The stars finally seem to be aligning for the launch of AMD’s FreeSync monitor technology, which forces the refresh rate of your graphics card and your display to synchronize, eliminating ugly screen tearing and reducing stuttering issues. After months of teasing the tech, AMD rolled out FreeSync support in its sweeping, feature-packed Catalyst Omega driver, shortly after Samsung announced a line of FreeSync-compatible 4K monitors. Now, LG’s poised to launch a FreeSync display that seems tailor made for gamers: A 34-inch model with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio.
Alas, LG isn’t saying much about its UltraWide Gaming Monitor (34UM67) except for the fact that it exists, it’s ultrawide, and it supports AMD’s FreeSync. The company teased features like ‘Black Stabilizer’ and input lag-reducing ‘Dynamic Action Sync’ in its press release, but remained mum on crucial tidbits like screen resolution, refresh rate, panel type, inputs, and price. But the wide field of view and FreeSync support sound like a great combo for action-loving gamers—at least on paper.
AMD An example of screen tearing, which AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync technologies are designed to eliminate.
LG plans to out the 34UM67 in full at CES 2015 next week. AMD told PCWorld that at least three hardware vendors will be showing off FreeSync monitors at the show. The first FreeSync-compatible displays are expected to ship in early 2015; Samsung’s already committed to a March launch for its 4K models.
Displays featuring Nvidia’s competing G-Sync technology started slowly trickling out in the latter half of 2014. Nvidia’s implementation requires display makers to add a proprietary hardware module to their monitor, which drives up costs, while AMD’s FreeSync doesn’t need extra hardware outside of a standard DisplayPort 1.2a controller.
Beyond gaming, LG also announced curved ultrawide displays designed for graphic design and other professional uses. One model, the Curved UltraWide Multi-Display (34UC87M), was designed around compatibility with various multi-monitor setups. They’ll be in action at CES 2015 as well.