NVIDIA has introduced its revolutionary G-Sync Ultra Low Motion Blur (ULMB) 2, marking the second generation of this advanced technology designed to significantly reduce motion blur in competitive gaming scenarios. Compared to the original ULMB launched in 2015, NVIDIA claims that this latest iteration provides nearly double the brightness levels, while effectively eliminating the strobing and double-image artifacts that occasionally arise when motion blur reduction features are activated. This enhancement makes for a much smoother and more visually appealing gaming experience, particularly in fast-paced action titles where clarity is crucial.
The quality of motion displayed is heavily influenced by the pixel response time of the monitor. To address this, NVIDIA has implemented a technique known as “full refresh rate backlight strobing,” which is an enhancement over the original ULMB technology. While the previous version improved motion clarity for many users, it required the monitor’s backlight to be disabled 75% of the time, which unfortunately resulted in diminished brightness levels. With ULMB 2, users can enjoy a superior visual experience without compromising on brightness, leading to an overall enhancement in gaming performance.
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With the advancements brought by ULMB 2, NVIDIA has achieved the capability to synchronize the display’s refresh rate with the precise timing of the backlight toggling. This innovative approach ensures that the backlight only activates when the pixels are at the desired color value for each frame. By doing so, NVIDIA effectively reduces crosstalk, a common issue where users might see pixels transitioning between colors. This meticulous synchronization contributes to a more immersive and fluid gaming experience, allowing players to focus on their gameplay without distractions.
This innovative method addresses the challenges faced by older monitors with slower pixel refresh rates. ULMB 2 can operate at the full refresh rate of modern displays, achieving remarkable performance. For instance, on a 360Hz monitor, each backlight strobe occurs every 2.7 nanoseconds, a timing that is imperceptible to the human eye. This rapid response not only enhances visual clarity but also provides gamers with a competitive edge in high-speed gaming environments.
The culmination of these advancements means NVIDIA can deliver significantly higher brightness levels alongside an effective motion clarity exceeding 1000Hz. When utilizing a 360Hz monitor with ULMB 2 enabled, NVIDIA claims that users can experience an effective motion quality of 1440Hz. This is particularly impressive, as without ULMB 2, a monitor capable of 1440Hz would be necessary to achieve similar motion clarity. As the market evolves with 500Hz monitors becoming available, the prospect of mainstream 1440Hz monitors seems increasingly attainable.
NVIDIA has showcased ULMB 2 in action through various demonstrations. In the video featured below, viewers can observe a breathtaking slow-motion sequence of a bike chase captured at 360 frames per second, with the ULMB 2 feature toggled on and off for comparison. This visual representation allows potential users to appreciate the stunning improvements in motion clarity and responsiveness.
ULMB 2 is now available as a complimentary upgrade for compatible 1440p, 360Hz G-Sync monitors. Currently, NVIDIA identifies only two such models on the market: the Acer Predator XB273U and the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQN, both featuring a 27-inch display size. Additionally, the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP, a 25-inch 1080p, 540Hz monitor, along with the 27-inch AOC AGON AG276QSG G-Sync Monitor, are also set to be compatible and will be available soon, expanding options for gamers seeking enhanced visual performance.
At Computex, NVIDIA unveiled ULMB 2 alongside various AI innovations aimed at assisting businesses in developing generative AI models. The company also showcased technology designed to enable gamers to interact with in-game characters using their microphones, further enhancing the gaming experience by creating more immersive and interactive environments.
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