Best AI Anime Upscaler 2022
TLDRThis video compares the latest AI models for upscaling anime, focusing on Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN Anime, Topaz 2D, and Waifu2x. The comparison is based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact handling, and bokeh effect management. Real-ESRGAN stands out for its clarity and handling of detailed scenes, making it ideal for intricate anime like Unlimited Blade Works. ESRGAN Anime excels with simple animation styles and bokeh effect, while Real-QGen is a fast, balanced option. Topaz and Waifu2x are less aggressive in upscaling but offer consistency. The video also discusses the importance of model selection and provides a link to an all-in-one tutorial for installing these AI tools. Sponsored by Yours App, a self-care app with a wide range of features.
Takeaways
- π¬ A new AI research for upscaling anime was released a month ago, prompting a comparison of the best AI anime upscaling tools.
- π The comparison includes Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and YFU2X.
- π Different AI models are compared based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling.
- π The video provides individual uploads of the results on a second channel for better quality assessment.
- π₯ For cleanness, Real-ESRGAN emerged as the top choice, especially for older anime styles like Cowboy Bebop.
- π In terms of artifact handling, ESRGAN Anime model was the winner, focusing on pixel-perfect results and fewer weird artifacts.
- π For bokeh effect handling, YFU2X ranked first due to its consistency and minimal damage to the bokeh effect.
- β± Real-ESRGAN is the slowest but excels in upscaling detailed scenes or artworks, making it ideal for certain anime.
- ποΈ Real-ESRGAN Anime is slower than ESRGAN but faster than Real-ESRGAN, and is great for simpler animation styles.
- π¨ Real-QGen is the fastest with a good balance between detailed and simple animation styles but can have occasional bokeh issues.
- π° Topaz and YFU2X are slower in processing time, with YFU2X being consistent under all circumstances.
- π§ The video also mentions the importance of model training and the potential for AI quality to improve over time.
Q & A
What is the main topic discussed in the transcript?
-The main topic discussed in the transcript is the comparison of different AI anime upscaling tools to determine the best one in 2022.
What are the three criteria used to compare the AI anime upscaling tools?
-The three criteria used to compare the AI anime upscaling tools are cleanness, amount of artifacts, and bokeh effect handling.
Which AI model was found to be the cleanest in upscaling?
-The 'Ryo ES' model was found to be the cleanest in upscaling, as it provided smoothness around the edges and text, fitting the simple style of older anime like Cowboy Bebop.
Why was Waifu 2x disqualified in the artifacts criteria section?
-Waifu 2x was disqualified in the artifacts criteria section because it didn't take much risk to achieve better quality and thus didn't make a significant difference to the original.
What is the main advantage of Real-ESRGAN in terms of upscaling?
-The main advantage of Real-ESRGAN is its focus on being pixel-perfect and not smoothing, which results in less weird artifacts and supports good clarity while maintaining high quality for detailed anime scenes.
How does the Real-QGen model compare to the others in terms of speed?
-The Real-QGen model is the fastest of them all, with a processing speed of 4.5 fps, making it a middle ground between Real-ESRGAN and ESR-Again in terms of speed.
Which AI model is best suited for handling the bokeh effect?
-Waifu 2x is best suited for handling the bokeh effect as it does zero damage to any bokeh effect and is the most consistent of all the models.
What is the main downside of using Real-ESRGAN for upscaling?
-The main downside of using Real-ESRGAN for upscaling is that it is prone to generating artifacts if the right input video is not chosen.
What is the recommended way to install all the discussed AI models?
-The recommended way to install all the discussed AI models is by using an all-in-one tutorial that uses Docker, which is currently the fastest way to run these AIs.
What is the role of the 'Yours App' mentioned in the transcript?
-The 'Yours App' is an all-in-one app that provides self-care content such as meditation, breathing exercises, psychological advice, music for relaxation, yoga, and more.
How can viewers get a discount on the Yours App subscription?
-Viewers can get a 60% discount on the yearly Yours App subscription by visiting yoursap.com and using the discount code provided in the transcript.
What is the significance of the models in AI upscaling tools?
-The models are significant in AI upscaling tools as they are like the tires to the vehicles; different models are designed for different purposes, and having good models can greatly enhance the performance of an AI.
