Nvidia recently launched a driver that introduces RTX Video HDR, a tool on the driver side that automatically transforms SDR video to HDR using real-time machine learning on an RTX GPU. By activating this feature, YouTube videos originally in SDR now appear convincingly in HDR, breathing new life into the viewing experience. Additionally, modder ‘emoose’ uncovered an exciting capability within the driver – the potential to extend this functionality to virtually any game. Essentially, Nvidia has been developing its machine learning-based version of Microsoft’s AutoHDR, which we found to be truly impressive.
To utilize this feature, users should download the NV TrueHDR mod from Nexusmods and run the provided .exe file. This action will prompt a command prompt window where users can input the filename of the game executable they wish to target or simply drag and drop the .exe file into the window and press ENTER. Following this, users can select their preferred quality level, and voila, the chosen game will now display in HDR.
One might wonder why one should opt for this solution when Windows 11 already includes AutoHDR, which serves a similar purpose. The answer lies in the superiority of RTX HDR across various aspects. While AutoHDR is limited to selected DX11 and DX12 games, RTX HDR seamlessly supports all games from DX9 onwards, including numerous fantastic DX9 titles that can greatly benefit from this enhancement. Moreover, with tweaks in the control panel and assistance from compatibility tools, users can even extend HDR support to 3DFX Glide titles. Remarkably, we managed to enable HDR in the PS3 emulator RPCS3, allowing us to enjoy games like Killzone 2 in HDR with remarkable fidelity.
Describing the impact of RTX HDR in words proves challenging as its essence lies in visual presentation. Therefore, we have created an HDR video demonstration for a more immersive experience, although viewing it on an HDR display is recommended for optimal results.
The video showcases various gaming tests spanning the history of PC gaming, offering insights into the impact of RTX HDR across different titles. From the HDR rendering of Half-Life 2 Lost Coast to the striking visual effects in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, the transformative power of RTX HDR is evident. As we delve deeper into older PC games with less advanced lighting, the benefits of RTX HDR may diminish, yet it effectively enhances these titles for an HDR display environment.
In games that support AutoHDR, the superiority of RTX HDR becomes apparent, manifesting in higher quality visuals with reduced banding artifacts and deeper blacks. However, a closer comparison reveals areas for improvement, such as potential color saturation adjustments and the noticeable performance impact on the GPU due to its ML-based nature. Despite the slight performance cost, the visual enhancements justify the usage of RTX HDR over AutoHDR.
In conclusion, for users with high-quality HDR screens, exploring this feature is highly recommended. Once officially integrated into the driver with user-friendly controls to address minor issues, RTX HDR is poised to become a valuable asset for HDR display owners, whether indulging in legacy games or modern titles lacking native HDR support. Coupled with other Nvidia driver-level features like DLDSR or SGSSAA, RTX HDR stands out as a remarkable value-added feature that enhances the overall gaming experience.
