More findings for those upscalers who care:
- To clarify on my first bullet, Gaia CG remains the AI model of choice for most cases except 2 scenarios:
- When resolution is kept the same (1080p > 1080p, 4k > 4k, etc.): When resolution is kept the same, Gaia CG degrades the image due to compression at medium output, whereas Gaia HQ actually improves the image, and it is the ONLY AI model that is capable of that rn. This is useful when you're trying to only frame interpolate without upscaling (Although an Upscale AI model should still be used in said scenario because it serves as a repair mechanism for Apollo Frame AI model). Never run Apollo/Chrono or any Frame AI model by itself, because the Upscaler, Gaia HQ in this case, will allow you to accomplish this task pretty much losslessly.
- When upscaling beyond 4k: When trying to upscale an image from 4k > 4.1k, or 4k > 8k, Gaia HQ is the Upscaler of choice simply because virtually all native 4k videos are sharp enough to be used with Gaia HQ. Also ditch Apollo for Aion for 4k+, Aion is basically Apollo for extremely hi def videos.