Best AI Anime Upscaler 2022

bycloud
26 Mar 202210:07

TLDRIn this video, the host compares various AI anime upscaling tools to determine the best one for 2022. The contenders are Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and Waifu2x. The comparison is based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling. The video presents a detailed analysis of each model's performance using two anime openings. Real-ESRGAN stands out for its clarity and handling of detailed scenes, making it ideal for intricate anime like 'Unlimited Blade Works'. ESRGAN Anime model excels in upscaling simpler animations and handling the bokeh effect, while Topaz and Waifu2x offer consistent results with less emphasis on upscaling strength. The video also discusses the importance of model training and the potential for future improvements in AI upscaling technology.

Takeaways

  • 🎬 A new AI research for upscaling anime emerged, prompting a comparison of the latest models to determine the best AI anime upscaling tool for 2022.
  • 🆕 The models compared include Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and Yafu2x, each designed for specific upscaling tasks.
  • 📊 The comparison was based on three criteria: cleanness, amount of artifacts, and bokeh effect handling.
  • 📱 The video will upload individual panels to a second channel for better visibility and comparison.
  • 🥇 For cleanness, Real-ESRGAN Anime won, offering smoothness around edges and text that suits older anime styles.
  • 🔍 In terms of artifacts, Real-ESRGAN was the winner due to its focus on pixel perfection and minimal weird artifacts.
  • 🌟 Handling the bokeh effect, Waifu2x ranked first as it does not damage the bokeh effect and maintains consistency.
  • 🏎️ Real-ESRGAN Anime is the slowest but excels at upscaling detailed scenes, making it ideal for complex anime with intricate details.
  • 🔥 Real-ESRGAN is slower than Real-ESRGAN Anime but is better suited for simpler animation styles and is effective at handling the bokeh effect.
  • ⚡ Waifu2x is the fastest with a consistent upscaling effort, though it may not be as powerful as other models.
  • 💡 Topaz, while not free, provides a balanced performance but lacks the upscaling strength of some other models.
  • 🌐 The quality of AI upscaling tools can fluctuate, and there's a community-driven effort to improve models, which can enhance AI performance.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is comparing different AI anime upscaling tools to determine the best one for 2022.

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

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

  • Which AI model is mentioned as the newest research specifically for anime upscaling?

    -The newest AI research specifically for anime upscaling mentioned is Real-QGen.

  • What is the ranking of the AI models based on the cleanness criterion?

    -Based on the cleanness criterion, the ranking from first to fifth is: Real-ESRGAN, Real-QGen, Topaz, ESRGAN Anime Model, and Waifu 2X.

  • Why is Waifu 2X not ranked high in the artifacts criterion?

    -Waifu 2X is not ranked high in the artifacts criterion because it did not take much risk to achieve better quality, resulting in less noticeable differences from the original.

  • Which AI model is considered the best for handling the bokeh effect?

    -Waifu 2X is considered the best for handling the bokeh effect as it does zero damage to any bokeh effect and is the most consistent among the models.

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

    -The main advantage of the Real-ESRGAN model is its focus on being pixel perfect and not smoothing, resulting in less weird artifacts and good clarity while maintaining high quality for detailed anime scenes.

  • Why is the Real-QGen model considered a middle ground between Real-ESRGAN and ESRGAN Anime Model?

    -The Real-QGen model is considered a middle ground because it is fast with a processing speed of 4.5 fps and is decent at both detailed and simple animation styles, offering a balance between the other two models.

  • What is the recommended method to install and run these AI models?

    -The recommended method to install and run these AI models is using an all-in-one tutorial with Docker, which is the current fastest way to run these AI's.

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

    -Yours App is an all-in-one app that provides self-care content, including 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/icloud and using the discount code provided.

Outlines

00:00

📈 AI Upscaling Tools Comparison for Anime

This paragraph introduces a new AI research for upscaling anime and sets the stage for a comparison between different AI models. The narrator plans to evaluate the newest Real-ESRGAN model, specifically designed for anime, against the Real-ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and YFU2X. The comparison will be based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling. The narrator has collected popular AI models for each AI and will upscale two anime openings, comparing the results. The video will also feature a ranking for each model based on the criteria after careful observation and analysis in slow motion.

05:01

🏆 Ranking AI Models Based on Upscaling Criteria

The paragraph discusses the results of the AI upscaling comparison. The narrator ranks the models based on their performance in upscaling anime, focusing on cleanness, artifacts, and bokeh effect. Real-ESRGAN is noted for its smoothness and clarity, making it the top choice for the cleanest upscaling. However, it is also prone to artifacts. The narrator disqualifies Waifu 2X and Topaz from the artifact section due to their conservative approach. Real-QGEN is praised for its clean lines, and ESR-GAN stands out for its pixel-perfect focus with fewer artifacts. Waifu 2X is recognized for its consistency in handling the bokeh effect without causing damage, while Real-ESRGAN struggles with blurring. The paragraph concludes with a summary of each AI's strengths and ideal use cases, emphasizing the importance of model selection and the potential for future quality fluctuations.

