Check out VFX-focused AI video upscaling system Pixell
Korean tech firm 4by4 has launched Pixell, its AI-powered video upscaling and video enhancement platform, in free beta.
The technology, previously only available to corporate clients, is now being made available as a web-based service targeted at VFX and post-production professionals.
It enables artists to render shots in 2K, then use Pixell to upres them to 4K or 8K without perceptible loss of visual quality.
4by4 claims that the workflow is “up to 1,000x” faster than rendering directly in 8K.
Upscale video to Ultra High Definition, and have AI fill in missing detail
AI video upscaling technologies increase the resolution of source material – both raw footage and rendered elements – using an AI model to reconstruct missing detail.
The result is – in theory, at least – a high-resolution video that is visually indistinguishable from one that was created natively at the same resolution.
For a VFX shot, rendering at a lower resolution then upscaling can be much quicker than rendering at the target resolution.
Targeted at VFX and post-production work
There are a number of AI upscaling products aimed at professional work – for example, Topaz Labs’ Video AI Pro – but Pixell is unusual in that 4by4 is specifically targeting “VFX artists and post-production professionals” rather than general video production.
As well as being geared towards upresing video to UHD resolutions, 4by4 cites the visual quality of Pixell’s output, and the speed at which it processes footage: a one minute 2K video processes in “under 60 seconds”.
The technology was previously used to upres popular Korean comedy-drama My Lovely Sam Soon from SD to 4K for online streaming platform Wavve.
4by4 itself has practical experience of UHD production, since it also runs UHD stock footage library KeyCut Stock and content production business Keycut Visual.
Free in beta until early 2025
The Pixell beta includes unlimited access to the service, and dedicated technical support.
It’s invite-only, but 4by4 seems to be processing applications quickly: we had a reply inside 24 hours.
Anyone taking part in the beta who provides “insightful feedback” will also be eligible for discounted access to the service once it launches commercially.
Price and system requirements
Pixell is currently in invite-only beta. You can register via the link below. The final release is due in “early 2025”.
It’s a web-based service, so it should be compatible with any current web browser. 4by4 hasn’t announced final pricing yet.
Read more about Pixell on 4by4’s website
Register for the beta of Pixell
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