NVIDIA introduced variable refresh rate support with G-Sync modules initially as early as the year 2013. Since then, the G-Sync brand has been divided into three levels: G-Sync Ultimate for high-end displays with more stringent requirements than normal, basic G-Sync with looser requirements but still with G-Sync module, and G-Sync Compatible reserved for VESA Adaptive-sync standard, more commonly known as FreeSync-enabled monitors, which have been separately tested by NVIDIA to work fully with the company’s graphics cards.

Now this triad has been changed in complete silence by calculating the requirements for the G-Sync Ultimate level. Previously, G-Sync Ultimate’s requirements included DisplayHDR 1000 certification, FALD (Full Array Local Dimming) backlight support, support for the full DCI-P3 color space, and variable refresh rate support from one Hertz to the maximum refresh rate for each panel

According to the new definition, the most visible of the requirements, DisplayHDR 1000 certification, has given way and is replaced by only “Lifelike HDR” on NVIDIA’s website without its more specific definitions. At CES 2021, the first G-Sync Ultimate monitors were presented, with HDR support only sufficient for DisplayHDR 600 certification, such as MSI’s Optix MEG 381 CQR and LG’s 34 GP 950 G, or even just DisplayHDR 400 certificate, such as Acer X 34 S. Other requirements that may have changed are not currently known.

Sources: NVIDIA (1), (2), (3), Hexus, PC Monitors @ Twitter