Mindmap

Keywords

AI Anime Upscaler

An AI anime upscaler refers to a software or tool that uses artificial intelligence to enhance the resolution of anime visuals, such as opening sequences, without losing the original quality or introducing too many artifacts. In the video, the AI upscalers are compared based on their performance in cleaning edges, reducing artifacts, and handling bokeh effects.

Real-ESRGAN

Real-ESRGAN is a specific model of AI upscaler that is mentioned in the video as one of the contenders for the best AI anime upscaling tool. It is known for its high-quality results and is particularly effective for upscaling detailed scenes or artworks, making it suitable for complex anime visuals.

Topaz 2D Model

The Topaz 2D Model is another AI upscaling model discussed in the video. It is compared with other models based on its performance in upscaling anime. The model is evaluated on its ability to maintain clean edges and clarity, which are crucial for anime visuals.

Waifu2x

Waifu2x is an AI upscaling model that is part of the comparison in the video. It is noted for its consistency, particularly in handling the bokeh effect without causing significant damage to the original visuals. Despite not being as aggressive in upscaling as other models, it maintains a stable performance across different scenes.

Artifacts

In the context of the video, artifacts refer to the unintended effects or distortions that can occur when an image is upscaled. These can include weird shapes, overly wobbly lines, or other inconsistencies that detract from the original quality. The AI models are evaluated on how well they minimize these artifacts.

Bokeh Effect

The bokeh effect is the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph or video, which can be particularly challenging for AI upscalers to handle. In the video, the AI models are judged on their ability to maintain the consistency and natural look of the bokeh effect after upscaling.

Upscaling Criteria

The upscaling criteria are the standards or factors by which the performance of the AI models is judged. These include the cleanness of the upscaled image, the amount of artifacts introduced, and the handling of the bokeh effect. The criteria are used to determine which AI model is the best for upscaling anime.

Processing Time

Processing time refers to the duration it takes for an AI model to upscale an image or video. It is an important factor in the evaluation of the AI models, as faster processing times are generally preferred, especially for users who need to upscale large volumes of content.

Yours App

Yours App is mentioned in the video as a self-care application that offers a variety of content such as meditation, breathing exercises, psychological advice, and music for relaxation. It is highlighted as a tool for enhancing well-being, which is a secondary topic in the video unrelated to the main theme of AI anime upscaling.

Docker

Docker is a platform that allows users to easily install and run various applications in containers. In the context of the video, it is suggested as a convenient method for users to install and run the different AI upscaling models without having to go through complex individual installations.

ESRGAN Model Training Community

The ESRGAN Model Training Community is a group of users and developers who create and share models specifically for the ESRGAN AI upscaling tool. The community's work is highlighted as a reason for the high-quality results produced by the ESRGAN models in upscaling anime visuals.

Highlights

A new AI research for upscaling anime has emerged, prompting a comparison of the best AI anime upscaling tools available in 2022.

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.

For cleanness, the ranking starts with the cleanest edges on geometric objects or lines, with Cowboy Bebop's opening providing a great test.

Waifu 2X is ranked 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 planes than Topaz.

ESRGAN Anime model ranks second in cleanness, with better clarity around text.

Ryo ESRGAN ranks first in cleanness, providing upscaled smoothness around edges and text that fits the style of older anime like Cowboy Bebop.

In terms of artifacts, Waifu 2X and Topaz are disqualified as they did not risk much to achieve better quality.

Real-ESRGAN is ranked third for artifacts, with overly saturated results and a tendency to create artifacts.

Ryokugen ranks second for handling artifacts, showing normalized colors and less intensive upscaling strength.

ESRGAN Anime model wins the artifact section for its pixel-perfect focus and minimal weird artifacts.

For bokeh effect handling, Waifu 2X is ranked first due to its consistency and minimal damage to the bokeh effect.

ESRGAN Anime model ranks fifth, performing poorly when handling blurs in the Cowboy Bebop starting titles.

Kyugen ranks fourth, recovering well on scenes containing blurring despite initial struggles.

Topaz ranks third, passing the bokeh test with minimal differences that remain understandable.

Real-ESRGAN ranks second for bokeh effect handling, performing minimum damage to the benchmark.

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

Real-QGen is the fastest AI upscaler, offering a middle ground between Real-ESRGAN and ESRGAN Anime model.

Topaz and Waifu 2X are noted for their consistency and decent upscaling speed, despite lower strength.

The quality of AI upscaling tools may fluctuate in the future, suggesting the need for ongoing evaluation.

An all-in-one tutorial is provided for installing the AI upscaling tools using Docker, which is currently the fastest way to run them.