Nvidia’s 65 inch PC display will turn your Windows 10 PC or Apple Mac into an over-the-top computing hub
Last Sunday, Nvidia has finally unveiled its new BFGD (Big Format Gaming Display), at CES, but what is exactly a BFGD, and how is it different from any other regular 4K HDTV?
For starters, Nvidia’s new 65-inch display is a fully-fledged 4K HDR PC display, designed specifically for high-end gaming, with a 120Hz refresh rate, and G-Sync support.
Will this display replace your TV?
These displays are primarily targeted towards gamers, but it’s likely that these devices will integrate many common home theater features, such as overlay controls that allow access to streaming apps, and app stores, enabling users to watch UHD, HDX and 4K content, as well as streaming games and apps that can run on the display’s own built-in system.
With that said, the staggering 120Hz refresh rate might not be supported by Android apps, which means that screen-tearing may still occur when playing games that are not running on a connected PC.
What games support 4K and 120Hz refresh rate?
Most Triple-A titles, including Apex Motorsport, No Man’s Sky, and Fallout 4, support 4K resolutions, and can be “hacked” to remove the default 60Hz refresh rate cap.
It’s important to keep in mind that these display don’t dub as gaming PCs (not yet), and in order to fully benefit from the amazing resolution, definition and G-Sync features, a high-end gaming PC is required, just as it would be for VR headsets.
Will it work on your Apple Mac?
This is really a question for Apple Inc., as the proprietary nature of the Mac OS ecosystem requires extended compatibility and drivers to connect to special devices.
With that said, Apple has shown a particular emphasis on high-performance computing with its newest addition to the Mac lineup, the Apple iMac Pro, a Mac whose specs, at their highest, can amount to a value comparable to that of a compact sedan.
In addition, it seems increasingly unlikely that Apple will start making stand-alone displays any time soon. In fact, Apple itself encourages customers to shop for third-party brands, such as LG and Acer.
By this token, Acer, Asus and HP are all committing to market their own BFGDs, potentially compatible with most Windows 10 PCs and possibly even Apple Macs.
When can you get one, and how much will it cost?
Big Format Gaming Displays won’t be cheap. A 65 inch display of any kind, including your most average home theater’s TV, comes with a 4-digit price tag. When adding features like 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and G-Sync, a 6-digits price tag may very well be quite probable.
There is no information yet as to when manufacturers will begin marketing these displays, but considering that Nvidia’s model looks definitely production-ready, a 2018 announcement could be in the cards.
How will it work on your regular laptop or home PC?
Most modern laptops and desktops will likely work just fine, without requiring multiple USB-C cords, as it used to happen for Apple’s now retired Thunderbolt Display. These displays will connect directly to the power grid, just as any other big appliance.
The achievable resolution depends on the operating system. Windows 10 is capable of handling resolutions up to 10K, while Apple Macs will be just fine handling 4K resolutions, as they already do when it comes to older iMacs.
The only difference is G-Sync support, which is a feature that concerns gamers primarily. Windows 10 provides solid support for G-Sync, offering tear-free screen refresh, and the smoothest, lag-less gameplay..
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