This FREE AI Video Does Something New!

Theoretically Media
26 Aug 202411:07

TLDRIn this video, Tim explores a new AI video tool called Viu, which introduces character referencing, a game-changing feature in text-to-video generation. He discusses the strengths and weaknesses of three AI video workflows: text-to-video, image-to-video, and video-to-video. Tim tests Viu's unique ability to consistently generate characters from reference images and highlights its potential, though it still has limitations like low-resolution output and occasional inconsistencies. Despite these issues, Tim finds Viu promising, especially with upcoming creative upscaling features. He encourages viewers to try the free version and share their experiences.

Takeaways

  • 🎮 New AI video tool: Character referencing introduced, offering unique capabilities.
  • 📊 Three AI video workflows: Text to video, image to video, and video to video.
  • 🎲 Text to video is the least consistent, often producing varied results.
  • 🔄 Character referencing allows consistent character appearance in AI-generated videos.
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Examples include a noir detective scenario, where characters slightly shifted but stayed consistent.
  • 📏 Viu allows image uploads for character reference, with 4 or 8-second video options.
  • ⚠️ Limitations: Saturation issues with illustrated characters, better results with photographic references.
  • 🔍 Consistent character output is achievable, but quality may require further upscaling.
  • 💻 Viu’s initial output is low-res, but offers HD upscaling, with potential further improvement through external tools.
  • 💡 Viu is free to try with 80 credits, but usage costs can add up; best as a secondary video generator.

Q & A

  • What is the main new feature discussed in the video?

    -The main new feature discussed in the video is character referencing in AI video generation, allowing users to upload a reference image of a character and generate a text-to-video output based on that character.

  • What are the three workflows for AI video mentioned?

    -The three workflows for AI video mentioned are: text-to-video, image-to-video, and video-to-video. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

  • Why is text-to-video considered the weakest of the three workflows?

    -Text-to-video is considered the weakest because it is difficult to get consistent results, and controlling the output is challenging. However, it can produce dynamic and smooth motion when it works well.

  • What is the unique feature of Viu's text-to-video model?

    -The unique feature of Viu's text-to-video model is the ability to upload a reference image of a character and generate consistent video outputs of that character.

  • What example does the video creator use to demonstrate the character referencing feature?

    -The video creator uses an example of a mid-journey generated detective character and a femme fatale character to demonstrate how Viu's character referencing feature works.

  • What is one of the challenges mentioned with Viu's video generation?

    -One challenge mentioned is the limitation in duration, where Viu allows generation of videos in 4 or 8 seconds, which feels cramped compared to the more common 10-second norm.

  • How does the creator describe the resolution and frame rate of Viu’s initial output?

    -The creator describes Viu’s initial output as being at a low resolution of 688x384 at 16 frames per second, which gives a rough preview before upscaling to HD.

  • What additional step does the creator recommend for improving Viu’s video quality?

    -The creator recommends using a tool like Topaz to upscale the video after Viu’s initial upscale to improve the quality further.

  • What are some of the issues with Viu's character referencing as discussed?

    -Some issues include inconsistent color saturation and morphing problems, particularly when referencing illustrated characters or when certain parts of the character's body move in complex ways.

  • What is the creator's overall opinion of Viu as a video generator?

    -The creator believes that while Viu is not a replacement for top-tier video generators like Luma or Runway, it offers a unique feature with its character referencing and is a decent secondary video generator, especially considering its price.

Outlines

00:00

🎮 Introduction to AI Video Character Referencing

The speaker introduces a new feature in AI video technology called 'character referencing.' They express surprise at its implementation by a lesser-known platform, Viu, and plan to explore the feature's strengths, weaknesses, and practical uses. The speaker also briefly explains three AI video workflows: text-to-video, image-to-video, and video-to-video, highlighting text-to-video as the most inconsistent but potentially rewarding.

05:01

📉 Text-to-Video and Viu's Surprising Character Referencing Feature

The speaker discusses the challenges of achieving consistent results in text-to-video models, particularly with character consistency. They express surprise at Viu's introduction of a character referencing feature in its text-to-video model. Viu, a lesser-known video model, allows users to upload a reference image of a character and generate text-based videos featuring that character. The speaker provides an example of this feature using mid-journey-generated characters.

10:04

🕵️‍♂️ Experimenting with Character References in Viu

The speaker shares their experiments with Viu's character referencing, using various images as references, including a detective character and a football player. They discuss the consistency and limitations of Viu's output, noting that while the character remains recognizable, the results can vary in quality. The speaker also comments on the potential of the feature but acknowledges that it still needs refinement, especially when referencing illustrated characters.

🛠️ Personal Experimentation and Analysis

The speaker conducts personal experiments by referencing themselves in Viu's text-to-video model, creating various scenarios like driving a sports car and running away from explosions. They note that while the results are impressive and consistent, there are areas where the model struggles, such as maintaining the speaker's facial characteristics in dynamic scenes. Despite these challenges, the speaker finds the feature promising and sees potential for further improvement.

