NVIDIA ULMB 2: An In-Depth Analysis and Comparison with ELMB and Dyac

For fast-paced action shooters, ULMB 2 plays a vital role. Motion blur can be a real issue, affecting both eyesight and gameplay. Even with a stunning display, a blurry mess in motion can be frustrating.

Jensen, in a surprising turn, offered something that benefited both of us.

NVIDIA’s Ultra Low Motion Blur (ULMB) technology has been a game-changer in the world of competitive gaming. In 2015, NVIDIA launched the original ULMB, a novel technique used by G-SYNC monitors to deliver extra motion clarity. Fast forward to today, and we have a second iteration of this technology, ULMB 2, which offers over 1000 Hz of effective motion clarity.

Current Monitors with ULMB 2

As of now, the two monitors on the market that are ULMB 2 capable are the Acer Predator XB273U F and the Asus ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQN

In addition to the current models, the two upcoming monitors will be compatible with ULMB 2. They are the Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP and the AOC AGON AG276QSC, at this point, these monitors are unavailable in India.

ULMB 2 vs ULMB

ULMB 2 provides a full refresh rate backlight strobing and significantly brighter images, all while maintaining pristine image quality. This is a significant improvement over the original ULMB, which had to reduce the refresh rate to give the pixels more time to transition.

When NVIDIA launched the original ULMB technology in 2015, monitor response times were relatively slow, causing substantial ghosting and blurry images, resulting in poor motion clarity. To improve motion clarity, ULMB enabled a technique called backlight strobing. However, to achieve backlight strobing, ULMB had to disable the backlight 75% of the time. This 25% duty cycle on a max 300 nit panel meant that the images would be clear, but less bright.

With the original ULMB, there was a need to wait longer for the pixels to transition to the right place before turning on the backlight due to the slower pixel response times in 2015. To compensate, ULMB would reduce the refresh rate to give the pixels more time to transition. Because of these drawbacks, competitive gamers often chose not to use the feature as the full refresh rate and bright image were more desirable.

ULMB 2, on the other hand, provides a full refresh rate backlight strobing, and significantly brighter images, all while maintaining pristine image quality. With panel response time improvements from NVIDIA’s partners at AUO, ULMB 2 gives competitive gamers the motion clarity needed to perform at peak levels by keeping them in the game when moments get chaotic.

With ULMB 2, gamers get an effective motion clarity of over 1000 Hz with these improvements, calculated as the refresh rate of the monitor multiplied by one over the duty cycle [Effective Motion Clarity = Refresh rate * (1 / Duty Cycle)]. For a 360 Hz monitor with ULMB 2, the effective motion clarity is 1440 Hz. That means to obtain the same level of motion clarity without ULMB 2, gamers would need a classic panel capable of 1440 Hz.

In conclusion, ULMB 2 offers significant improvements over ULMB 1, including full refresh rate backlight strobing, nearly 2x higher brightness, and practically zero crosstalk. These advancements make ULMB 2 a more attractive option for competitive gamers seeking the best motion blur reduction.

ULMB vs ELMB

While ULMB is a specific brand term for backlight strobing by Nvidia, ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) is a similar technology by Asus. Both technologies aim to reduce motion blur, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific monitor. ELMB Sync, a variant of ELMB, allows strobing with variable refresh rate support.

While both ULMB 2 and ELMB aim to reduce motion blur, their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific monitor and the implementation by the manufacturer. Some users have noted that the motion clarity was noticeably better on the IPS monitor with ULMB 2, so they returned the OLED monitor with ELMB.

However, it’s important to note that the perceived effectiveness of these technologies can also depend on other factors such as the refresh rate of the monitor and the frame rate of the game being played.

ULMB vs Dyac/Dyac+

Dynamic Accuracy (DyAc) is a technology developed by Zowie, a brand by BenQ, that aims to reduce motion blur in gaming monitors. It’s similar to ULMB in its goal, but there are some differences in their implementation and performance. Thanks to Zowie, monitors became extremely competitive in innovating new things.

ULMB and DyAc are essentially different brands for motion blur reduction technologies. They both use a technique called backlight strobing to reduce motion blur. However, the effectiveness of these technologies can vary depending on the specific monitor and the implementation by the manufacturer.

Some users have noted that while ULMB 2 might look better on paper, the difference in actual gameplay between ULMB 2 and DyAc might not be as noticeable. Another point to consider is that BenQ has specially modified the panel for DyAc, which means the panel is not the same as other ULMB monitors. I will update you more on the upcoming Dyac 2 which recently got introduced in the ZOWIE XL2546X & XL2586X Esports Monitor once more information is made publicly available. Meanwhile you can read other articles here