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EDID override to enable lightboost on an edge-lit panel?

Posted: 29 Dec 2013, 21:00
by trey31
Just as the title asks, would it be possible to enable Lightboost on non-Lightboost panel with an EDID override? Is it something that can be configured/activated at a driver/EDID level? Or is it an option only available via software menus of the hardware itself? I have no firsthand experience with the tech other than reading about it on blurbusters (my new favorite forum!)

Re: EDID override to enable lightboost on an edge-lit panel?

Posted: 29 Dec 2013, 23:08
by Chief Blur Buster
trey31 wrote:Just as the title asks, would it be possible to enable Lightboost on non-Lightboost panel with an EDID override? Is it something that can be configured/activated at a driver/EDID level? Or is it an option only available via software menus of the hardware itself? I have no firsthand experience with the tech other than reading about it on blurbusters (my new favorite forum!)
No, it is not possible.

Strobing require precise control of the monitor's backlight, by the monitor hardwqare.

phpBB [video]

The backlight is turned off while waiting for pixel transitions (unseen by human eyes), and the backlight is strobed only on fully-refreshed LCD frames (seen by human eyes). The strobes can be shorter than pixel transitions, breaking the pixel transition speed barrier! In addition, it eliminates the sample-and-hold effect.
So there you go -- LightBoost is a refresh-synchronized strobe backlight that flashes on each LCD refresh. This requires a computer monitor that is specifically designed to be able to do this. It flickers like a CRT, in exchange for gaining the motion clarity of a CRT.

Why all the EDID talk for LightBoost?
The EDID tricks, that you've been hearing about for LightBoost, is simply a symptom of LightBoost requiring a special video mode (custom timings & resolution) in order to work. The EDID is simply a method of providing a this special mode that LightBoost requires.

Not all brands of strobe backlights uses EDID
Not all strobe backlights (other than LightBoost) requires this special mode. For example, the BENQ XL2720Z strobe backlight is completely EDID independent, and is enabled via a monitor button (no software required) .

Re: EDID override to enable lightboost on an edge-lit panel?

Posted: 31 Dec 2013, 09:47
by trey31
Chief Blur Buster wrote:
trey31 wrote:Just as the title asks, would it be possible to enable Lightboost on non-Lightboost panel with an EDID override? Is it something that can be configured/activated at a driver/EDID level? Or is it an option only available via software menus of the hardware itself? I have no firsthand experience with the tech other than reading about it on blurbusters (my new favorite forum!)
No, it is not possible.

Strobing require precise control of the monitor's backlight, by the monitor hardwqare.

phpBB [video]

The backlight is turned off while waiting for pixel transitions (unseen by human eyes), and the backlight is strobed only on fully-refreshed LCD frames (seen by human eyes). The strobes can be shorter than pixel transitions, breaking the pixel transition speed barrier! In addition, it eliminates the sample-and-hold effect.
So there you go -- LightBoost is a refresh-synchronized strobe backlight that flashes on each LCD refresh. This requires a computer monitor that is specifically designed to be able to do this. It flickers like a CRT, in exchange for gaining the motion clarity of a CRT.

Why all the EDID talk for LightBoost?
The EDID tricks, that you've been hearing about for LightBoost, is simply a symptom of LightBoost requiring a special video mode (custom timings & resolution) in order to work. The EDID is simply a method of providing a this special mode that LightBoost requires.

Not all brands of strobe backlights uses EDID
Not all strobe backlights (other than LightBoost) requires this special mode. For example, the BENQ XL2720Z strobe backlight is completely EDID independent, and is enabled via a monitor button (no software required) .
Excellent explanation. Thank you.