The gist of it: the Adaptive-Sync Display version 1.1 standard offers more comprehensive testing, improving the accuracy of variable refresh rate performance representation. It expands G2G testing from a 5×5 to a 9×9 test matrix, tripling the number of test scenarios. The new limits based on Perceptual Quantization values, replacing the fixed percentage overshoot and undershoot limits, provide a better alignment with human sensitivity to light.
On the downside, the new standards are significantly more stringent, requiring extensive retesting and potential redesign of current products to meet the revised requirements. Additionally, the existing products designed to meet the original 1.0 specification will only be certified until the end of August 2023.
| Aspect | MediaSync Display Tier | Adaptive-Sync Display Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive-Sync range | At least 48 Hz to 60 Hz | At least 60 Hz to 144 Hz |
| Judder Testing | < 1 ms across 10 international framerate standards | < 1 ms across 10 international framerate standards |
| Dropped frames | Tested for randomized frame rate | Tested for randomized frame rate |
| Overdrive | Under 20% overshoot and 15% undershoot in GtG tests | Under 20% overshoot and 15% undershoot in GtG tests |
| Response time | No specific requirement | Average GtG response time of under 5 ms, calculated using an average of performance across 20 GtG combinations |
| Flicker tests | Not specifically required | Four tests relating to the problem of flicker |
| Default settings | Tested at default settings | Tested at default settings |
| Temperature effects | Not specifically mentioned | Noted that increase in temperature can improve GtG spec |
| Logo information | Logo only | Logo includes number indicating max refresh rate at which Adaptive-Sync operation has been tested at the display’s factory default settings and native resolution |
The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has been instrumental in establishing open standards for the video display industry, with its Adaptive-Sync Display Compliance Test Specification (Adaptive-Sync Display CTS) having emerged as a vital tool in the measurement of front-of-screen performance of variable refresh rate displays. This specification outlines a clear and consistent set of metrics to allow consumers to compare the variable refresh rate performance of different displays that support the VESA Adaptive-Sync protocol.
Background
VESA first published the Adaptive-Sync Display CTS in May 2022. This open standard provided a major leap forward in the assessment of variable refresh rate displays, offering the industry and consumers alike a transparent way to evaluate and compare the performance of different display products. The original Adaptive-Sync Display 1.0 specification encompassed a comprehensive set of more than 50 test criteria, an automated testing methodology, and performance mandates for PC monitors and laptops supporting VESA’s Adaptive-Sync protocols.
The New Adaptive-Sync Display Version 1.1
VESA recently announced the publication of the first major update to its Adaptive-Sync Display CTS, dubbed Adaptive-Sync Display Version 1.1. This updated specification offers more comprehensive and robust testing. A notable change includes the expansion of gray to gray (G2G) testing from a 5×5 test matrix to a subset of a larger 9×9 test matrix, effectively tripling the number of G2G test scenarios.
In addition, the fixed percentage overshoot and undershoot limits when overdrive is enabled have been replaced with limits based on values of Perceptual Quantization (PQ), an approach that is better aligned with human sensitivity to light. This significant change ensures a more accurate representation of the display’s variable refresh rate performance, including a significant reduction in undershoot allowances.
Implications and Industry Feedback
According to Roland Wooster, chairman of the VESA Display Performance Metrics Task Group, these updates will lead to an overall tighter specification, resulting in better variable refresh rate performance in displays for consumers. These changes reflect VESA’s ongoing commitment to refine their specifications based on industry feedback.
Furthermore, the Adaptive-Sync Display logo program, introduced a year ago, has been well-received, with over 75 certified displays to date. This success not only highlights the acceptance of the Adaptive-Sync Display standard among display OEMs, but also the momentum built from VESA’s DisplayHDR specification and logo program, the association’s most successful front-of-screen performance specification to date.
V. Future of VESA Adaptive-Sync Display Specification
VESA will continue to accept product certification under the previous Adaptive-Sync Display 1.0 specification until the end of August 2023. This grace period is designed to accommodate products already in development designed to meet the original specification.
Display Week Symposium, Seminar & Exhibition
VESA is set to showcase product demonstrations of its latest video standards, including Adaptive-Sync Display, at the Display Week Symposium, Seminar & Exhibition, from May 21-26, 2023, in Los Angeles. The event will include demonstrations of products certified to the AdaptiveSync Display 240 performance tier, such as the LG UltraGear OLED 240Hz curved gaming monitor and the MSI Raider GE67 HX OLED 240Hz QHD gaming laptop.
The event will also feature multiple DisplayPort 2.1 certified products, including the new AMD Radeon PRO W7000 Series graphics card and the Dell Ultrasharp U3224KB 6K monitor, in a professional workstation and creator configuration operating at the DisplayPort UHBR13.
