Unlocking Smoother Gameplay: A Guide to Integrating NVIDIA DLSS 4 with NVIDIA Streamline

Summary: NVIDIA DLSS 4 is the latest iteration of Deep Learning Super Sampling, a technology that boosts frame rates while maintaining high-quality images. This guide explains how to integrate DLSS 4 into your game using the NVIDIA Streamline SDK, focusing on the key features and steps required for a successful integration.

Understanding DLSS 4

DLSS 4 is a suite of neural rendering technologies powered by GeForce RTX Tensor Cores. It includes several new features:

  • DLSS Multi Frame Generation: Generates up to three additional frames per rendered frame on GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs.
  • DLSS Ray Reconstruction & DLSS Super Resolution: Uses a new Transformer model to improve temporal stability, detail in motion, and lighting details.

Streamline SDK Integration Overview

The NVIDIA Streamline SDK is an open-source framework that simplifies the integration of NVIDIA DLSS and other super-resolution technologies into games and applications. It provides a plug-and-play framework for a single integration point within your game engine.

Key Steps for Integration

  1. Add Streamline to Your Application:

    • Follow the Streamline Manual Hooking guide.
    • Integrate without any features and focus on tasks such as manual hooking and resource state tracking.

  2. Verify NVIDIA and Streamline Signatures:

    • Check the dual signatures on sl.interposer.dll before loading the DLL.
    • Follow the verification process within the Security section of the programming guide.

  3. Check System Support:

    • Verify hardware and software support for each DLSS 4 feature.
    • Display appropriate error messages to end users based on reported hardware support.

DLSS Multi Frame Generation Integration

DLSS Frame Generation uses AI to generate additional frames between existing ones in a game, significantly boosting frame rates and enabling smoother gameplay on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series and NVIDIA RTX 40 Series GPUs.

Integration Checklist

  • Pass Required Inputs:

    • Depth buffers
    • Motion vectors
    • HUD-less color buffers
    • UI color buffers
    • Common constants and a frame index are provided for each frame using the slSetConstants and slSetFeatureConstants methods.

  • Validate Inputs:

    • Use the Streamline Imgui plugin and buffer visualization using the development DLLs.

  • Disable DLSS Multi Frame Generation When Appropriate:

    • Disable during in-menu or scene transitions.
    • Set sl::DLSSGOptions::mode to sl::DLSSGMode::off in cases such as game pause, loading, modifying resolution, switching between full-screen and windowed mode, and not rendering game frames.

DLSS Super Resolution Integration

DLSS Super Resolution uses AI to upscale a lower-resolution image to a higher resolution, boosting game performance.

Integration Checklist

  • Integrate Close to Post-Processing:

    • Integrate DLSS Super Resolution as close to the start of post-processing as possible.

  • Set Mip-Map Bias:

    • Set when DLSS Ray Resolution is enabled to avoid blurry textures.

  • Ensure Accurate Motion Vectors:

    • Confirm accurate motion vectors for all scenes, materials, and objects.

  • Validate IQ and Performance Benefits:

    • Use the Streamline Imgui plugin to validate image quality and performance benefits.

Table: Key Features of DLSS 4

Feature Description
DLSS Multi Frame Generation Generates up to three additional frames per rendered frame on GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs.
DLSS Ray Reconstruction Enhances image quality by generating additional pixels for intensive ray-traced scenes.
DLSS Super Resolution Upscales lower-resolution images to higher resolutions using AI.
Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing Provides higher image quality with an AI-based anti-aliasing technique.

Table: Integration Checklist Highlights

Task Description
Verify Signatures Check dual signatures on sl.interposer.dll before loading.
Pass Required Inputs Ensure all necessary inputs are passed to Streamline for DLSS Multi Frame Generation.
Validate Inputs Use Streamline Imgui plugin and buffer visualization to validate inputs.
Disable When Appropriate Disable DLSS Multi Frame Generation during in-menu or scene transitions.
Set Mip-Map Bias Set when DLSS Ray Resolution is enabled to avoid blurry textures.
Ensure Accurate Motion Vectors Confirm accurate motion vectors for all scenes, materials, and objects.

Conclusion

Integrating NVIDIA DLSS 4 with the NVIDIA Streamline SDK can significantly enhance game performance and image quality. By following the steps outlined in this guide, developers can leverage the power of AI-driven rendering technologies to deliver smoother and more immersive gaming experiences. With its simplified integration process and robust features, Streamline makes it easier for developers to unlock the full potential of DLSS 4.