NVIDIA RTX Video Super Resolution Tested: Image Quality Comparison & Performance

Introduction

The RTX Video Super Resolution (VSR) feature has now been released. The feature, confusingly named VSR—due to an old AMD technology with the same acronym—is distinct in its functionality. RTX VSR is engineered to upscale low-resolution video playback to 4K, enhancing clarity. We evaluated its performance to ascertain its efficiency and potential advantages. Think of it as akin to DLSS but for video; although early iterations may be less refined, improvements over time could yield substantial benefits.

Introduction to VSR

VSR, available for RTX 30 and 40 series GPUs (20 series support is forthcoming), leverages tensor cores to upscale video content. Think of it as similar to DLSS but for video playback. It targets use scenarios such as Twitch streams, YouTube videos, and other low-resolution video sources, potentially making them clearer and more visually appealing.

How VSR Works

VSR uses a deep learning algorithm to enhance video by performing artifact reduction and upscaling. Nvidia trained a model on a diverse set of images across various resolutions and compression levels, focusing on reducing artifacts such as blocking and banding, and improving edge sharpness.

How to Enable VSR

To enable VSR, you'll need an RTX 20, 30, or 40 series GPU and the latest driver (version 531 or the Quadro equivalent). Open the Nvidia Control Panel, navigate to "Adjust Video Image Settings," check "RTX Video Enhancement," and enable super resolution. Note that this feature currently works in Chrome or Edge browsers only, and not in Firefox.

Testing Methods and Results

We conducted blind tests by comparing video playback with VSR on and off. Participants were asked to identify which video had VSR enabled. Subtle differences were noted, with some improvements in clarity in static or slow-moving scenes. However, in fast-paced FPS gameplay, the improvement was marginal.

Detailed Comparisons

720p

At 720p with VSR off:

Text and edges were soft with visible compression artifacts.
Horizontal lines were nearly non-existent.

With VSR on:

Text became clearer and elements were more defined.
Compression artifacts were reduced, but some noise was introduced.

Performance Effects

Performance impact was minimal, mostly loading tensor cores. General GPU utilization was slightly lower, possibly moving scaling tasks away from Cuda cores. Important: avoid using VSR if playing games with tensor core-dependent features simultaneously.

Twitch Streams

General Findings

Static elements saw minor improvements.
High-movement scenes, like FPS games, showed negligible differences.
Elements became sharper in some scenarios, but fast movement turned details into pixelated noise.

Conclusion

VSR offers improvements in certain scenarios, specifically at 720p resolution. Fast-moving content, like intense gaming, sees fewer benefits. The feature is promising but currently has a niche use case. Continued updates could see it evolve similarly to DLSS.

Keywords

RTX VSR
Nvidia
Tensor Cores
Video Upscaling
Image Quality
Video Playback
Compression Artifacts
Video Resolution
Performance Impact
Twitch Streams

FAQ

What is RTX Video Super Resolution (VSR)?

RTX VSR is a feature designed to upscale low-resolution video playback to 4K, enhancing clarity using Nvidia's tensor cores.

Which GPUs support VSR?

VSR currently supports RTX 30 and 40 series GPUs. Support for the RTX 20 series is expected to be added soon.

How do I enable VSR?

Install the latest Nvidia driver (version 531 or Quadro equivalent), open the Nvidia Control Panel, navigate to "Adjust Video Image Settings," and enable super resolution under "RTX Video Enhancement." Use the latest versions of Chrome or Edge browsers.

Does VSR work with all browsers?

No, VSR currently works only with Chromium-based browsers like Chrome and Edge. It does not support Firefox as of now.

Is there a performance impact when using VSR?

The performance impact is minimal, primarily affecting tensor cores. You might notice slight GPU utilization changes.

What kind of content benefits most from VSR?

Content at 720p resolution and static or slow-moving scenes benefit most from VSR, while fast-moving content sees fewer improvements.

Should I switch browsers to use VSR?

If you primarily use Firefox, switching isn't necessary unless you prioritize VSR's benefits. The impact is subtle, and it doesn't justify a browser change if you prefer Firefox.

Will VSR improve in the future?

VSR is likely to see improvements with updates, similar to advancements seen with DLSS, making it more effective over time.