HQV Benchmark 2.0 Analysis – ATi, nVidia and Intel

Overview:
The first section is based around Video Conversion tests, followed up by a long series of Cadence related tests and lastly we get to examine colour upscaling errors.

Notes:
These tests stress the video processors ability to process data accurately, and is based around both stationary and moving elements within specific scenes. If the processing is successful and high quality the images will be rendered crisply and in a very clear manner. On the other hand, if the processing is poor then jaggies and artifacting will appear on the edges of moving objects.

Cadence tests all deal with the ability of the video processing unit to detect and lock onto the cadence of the video clip and then display it with minimal distortion while preserving maximum detail in problem specific areas.

The video industry use different cadences to increase or decrease the amount of video content. A ‘cadence' is a ratio which describes the relationship between the original film and the converted end result.

Scoring:
These tests assess the video processor's ability to detect and lock onto two basic cadences, 2:2 and 3:2. For both tests, the video slowly pans across seating inside a stadium. If the cadence detector is faulty, a moire pattern will be seen in various seating sections of the stadium. The curves of this pattern may also distort and the pattern can ‘shift' as the scene pans across the various rows of seats. This pattern may present itself throughout the whole sequence and may even flicker in and out of view.

Stadium 2:2 (Score either 5, 3 or 0)
No moire pattern observed in stands within less than 1/2 second. – Scores 5
No moire pattern observed in stands within less than 1 second. – Scores 3
Moire pattern observed in stands intermittently or constantly through the clip – Scores 0