthcoming LG 32GS95UE boasts a 32-inch 4K WOLED display with maximum refresh rates of 4K@240Hz and 1080p@480Hz. ASUS plans to use the same panel for its ROG Swift PG32UCDP, offering identical refresh rate options. The introduction of dual-mode gaming displays by these popular manufacturers is set to make a significant impact on the gaming market.
Overclocked Displays and the Updated Adaptive-Sync 1.1a Standard
As part of the Adaptive-Sync Display 1.1a update, VESA is also introducing support for overclocked displays. These displays offer a faster mode that is not enabled by default in the factory configuration. Under the updated specification, OEMs that offer monitors with overclocking modes will have the opportunity to pursue a higher certification level for Adaptive-Sync Display. However, to achieve this higher level of certification, these displays must meet the standard’s requirements in both factory and overclocked modes. Notably, VESA makes it clear that overclocked displays must support Adaptive-Sync-enabled GPUs in a non-proprietary manner, effectively ruling out any G-Sync exclusivity.
Expect to hear more about these new gaming displays and advancements in display technology at the CES show, as manufacturers begin to showcase their latest offerings.
Analyst comment
Positive news: VESA’s release of the Adaptive-Sync 1.1a standard for dual-mode gaming displays is expected to have a significant impact on the gaming market. Display manufacturers, such as LG and ASUS, are teasing their upcoming dual-mode displays with higher refresh rates at lower resolutions. The introduction of overclocked displays and support for non-proprietary Adaptive-Sync-enabled GPUs further enhance the market. More details are expected to be unveiled at the CES show, where manufacturers will showcase their latest offerings. This development will drive innovation and provide gamers with higher-performing displays.
