A graphics processing unit handles graphics-related computation and can work alongside specialised media hardware in a device. Depending on the platform, video processing or decoding may use particular acceleration paths rather than general CPU work. A GPU label is therefore only one part of a device's media capability and does not establish support for every codec or presentation mode.
A practical example
A computer can use a supported accelerated video path while rendering the player's interface through its graphics system. An unsupported media format may still fall back to software processing, even when the machine has a capable graphics processor for other tasks.
A common misunderstanding
Gaming performance and media-format support are different specifications. Do not assume that a powerful GPU guarantees every video profile, output mode or app implementation will work through hardware acceleration.
Related terms
Stable technical definition. Editorial approach