💡 Upscaling and the Future of AI Video

The speaker explores the upscaling options in Viu, comparing its standard HD upscaling with a more advanced creative upscaling tool. They find the differences subtle but noticeable, especially in adding detail and improving image quality. The speaker highlights the limitations of Viu's current upscaling capabilities and looks forward to future developments, particularly in creative upscaling, which could set Viu apart from other AI video generators.

🎥 Evaluating Viu's Overall Performance

The speaker concludes with an overall evaluation of Viu as a video generator. They acknowledge that while Viu's character referencing feature is unique and valuable, the platform is not yet ready to replace leading video generators like Luma or Runway. The speaker discusses the pricing and credit system of Viu, noting that while it's not ideal as a primary video generator, it is a solid secondary option. They encourage viewers to try Viu's free trial and share their thoughts.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Character Referencing

Character referencing is a feature in AI video generation where a reference image of a character is uploaded, and the AI generates video content featuring that character consistently. In the video, this is highlighted as a unique feature of the Viu model, allowing users to create more personalized and consistent video outputs compared to other AI video models.

💡Text to Video

Text to Video is a type of AI video generation workflow where text is inputted, and the model generates a video based on that text. The video discusses how this method can be inconsistent and difficult to control, often producing varied results unless the prompts are very specific. However, when it works, it can produce dynamic and smooth motion.

💡Image to Video

Image to Video is another workflow in AI video generation where a static image and a prompt are provided to the model, which then animates the image. The video shows how this method can maintain character consistency better than text to video, though it still has limitations, particularly with illustrated characters.

💡Video to Video

Video to Video is a process where an existing video is restylized or transformed by the AI. In the video, this workflow is discussed as being more reliable in terms of consistency, but it is limited by the original video content.

💡Viu Model

The Viu Model is an AI video generation tool introduced in the video. It stands out for its character referencing feature, which allows for more consistent and personalized video outputs. The video discusses Viu's strengths, like its free trial and unique features, and its limitations, such as the resolution and frame rate constraints.

💡Creative Upscaler

Creative Upscaler refers to a feature that enhances the quality of AI-generated videos. The video mentions Korea's creative upscaler as an example, which significantly improves the details and quality of the video output. The Viu model is expected to develop a similar feature, which could be a game-changer in AI video generation.

💡MidJourney

MidJourney is an AI tool mentioned in the video as a source for creating reference images that can be used in the Viu model's character referencing feature. It is used to generate initial character designs, which are then animated by Viu. The video shows examples of how characters generated in MidJourney are used in AI video production.

💡Low Resolution Preview

Low Resolution Preview refers to the initial output generated by the Viu model, which is produced at a low resolution and frame rate (688x384 at 16 frames per second). This preview allows users to see a rough version of the final video before deciding to upscale it to higher quality. The video explains that this preview helps users gauge the output before investing more resources.

💡Topaz Upscaler

Topaz Upscaler is a tool mentioned in the video that can be used to further enhance the quality of AI-generated videos after they have been upscaled by the Viu model. The video shows how using the Topaz Upscaler can add subtle improvements to the video quality, such as increasing the frame rate and adding noise reduction.

💡Cinematic Atmosphere

Cinematic Atmosphere refers to a style or mood that the AI attempts to generate in a video based on user prompts. In the video, this term is used in the context of generating a scene with a warrior in a castle. The AI tries to create a visually compelling and dramatic environment, although the results may vary depending on the input prompts and character references.

Highlights

Character referencing is a new feature in AI video generation, implemented by Viu, marking its first appearance in this field.

Three different workflows for AI video: text to video, image to video, and video to video, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

Text to video is generally considered the weakest workflow due to inconsistent results and difficulty in control, though it can achieve dynamic and smooth motion when successful.

Viu’s character referencing feature allows users to upload a reference image and generate a consistent character in text to video outputs.

Viu surprises by introducing this feature, as it was previously a lesser-known video model that had gone quiet after its initial release.

Example of a detective noir-themed video generated using Viu's character referencing, demonstrating the model’s capabilities, although with some slight character shifts.

Viu offers generation durations of either 4 or 8 seconds, which is shorter than the standard 10 seconds preferred by many users.

Viu initially outputs videos at a low resolution of 688x384 at 16 frames per second, allowing users to preview the output before upscaling.

Experiment with referencing a football player results in a consistently generated character, although with noticeable deviations from the original image.

Illustrated characters may not perform as well in Viu's character referencing, leading to less accurate and more saturated outputs.

Photographic references yield better results, as demonstrated by the transformation of a Dutch footballer into a pirate character with consistent features.

Viu’s creative upscaler is under development, which could enhance video quality further, though it currently needs an additional upscale step in tools like Topaz.

Viu's standard HD upscaler is decent, but the upcoming creative upscaler aims to improve detail and overall video quality significantly.

Comparison of Viu with other video generators like Luma or Runway shows that while Viu is not a direct competitor, its unique character reference feature makes it stand out.

Viu offers 80 free credits per month, with each generation and upscale costing four credits, making it a cost-effective secondary video generator for now.