What are RTX HDR and RTX Video Super Resolution?
Two features share the RTX name and improve how things look without any change to games or videos at the source. This section explains each in plain terms.
RTX HDR
HDR means high dynamic range. A standard screen picture has limited brightness and a limited range between its darkest and brightest parts. An HDR picture can show brighter highlights, such as the sun on water, and deeper shadows, with richer colour in between, but only if the screen supports it. Many games have no HDR mode. RTX HDR uses AI to analyse the game's picture and expand it into an HDR image, even though the game was made for standard range.
Where it runs
It works at the driver level, through NVIDIA's software, so it can apply to many games without help from the developers. The NVIDIA App offers it among its filter options for games.
What it can and cannot do
It cannot match a game that was designed and mastered for HDR, because it has to guess how bright things should be. It can, however, make an SDR game look more vivid on a good HDR screen, which many players enjoy.
RTX Video Super Resolution
Video Super Resolution, often shortened to VSR, works on video you watch in a browser. Much online video is streamed at 1080p or lower, and on a 1440p or 4K screen it can look soft. RTX VSR uses AI to enlarge the picture and sharpen edges and details, reducing compression artefacts, so the video looks cleaner. It has quality levels, with higher levels using more graphics power.
Why browsers
The feature is built into supported browsers through NVIDIA's software. NVIDIA's documentation lists the supported browsers, and they have included Chrome, Edge and Firefox.
How they relate to DLSS
They share the idea of using AI to improve an image, but they are separate features with separate settings. DLSS improves game performance and quality, while these two improve colour and video. The DLSS 4 overview explains the game side.
What you need before you start
Check these requirements first.
An RTX graphics card
Both features need RTX hardware, because they use AI units. Older GTX cards cannot run them, as the guide to GTX versus RTX explains. The exact list of supported cards has grown over time, so check NVIDIA's current documentation for your model.
A current driver and the NVIDIA App
Features arrive through driver and app updates. Install the latest Game Ready or Studio driver and the NVIDIA App. See the guide to the NVIDIA App for installation.
A screen that suits the feature
RTX HDR needs a display with HDR support, and the quality of that support matters. RTX VSR benefits screens with higher resolutions than the video, such as a 1440p or 4K monitor.
What counts as a good HDR screen
Screens differ widely. A true HDR display can reach high brightness and show deep blacks, such as a well-made OLED or a local-dimming LCD. A basic HDR400 monitor may support the signal without the brightness to show real HDR, and the result can look washed out. Check reviews before you judge the feature.
How to use RTX HDR in games
The steps are straightforward but need attention to detail.
Prepare Windows
Open Windows display settings, choose your HDR monitor and turn on Use HDR. Check that the display looks correct on the desktop. If colours look wrong, calibrate with the Windows HDR Calibration app, which Microsoft provides in the store.
Enable the filter in the NVIDIA App
Open the NVIDIA App and find the overlay or game filter settings. Choose RTX HDR in the filter list, and adjust its options, such as peak brightness and contrast, to suit your screen. The App shows the keyboard shortcut for the overlay.
Use a suitable display mode
Run the game in borderless windowed or fullscreen mode, because some modes do not allow filters. Turn off any in-game HDR option if the game offers one, since stacking HDR methods causes problems.
Adjust for your screen
Set the peak brightness close to your monitor's real peak brightness, which reviews or the manufacturer list. Setting it too high crushes highlights, and too low looks dull. Start with the defaults, and adjust a little at a time.
When to switch it off
If a game has native HDR, use that instead. If the picture looks odd, turn the filter off for that game. Fast competitive games may restrict filters, so check the rules.
How to use RTX Video Super Resolution
This feature is easier to set up.
Turn it on in the NVIDIA settings
In the NVIDIA App or the NVIDIA Control Panel's video settings, find Super Resolution under RTX Video enhancement. Switch it on, and choose a quality level. Higher levels give a better picture and use more graphics power.
Check the browser
Make sure your browser has hardware acceleration enabled in its settings, because the feature depends on it. Update the browser to a recent version.
Test with a video
Play a video that is lower than your screen's resolution, such as a 1080p video on a 4K screen. Switch the setting on and off and compare edges and fine detail. The difference is usually clearer on older, compressed video.
Limits to know
Some protected streaming services block the feature, and it may not apply to every site. It also works only in supported browsers. Video that is already high resolution gains little.
Understanding HDR in more detail
A few ideas make HDR much easier to judge.
Brightness and contrast
Brightness is measured in nits. A typical standard screen reaches a few hundred nits, while good HDR screens reach a thousand or more at their peak. Contrast is the range between the darkest and brightest parts. HDR widens both.
Why local dimming and OLED matter
An LCD with a single backlight cannot show a very bright spot next to a very dark one without both looking grey. Local dimming zones, or the individual pixel control of OLED, solve that. A screen without them may accept an HDR signal and still look flat.
