Video encoding with GPU: GTX 200 series "Compute mode"

[Ramscoop]

Does anyone know any specifics (or links) on the "Compute mode" associated w/ the new GTX 200 series GPUs. I'm primarily interested in it for video encoding.

I guess the main question(s) is about functionality: Is the "Compute mode" (when used for video encoding) compatibile with only specific software? (Or could I use it to increase ecoding time with my current software config?) Is this a feature that's going to die with the next gen cards? Is the "Compute mode" a feature that toggles automatically from "Graphics mode" to "Compute mode" or is manually controlled i.e. in the NVControl panel (like toggling SLi)?

info, good links? Thx.

[Ramscoop]

Oh, forgot to mention. I'm primarily interested in this feature concerning the GTX 280 (the 260 supports this as well).

[Sharktooth]

actually there is only one GPU accelerated encoder (badaboom or something).
it produces crap quality and it's slower than software encoders at the same quality.
some info here: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=136847

[Ramscoop]

That's interesting... so basically, any software you run under these newer GPU settings have to be deigned under CUDA? It surprises me that Badaboom would be the only GTX 200 series encoding option to date as the "Compute Mode" boasted by many 200 series reviews claims greatly increased transcoding times.

I wonder what their testbed and software is to support the claims.

[Sharktooth]

it's all advertising...
dont be fooled by that.

[Ramscoop]

Yeah, some propagandistic nVidia "war campain" add had caught my attention beyon reasonable limits, but thanks for the info. It doesn't look like anything I'm going to be getting excited about just yet. The CUDA based encoding app (http://www.elementaltechnologies.com/products.php?id=6) look liked it didn't produce very good quality compared to other conventional apps.

"actually there is only one GPU accelerated encoder (badaboom or something).
it produces crap quality and it's slower than software encoders at the same quality.
some info here: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=136847"