Conclusion

Since I am not sure whether 3dfx is using this advanced technique or not, I am unable to make any conclusions about 3dfx's claims. What I can say is that when I first heard about 22-bit output from 16-bit dithered input, I believed that it was a load of crap. By now I have seen several algorithms that indeed seem to approach 22-bit color by starting from a 16-bit dithered input. One thing I can tell you: it is not impossible to go from 16-bit dithered input to 22-bit output.

If 3dfx is using a method like the one described in this article, then I can only say that it is a smart choice. This filtering is capable of seriously decreasing the visibility of dithering patterns while maintaining a clear, sharp image. While this technique is no replacement for true 24-bit rendering (note that 3dfx never claimed this), it is probably a good way to create very high quality 16-bit output. Right now I am tempted to say that 3dfx should have the best 16-bit quality out there.

At this point I would like to thank Brain Burke from 3dfx/STB for replying so swiftly to my request for a Voodoo3 board. I am looking forward to receiving it and you can be sure that I will try to find out the difference between the buffered information and the real onscreen results.

And as usually, feedback is welcome. I am not perfect, I do make mistakes, so if you have a comment, questions, etc send them here.