What is 30-bit color (RGB)?

[tsinsf]

I use a NEC 302W 30 inch monitor. I am in the process of configuring a new computer to purchase. I read on Puget Systems that "Quadro (GPU) cards are required for 30-bit color (RGB) / 10-bit displays". I understand 10 bit verses 8 bit monitors (mine is a 10 bit), but am clueless about what the "30-bit color (RGB)" part refers to. Could someone explain this to me? Does my NEC need a Quadro Card? My current computer, a 2013 Mac Pro, does not have a Quadra Card.

[Fred Salamon]

I think that it refers to 10 bits per channel.
So, 10 bits Red plus 10 bits Green plus 10 bits Blue gives you 30 bit color.

[geneo]

3 colors (RGB ) x 10 bits per color = 30 bits.

Nvidia now supports 10 bit per color displays on their 10 and 20 series GeFroce graphics cards with their latest Windows 10 studio drivers (vs. game ready drivers). Quadro is no longer needed as of recent GeForce studio drivers.

[digitaldog]

Big, big difference between bits and colors and more isn't necessarily better too:
http://digitaldog.net/files/ColorNumbersColorGamut.pdf

[tsinsf]

Thanks for the replies. Now while I'm learning about monitors and connection options, I have another question. Currently my NEC 302 is connected to my 2013 Mac Pro using an HDMI cable. Would switching to a display port cable offer any advantages in terms of resolution and color output?

[digitaldog]

Thanks for the replies. Now while I'm learning about monitors and connection options, I have another question. Currently my NEC 302 is connected to my 2013 Mac Pro using an HDMI cable. Would switching to a display port cable offer any advantages in terms of resolution and color output?

Yes, very possible. What do you see in your system report?

[tonysiciliano1]

Here is what is in the system report (there are two identical):

[tonysiciliano1]

Posted the wrong system report, here is the correct one:

[digitaldog]

Posted the wrong system report, here is the correct one:

Looks OK, now test in Photoshop with a document designed to show if you're getting high bit video (examine at 100%, you should see zero banding):
 http://digitaldog.net/files/10-bit-test-ramp.zip

[tonysiciliano1]

Thanks for the help. No banding in the image you sent, so I am set.