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Upscaling Device ?
Good day everyone! I have a question after scouring the net for answers and all of the Canopus, AJA sites etc. This is not a question that’s not be asked before, however… there are some solutions that I’m interested in knowing if anyone here has had experience with or has a newer better option for me to invest in. I made a feature documentary that won numerous festival awards around the world. Took 8 years to shoot (2001 to 2008) a year to cut and put it out in festivals for 2 years. 90% of it was shot with an DVX100a and 100b as well as in 25 and 50bit DVCPro. I have a Panasonic Play/Rec deck with the Mini DV adapter. I can certainly capture into FCPX 10.5.4 (latest update) via a Canopus device from Firewire 400 into a OWC hub via Firewire 800. Here’s my question…I found the AJA io HD box. It’s no longer being manufactured but, there are a few out there for sale and reasonably priced. The box upscales and can deliver in 4:2:2. However, I’m not sure if there are drivers needed for FCPX? Additionally, if anyone has gone this route how did it come out? What I don’t want to do is what the Canopus does, compresses even more, at least that’s what the quality is. It would be great to have the DV/DVC footage at a higher bit rate and clean. If there is another option out there would you all be so kind to share?
Thanks so much.
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2 Replies
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My suggestion is to use hardware to capture the highest quality clip as possible in the same resolution as the original. Then use software to upscale.
I just finished a job that had a similar objective. I had a 320×240 avi file from a surveillance camera that needed to be upscaled for use in a legal matter. It didn’t involve hardware, but the upscaling was with software.
I used Shutter Encoder to convert the avi file to ProRes 422 in the same resolution. In FCPX I improved the exposure then exported the result as ProRes 422 in the same resolution.
My final step was to use Topaz Labs’ Video Enhance AI to upscale 400%. It took an M1 Mac Mini over 5 hours to render an almost 19-minute clip. The result looked considerably better than the original.
Video Enhance AI is an incredible app. You can find it at topazlabs dot com. They have a fully function trial so you can test how it’d work for you.
I have no connection with Topaz Labs other than being an extremely happy customer. I own and use many of their amazing products.
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John, thank you so much for your quick response. I will be definitely looking into Video Enhance AI.
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