G-SYNC HDR Announced, First Two 4K 144Hz Monitors Available in Q2 2017

While it wasn't part of NVIDIA's CES 2017 keynote, G-SYNC HDR was also announced yesterday. As you might expect, it's an evolution of the existing G-SYNC monitor technology that adds High Dynamic Range (HDR) to the mix.

According to NVIDIA, G-SYNC HDR displays were created alongside AU Optronics to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. Unlike HDR TVs, these monitors were designed from the get-go with gaming in mind. As a result, they will feature virtually non-existent additional input latency whereas most TVs add a significant amount while gaming in HDR.

The first two G-SYNC HDR monitors to be announced at CES 2017 were the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and the Acer Predator XB272-HDR; they will be available in Q2 2017, according to the press release.

Both these 4K 144 Hz displays will use the full array of 384-zone backlights as well as "cutting edge" Quantum Dot technology.

The backlight illuminates the screen, and with 384 individually-controllable LED backlight zones, light will only be shown when and where it is required, enabling G-SYNC HDR displays to simultaneously produce bright bold colors and deep blacks, reminiscent of the very best plasma displays. Monitors with fewer backlight zones, edge-lit backlight zones, or with only a single global backlight are incapable of matching the contrast and image quality of the new 4K G-SYNC HDR monitors, and with 384 controllable zones we have unparalleled control over the picture, producing the best images you’ve ever seen on an LCD gaming display.

To further enhance the monitor we have applied a Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF), to create deep saturated reds and greens out of the blue light produced by the 384 controllable LED backlight zones. First used on high-end HDR televisions, QDEF film is coated with nano-sized dots that emit light of a very specific color depending on the size of the dot, producing bright, saturated and vibrant colors through the whole spectrum, from deep greens and reds, to intense blues. This enables a far larger set of colors to be displayed, producing pictures that more accurately reflect the scenes and colors you see in real life. The end result is a color space 25% larger than the traditional sRGB color space, close to the DCI-P3 standard used in the best digital cinemas.

The full specifications shared via press release can be found below. On PC few games support HDR right now; Shadow Warrior 2 was the first one and Mass Effect: Andromeda will soon follow. Hopefully, game developers will accelerate support now that HDR monitors are finally about to hit the market.

Asus did just mention the price of the PG27UQ - it will retail at $1199, while there's no word yet on the price of the Acer Predator display.

• World’s first 4K (3840 x 2160), 144Hz, G-SYNC HDR gaming monitors
• 2 models:  Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator XB272-HDR available in Q2.
• Monitors certified by NVIDIA and fully integrated into GeForce Platform for the best end-to-end gaming experience
• Hallmark G-SYNC variable refresh rate technology for tear-free, smooth and responsive gameplay
• Unrivaled HDR image quality with vivid intensity, color and contrast
• 1000 nits peak brightness
• 384 zone full-array dynamically controlled direct LED backlight
• DCI-P3 cinema grade color gamut with Quantum Dot technology
• DP 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs
• HDR10 support
• Virtually zero input latency from pixel arrival at monitor to photon emission from LCD (HDR TVs introduce 22-41ms latency).

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