Best AI Anime Upscaler 2022

bycloud
26 Mar 202210:07

TLDRIn this video, the host compares the latest AI models for anime upscaling, including Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and waifu2x. The comparison is based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact handling, and bokeh effect management. The video uses two anime openings for testing, with Real-ESRGAN taking the lead in cleanness and artifact management, while waifu2x excels in bokeh effect consistency. The host also discusses the importance of model training and the potential for future improvements. The video concludes with a brief overview of each AI's strengths and potential use cases, and provides a link to a tutorial for installing and running these AI models.

Takeaways

  • 📈 A new AI research for upscaling anime was released a month ago, prompting a comparison of the best AI anime upscaling tools available in 2022.
  • 🆚 The comparison includes Real-ESRGAN, Real-ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and Waifu2x, with each being evaluated on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling.
  • 🎨 The video uses two anime openings for the comparison, upscaling them by two times, except for the ESRGAN model, which primarily runs with four times models.
  • 📊 The ranking for the cleanest criteria was topped by Real-ESRGAN, followed by ESRGAN Anime, Real-QGen, Topaz, and Waifu2x.
  • 🔍 For the artifacts criteria, Real-ESRGAN was disqualified due to its tendency to generate artifacts, with ESRGAN Anime taking the first place, followed by Real-QGen and Topaz.
  • 🌟 Handling the bokeh effect, Waifu2x ranked first for its consistency and minimal damage to the effect, followed by Real-QGen and Topaz, with ESRGAN Anime in the last place.
  • 🏎️ Real-ESRGAN is the slowest but excels at upscaling detailed scenes, making it ideal for complex anime with intricate details.
  • 🏃 Real-ESRGAN Anime is slower than Real-ESRGAN but faster than ESRGAN, and is better suited for simpler animation styles and handling the bokeh effect.
  • ⚡ Real-QGen is the fastest with a high processing speed of 4.5 fps, offering a balanced performance between detailed and simple animation styles.
  • 💵 Topaz is not free and has less upscaling strength than Topaz but provides consistent results with a decent processing speed of 3 fps.
  • 📚 The importance of using good models for AI upscaling is emphasized, with a suggestion to explore the ESRGAN model training community for optimal results.
  • 🔧 An all-in-one tutorial for installing the upscaling tools is provided, using Docker for the fastest setup.

Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of the video?

    -The main purpose of the video is to compare different AI anime upscaling tools to determine the best one available in 2022.

  • How many AI models are compared in the video?

    -Four AI models are compared in the video: Real-ESRGAN, Real-ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and Waifu2x.

  • What are the three criteria used to evaluate the AI models?

    -The three criteria used to evaluate the AI models are cleanness, amount of artifacts, and bokeh effect handling.

  • Which AI model is considered the cleanest?

    -The Real-ESRGAN model is considered the cleanest, as it provides smoothness around edges and text that fits the style of older anime better.

  • What is the main advantage of the Real-ESRGAN Anime model?

    -The Real-ESRGAN Anime model is noted for its focus on being pixel-perfect and not smoothing, resulting in fewer weird artifacts and good clarity in detailed anime scenes.

  • Which AI model is the fastest in processing time?

    -The Real-QGen is the fastest with a processing time of 4.5 fps.

  • What is the main downside of the Real-ESRGAN model?

    -The main downside of the Real-ESRGAN model is that it is prone to generating artifacts if the right input video is not chosen.

  • How does the Waifu2x model perform in terms of upscaling strength?

    -The Waifu2x model has less upscaling strength than Topaz but is consistent under all circumstances and decently fast at 3 fps processing time.

  • What is the role of models in the performance of AI upscaling tools?

    -Models play a crucial role in the performance of AI upscaling tools, as they are like the tires to the vehicles. Good models can significantly improve the quality of the AI's upscaling results.

  • How does the video help viewers understand the differences between the AI models?

    -The video helps viewers by comparing the AI models based on set criteria, providing a ranking for each criterion, and offering detailed observations after analyzing the results in slow motion.

  • What is the recommended way to install and run these AI models as mentioned in the video?

    -The video recommends using a Docker-based all-in-one tutorial linked in the description, which allows for the simultaneous installation and operation of all the AI models.

  • What is the purpose of the 'Yours App' mentioned in the video?

    -The 'Yours App' is an all-in-one self-care app that provides a wide range of content for well-being, including meditation, breathing exercises, psychological advice, music for relaxation, yoga, and more.

Outlines

00:00

📊 AI Upscaling Tools Comparison for Anime

The video script discusses a new AI research for upscaling anime and aims to determine the best AI tool for this purpose. It compares the Real-ESRGAN anime model, Topaz 2D model, and Waifu2x. The comparison is based on three criteria: cleanness, artifacts, and bokeh effect handling. The script outlines a testing methodology using two anime openings and provides detailed observations on the performance of each model in different scenarios. The results are analyzed in slow motion to pick up subtle details. The video also discusses the importance of models in AI performance and mentions a community where users can find and share models for specific uses. The script concludes with a brief mention of a self-care app called 'Yours App' and thanks the viewers and supporters.

