Convert any 1080p screen recording or video to 4K for FREE 🤯 (Video2X)

Audio Video AI and software tips
20 Mar 202307:59

TLDRDiscover how to upscale your 1080p screen recordings or videos to 4K resolution for free using Video2x, an open-source software available on GitHub. The video demonstrates the process, showing a clear improvement in detail and clarity at higher zoom levels, despite minor motion artifacts. Learn how to use the GUI for Windows to convert files, and understand the technical process behind the upscaling, which involves frame-by-frame image conversion and recompilation for a sharp 4K output.

Takeaways

  • 😲 Video2x is an open-source software that can upscale 1080p videos to 4K resolution for free.
  • 🔍 The software is available on GitHub and can be accessed through both a GUI and command-line interface.
  • 📚 The original and upscaled videos are compared, showing a clear difference in detail and resolution.
  • 🔍 Zooming in on the upscaled video at 200% and 400% shows a significant improvement in clarity over the original.
  • 👓 However, the upscaled video may lose some sharpness and exhibit a slight 'foggy' appearance at higher zoom levels.
  • 🎮 The software is particularly useful for screen captures or video games, where detail enhancement is desired.
  • 🖥️ Video2x can introduce some choppiness in motion, especially noticeable in scrolling text.
  • 📁 The software creates a cache folder during conversion, storing each frame as a PNG file for processing.
  • 🕒 The conversion process can be time-consuming, depending on the video's frame rate and the user's hardware.
  • 📹 The final output is a 4K version of the original video, with the same file name but with an '_output' suffix.
  • 👍 The video demonstrates the effectiveness of Video2x, especially for text-based screen recordings, and encourages viewers to subscribe for more tips.

Q & A

  • What is Video2x and what does it do?

    -Video2x is open source software that can upscale screen recordings or videos from 1080p to 4K resolution for free.

  • Where can I find Video2x software?

    -Video2x can be found on GitHub, where you can download it for free.

  • What are the differences between the original 1080p and the upscaled 4K video?

    -The upscaled 4K video provides more detail, allowing for better zooming into specific parts of the video. However, it may lose some sharpness and smoothness, especially at higher zoom levels or during motion.

  • What is the impact of zooming in on the upscaled 4K video?

    -When zooming in, the upscaled 4K video starts to lose some resolution and sharpness, especially noticeable at higher percentages like 200% and above.

  • Is there a difference in the smoothness of motion between the original and upscaled videos?

    -Yes, the upscaled video may exhibit some choppiness in motion, especially during scrolling, compared to the smooth motion in the original 1080p video.

  • What are the potential downsides of using Video2x to upscale videos?

    -Downsides include potential loss of sharpness, choppiness in motion, and the appearance of artifacting in the upscaled video.

  • How does the Video2x software process the video for upscaling?

    -Video2x extracts each frame of the video as a PNG file, upscales each frame to 4K resolution, and then recompiles them back into a video with the original audio.

  • What is the size of the Video2x software package?

    -The Video2x software package is exactly one gigabyte, or one thousand megabytes.

  • Is there a graphical user interface (GUI) available for Video2x?

    -Yes, Video2x has a GUI available for Windows users, making it easier to upscale videos without using the command line interface.

  • What should users be aware of when converting multiple files with Video2x?

    -Users should be aware that when converting multiple files in a batch, the output files will be placed in a specific output folder, not in the location of the original files.

  • How long does it take to upscale a video using Video2x?

    -The time it takes to upscale a video can vary depending on the machine's capabilities. For example, upscaling a video on the provided script's machine took about an hour and a half to an hour and forty minutes.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Upscaling Videos to 4K for Free with Video2x

In this segment, the presenter introduces the concept of upscaling videos to 4K resolution using open-source software, Video2x. The tutorial explains the benefits of upscaling, such as improving video clarity and the ability to zoom in on specific details without losing quality. A demonstration shows the difference between a 1080p video and its upscaled 4K version, highlighting the improved sharpness and detail when zoomed in at various levels. However, some downsides are noted, including potential choppiness in motion and artifacting in video playback. The segment also covers where to download Video2x from GitHub and briefly describes its user interface.

