AI Video Upscaling: Step-by-Step Guide 2024

AI video upscaling uses smart algorithms to enhance video quality, making low-res footage look sharper and clearer. Here's what you need to know:

  • Turns SD into HD, HD into 4K, even 4K to 8K

  • Works by adding new pixels and enhancing details

  • Faster and better quality than traditional upscaling methods

Key steps:

  1. Choose AI upscaling software

  2. Upload your video

  3. Set upscaling options (resolution, frame rate, AI model)

  4. Apply extra enhancements (noise reduction, color correction)

  5. Preview and adjust results

  6. Export the upscaled video

Top tools for 2024:

Quick Comparison:

ToolBest ForPriceKey Feature
Topaz Video AIPro-level quality$299 (one-time)Advanced AI models
AVCLabsWide range upscalingFrom $39.95/month4K to 8K capability
VideoProcFormat variety$45.95 (lifetime)370+ input formats
PixopOccasional usePay-per-useNo software install

AI upscaling can breathe new life into old footage, save time on manual enhancements, and is becoming more affordable. Start with a short clip to test it out before tackling bigger projects.

Related video from YouTube

How AI Video Upscaling Works

AI video upscaling is changing the game for video quality improvement. Here's the scoop on how it works and why it's leaving old methods in the dust.

AI Upscaling Process

AI upscaling uses smart algorithms to boost video quality. Here's the breakdown:

  1. The AI scans each video frame

  2. It learns from high-quality video patterns

  3. New pixels are added to sharpen the image

  4. Details like textures and edges get a makeover

Take AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI - it can turn SD into HD, and even push 4K to 8K.

AI vs. Traditional Upscaling

FeatureAI UpscalingTraditional Upscaling
MethodMachine learningSimple math
QualitySharp and naturalOften blurry
SpeedFastCan be slow
FlexibilityAdapts to videosOne-size-fits-all

Traditional methods just stretch videos, often making them fuzzy. AI? It's smarter - it actually improves quality.

Advantages of AI for Video Quality

  • Turns 720p into 4K while keeping it crisp

  • Cleans up grainy footage

  • Fixes color issues

  • Works fast

  • Budget-friendly

AI upscaling isn't just for the big studios. Tools like HitPaw Video Enhancer let anyone give their videos a pro-level upgrade.

Getting Ready for AI Video Upscaling

Let's dive into what you need to start upscaling videos with AI:

Computer Requirements

Here's a quick look at the specs you'll want:

ComponentMinimumRecommended
OSWindows 10 (64-bit) or macOS MojaveWindows 11 or latest macOS
CPUIntel/AMD (2017+) with AVX2Latest Intel/AMD or Apple M1/M2
RAM8 GB32 GB
GPUNVIDIA GTX 900 series / AMD Radeon 500 seriesNVIDIA RTX 3060 / AMD RX 6700 XT
VRAM4 GB12 GB
Storage20 GB free space50 GB SSD

These specs are based on popular tools like Topaz Video AI and Nero AI Video Upscaler.

AI Upscaling Software

Top AI video upscaling tools for 2024:

  1. Topaz Video AI: High-end option. $299 lifetime license.

  2. AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI: Upscales SD to HD, even 4K to 8K.

  3. VideoProc Converter AI: Handles 370+ input formats. $25.95/year or $45.95 lifetime.

  4. Movavi Video Editor: User-friendly for all skill levels.

  5. Winxvideo AI: Upscales to 4K. $39.95/year or $69.95 lifetime.

Try their free trials to find your best fit.

Choosing Video Formats

For best results:

  • Input: Most tools accept MP4, AVI, MOV, and WMV.

  • Output: Go for MP4 with H.264 or H.265 codec.

  • Resolution: Start with your highest quality source video.

AI Video Upscaling: Step-by-Step

Let's break down how to use AI to upscale your videos:

Pick an AI Upscaling Tool

Choose a tool that works for you. Here are some top picks for 2024:

ToolFeaturesCost
Topaz Video AIHigh-quality, offline$299 (lifetime)
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AISD to HD, 4K to 8K$39.95/month, $299.90/lifetime
VideoProc Converter AI370+ formats$45.95 (lifetime)
PixopWeb-based, pay-as-you-go$10 minimum credit

Upload Your Video

  1. Open your AI upscaling software

  2. Find the "Import" or "Upload" button

  3. Pick your video file (MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV)

  4. Let it upload

Set Up Upscaling Options

Tweak your settings:

  • Resolution: Pick your target (720p, 1080p, 4K)

  • Frame Rate: Boost FPS if needed (30 to 60)

  • AI Model: Choose one for your video type

Topaz Video AI users, try these:

  • Artemis: Denoise and sharpen

  • Gaia: General upscaling

  • Theia: Boost details and clarity

Add Extra Improvements

Fine-tune with:

  • Noise reduction

  • Color correction

  • Stabilization (for shaky footage)

Check and Adjust Results

Preview your upscaled video:

  1. Hit the preview button

  2. Set preview time

  3. Compare original and upscaled

  4. Tweak settings if needed

Save the Upscaled Video

Happy with the results?

