Samsung launches first monitors with FreeSync over HDMI

[Scorpus]

Samsung has today unveiled the first monitors that support AMD's FreeSync variable refresh technology over HDMI, instead of through DisplayPort. While the experience should be mostly the same, delivering FreeSync over HDMI allows consumers to use more common (and often cheaper) cables and connectors.

The three monitors Samsung has unveiled all pack 1080p displays, and all support FreeSync over HDMI, although unfortunately the refresh rate is capped at just 60 Hz. All three monitors also use VA LCD panels, with brightness and contrast ratings of 250 nits and 3000:1 respectively.

For those that prefer flat displays, these new monitors might not be for you, as Samsung has implemented a 1800R (1800mm radius) curve in all three. This is a pretty strong curve as far as curved displays are concerned, with many other monitors opting for less tight 2700R or 3000R curves.

The three curved monitors on offer with FreeSync over HDMI are split between two lines: CF591, as a single 27-inch monitor; and CF390, where there's 23.5- and 27-inch models available.

The main differences between these monitors are in features, with the CF591 covering 117% of the sRGB color space, and offering dual HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and built-in 5W speakers. The CF390 series doesn't offer any of these features, instead packing just HDMI and VGA.

Samsung's new monitors will be hitting the market in March for those in the United States, Europe and Asia, with other markets to follow in April. Pricing has yet to be announced.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/63951-samsung-launches-first-monitors-freesync-over-hdmi.html

 

[Technician]

Curved... yuk. This is way too small to utilize a curve.

 

[Raoul Duke]

The curve is my concern as well, want to get a larger monitor since computer is most of the time a media centre and I don't own a TV, but worried this curve stuff is a fad that will go much like 3d. If they have a nice panel the viewing angles should be fine without a curve. What does everyone else think, especially if you have a curved one?

 

[Greg S]

My friend swears that the curve reduces eye strain since your eyes don't have to adjust their focal distance because it's theoretically the same distance from your eyes to just about all points on the center line of the monitor. I don't know if I buy into this completely but it sounds good in theory.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

What's the use of variable refresh rate if you're capped at 60 Hz?

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

Curved... yuk. This is way too small to utilize a curve.

LG doesn't agree with you. They released a couple of 5.5" curved phones if memory serves correct.

 

[cliffordcooley]

My friend swears that the curve reduces eye strain since your eyes don't have to adjust their focal distance because it's theoretically the same distance from your eyes to just about all points on the center line of the monitor. I don't know if I buy into this completely but it sounds good in theory.

And here I am thinking I have less eye strain when I do exercise my eyes more.

 

[Evernessince]

What's the use of variable refresh rate if you're capped at 60 Hz?

No screen tearing at any FPS without the need for V-Sync. AMD implemented the same system as G-Sync that doubles frames when the refresh rate is below the minimum as well so gaming at lower FPS should be more tolerable. I don't see a reason not to have variable refresh on every monitor. Screen tearing sucks and so does V-Sync. AMD's solution is easy to implement so why not?