4k as monitor question

[axlrose]

I understand that HDMI 1.4 (?) doesn't allow full 4k resolutions except at 30hz. Do other formats have the same restrictions? I am asking because my 30 2560x1600 monitor has failed on me repeatedly despite my fixing it over and over. I see that there are 4k monitors for $500 instead of the $1000+ for a new 30" monitor that doesn't do nearly the resolution of 4k tv's. If I am using two gpu's with dvi, am I still restricted to 30hz at 4k or is this only an hdmi issue? I currently run my audio separately through external home theater speakers and a separate receiver.

Thanks.



*** Additionally, at 60hz where my 30" monitor ran, I can run at higher resolutions than it was capable of on a tv regardless correct? Are there drawbacks to even this option that I don't see even if I can't run at full 4k above 30hz?

 

[MauveCloud]

Dual Link DVI has slightly less bandwidth than HDMI 1.4, but DisplayPort 1.2 has more than double. The $3500 monitors that run 3840x2160 60hz use DisplayPort 1.2 or two HDMI 1.4 inputs simultaneously. Unfortunately, my Seiki tv only has hdmi 1.4 and vga inputs, no DVI or DisplayPort. I'd be surprised if there are any 4k tvs that have DisplayPort or use two HDMI 1.4 inputs simultaneously. A 30hz 4k tv should be capable of accepting 2560x1600 60hz or 1920x1080 120hz signals, but I haven't gotten that working on my Seiki tv. There seem to be some firmware upgrades, though.

Edit: I didn't need the firmware update, just a custom inf file that I found the link for in an Amazon review of the TV: http://box.houkouonchi.jp/seiki_custom_edid_120_240hz.inf (I was able to set up 1920x1080 120hz as a custom resolution in the nVidia control panel, but I haven't gotten 2560x1440 60hz or 2560x1600 60hz to work)
That inf probably wouldn't work for other brands of 4k tv, but I think there's a good chance it would work with the 50-inch Seiki as well as the 39-inch.

 

[axlrose]

I realize this deal will be over before I hear something, but I haven't ever dealt with hdmi before. This seems to boast more than one hdmi (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8556967&SRCCODE=WEBCRITFBA&utm_source=Criteo&utm_medium=CPC+Banner&utm_content=Facebook+Active+&utm_campaign=Retargeting). Does that change the situation at all? Would this benefit the situation at all with an sli rig?

Thanks.

 

[MauveCloud]

My Seiki 39 inch model has 3 hdmi inputs, but that doesn't mean it can use more than one at a time. At first glance, it might seem like it should be possible to update the firmware to allow that, but I have a feeling it's not that simple (I think I'll send an email to Seiki's customer support and find out if they can explain the obstacles to a firmware approach). Otherwise, the companies making those 31.5 inch monitors that can do 3840x2160 at 60hz via DisplayPort or 2 HDMI 1.4 connectors wouldn't last long charging $2700+ for them (I just checked Google Shopping, and found the Asus PB321Q listed for as low as $2,767.99). We can hope they'll be coming down in price over the next year or two. If/when any 3840x2160 60hz monitor becomes available for less than $1000, I might consider buying it to replace my Seiki tv, but until then I'll settle for 30hz at this resolution.