Having issues with ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCG only doing 8 bit

[justinrphillips]

I have a new ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCG and I had it hooked up to a Blackmagic Decklink Mini Monitor 4k and noticed that on the info page it said it was only doing 8 bit. So I tried hooking directly to my macbook via HDMI and got the same thing 8 bit only. Then I got an active HDMI to Displayport converter for the Decklink and still 8 bit. I bought new cables just to make sure and still 8 bit. Now I have it with a brand new quality display port cable hooked up to my CalDigit TB4 dock and displaying DP 1.4 I still only get 8 bits. I updated the montirs firmware and no change and reset the monitors settings and no change. I have tried my two macbooks and that is all the tools I have. DOes anyone know if there is some secret I need to get this monitor to display 10 bit, it is a crucial piece of why I purchased it

 

[lightandaprayer]

I am sorry to hear about everything you have gone through without success. It should not be that much trouble for someone to realize a key spec from a modern display.

Apparently there are a number of usability issues when the Asus display is paired with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. . .

Here is a PetalPixel review from 2019 that spells it out:

ASUS ProArt PA32UCG Review: Like a Pro Display XDR for PC Users

After messing around with HDMI and DisplayPort settings, etc. the reviewer could only obtain an 8-bit signal.

Long story short, the reviewer eventually had to manually edit the plist file that encodes his Mac's display settings to ensure that his display was identified as RGB, 10-bit, and 120Hz when being used at full resolution over Thunderbolt. (There is a link to a YouTube video about how to do it.)

I'll leave it to you to read the full review so you can decide if the Asus can be made to work for you.

One would think that such issues would have been addressed by now via a firmware update (if possible). Maybe they have been and your issue can be fixed in another way.

Good luck!

 

[justinrphillips]

I really appreciate you posting that! I will attempt to make those changes tomorrow and see! I will feel good to get it in 10 bit. i swear though this monitor has been one issue after another.

 

[justinrphillips]

That was a disaster. When I was in the code I noticed it had changed since the video was made. I am running Sequoia so may really need to put the pressure on Asus to fix this. I am very decicated to Asus so I hope they will!

 

[ASUS_PR_JJ]

Hi Justin,

Thanks for considering and going with one of our ProArt displays. I would contact our service team for support and flesh out a complete detailing of your configuration setup, including specific models, connection routing, application, etc.

As you are likely aware, 10-bit support has to be carried across the entire display chain, so the application you are using also needs to support it and may need to be enabled.

Also, keep in mind that there are bandwidth considerations, and depending on your connections, you may not be able to pass through 10bit. This will be dependent on your laptop model/spec and corresponding devices.

This is detailed in our support documentation -
Resolution of 4K60hz10bit through HDMI2.0, and can only be set to a maximum of 4K60hz8bit

Ideally, HDMI 2.1 should be used. Also, keep in mind that refresh is linked to this and further plays a part, so if you are driving higher, the refresh will need to drop the refresh rate. Ultimately, you cannot exceed your bandwidth limit via the connection you are using, DP/HDMI/TB, etc. If you have anything older than M3 you will ONLY Have HDMI 2.0 output and be limited in bandwidth.

While you noted getting an active cable, the most common cable for use on the newer M series would be USB-C to DP (active ), which can carry over 10 bits. This should allow you to get to 4K/60/10bit, assuming the chipset in your adapter operates correctly. Some manufacturers like Cable Matters, Pluggable etc have good support and can verify on a chipset level that the controller will enable the experience you are looking for as not all will.

Hope this helps!