A leaked version of Nvidia's generative AI upscaling technology, DLSS 5, has found its way into the hands of modders who are applying it not just to video games but also to real-time video feeds. The results have ranged from underwhelming to deeply unsettling, with some demonstrations focusing on distorting the appearance of real people.
Developer jpneagle recently showcased a demo of a new real-time DLSS 5 filter that can be used in conjunction with a webcam. This tool allows for the application of the leaked AI technology to live video, altering the appearance of the person being filmed. The developer has made this work available on GitHub, with a caution that users must obtain the necessary DLSS 5 files legally. One demonstration showed a user appearing to suffer from jaundice.
Another user, Samuel Cardillo, demonstrated a similar application using OBS and a DLSS feeder. While Cardillo suggested the filter provided "professional lighting," the output also notably exaggerated crow's feet on his face. This real-world application of DLSS 5 has been noted as producing more striking results on human faces than on some of the video game characters it was intended for.
While these real-world applications are visually arresting, they reportedly do not perform feats beyond what standard camera filters can already achieve. The broader context of DLSS 5's leak involves its application to video games, where initial modding efforts have also yielded varied and often undesirable visual outcomes, sometimes significantly impacting performance.