Misc. TNT2 Differences

TV out/DFP support

Some manufacturers TVideo and Composite RCA jack, while others may even include a connector for Digital Flat Panel support (which is cooler, but undoubtedly even less-used). While DFP is very uncommon, and pretty much pie-in-the-sky for most folks, TV-Out has probably been an option you've seen on a current or prior video card before, and basically allows you to shuttle the output of your video card straight to the TV, at restricted resolutions and refresh rates.

Not to many folks have a use for TV-Out, but if you've got a television hooked up next to your system, you can have the benefit of the improved saturation and size of the television. Unless you're specifically looking for TV-Out, remember that it's a trivial thing to add that doesn't cost much for the manufacturer to implement, and can be an easy way to get another bullet point onto their features comparison charts.

3D shades

Two particular TNT2 makers, Asus and Elsa, are including 3D stereo glasses with their TNT2s. While 3D glasses certainly aren't for everyone, they can definitely bring back the fun in some older games, and provide an added sense of immersion as well.

Asus' VR-Stereoscopes

Elsa's Revelator 3D

What's really interesting about these 3D glasses are that they will work with any 3D game that supports DirectX 6.0. There are no special versions or game-specific drivers to worry about. The Asus VR Stereoscopes connect to the V3800 card through a stereo mini cable, while the Elsa Revelator 3Ds are available in both corded and infra-red (basically similar to H3D/Eyescream) versions.

Software Bundles

You'll see each card manufacturer run the gamut when it comes down to included software. Besides drivers, we might see 3D game demos, full versions, multimedia and 3D applications, and even DVD players. Interestingly, the TNT2 only supports hardware subpicture blending, which doesn't accelerate the decoding process greatly. Look to 3dfx and S3 for motion compensation, and ATI's Rage128 for the both mo-comp and IDCT support.