Colour range
HDR also usually brings a wider range of colours. Games and films mastered for it can show more vivid reds and greens. Converted SDR content cannot gain colours that never existed, but it can look richer through careful mapping.
Windows and HDR
Windows treats HDR as a mode. When it is on, desktop colours can look different, and SDR content may appear dimmer unless you adjust the SDR brightness slider. Spend a few minutes in the display settings to find a comfortable balance.
Calibration
Microsoft's HDR Calibration app helps set the minimum and maximum brightness for your screen. It is free in the store, and it improves results with both RTX HDR and native HDR games.
Tuning RTX HDR for a better picture
Fine-tuning separates a good result from a disappointing one.
Peak brightness
Set this to your monitor's real peak brightness, not the headline figure on the box. Reviews of your monitor usually measure it. If highlights look clipped, lower the value. If the picture looks dull, raise it slightly.
Contrast and saturation
RTX HDR offers adjustments to contrast and saturation. Use small changes. Too much contrast crushes shadows, and too much saturation makes skin look unnatural.
Middle grey
This control sets how bright mid-tone areas appear. A higher value brightens the overall picture, while a lower one keeps it closer to the original. Compare with an SDR screenshot if you can.
Take screenshots for comparison
Capture one picture with the filter off and one with it on, and compare on the same screen. The difference helps you judge settings objectively.
Tuning RTX Video Super Resolution
Video enhancement also benefits from a little care.
Quality levels
Lower levels give a lighter touch and use less power. Higher levels sharpen more and may look artificial on some content. Try each level on the kind of video you watch.
Content matters
Compressed, low-resolution video benefits the most. Clean, high-quality video gains little. Animation and screen recordings may look different from live action.
Power use
On a laptop running on battery, higher levels can drain power faster. Use a lower level, or switch the feature off when unplugged.
Browser choice
Different browsers support the feature to different degrees. If one does not work for you, try another from NVIDIA's supported list.
Using these features with a television
Many players connect an RTX card to a television, and televisions often have excellent HDR.
Why a television can be a great HDR screen
Many modern televisions, especially OLED and high-end LED models, reach higher brightness than monitors. They can make HDR look striking. The site's article on gaming on a 4K TV instead of a monitor explains the trade-offs of using one.
Settings to check
Use HDMI 2.1 on both ends if you want 4K at a high refresh rate, switch the television to its game mode and enable HDR for that input. Check that Windows sees the television at the right resolution and refresh rate. The guide to running a 4K display at its native resolution and maximum refresh rate shows how.
Tone mapping on the television
Some televisions apply their own processing to HDR, which can conflict with Windows or RTX HDR. If the picture looks odd, try the television's game or PC mode, and switch off extra enhancement options.
Viewing distance and room lighting
HDR looks best in a dim room. In a bright room, the picture looks less dramatic. Adjust brightness to the room, and your eyes will thank you.
RTX HDR compared with other HDR options
Several ways exist to get HDR from SDR content.
| Method | How it works | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| Native game HDR | The developer builds and masters HDR | Most accurate |
| RTX HDR | AI converts SDR to HDR in the driver | Vivid, an approximation |
| Windows Auto HDR | Windows converts SDR to HDR | Simpler, with fewer controls |
| No HDR | Standard picture | Reliable, neutral |
Choosing between them
Use native HDR when it exists. If it does not, compare RTX HDR and Windows Auto HDR on your screen, and pick the one you prefer. If neither looks right, use standard mode. There is no obligation to use HDR.
Why not use two at once
Stacking HDR methods, such as RTX HDR with Windows Auto HDR, can produce strange colours. Pick one.
What RTX Video features do not do
Honesty about limits prevents disappointment.
They do not repair bad video
A very low-resolution or heavily compressed video can look better, but it cannot become a perfect high-quality picture. The AI makes educated guesses, and sometimes it exaggerates artefacts.
They do not apply everywhere
Support depends on the browser, the site and the type of video. Protected streams often block it. Local video players may need their own support.
They do not replace a good screen
A poor monitor limits what any enhancement can do. Invest in the display first if picture quality matters to you.
They do not change the game's rules
RTX HDR and similar filters only change how the picture looks. They do not alter game logic, but online games may restrict them, so check the rules.
Power, heat and laptops
These features use the graphics card, and laptops deserve special care.
Power use
RTX HDR runs on the card while you play, adding a small load. Video Super Resolution runs while you watch, and higher levels use more power. On a desktop, the effect is minor. On a laptop, it can reduce battery life.
Heat and noise
A card that works a little harder runs a little warmer. If you notice fans spinning up during video, reduce the quality level.
