Intel has recently launched a new graphics driver package which is expected to enhance 4K video playback and support the newest 5th-gen Intel Core chips -- the Broadwell processors. The new driver has also been designed to improve video playback when using Chrome.
Such package will be supporting Windows 7, Windows 8.0 and Windows 8.1, and is expected to feature hardware acceleration for the VP9 video format that is used when playing videos in Chrome as well as in Google Hangouts.
For the 4K Ultra HD video playback, the new driver will also be capable of GPU-accelerated decoding for the HEVC video format; extension support for Open CL and Open GL is included as well. The GPU accelerated decoding will offer both 8-bit and 10-bit support, enabling enhanced video playback capabilities for the platforms.
Several chips from Intel's Broadwell line are to be supported, including the Intel HD Graphics 5500, HD Graphics 6000 and Iris Graphics 6100 graphics cores. Other similar 4th-gen Core CPUs with HD, Iris and Iris Pro graphics, the Core M family and select Pentium/Celeron processors are also included in the list of supported processors.
Intel explains that users of Broadwell notebooks can expect additional battery life of up to 90 minutes as compared to those that use the 4th-generation Haswell Core chip. Additionally, those running on Broadwell offer speedier integrated graphics by up to 22 percent as well as faster video conversion of up to 50 percent.
Tech experts have also explained the possible implications of such new and improved capabilities in terms of power and performance. Hardware-assisted decode is expected to bring about smooth video playback at a higher bitrate and resolution while reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
According to Intel, a new Core i7-5600U Broadwell chip partnered with an Intel Graphics 5500 GPU will offer speedier performance by 22 percent as compared with a Haswell Core i7-4600U that comes with an Intel HD Graphics 4400 GPU. Users can look forward to enjoying additional quality HD video playback for 90 minutes, from approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Details on the new driver package state that such new software will be addressing issues from a couple of well-known games and a bug that makes the screen freeze sometimes when using Skype.
