10-bit Graphics on Apple Mac

[box type=”note” border=”full”]Since writing this article, it’s become clear that getting 10-bit to work on a Mac is not an easy task. As far as we know, the main issue lies with Apple’s implementation of 10-bit – it’s seems that 10-bit on the Windows platform is OK if you have the right graphics card. Information on some blogs is contradictory to that on others which doesn’t help. The information below is as presented to us by Quato and should therefore be taken as an indication, and not a definitive answer![/box]

This article has been adapted from information provided to us by Quato – many thanks to Quato’s technical team for their help and assistance. The article refers to Quato’s displays, however, the advice is also relevant other 10-bit capable displays such as the Eizo CG223W, CG243W, CG245W and the NEC SpectraView 241W and 271W.

Quato IP240ex monitor

 

Some of you have already realised that the Quato IP242ex and the Quato IP240ex LED support full native 10-bit via DisplayPort because the panels are also true 10-bit savvy. However, the proof of concept is one thing, real world usage is another.

Actually, the Mac OS X 10.6 Operating System is only able to display 10-bit via OpenGL and not via standard CoreGraphics applications. That means, to display 10-bit via DisplayPort (DVI has not enough bandwidth for 10-bit) you need both, a graphic card and an application that supports 10-bit via OpenGL. Only the Radeon HD4870, HD5870 or Nvidia Quadro 4000 (fermi based) support 10-bit on the Mac (at the time of writing – November 2010). Unfortunately, this also means you need at least a Mac Pro. Apart from some 3D Rendering software, only Photoshop CS4/CS5 support 10-bit via OpenGL – means the OpenGL feature must be switched on in Photoshop CS4/5.

ATI 10-bit graphics cardThus, the only working 10-bit combination is actually a Mac Pro under Mac OS X 10.6 with Photoshop CS4/5 and either the Radeon HD4870/5870 or Nvidia Quadro 4000 (fermi). The graphic card will at least cost 500 € but stunning smooth gradiants and finest details in the darks may justify this extra cost

All other Macs with integrated DisplayPort or Mac Pros with a DisplayPort equipped graphic card other than the 3 above only use 8-bit. Although the interface can theoretically do more, the used ATI/Nvidia/Intel HD graphic chips and drivers do not support 10bit. Thus, there is no solution to get 10-bit out of these units.

If you have any questions regarding this article, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Further information is available as follows:

Quato
Eizo
NEC

4 Comments

  1. a2rt's Gravatar a2rt
    December 30, 2010    

    Hi Native Digital
    I recently bought my NEC spec 271 from you, I had an initial problem with colour uniformity but NEC resolved it with a swap unit very quickly and the replacement is looking good.

    But I am bashing my head against the 10 bit wall.

    I have just installed an ATI radeon HD5870 into my Mac 1,1, ( same as your picture, connecting with DP to DP cable, not mDP )in CS5 I have ticked open GL, but using a ramp 10 bit test image, still don't have full 10bit.
    Do you have a mac driver for the hd5870 graphics card ? As it seems this is my missing link according to this article

    http://www.imagescience.com.au/kb/questions/152/10+Bit+Output+Support

    If possible can you give me detailed set up procedure, or better test so I can confirm what I am lookinfg at

  2. Rob Griffith's Gravatar Rob Griffith
    January 7, 2011    

    ATI are your best bet for sorting this out. We don't have the set up the article mentions and I've had a look around the web but can't find any info you haven't got already.

    Rob

  3. schleima's Gravatar schleima
    March 14, 2011    

    Hello,

    Does the ATI Radeon HD4890 also support 10-bit output ? (like the 4870)

    thanks.

  4. May 17, 2011    

    @schleima – a quick look at the specifications on the ATI site appear to suggest that the output capabilities on both cards are the same, so I think it’s safe to say yes, the HD4890 does support 10-bit. However, we’ve not used this card, so please check with the manufacturer before making a purchase!

    http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-4000/hd-4890/Pages/ati-radeon-hd-4890-specifications.aspx

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  1. And the award goes to: NEC SpectraView Reference 271 | Native Digital on May 17, 2011 at 12:20 pm

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