Outlines
π AI Upscaling Tools Comparison for Anime
The video script discusses the latest AI research for upscaling anime and aims to determine the best AI tool for this purpose. The comparison involves the newest Real-ESRGAN model, specifically designed for anime, against the Real-ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and YFU2X. The AI models are likened to different types of vehicles with specific tires for different terrains, emphasizing their specialized nature. The comparison is based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling. The script details the process of evaluating these models using two anime openings, with the results and rankings provided for each criterion. The video also discusses the importance of model selection and the potential for future quality fluctuations in these AI tools.
π Final Rankings and Recommendations
The second paragraph provides a comprehensive wrap-up of the AI upscaling tools comparison. It ranks the tools based on their performance in specific tasks such as upscaling detailed scenes, handling simpler animation styles, and managing the bokeh effect. The Real-ESRGAN model is noted for its slow processing speed but excellent performance in upscaling detailed scenes, making it ideal for certain anime with intricate particle effects. The Real-ESRGAN Anime model is recognized for its handling of the bokeh effect and its suitability for simpler animation styles. The Real-QGAN model is highlighted as a fast, middle-ground option between the two Real-ESRGAN models, with occasional issues with the bokeh effect. Topaz is mentioned as a paid option with less upscaling strength, while Waifu2X is praised for its consistency and minimal impact on the bokeh effect, despite its lower upscaling effort. The paragraph concludes with a reminder about the importance of model quality and the potential for future advancements in AI upscaling technology.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘AI Anime Upscaler
π‘Real-ESRGAN
π‘Artifacts
π‘Bokeh Effect
π‘Upscaling
π‘Waifu 2x
π‘Topaz
π‘Ryokugen
π‘ESRGAN Anime Model
π‘Processing Time
π‘Yours App
Highlights
A new AI research for upscaling anime was released a month ago, prompting a comparison of the best AI anime upscaling tools.
The comparison includes Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and YFU2X.
Different AI models are compared based on three criteria: cleanness, amount of artifacts, and bokeh effect handling.
The video features a side-by-side comparison of upscaling two anime openings for two times, except for ESRGAN Anime model which uses four times models.
Cowboy Bebop opening is used as a test ground for evaluating clean edges on geometric objects or lines.
Waifu 2X ranks fifth in cleanness due to its lack of clarity compared to other models.
Real-QGen is the newest AI research and ranks third in cleanness, offering cleaner lines on the planes than Topaz.
ESRGAN Anime model takes second place for clarity around text and is easier to read.
Ryo ESRGAN ranks first in cleanness, with its upscaled smoothness around edges and text fitting the style of older anime like Cowboy Bebop.
Artifacts criteria focus on the AI's ability to make a significant difference to the original without generating too many artifacts.
Real-ESRGAN is noted for its overly saturated results and smoothness but is prone to artifacts.
Ryokugen shows more normalized colors and less intensive upscaling, resulting in fewer artifacts.
ESRGAN Anime model wins the artifact section for its pixel-perfect focus and minimal weird artifacts.
Bokeh effect handling considers the AI's consistency in not disrupting the blur effect.
ESRGAN Anime model performs the worst in handling bokeh effect, especially with slight blurs.
Topaz passes the bokeh effect test minimally, with slight but understandable differences.
Real-ESRGAN ranks second in bokeh effect handling, with exceptional quality and minimal damage to the benchmark.
Waifu 2X ranks first in bokeh effect handling due to its zero damage to any blur effect and consistency.
ESRGAN Anime model is the slowest but excels at upscaling detailed scenes or artworks.
Real-ESRGAN is slower than ESRGAN Anime model but is good for simpler animation styles and handling bokeh effect.
Real-QGen is the fastest with a balanced performance between detailed and simple animation styles.
Topaz and Waifu 2X are noted for their consistency and decent upscaling speed.
The quality of AI upscaling tools may fluctuate in the future, suggesting the need for continuous evaluation.
An all-in-one tutorial is provided for installing the AI models using Docker, which is currently the fastest way to run these AIs.
The video is sponsored by Yours App, an all-in-one self-care app with a wide range of content for well-being.