MP 1,1-5,1 Topaz Video AI On cMP

[Dolphins1972]

I downloaded Topaz Video AI v 4.2.0 several months ago to try it out and it worked fine. Now I see the requirements for Intel CPU must have AVX instructions, didn't see that before.

In preferences I can set GPU as the processor so why would I need AVX CPU?


I'm still using free version so I'm curious is anyone using Topaz Video AI with a cMP and if so, what version?

 

[jeremz1ne]

I use the Topaz Photo... i like it i might try the video to see how well it is for older videos


Maybe you should update to the newest version 5.2.3

 

[Dolphins1972]

I use the Topaz Photo... i like it i might try the video to see how well it is for older videos


Maybe you should update to the newest version 5.2.3

I was able to test this version out, upscaling some old VHS home movies that I burned to DVD years ago. From what I was able to find out from Topaz forums is that AVX is needed for video processing but you can use GPU as processor. I was told that not all functions may work without AVX CPU. I'm thinking about purchasing to get rid of watermark from upscaled videos and want to know if anyone else is using it with a cMP.

Newer versions may not work at all.

 

[h9826790]

I have Topaz Video 5.2.3, do you want me to run any test for you?

I use Radeon VII to process the videos.

 

[Dolphins1972]

I have Topaz Video 5.2.3, do you want me to run any test for you?

I use Radeon VII to process the videos.

Thank you, Martin.

I installed 5.2.3 and it does work on my cMP but I have clearly reached the limits of the RX 580. I'll upload the benchmarks when it finishes to show what I mean.
Although not the results I was hoping for, it does work on my cMP. The benchmarks from high-end GPU's posted in the Topaz forums shows the limits of the RX 580 for sure.

 

[h9826790]

I just ran the benchmark, and confirmed that most of the numbers are GPU limiting. Which should be a good news for us. The GPU is upgradable on cMP.

For info, those ERR items may not be AVX related. My M3 Pro has no AVX either, and show ERR on some other filters. (P.S. The benchmark on M3 Pro was run by the Neural Engine as per default settings, not GPU)

 

[Dolphins1972]

I just ran the benchmark, and confirmed that most of the numbers are GPU limiting. Which should be a good news for us. The GPU is upgradable on cMP.
View attachment 2406189

For info, those ERR items may not be AVX related. My M3 Pro has no AVX either, and show ERR on some other filters. (P.S. The benchmark on M3 Pro was run by the Neural Engine as per default settings, not GPU) View attachment 2406194

Yes, that is good news for us but I had not planned on a Pixlas Mod for this machine but that's the only way I'm going to get better results. The Benchmarking errors have been reported in Topaz "Bugs and Issues" by both Windows and Mac users. Scanning the forums, I don't think it has ever been resolved and I don't know if non-AVX CPUs are the only one's having issues? The issues date back over a year ago with version 3.2.0 to as recent as just a few months ago in version 5.

From TopazLabs:

"AVX is a requirement for the app, there were a few versions that required AVX2 however, the requirement was removed and replaced with a warning to let the user know that it is not guaranteed that everything will work."

 

[Dolphins1972]

Temps are within range even while upscaling from 480p to 4K. Only taxing 4 cores out of 12 so plenty of cores to multitask that doesn't require GPU.

Final Analysis:

Dual CPU cMPs are capable of running v5.2.3 but is GPU dependent.

Single CPU systems will struggle, recommend 6 cores.

Video AI 5.2.3 shows no adverse effects when running on cMP.



NOTE: Temps are shown in Fahrenheit, not Celsius.

 

[Melbourne Park]

My CMP is running Mojave and the Topaz doesn't work, due to I thought to OS being non supported (or so I thought).

It runs on M processors. Also my Macbook Intel runs it, but extremely slowly. The macook has a 4 GB separate graphics GPU as well. But it was terribly slow. On speaking to Topaz some time ago, they said that for Intel processors, it runs much better on nVidia GPUs.

It took many hours to do a small video enhancement (from Hi8's 720x576 pixels to 4K) - but the results were incredibly good. They went from pixelated with nice colour, to close to IPhone 11 4k standard, but in some ways better than a phone because of the more out of focus big camera lense look which have shallower depth of field.

There are free Windows video resolution packages out there ... I've not tried them. Evidently at least one free version is very good. I forget what its called.

 

[Melbourne Park]

Temps are within range even while upscaling from 480p to 4K. Only taxing 4 cores out 12 so plenty of cores to multitask that doesn't require GPU.

Final Analysis:

Dual CPU cMPs are capable of running v5.2.3 but is GPU dependent.

Single CPU systems will struggle, recommend 6 cores.

Video AI 5.2.3 shows no adverse effects when running on cMP.

View attachment 2406380 View attachment 2406381

NOTE: Temps are shown in Fahrenheit, not Celsius.

Which OS are you running? Thanks.

 

[Dolphins1972]

Which OS are you running? Thanks.