Laptop tips
Use a lower level on battery, or switch off the feature when unplugged. Plug in for gaming with RTX HDR, and watch temperatures. The guide to thermal and power limits explains how to read the numbers.
Desktop owners
You can generally leave both on without worry. If you want a quieter computer, test lower levels.
A short routine for setting up both features
Follow this plan on a new setup.
- Update your driver and the NVIDIA App.
- Set your monitor's resolution and refresh rate in Windows.
- Enable HDR in Windows if you have a capable screen, and run the HDR Calibration app.
- Switch on RTX Video Super Resolution at a moderate level, and test with a video.
- Choose one game, enable RTX HDR and adjust peak brightness.
- Compare with the filter off, and keep whichever you prefer.
- Write down your settings.
Why this order works
Windows and the screen come first, because the features depend on them. Testing in one video and one game keeps the process manageable. You can extend the settings to other games and content once you are happy.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| RTX HDR option missing | Old App or driver, or HDR off in Windows | Update, then turn on HDR in Windows |
| Picture looks washed out | Weak HDR screen or wrong brightness setting | Lower the peak brightness, check the monitor's HDR mode |
| Game looks too dark | SDR brightness setting in Windows | Adjust the SDR content brightness slider |
| Video Super Resolution has no effect | Hardware acceleration off, or protected content | Enable acceleration, test a different video |
| Colours look wrong on the desktop | HDR mode changes the desktop | Calibrate, or switch HDR off when not gaming |
| Frame rate falls | Extra load from the filter | Switch the filter off, or lower settings |
How to use the table
Change one thing at a time. Most problems come from a mismatch between the screen's real abilities and the settings you chose.
Four example players
These illustrations show different choices.
The OLED owner
This player has a high-quality HDR screen and enjoys RTX HDR in older games. They adjust peak brightness to match the monitor, and the result looks vivid and impressive.
The budget monitor owner
This player has a basic HDR400 monitor. RTX HDR looks washed out, so they leave it off and enjoy the game in standard mode.
The streamer
This player watches many low-resolution videos on a 4K display. RTX Video Super Resolution at a moderate level makes the picture look cleaner.
The laptop traveller
This player uses a gaming laptop on battery for video. They switch Video Super Resolution to a low level to save power.
What they share
Each matched the feature to their screen and their needs, and tested the result.
Eye comfort and good viewing habits
Bright, high-contrast pictures can be tiring, and a few habits help.
Match brightness to the room
HDR brightness that looks thrilling in a dark room can be uncomfortable at night. Lower the brightness in the evening, and keep a dim light on behind the screen to reduce strain.
Take regular breaks
Look away from the screen for a few moments every half hour. This is good advice for any long gaming or viewing session.
Use a comfortable distance
Sit at a distance where you can see the whole screen without turning your head. For monitors, an arm's length is a common starting point, and for televisions, a greater distance suits larger screens.
Adjust for personal sensitivity
Some people are sensitive to flicker or bright highlights. If HDR gives you headaches, use standard mode, and enjoy the game in comfort.
A fair comparison test for RTX HDR
You can judge the feature for yourself in about fifteen minutes.
Step one: choose a colourful scene
Pick a game scene with bright highlights and deep shadows, such as a sunset, a neon street or a cave with a torch. These scenes show the difference between SDR and HDR best.
Step two: capture without the filter
Take a screenshot or short clip with RTX HDR off. Note the brightness of the highlights and the visibility of shadow detail.
Step three: capture with the filter
Switch RTX HDR on, adjust the peak brightness to your screen and capture the same scene.
Step four: compare on your own screen
Look at both pictures on your HDR display. Notice whether highlights sparkle without clipping, whether shadows keep detail and whether colours look natural. Note anything that looks wrong, such as glowing halos or crushed blacks.
Step five: decide
If the filtered picture looks better and you do not see problems, keep it for that game. If it looks worse, leave it off. Repeat for other games, because results differ.
Keep a record
Write down the peak brightness and other values that worked for each game. HDR settings are fiddly, and notes save you from repeating the tuning after a driver update or a Windows change. A short file with the game name, the values and the date is enough, and it makes future comparisons easy.
Questions people ask before buying hardware for these features
Should I buy an HDR monitor just for RTX HDR?
Only if you want HDR for its own sake. A good HDR screen is expensive, and many cheaper models look disappointing. Read reviews that measure peak brightness and contrast. If your current monitor is good, spend on a graphics card first.
Do I need a 4K screen for Video Super Resolution?
No, but the benefit is largest on high-resolution screens, because there is more room to enlarge. On a 1080p screen, it still sharpens some video, but the effect is smaller.
Will these features work on my laptop?
Yes, if it has an RTX chip and the right drivers and settings. Laptop screens vary in HDR ability, and battery life matters, so adjust levels accordingly.
Do I need to pay?
