Catalyst 5.13: ATI's Video Domination?

[Spinner]

FiringSquad (http://firingsquad.com) brings information about ATI's new upcoming graphics driver that's all set for domination. The Catalyst 5.13 driver set could possibly represent a very significant leap in video quality technology for ATI. It brings sophisticated diagonal filtering, basic noise reduction, and the ability to detect unusual cadences. ATI considers the Catalyst 5.13 driver set the first to unlock the AVIVO technology present in the Radeon X1800. The new set is expected to be available on 22nd December. Read the below article for more info.

View: Catalyst 5.13: ATI's Video Domination? (http://firingsquad.com/hardware/ati_catalyst_5.13_video_quality/)

http://www.short-media.com/images/newsimages/2005/December/DominATIonGREEN.jpg

Seeing that twelve drivers had already been released by ATI in 2005, most readers assumed that the new driver would have to come in January 2006 as Catalyst 6.1. ATI's Secret Santa decided to release this gift earlier to PC enthusiasts with a 13th driver release in 2005 and Oh, how things have changed!
Source: FiringSquad (http://firingsquad.com/hardware/ati_catalyst_5.13_video_quality/)

[Enverex]

Any particular reason why they faced off the latest ATi card against an old nVidia card?

[Qeldroma]

Basically this is a video quality test, not a performance or FPS test. In theory, there should be no real difference in image quality between the two nVidia boards (6800/7800) except, of course, in the frame rates and added pipes.

ATI used to pay a performance penalty because they did once upon a time have an image quality edge that cost in GPU cycles (about two-three years ago). Then they even gained a performance edge (9800 series stuff) until about when the nVidia 6800 series and it's off-spring hit the street. To me the difference back then was very perceptible- but it seems to be a tie right now.

I don't have an 1800, so this update could well be lost on me. 5.13 may just be an unlucky number except for maybe some fixes and trinkets. But this would have to be a WOW release to top what's currently out there and I can't really discern a lot from the article's pictures.

The truth remains to be seen ....

[Enverex]

I know it's not a performance or FPS test, but the 7800 was apparently rebuilt from the ground up, thus you would think there is a chance the image quality is better...

[GHoosdum]

I'm assuming that this won't do anything at all for my 9800 pro?

[primesuspect]

hahah yeah, i hate to say it old friend, but you and I and our 9800pros are a dying breed.... :p ;D

[GHoosdum]

Shucks! I thought there were more broke guys around than just me. ;)

[profdlp]

Shucks! I thought there were more broke guys around than just me. ;)
"Broke Guy", reporting for duty. :p