Variable frame-rate displays have been around in various forms for decades. The only thing new is that is is being done on LCD instead of CRT or projector.
Also, it takes far longer to get amendments to a standard ratified than it does to build a frame buffering/repeating device to fake variable frame rate display. Yes, fake. LCD tech requires refresh at certain intervals to maintain the image, so the nVidia solution is to replay the old image at that next interval, then play the new image as soon as it is ready (even if an LCD refresh isn't needed).
This is just display-level double buffering - something that really shouldn't require much extra display logic or hardware. You can keep the last completed frame in the frame buffer of the video card and time updates relative to the forced display refresh (20hz as an example). If you can get a completed frame to the frame buffer before the next forced refresh, you update the frame buffer and trigger a display refresh with a signal to the display (only new display 'logic' required). This update resets the clock until the next required refresh.
If you can't make the deadline, you simply leave the frame buffer intact and wait until the refresh, then you update the buffer again and trigger a display redraw.
nVidia's solution is crude and invasive - the only purpose it has is to make it appear like they are doing something special or innovative.
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Re:
Variable frame-rate displays have been around in various forms for decades. The only thing new is that is is being done on LCD instead of CRT or projector.
Also, it takes far longer to get amendments to a standard ratified than it does to build a frame buffering/repeating device to fake variable frame rate display. Yes, fake. LCD tech requires refresh at certain intervals to maintain the image, so the nVidia solution is to replay the old image at that next interval, then play the new image as soon as it is ready (even if an LCD refresh isn't needed).
This is just display-level double buffering - something that really shouldn't require much extra display logic or hardware. You can keep the last completed frame in the frame buffer of the video card and time updates relative to the forced display refresh (20hz as an example). If you can get a completed frame to the frame buffer before the next forced refresh, you update the frame buffer and trigger a display refresh with a signal to the display (only new display 'logic' required). This update resets the clock until the next required refresh.
If you can't make the deadline, you simply leave the frame buffer intact and wait until the refresh, then you update the buffer again and trigger a display redraw.
nVidia's solution is crude and invasive - the only purpose it has is to make it appear like they are doing something special or innovative.