Using advanced upscaling algorithms, the SimHD plug-in upscales lower quality & standard-definition video files and DVD movies to near high-definition quality offering you a sharper and more vivid image.
NVIDIA GPUs are the only processors at this time that can process these sophisticated algorithms in real time. However, the application is compatible with millions of NVIDIA GPUs from the GeForce 8 Series on-wards, including GeForce® and Quadro® processing units line.
SimHD performs this video upscaling work by utilizing the NVIDIA® CUDA™ parallel computing architecture to solve complex calculations in a fraction of the time required on a CPU.
Using this software with the appropriate video card adapter, a 1080p HDTV could be powered with a traditional DVD collection to near-HD quality, according to ArcSoft. The software sells for $89.99 to $119.99, with the SimHD GPU-accelerated plug-in costing an additional $19.95.
ArcSoft claims the algorithm is sufficient to upscale most traditional DVDs into full- or near-HD quality through software alone -- meaning this $110 to $140 investment could turn your DVD library into a near-Blu ray library without having to buy all new discs or equipment.