Nvidia is using its AI technology to dynamically adapt SDR video content to HDR via Nvidia Video. Revealed alongside new RTX 4000 SUPER GPUs at CES 2024, the new software will be a huge benefit for the still-rising trend of HDR gaming monitors.
RTX Video HDR will help to increase the amount of HDR content viewable on modern monitors. With HDR video only available on specific streaming services or particularly well-made YouTube videos, there’s a lot of video content out there that doesn’t support high dynamic range output.
Just like Nvidia DLSS image reconstruction, Nvidia’s new tool has been trained on existing video footage. However, instead of being used to increase video resolution, it exists to convert video to be HDR-capable with brighter highlights and darker shadows.
Nvidia Video HDR is rated to work on any Nvidia RTX graphics card, from the first 2000 Series cards all the way to the upcoming Nvidia 4000 SUPER GPUs. However, the video software will only kick in if it detects a Chromium capable browser.
Of course, in order to actually take advantage of the new video software, you will need a compatible monitor. While most monitors coming out of CES, such as the new Alienware 2024 monitor lineup, are HDR-compliant, older monitors may not actually be able to support the HDR output needed.
In order to make sure your monitor can support the new Nvidia Video HDR feature, make sure to turn HDR on in Windows 10 and 11.
Of course, the benefits of Nvidia Video HDR won’t just be seen on gaming monitors. In fact, by plugging your PC or gaming laptop into a HDR-capable TV (such as the Samsung 2024 TV lineup) you can also watch HDR-enhanced content in the living room.
While the adoption of HDR screens has been great on the hardware front, the creation of HDR content has suffered. While physical media largely supports HDR output, the majority of content viewable on PC does not, and even major PC games have failed to add proper support for the technology.
Nevertheless, HDR is here to stay, and Nvidia’s work on expanding the amount of content using the feature could prove to be a major benefit for users everywhere.