05:02

🖥️ Detailed Walkthrough of Video2x’s Functionality

This part delves into the technical workings of Video2x. The presenter explains the step-by-step process of how Video2x converts each frame of a video into a higher resolution. Each frame is extracted as a PNG file, upscaled to 4K resolution, and then recompiled into a new video. This process is time-consuming, especially for high frame rate videos, but yields high-quality results. The presenter also discusses practical aspects like managing output files and folder structures, and how the software's performance might vary based on the computer's hardware capabilities. The session concludes with a note on how the final 4K video compares to the original in terms of quality and motion smoothness.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Screen Capture

Screen capture refers to the process of recording what is displayed on a computer screen, which can include demonstrations, tutorials, or gameplay. In the video, the speaker mentions wanting to upscale a screen capture to 4K for better detail and clarity, highlighting the importance of this technique for enhancing viewer experience.

💡Upscale

Upscaling is the process of increasing the resolution of a video or image. The video discusses upscaling a 1080p screen recording to 4K resolution using Video2x software. This is significant as it allows for greater detail, especially when zooming in on specific parts of the video.

💡Video2x

Video2x is an open-source software mentioned in the script that can upscale videos from 1080p to 4K resolution for free. The software is available on GitHub, and the video demonstrates its use, showcasing the potential for improved video quality without the need for expensive tools.

💡Open Source Software

Open source software is a type of software whose source code is available to the public for use, modification, and enhancement. Video2x, as highlighted in the video, is an example of open source software, emphasizing the accessibility and collaborative nature of such tools.

💡GitHub

GitHub is a platform for version control and collaboration that is widely used for software development. It is mentioned in the script as the source from which Video2x can be obtained, indicating the platform's role in distributing and supporting open source projects.

💡Zoom

In the context of the video, zoom refers to the ability to magnify a part of the video for closer inspection. The script discusses how upscaling to 4K allows for greater zoom capabilities without losing clarity, which is crucial for detailed analysis or focus on specific elements within the video.

💡Resolution

Resolution is the measure of the number of pixels in a video or image, determining its clarity and detail. The video script contrasts 1080p and 4K resolutions, with the latter offering higher detail and quality, which is the goal of the upscaling process demonstrated.

💡Artifacting

Artifacting refers to visual anomalies or distortions that can occur in digital images or videos. The script warns about potential artifacting as a downside of upscaling, where the video may not maintain perfect quality, especially in areas of motion or complex visuals.

💡Camtasia

Camtasia is a popular screen recording and video editing software. The script mentions a .TREC file from Camtasia as an example of high-quality 1080p content that can be upscaled using Video2x, illustrating the starting point for the upscaling process.

💡Batch Conversion

Batch conversion refers to the process of converting multiple files at once, rather than one by one. The video script explains that when using Video2x, multiple files can be converted in a batch, but it's important to be aware that the output files will be placed in a specific output folder, not the original file location.

💡GUI

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface, which is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with a software through graphical icons and visual indicators. The script mentions that Video2x has a GUI version, making it more user-friendly and accessible for those who may not be comfortable with command line operations.

Highlights

Convert 1080p screen recordings or videos to 4K for free using open source software Video2X.

Video2X is available on GitHub and can upscale videos to enhance detail for closer inspection.

Demonstration of original 1080p and upscaled 4K video side by side comparison.

Upscaled 4K video shows a loss of resolution when zoomed in beyond 200%.

400% zoom reveals significant loss of sharpness in the upscaled video.

Artifacting may appear in upscaled videos, affecting visual quality.

Smooth scrolling in native .TREC files versus choppiness in upscaled 4K.

Upscaled 4K video provides cleaner text for screen recordings from the browser.

Video2X can be downloaded in GUI and command line versions for PC.

The user interface of Video2X is easy to use, contrary to claims of it being solely command line.

Batch conversion places output files in a specific folder, not the original file location.

Conversion process extracts each frame as a PNG file, impacting processing time based on FPS.

4K upscaled videos are recompiled from individual 4K native images.

Processing time for upscaling can vary based on machine performance.

Final upscaled video maintains clarity, especially in text-based content.

Playing upscaled 4K video may appear differently when downscaled to fit smaller screens.

Video2X offers a free solution to enhance the quality of screen recordings and videos.