NVIDIA GPUDirect Makes Quadro and Tesla Even More Useful

NVIDIA is once again making a move on the professional front, even if not in the shape of a new device or another, but that of a new technology for Quadro and Tesla modules.

GPUs have been making a name for themselves in the professional and supercomputing segment, not just that of graphics, because of their high parallel processing capabilities.

The Tesla series is NVIDIA's main arm on the supercomputing front, though professional Quadro cards also have the chance to show off such skills, depending on what they are used for.

Nonetheless, there are always means of making things work better, and this is exactly what NVIDIA is now announcing.

Specifically, NVIDIA created the GPUDirect for Video technology, which lets application developers permit standard video I/O devices to directly communicate with such graphics processing units.

"NVIDIA and our partners are redefining what's possible in real-time video production," said Greg Estes, industry executive, Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA.

"Enabling lower latency solutions for processing real-time video streams will benefit not just those working in broadcast and production facilities, but also applications in manufacturing, healthcare and government agencies."

Essentially, the technology brings the video over to the GPU to be processed immediately, as the video I/O card is fully synchronized with the GPUs, doing away with CPU overhead and reducing latency substantially.

The Santa Clara, California-based company expects this to accelerate GPU adoption in the field of film, live broadcast, and video production.

Video I/O manufacturers, proprietary hardware providers and video switcher manufacturers should already be able to get the technology, free of charge. NVIDIA is also demonstrating it at IBC 2011.

"Matrox DSX Developer Products are renowned among broadcast equipment manufacturers for high performance I/O hardware, a comprehensive SDK, and outstanding applications engineering support," said Alberto Cieri, senior director of sales and marketing from Matrox.

"Our collaboration with NVIDIA on their GPUDirect for Video technology for Quadro and Tesla professional GPUs will further enhance our OEM customers' broadcast graphics system performance."