  1. Click "Export" or "Save"

  2. Pick your format (MP4 with H.264 or H.265 codec)

  3. Choose where to save

  4. Let it process

Advanced AI Video Upscaling Tips

Upscale Multiple Videos at Once

Want to save time? Process several videos simultaneously. Here's how:

  • VideoJaNai: Fast upscaling with TensorRT, DirectML, or NCNN

  • Winxvideo AI: Upscales videos and images by 2x, 3x, or 4x

Winxvideo AI pricing:

  • Year Subscription (3 PCs): $39.95

  • Lifetime License (1 PC): $69.95

Use Custom AI Models

Get better results with specialized AI models:

  • OpenModelDB: Grab community-trained models

  • Topaz Video AI: Pick models for specific needs Proteus: General upscalingArtemis: Denoising and sharpening

Combine Upscaling with Editing

Mix upscaling into your editing workflow:

  1. Upscale footage

  2. Apply color correction

  3. Add stabilization

  4. Overlay text or effects

Some tools offer both upscaling and editing:

ToolUpscalingEditing Features
VideoProc VloggerUp to 4KColor correction, stabilization
ApowerEditAI-poweredText overlay, effects
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Fixing Common Problems

AI video upscaling can be tricky. Here's how to tackle the most common issues:

Visual Glitches

To cut down on weird effects in your upscaled videos:

  • Make sure your original footage is well-lit and framed nicely

  • Pick the right AI model for the job: Topaz Video AI's Proteus for general upscalingTopaz Video AI's Artemis when you need to clean up noise and sharpen things

Slow Performance

Want to speed things up? Try these:

1. Beef up your hardware:

PartWhat You Need
Graphics CardNVIDIA GTX 600 series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series
Processor4GHz Intel/AMD model
RAM8GB or more
DirectXVersion 12+

2. Tweak your software:

  • Save your go-to settings as a preset

  • Use .jpg output for processing frames

  • Don't render out JPEGs (they can add noise)

3. Process videos in parallel:

  • Split your total frames in half

  • Run two instances of the AI software at once

  • Hold SHIFT when double-clicking to open a second instance

Big File Sizes

Keep your file sizes in check without losing quality:

  1. Cut out any unnecessary parts

  2. Switch to MP4 with H.265 codec

  3. Adjust resolution based on where you're posting: YouTube: 1920x1080Social media: 1280x720

  4. Tweak the bitrate (like 5 Mbps for 720p videos)

For solid compression:

SoftwareHow Much It ShrinksExample
Winxvideo AIUp to 90%1GB in → 102MB out

Tips for Better AI Video Upscaling

Want to make your AI-upscaled videos look amazing? Here's how:

Keep Original Video Shape

Don't mess up your video's look. Stick to the right aspect ratio:

  • Pick the scale factor that fits (2x, 3x, or 4x)

  • Use "Real Smooth" in Topaz Video AI to fix without changing size

  • Got scan lines? Turn on De-interlace

Don't Forget the Sound

Great video, terrible audio? No thanks. Here's what to do:

  • Export with high-quality audio formats

  • Use tools to cut down background noise

  • If your upscaler can't handle audio well, process it separately

Make It Look Good Everywhere

Your video should shine on any screen:

DeviceResolutionFrame Rate
Phones1080p30-60 fps
Tablets1440p30-60 fps
TVs/Monitors4K60 fps

Pro tip: Want buttery-smooth video? Use frame interpolation to bump up to 60, 120, or even 240 fps.

A few more things:

  • Start with the best source video you can find

  • Clean up your video before upscaling

  • Keep your AI software up-to-date

  • Be smart about upscaling really low-res stuff

What's Next for AI Video Upscaling

AI video upscaling is evolving rapidly. Here's what's on the horizon:

New Video Enhancement Tech

AI is revolutionizing video improvement:

  • 8K TV Upscaling: Samsung, Sony, and LG are leading the charge with 8K TVs featuring AI upscaling. These TVs enhance 4K content for larger screens.

  • Smart Object Recognition: Samsung's AI can identify specific objects like apples in videos, then sharpen edges and fix issues for clearer images.

  • Faster Processing: By 2024, we'll likely see much quicker upscaling, reducing wait times for enhanced videos.

Future AI Upscaling Abilities

AI video tools are getting smarter:

FeatureFunctionImpact
Multi-modal AIProcesses video, audio, and text togetherImproved overall video quality
Small Language ModelsRuns on less powerful devicesWider AI upscaling access
Hyper-personalizationCustomizes video content for viewersMore engaging experiences

Soon, AI might:

  • Enhance audio while upscaling video

  • Add realistic details to low-quality footage

  • Work in real-time for live streaming

This means AI tools must constantly improve to stay relevant.

The future of AI video upscaling is promising. It's not just about sharper images anymore - it's about smarter, faster, and more personalized video experiences. As the tech advances, we'll see better-looking videos that are easier to create and more enjoyable to watch.

Conclusion

AI video upscaling is changing the game for video quality. Here's a quick recap:

1. Pick your tool

ToolUse CaseCost
Topaz Video Enhance AIHigh-quality$299 (one-time)
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AIBudget-friendlyFrom $39.99/month
PixopShort clipsPay-as-you-go

2. Upload video

3. Choose upscaling settings

4. Enhance

5. Check and tweak

6. Export

Why Try It?

  • Make old videos look new

  • Save time

  • Affordable options available

Start with a short clip. See what works for you. As you get comfortable, tackle bigger projects.

Ready to make your videos pop? Give AI upscaling a shot.

FAQs

Can AI improve old video quality?

Yes, AI can boost old video quality. It uses smart algorithms to:

  • Enhance resolution

  • Remove artifacts

  • Restore details

Topaz Video Enhance AI, for example, can upscale, denoise, and restore low-res footage using info from multiple frames.

Is there any free AI video upscaler?

Yep! CapCut offers a free AI video upscaling tool. It's powerful and works with various video formats and resolutions.

ToolFeaturesCost
CapCutMultiple formats, various resolutions, AI upscalingFree
Topaz Video Enhance AIHigh-quality upscaling, denoising, restoration$299 (one-time), 30-day trial

When picking an AI upscaler, think about what you need and your budget. Free tools like CapCut can do the job, but paid options like Topaz might offer more for pro-level work.

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