No. Both features are included in NVIDIA's software for supported RTX cards. Be wary of any site that asks you to pay for them.
Common mistakes with HDR and video enhancement
A handful of errors account for most disappointment.
Turning on HDR everywhere in Windows without calibrating
Windows HDR makes the desktop look different, and without calibration, brightness can look off. Run the calibration app once, and adjust the SDR brightness slider for comfortable desktop use.
Using HDR on a screen that cannot show it
A monitor that merely accepts the signal may look worse in HDR mode. Judge honestly, and leave HDR off if the picture suffers.
Stacking several enhancement methods
Combining RTX HDR, Windows Auto HDR, the television's own enhancement and a game's built-in HDR creates confusing results. Use one at a time.
Judging a feature from a single clip
A single video or scene may not represent your usual content. Test with several before you decide.
Ignoring the room
Ambient light changes how HDR looks. Judge in the room where you normally play and watch.
Start simple
If all of this feels like a lot, begin with one feature on one screen in one game or video. Once you are happy, extend it. Tuning HDR is a skill that improves with practice, and there is no rush to get everything perfect in the first evening.
What may change in the future
NVIDIA has added and updated these features over several driver and app releases, and it may keep changing them. Supported browsers, quality levels and game compatibility can shift. The guidance in this article reflects NVIDIA's announcements and independent reports at the time of writing, with some details drawn from older coverage that may differ from the current App. If your menu looks different, trust the App, and look for the same idea under a similar name. The RTX 50 series beginner guide and the graphics card glossary help with unfamiliar terms.
How to keep up
Read driver release notes occasionally, and revisit these settings after big updates. A few minutes every few months keeps your setup fresh.
Myths about RTX HDR and Video Super Resolution
Myth: any monitor shows real HDR
Many monitors accept the signal but cannot show real HDR. Brightness and contrast decide the experience.
Myth: RTX HDR turns every game into a true HDR game
It converts the picture using AI, which is not the same as a mastered HDR image. It can look great, but it is an approximation.
Myth: Video Super Resolution makes any video 4K
It improves sharpness, but it cannot recreate detail that was never there. Expect a cleaner picture, not a true 4K one.
Myth: these features always cost performance
The cost is usually small on modern RTX cards. You can measure it with the overlay.
Summary
RTX HDR and RTX Video Super Resolution are free features for RTX owners that improve colour in games and sharpness in online video. RTX HDR converts standard games into HDR using AI, and it needs a capable HDR screen, correct Windows settings and a little tuning of peak brightness. RTX Video Super Resolution sharpens lower-resolution video in supported browsers, with quality levels that trade picture for power. Both depend on your hardware, so judge the results on your own screen. Use native HDR when a game offers it, switch the filters off if they look wrong and consider power use on laptops. If you want to explore the rest of NVIDIA's tools, read the guides to the NVIDIA App and DSR and DLDSR.
Short glossary for this article
- HDR: high dynamic range, a wider range of brightness and colour.
- SDR: standard dynamic range, the older, narrower range.
- Nit: a unit of brightness.
- Local dimming: backlight zones that brighten and dim parts of the screen separately.
- VSR: Video Super Resolution, AI upscaling for online video.
- Filter: a driver-level effect applied on top of a game.
Frequently asked questions about RTX HDR and Video Super Resolution
What is RTX HDR?
RTX HDR is an NVIDIA feature that uses AI to convert standard dynamic range games into HDR, giving brighter highlights and richer colour on an HDR display. It works at the driver level, so it can apply to many games that lack HDR. It needs an RTX card and a capable HDR screen.
Is RTX HDR better than a game's built-in HDR?
Not usually. A game with native HDR is designed and mastered for it, so it looks more accurate. RTX HDR guesses how bright things should be, and it can make SDR games look more vivid. If a game offers its own HDR, use that and leave the filter off.
What is RTX Video Super Resolution?
RTX Video Super Resolution is a feature that upscales lower-resolution online video in supported browsers using AI. It makes edges and detail look sharper on high-resolution screens and reduces some compression artefacts. It needs an RTX card, a current driver and the feature switched on in NVIDIA's settings.
Does RTX Video Super Resolution work on Netflix?
Protected streaming services often block it, because of the way they handle video. It works best with ordinary web video. Support depends on the browser and the site, so check NVIDIA's documentation, and test with a video you know it can enhance.
Do these features hurt performance?
They use some graphics power. RTX HDR can reduce frame rates slightly in demanding games, and higher Video Super Resolution levels use more power, which matters on laptops. Most modern desktop cards handle both easily. Switch them off if you notice problems.
Do I need an HDR monitor for RTX HDR?
Yes. RTX HDR needs a display that accepts and shows HDR. Without one, the feature has nothing to show. A good HDR screen gives the best result, and a basic HDR400 monitor may look washed out, so check reviews before you buy.