Best AI Anime Upscaler 2022
TLDRIn this video, the host compares various AI anime upscaling tools, including Real-ESRGAN, Real-ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and Waifu2x. The comparison is based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling. Real-ESRGAN excels in upscaling detailed scenes and is suitable for complex anime like 'Unlimited Blade Works', while Real-ESRGAN Anime is ideal for simpler styles like 'Cowboy Bebop'. Topaz offers a balanced performance, and Waifu2x is consistent but has less upscaling strength. The video also discusses the importance of AI models and the potential for future improvements. An all-in-one installation tutorial is provided for viewers interested in trying these tools, and the video is sponsored by Yours App, a self-care application with a wide range of content.
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, ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and YFU2X, with each model being compared based on cleanness, artifacts, and bokeh effect handling.
- 📊 The video compares two anime openings upscaled by each AI, with the exception of ESRGAN Anime which primarily uses four times models.
- 🏆 For the cleanest criteria, Real-ESRGAN emerged as the top choice, providing smoothness around edges and text that complements the style of older anime like Cowboy Bebop.
- 🔍 In terms of artifacts, Real-ESRGAN was noted for its pixel-perfect focus, resulting in fewer weird artifacts and maintaining high quality in detailed anime scenes.
- 🌟 Handling the bokeh effect, Waifu2X was ranked first for its consistency and minimal damage to the bokeh effect, despite its less noticeable upscaling effort.
- 📈 Real-ESRGAN was identified as the slowest AI but excels at upscaling detailed scenes, making it suitable for anime with intricate particle effects.
- ⚙️ Real-ESRGAN (x4) is slower but three times faster than ESRGAN Anime and is adept at handling simpler animation styles and bokeh effects.
- ⏱️ Real-QGen is the fastest AI with a processing speed of 4.5 fps, serving as a middle ground between Real-ESRGAN and Real-ESRGAN Anime.
- 💵 Topaz was considered less effective due to its cost and lower upscaling strength compared to Topaz, despite being decently fast at 3 fps.
- 📚 The importance of models in AI upscaling was emphasized, with a suggestion to explore the ESRGAN model training community for optimal results.
- 🔧 An all-in-one tutorial for installing these AI upscaling tools using Docker is provided in the description for ease of use.
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 in 2022.
Which AI models were compared in the video?
-The AI models compared in the video are 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 was ranked first in terms of cleanness?
-The Real-ESRGAN model was ranked first in terms of cleanness.
What is the main advantage of Waifu2x in the comparison?
-Waifu2x was ranked first in handling the bokeh effect as it does zero damage to any bokeh effect and is the most consistent of all models.
Why might the Real-ESRGAN Anime model be prone to generating artifacts?
-The Real-ESRGAN Anime model might be prone to generating artifacts because of its high strength in upscaling and cleaning, which can lead to overly simplified results and weird shapes or overly wobbly lines.
What is the fastest AI model among those compared?
-The Real-QGen is the fastest AI model with a processing speed of 4.5 fps.
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 content ranging from meditation, breathing exercises, psychological advice, music for relaxation, yoga, and more.
How can viewers learn how to install the AI upscaling tools discussed in the video?
-An all-in-one tutorial is linked in the video description that allows viewers to install all the discussed AI upscaling tools at once using Docker.
What is the significance of the models in AI upscaling tools?
-Models are significant in AI upscaling tools as they can greatly enhance the performance and quality of the AI. Good models can bring an entire AI to the next level, as evidenced by the high-quality results of the Real-ESRGAN model.
How can the quality of AI upscaling tools be expected to change in the future?
-The quality of AI upscaling tools can be expected to fluctuate in the future as the models are continually improved and new research comes out, potentially leading to even better upscaling results.
Outlines
📊 AI Upscaling Tools Comparison for Anime
The video script discusses a new AI research for upscaling anime and aims to determine the best tool for this purpose. It compares the Real-ESRGAN anime model, Topaz 2D model, and Waifu2x. The comparison is based on three criteria: cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling. The script explains the concept of models in AI as analogous to tires for vehicles, designed for specific purposes. The video uses two anime openings for the comparison, applying different models for each AI, except for ESRGAN, which primarily uses four times models. The results are analyzed in slow motion to pick up details, and the video provides individual uploads on a second channel for closer examination. The script also ranks the AI models according to the criteria and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each, such as Real-ESRGAN's clarity and handling of text, and Waifu2x's consistency and lack of bokeh effect disruption.
🏆 Ranking and Recommendations for AI Upscaling
The script provides a detailed ranking and recommendation of the AI upscaling tools based on their performance. ESRGAN is noted as the slowest but best for upscaling detailed scenes, making it ideal for anime with intricate particle effects. Real-ESRGAN is recognized for its slower speed but effectiveness with simpler animation styles and its superior handling of the bokeh effect, despite a tendency to generate artifacts. Real-QGen is praised for its speed and balanced performance between detail and simplicity, though it occasionally struggles with the bokeh effect. Topaz is criticized for its lack of free access and underperformance compared to others, while Waifu2x is consistent but lacks upscaling strength. The video emphasizes the importance of models in enhancing AI performance and mentions a community for ESRGAN model training. It also provides a tutorial link for installing the AI tools and mentions a sponsorship by 'Yours App,' a self-care application offering various well-being content.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡AI Anime Upscaler
💡Real-ESRGAN
💡Topaz 2D Model
💡Waifu 2X
💡Bokeh Effect
💡Artifacts
💡Upscaling Criteria
💡Processing Time
💡Anime Openings
💡Consistency
💡Docker
Highlights
A new AI research for upscaling anime was released a month ago.
Comparison of the newest Real-Qen model against Real-ESRGAN Anime model, Topaz 2D model, and YFU2X.
Different AI models are compared based on cleanness, artifact amount, and bokeh effect handling.
The Cowboy Bebop opening provides a great test ground for evaluating clean edges and text clarity.
Waifu 2X ranked fifth due to its lack of cleanness compared to other models.
Real-Qen is the newest AI research and ranks third, with cleaner lines on geometric objects.
ESR-GAN outperforms Qgen with better clarity around text, ranking second.
Ryo ESR-GAN ranked first for its upscaled smoothness and fit for older anime styles.
Artifacts are evaluated based on the AI's effort to upscale and the difference made to the original.
Waifu 2X and Topaz were disqualified from the artifacts section for their minimal risk-taking.
Real-ESRGAN received third place for its overly saturated and smooth results, but prone to artifacts.
Ryokugen ranks second with normalized colors and less intensive upscaling, reducing artifacts.
ESR-GAN is the winner for the artifact section, focusing on pixel perfection and clarity.
Bokeh effect handling is evaluated on consistency and minimal disruption to blurs.
ESR-GAN performs the worst in handling bokeh effects, especially in slight blurs.
Kyugen ranks fourth, recovering well on scenes with blurring after initial struggles.
Topaz ranks third, passing the bokeh test with minimal differences in blurring.
Real-ESRGAN ranks second for its exceptional handling of the bokeh effect with realistic details.
Waifu 2X ranks first for its consistency and zero damage to the bokeh effect.
ESR-GAN is the slowest but excels in upscaling detailed scenes or artworks.
Real-ESRGAN is slower than ESR-GAN but is good for simpler animation styles.
Real-Qen is the fastest with a balanced performance between detailed and simple animation styles.
Topaz and Waifu 2X are consistent but have less upscaling strength and are decently fast.
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 discussed AI models using Docker.
Yours App is advertised as an all-in-one self-care app with a wide range of features.