Requirement is Catalina or higher for Topaz Video AI: https://docs.topazlabs.com/video-ai/system-requirements
I'm running Monterey 12.7.6 (MLOC), which enables HWAccel for H264 / HEVC. Hardware acceleration in GPU must be enabled or you'll have to use CPU to process video. A dedicated GPU is also recommended, not integrated. Integrated GPUs rely on CPU and system memory.

 

[Dolphins1972]

My CMP is running Mojave and the Topaz doesn't work, due to I thought to OS being non supported (or so I thought).

It runs on M processors. Also my Macbook Intel runs it, but extremely slowly. The macook has a 4 GB separate graphics GPU as well. But it was terribly slow. On speaking to Topaz some time ago, they said that for Intel processors, it runs much better on nVidia GPUs.

It took many hours to do a small video enhancement (from Hi8's 720x576 pixels to 4K) - but the results were incredibly good. They went from pixelated with nice colour, to close to IPhone 11 4k standard, but in some ways better than a phone because of the more out of focus big camera lense look which have shallower depth of field.

There are free Windows video resolution packages out there ... I've not tried them. Evidently at least one free version is very good. I forget what its called.

I'm still in the tutorial stage of video AI, I was proficient Photoshop/Illustrator but I no longer have those programs. Not willing to lease software from Adobe, I demand ownership of what I purchase.

I was able to upscale some 480p home movies to 1080p but I'm still learning which AI models work best for what I'm trying to achieve. I found that for my old converted VHS videos the Iris-Face LQ/MQ model makes human eyes look cartoonish but was able to remove a lot of the pixelation and improved overall quality significantly. I think I may have to make several passes using different AI models to get the results I want?

 

[h9826790]

I'm still in the tutorial stage of video AI, I was proficient Photoshop/Illustrator but I no longer have those programs. Not willing to lease software from Adobe, I demand ownership of what I purchase.

I was able to upscale some 480p home movies to 1080p but I'm still learning which AI models work best for what I'm trying to achieve. I found that for my old converted VHS videos the Iris-Face LQ/MQ model makes human eyes look cartoonish but was able to remove a lot of the pixelation and improved overall quality significantly. I think I may have to make several passes using different AI models to get the results I want?

Did you try nyx? That usually looks more natural

 

[Melbourne Park]

Requirement is Catalina or higher for Topaz Video AI: https://docs.topazlabs.com/video-ai/system-requirements
I'm running Monterey 12.7.6 (MLOC), which enables HWAccel for H264 / HEVC. Hardware acceleration in GPU must be enabled or you'll have to use CPU to process video. A dedicated GPU is also recommended, not integrated. Integrated GPUs rely on CPU and system memory.

I've been uploading 8mm linear videos, Hi8 ones and digital 8 and mini DVs (mini digital videos), from hi* to mini DV the pixel count is the same, using PAL rather than NTSC.

Used the Topaz maybe 2 years or more ago on Hi8, and they look was fantastic, but I did not pay attention to close ups of faces. You may be right. But I think rubbish in rubbish out may also be a factor. The Sony Hi8 camera I bought new back in the 1990's was expensive, as it had a very good, mechanically stabilised lens. When I bought a lower cost (still not cheap though) Sony Digital 8 video cam, I found the picture lacked colour and also lacked the colour range of the Hi8. IMO that must have been due to the lens.

I agree with your sentiments about buying software. I am of that belief too, but the realities are that Apple doesn't sell much of its software, although it does now rent a cut down FCP on the iPad. Its OS's are free too. But ... you pay for a non expanding machine, that will soon in maybe less than 10 years, not support the latest OS. And if its drive or RAM fails, the machine might be rubbish. And software companies upgrade their software, to work with the latest OSs. So the industry works together to get our money.

In reality though, modern Macs are cheaper than they used to be, and faster. I rent Office because I am addicted to Excel. I've tried them all and am very used to the formulas and layout in Excel (which originated on the Mac). I've also bought Affinity software but much much much better understand PS. I also rent some 3D CAD software, which is better value on Windows, but I use a Mac version. And older Windows computers can run the latest software version. That software requires an internet connection to work ... not sure about its operating on a Virtual windows on an Apple OS M processor ...

 

[Dolphins1972]

Did you try nyx? That usually looks more natural

So far proteus model has worked the best but I've only just begun to learn. I just ran Nyx with auto settings, on a video I already upscaled using Proteus model. I did not notice any improvement. I will try it again on the original.

The Theia model sounds promising but haven't tried it yet.

Enhancement | Topaz Video AI

Enhancement

docs.topazlabs.com

 

[Dolphins1972]

I've been uploading 8mm linear videos, Hi8 ones and digital 8 and mini DVs (mini digital videos), from hi* to mini DV the pixel count is the same, using PAL rather than NTSC.

Used the Topaz maybe 2 years or more ago on Hi8, and they look was fantastic, but I did not pay attention to close ups of faces. You may be right. But I think rubbish in rubbish out may also be a factor. The Sony Hi8 camera I bought new back in the 1990's was expensive, as it had a very good, mechanically stabilised lens. When I bought a lower cost (still not cheap though) Sony Digital 8 video cam, I found the picture lacked colour and also lacked the colour range of the Hi8. IMO that must have been due to the lens.

