• Hardware

  • Native 8-bit tn display (Asus ROG Swift PG278Q)

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has had any success in reducing eye strain with native 8-bit displays that don't need to dither? As far as I can determine the Asus ROG Swift PG278Q is the only native 8-bit tn display that truely doesn't dither, I've seen reports of other native 8-bit monitors that still dither.

If I understand it correctly the snowy/noisy look monitors can have is due to dithering (I don't know if others can see it, might just be me).

I've tried every a lot of eye friendly monitors looking for the solution to my monitor induced headaches - best I've found so far is the AOC N20W - its ccfl and flicker free at the highest brightness setting (which is spot on, its a very dim monitor by normal standards) but it does use temporal dithering. I'm using an nvidia gtx 660 and find it best of what I've tried for eyestrain. Like others I've found AMD GPUs a lot worse, but worryingly I've found newer nvidia gpus to be problematic (GTX 970). Also, can never tolerate anything hooked up to a DVI port - no idea why.

Because of this I'm wondering if temporal dithering is the cause of my eyestrain - though I'm open to suggestions on other avenues to explore. Of note - regardless of setup/type I've never been able to tolerate IPS panels, near instant migraine whenever I've used one.

Thanks
Rob

    Seagull but worryingly I've found newer nvidia gpus to be problematic (GTX 970).

    Have you checked if you can disable dithering for these? Or suspect it's something else?
    To really test you can take the gtx 660 (or others) and enable temporal dithering and see if that makes it worse..
    I just recently started using a gtx 750 (instead of Intel HD 4400 Graphics) and I'm liking the results so far

        Slacor

        My problems with the GTX 970 are quite strange to be honest, first one I had I could use but only using two specific ports of the 6 available. Second GTX970 I've used (warranty replacement), I could not use it in any configuration without strain. It could be coincidence, but I've only ever had specific problems with GPUs that use 8pin or greater power connections.
        With that in the mind its inconclusive why the GTX970 is causing me problems, I still have the card if you want me to test it in any way for you.

        I don't know if there is any dithering occurring at the GPU/OS level, but the monitor is definitely dithering at the hardware level using FRC.
        I will give enabling dithering a try and see what the effects are.

        • JTL replied to this.

            Seagull

            It could be coincidence, but I've only ever had specific problems with GPUs that use 8pin or greater

            Most likely explanation. All it means is the card requires more power from the PSU.

            GTX970 is causing me problems, I still have the card if you want me to test it in any way for you.

            Are you sure the card's not defective in any other way, ie by running stress tests, etc.

            Also why not try a no-dithering IPS panel? Or have you already gone that route?

            • JTL replied to this.

                JTL Ah.

                I read your other post about having problems with IPS monitors. I do know of a Samung 28 inch 4K monitor that uses a native 10-bit TN panel.

                Model is Samsung U28D590D. A friend of mine has one so I might get around to trying it 😉

                  That samsung monitor is very interesting, though I'm getting mixed reports on its native colours.

                  https://pcmonitors.info/reviews/samsung-u28d590d/
                  Tells me uses 8-bit+FRC without noticable dithering (bit of a contradiction?)

                  if I don't have a 10-bit capable card (fairly sure I don't) will it only display 8-bit, therefore the question of dithering to get it up to 10-bit is redundant?

                  Thanks the for the help JTL, I've bought an asus PG278Q to try, if that's successful (confirming dithering is the problem) I will probably try the samsung aswell - specially given the asus monitor doesn't represent great value.

                    Seagull if I don't have a 10-bit capable card (fairly sure I don't) will it only display 8-bit, therefore the question of dithering to get it up to 10-bit is redundant?

                    Correct

                      a month later

                      ThackeryBinks

                      It was marginally better, but not enough to justify the cost (and reported reliability issues). It didn't noticeably dither though, but it transpires I'm ok with dithering.

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