FREE AI Video Upscaler! waifu2x

In this article, we'll explore an amazing, free AI video upscaler, the waifu2x Extension GUI. This powerful tool can upscale images, GIFs, and videos using a variety of models, and it’s all completely free. Let’s dive in!

Getting Started

To begin with, download the waifu2x Extension GUI from the GitHub link provided. Scroll down to the README section and click on "Download Latest Stable Build." Please note, this tool is currently available only for Windows users.

You’ll download a compressed .7z file. If you don't have a program to unzip this file format, consider downloading 7zip – it’s also free. Once you’ve unzipped the file, extract all the contents to a new folder. You can then delete the compressed file.

Setting Up

Inside the extracted folder, you’ll find various files and a directory. Double-click the batch file (.bat) to open the program. Choose your language (English in this case), and the tool will run a compatibility test for your GPU. After it's complete, click OK to proceed.

Understanding Your GPU

The program will display the compatibility of your GPU with various settings. My GTX 1080, for example, can support many features, though not RTX Super Resolution due to the lack of an RTX card. You don’t need RTX Super Resolution for upscaling basic images and videos.

Upscaling Videos

Let’s test the waifu2x Extension GUI with an animated and a live-action video.

Animated Video

Input File: Upload the 1978 Ralph Bakshi Lord of the Rings clip for testing.
Resolution: The original resolution is 480p (854x480). We aim to upscale it to 1080p (Full HD). Hit 'Apply' after selecting the higher resolution.
Model and Engine: We use the “realESRGAN” model for upscaling, setting the style to “2D Anime.”
Run the Process: Click 'Start' and wait for the process to finish (took 43 seconds for a 10-12 second clip).

The resulting video quality improved significantly compared to the original. Comparing side-by-side will vividly show the enhanced output.

Live-Action Video

Input File: Use a clip from the TV show Fresh Prince for testing.
Resolution: Apply the same resolution settings as before.
Model and Engine: Select the style "3D Real Life," and hit 'Start.'
Run the Process: The upscaling took around a minute and 16 seconds.

In comparison, the animated video results are far superior to the live-action video. The model is more adept at animated textures.

Other Features

An additional feature is the option to upscale anime from 1080p to 4K using the anime4k model, known for its speed and efficiency.

Conclusion

The waifu2x Extension GUI is fantastic for upscaling animated videos. While it isn't as effective for live-action videos, its prowess in enhancing anime and similar animations makes it a robust, valuable tool.

If you found this article informative, consider subscribing for more valuable content. Also, check out related articles on AI image enhancers. See you next time!

Keywords

Waifu2x
AI Video Upscaler
Free Tool
GPU Compatibility
Animated Video Upscaling
Live-action Video Upscaling
Image Upscaling
Anime Upscaling
Resolution
RealESRGAN

FAQ

Q1: What is waifu2x Extension GUI? A1: waifu2x Extension GUI is a free AI tool that upscales images, GIFs, and videos using various models.

Q2: Is waifu2x Extension GUI free? A2: Yes, it is completely free to use.

Q3: Where can I download waifu2x Extension GUI? A3: It can be downloaded from its GitHub page.

Q4: Is waifu2x Extension GUI available for Mac? A4: Currently, it is only available for Windows.

Q5: Can waifu2x Extension GUI upscale live-action videos? A5: While it can upscale live-action videos, it performs significantly better with animated videos.

Q6: How do I unzip the downloaded .7z file? A6: You can use free software like 7zip to unzip .7z files.

Q7: What models does it support for upscaling? A7: Various models, including realESRGAN, are supported for different types of upscaling.

Q8: Does it support RTX Super Resolution? A8: It supports RTX Super Resolution if your GPU is RTX-enabled; otherwise, it will use other compatible models.

Q9: How to ensure the best quality for animated video upscaling? A9: Use the “realESRGAN” model and set the style to “2D Anime” for best results.

Q10: Can waifu2x Extension GUI upscale to 4K resolution? A10: Yes, particularly using the anime4k model for anime videos.