I agree with your sentiments about buying software. I am of that belief too, but the realities are that Apple doesn't sell much of its software, although it does now rent a cut down FCP on the iPad. Its OS's are free too. But ... you pay for a non expanding machine, that will soon in maybe less than 10 years, not support the latest OS. And if its drive or RAM fails, the machine might be rubbish. And software companies upgrade their software, to work with the latest OSs. So the industry works together to get our money.

In reality though, modern Macs are cheaper than they used to be, and faster. I rent Office because I am addicted to Excel. I've tried them all and am very used to the formulas and layout in Excel (which originated on the Mac). I've also bought Affinity software but much much much better understand PS. I also rent some 3D CAD software, which is better value on Windows, but I use a Mac version. And older Windows computers can run the latest software version. That software requires an internet connection to work ... not sure about its operating on a Virtual windows on an Apple OS M processor ...

I might be asking too much from AI? These old VHS tapes have random static and random distortion that look as though the recorder heads needed cleaning or possibly the converter used to convert VHS to DVD had issues? Then there's the pixelation which is to be expected from VHS tapes from the late '70s early '80s.

 

[Melbourne Park]

I might be asking too much from AI? These old VHS tapes have random static and random distortion that look as though the recorder heads needed cleaning or possibly the converter used to convert VHS to DVD had issues? Then there's the pixelation which is to be expected from VHS tapes from the late '70s early '80s.

Rubbish in rubbish out.

With the linear (close to VHS but more resolution) Hi8 tapes, or just 8 mm tapes, those transferred via composite video connections lost resolution. With Sony Digital 8 mm tape video cameras the camera itself could transfer a digital image to the computer, those had little visual loss.

Bands and dots etc is likely dirty heads. Buy a head cleaning cassette - one runs them for maybe 20 seconds and they can make a big difference.

 

[Dolphins1972]

Rubbish in rubbish out.

With the linear (close to VHS but more resolution) Hi8 tapes, or just 8 mm tapes, those transferred via composite video connections lost resolution. With Sony Digital 8 mm tape video cameras the camera itself could transfer a digital image to the computer, those had little visual loss.

Bands and dots etc is likely dirty heads. Buy a head cleaning cassette - one runs them for maybe 20 seconds and they can make a big difference.

I no longer have the VHS tapes or the converter so I'm stuck with the low quality DVD recordings.

 

[phrehdd]

Not to redirect the thread but maybe someone could squeeze in an answer here. I have Topaz plugins for photo work and decided to get the Video app when it was on a good sale. I have a few vid files from 50 megs up to half gig. I notice that on most settings, the files created are HUGE. Many of my files aren't high resolution. I know one size does not fit all but maybe some clue to where I should explore?

 

[Melbourne Park]

Lower the resolution and the files will shrink a lot. Query Topaz support too.

 

[TzunamiOSX]

Not to redirect the thread but maybe someone could squeeze in an answer here. I have Topaz plugins for photo work and decided to get the Video app when it was on a good sale. I have a few vid files from 50 megs up to half gig. I notice that on most settings, the files created are HUGE. Many of my files aren't high resolution. I know one size does not fit all but maybe some clue to where I should explore?

I will use Apple Pro Res and then use Handbrake to get the best quality to size. If I use mp4 direct in Topaz, the quality is significantly worse.

 

[phrehdd]

I will use Apple Pro Res and then use Handbrake to get the best quality to size. If I use mp4 direct in Topaz, the quality is significantly worse.

Curious - what settings in Topaz made it worse for you? The results I get seem pretty good except for the file size.

 

[TzunamiOSX]

Curious - what settings in Topaz made it worse for you? The results I get seem pretty good except for the file size.

When using H264 High, I will get more "blocks" in dark scenes or gradients.

I have pitched up the gamma to show it better

 

[Melbourne Park]

I no longer have the VHS tapes or the converter so I'm stuck with the low quality DVD recordings.

My 5,1 with RX580 takes forever to upscale a DVD quality recording. I think you would have to convert the DVD format to a non compressed format somehow. But no way can a Mac OS Intel achieve much any more. The old Topaz versions could do a lot though, but it was very slow. Like forever ... And Topaz wants to use nVidia GPUs in Windows I recall ... and preferably 4090s ... and those GPUs are the price of a Mac mini M4 Pro.

 

[Dolphins1972]

My 5,1 with RX580 takes forever to upscale a DVD quality recording. I think you would have to convert the DVD format to a non compressed format somehow. But no way can a Mac OS Intel achieve much any more. The old Topaz versions could do a lot though, but it was very slow. Like forever ... And Topaz wants to use nVidia GPUs in Windows I recall ... and preferably 4090s ... and those GPUs are the price of a Mac mini M4 Pro.

Yeah, the only way I'll see better results is with the Pixlas Mod and a newer GPU.