NVIDIA DualTV MCE with Remote Control - Dual TV Tuner Card

Overview of the DualTV MCE's Key Features Highlighting the Basics

3D Comb Filter (3D YC) and 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR):  To improve image quality with the DualTV Tuner, NVIDIA implements several key technologies.  Working in tandem, NVIDIA's 3D Comb Filter (3D YC) and 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) algorithms are employed in the preprocessing of the video, reducing image noise and improving overall color separation. 

With 3DNR, the technology has changed compare to legacy 2D Noise Reduction methods.  2DNR samples image data by analyzing adjacent pixels in a single frame of video to determine what information is noise and what is data.  3DNR's algorithm improves on this method by sampling individual pixels across multiple frames in an effort to discern what is valid image information and what is background noise.  By sampling the same pixel in the previous and next frame of video, the 3DNR algorithm compares the data and is able to more accurately removed noise while preserving good image data.  The end result is a sharper image over 2D methods, which typically softens an image during processing. 

Noise Reduction Disabled

Noise Reduction Enabled
Image Courtesy of NVIDIA

Along with 3DNR, a 3D Comb Filter is also employed to analyze luminance and chrominance (brightness and color signals) of an image.  Like 3DNR, 3D YC samples multiple frames, assessing the same pixel across several frames in an effort to improve color separation and overall image quality.  The end result is a more vivid and sharp image compared to 2D Comb Filter technology, eliminating much of the color bleeding in the image.

ViXS XCode II Multistream MPEG-2 Encoding:  At the core of the DualTV MCE's design is ViXs's XCode II multi-stream encoder.  The XCode II is a good fit for this type of application thanks to its low power, .18 micron design.  Additionally, the ViXS II provides a broad range of features and flexibility to fit NVIDIA's needs with the DualTV MCE.  We've covered the general specification on page one, but for those looking for a more in-depth view of the Xcode II's features set, check out ViSX's website here.

NVIDIA PureVideo Decoder:  NVIDIA ships the DualTV with PureVideo - Bronze Edition ($19.95 Retail) to handle all video decoding functionality.  Coming in three flavors; Bronze, Gold and Platinum, the PureVideo Bronze edition is adequate for most average users, but may leave advanced users yearning for more audio options.  

In the end, the difference between the three versions lies solely on audio processing.  For user's looking to upgrade to greater functionality, the Gold edition costs $29.95 while the DTS capable Platinum edition sells for $49.95.

MediaSqueeze Technology:  To aid those interested in archiving their digital videos to DVD, NVIDIA has implemented their MediaSqueeze Technology.  As the name implies, MediaSqueeze works to compress recorded video to help reduce storage requirements.

MediaSqueeze works natively in Windows XP Media Center and can also be applied with third party applications that support the technology, such as Sonic's MyDVD LE (Pictured above), which is included in the retail package.  With MediaSqueeze, user's can cut their storage requirements down to 25% of its original size, which equates to enough data to fill four DVDs being reduced to a single DVD.