05:01

🏆 Ranking and Recommendations for AI Upscaling

This paragraph provides a detailed ranking and recommendation for each AI upscaling tool based on their performance in the video's tests. ESRGAN is noted for its slow processing speed but excellent performance in upscaling detailed scenes, making it ideal for anime with complex visuals. Real-ESRGAN is praised for its handling of the bokeh effect and suitability for simpler animation styles. Real-QGAIN is recognized as a fast, middle-ground option between the two ESRGAN models, although it occasionally struggles with the bokeh effect. Topaz is criticized for its high cost and underperformance, while Waifu2x is commended for its consistency and minimal impact on the bokeh effect, despite its weaker upscaling capabilities. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the importance of good models for AI performance and a note on the potential for future quality improvements in these tools.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI Anime Upscaler

An AI Anime Upscaler is a software tool that uses artificial intelligence to enhance the resolution of anime images or videos. In the video, the AI upscalers are tested for their ability to improve the quality of anime visuals without introducing artifacts or losing the original style. It is the main theme of the video as the host compares different models.

💡Real-ESRGAN

Real-ESRGAN is a specific model of AI used for image and video upscaling. It stands for Enhanced Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Networks. In the context of the video, it is one of the models being compared for its effectiveness in upscaling anime, particularly noted for its ability to handle detailed scenes and produce high clarity.

💡Upscaling

Upscaling refers to the process of increasing the spatial resolution of an image or video. In the video, upscaling is the core technique being evaluated, with a focus on how well each AI model can upscale anime content to higher resolutions without compromising the original quality.

💡Artifacts

Artifacts in the context of image and video processing are unintended visual effects that appear as a result of the upscaling process. The video discusses the presence of artifacts as a negative aspect, as they can detract from the cleanness and natural look of the upscaled anime.

💡Bokeh Effect

The Bokeh Effect refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph or video, often resulting in a smooth transition between areas of focus and blur. In the video, the host evaluates how well each AI model handles the bokeh effect during the upscaling process, noting that poor handling can lead to an unnatural or over-smooth appearance.

💡Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is a classic anime series used in the video as a test subject for the upscaling process. The video specifically mentions the anime's opening sequence, which contains a lot of text and geometric objects, making it an ideal candidate for evaluating the cleanness and clarity of the upscaled results.

💡Topaz 2D Model

The Topaz 2D Model is an AI model designed for upscaling images and videos. It is one of the models compared in the video for its performance in upscaling anime. The host notes its performance in terms of cleanness and handling of geometric patterns.

💡Waifu 2x

Waifu 2x is an AI model specifically created for upscaling anime-style images. It is included in the video's comparison for its performance in upscaling and handling the bokeh effect. Despite not being as aggressive in upscaling as other models, it is noted for its consistency and minimal impact on the bokeh effect.

💡Ryokugen

Ryokugen is another AI model discussed in the video for its upscaling capabilities. It is compared with other models based on its ability to maintain clean edges and handle artifacts and the bokeh effect. The video notes that Ryokugen shows normalized colors and less intensive upscaling, which results in fewer artifacts.

💡Processing Time

Processing time refers to the duration it takes for an AI model to complete the upscaling of an image or video. In the context of the video, processing time is an important factor as it affects the usability and efficiency of the AI upscaler. The host mentions the processing speeds of different models, with Real-ESRGAN being the slowest and Real-QGen being the fastest.

💡Docker

Docker is a platform that allows users to develop, ship, and run applications in a virtual environment known as containers. In the video, the host mentions Docker as a method for installing and running the various AI models in a streamlined way, suggesting it as the fastest way to utilize these AI upscalers.

Highlights

A new AI research for upscaling anime was released a month ago.

The video compares the newest Real-Qen model with Real-ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and YFU2X.

Different AI models are compared based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling.

Cowboy Bebop opening is used to test the AI models for clean edges on geometric objects or lines.

Waifu 2X ranked fifth due to its lack of cleanness and clarity compared to other models.

Real-Qen is the newest AI research and ranked third for its clean lines on the planes.

ESRGAN outperforms Qgen with better clarity around text and is ranked second.

Ryo ESRGAN is ranked first for its upscaled smoothness around edges and text, fitting the style of older anime.

Artifacts criteria focus on the AI's ability to make a significant difference to the original without introducing too many artifacts.

Waifu 2X and Topaz are disqualified in the artifacts section for not taking enough risks to achieve better quality.

Real-ESRGAN is prone to artifacts due to its overly saturated and smooth results.

RyoKugen shows normalized colors and less intensive upscaling, ranking second in the artifacts criteria.

ESRGAN is the winner in the artifacts 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 performs the worst in handling bokeh effects, especially with slight blurs.

Kyugen ranks fourth as it recovers well on scenes containing blurring, despite initial struggles.

Topaz passes the bokeh effect test with minimal differences, ranking third.

Real-ESRGAN Gen ranks second for its exceptional handling of the bokeh effect with realistic details.

Waifu 2X is ranked first for its consistency and zero damage to the bokeh effect.

ESRGAN is the slowest but excels at upscaling detailed scenes or artworks.

Real-ESRGAN is slower than ESRGAN but good for simpler animation styles and handling bokeh effects.

Real-Qen is the fastest with a 4.5 fps processing time and decent at both detailed and simple animation styles.

Topaz is not free and has less upscale strength than others, but offers consistency.

Waifu 2X is consistently fast at 3 fps and provides good consistency under all circumstances.

The quality of AI models can fluctuate, and there may be future updates for upscaling tools.

An all-in-one tutorial is provided for installing the AI models using Docker for the fastest setup.

Yours App is featured, offering self-care content including meditation, music, and psychological advice.

Create Stunning AI Art Instantly

No login. No cost. Just incredible AI images !

Create Stunning AI Art InstantlyGenerate Now