Smoothing a video frame

[ganguy]

I need to use a video frame (snapshot) extracted with Sony Platinum to use as a DVD label, but as everyone knows, the resolution is low, even on a frame where the subject is still. Anyone experimented with software that might help smooth the pixelation out so that the snapshot could be used?
I do have CS3 but didn't have much luck withthe filters.
Reg

[hawkeye60]

Re: Smoothing a video frame

Unless the video is progressive, the first thing would be to, filter, video, deinterlace.

[ganguy]

Re: Smoothing a video frame

Tried that, it made it worse. I finally reduced the size of the image on the DVD so that the pixelation wasn't apparent. I have seen a deconvolution program which would improve an image but for the life of me, can't locate it now.
Thanks,
Reg

[Verywierd]

Re: Smoothing a video frame

What resolution is the video shot at?

The attached is a square 600 x 600 crop from a 320 x 240 avi screen capture enlarged to 1365 x 1024 in Photoshop. Contrast adjustment and a run through Neat Image noise filter. There are some compression artifacts, but these can be cleaned up in PS.

If your video was shot at DVD quality i.e. 720 x 540 (or something close) then it should be more than good enough to get a decent image.

[ganguy]

Re: Smoothing a video frame

Project was shot at 720x480, screenshot is 327x240. Your shot is good, I'll try your method.
Thanks,

[Mike Kalcevic]

Re: Smoothing a video frame

You may want to try running it through a couple passes of noise reduction (noise ninja if you have it, then hitting it with Unsharp mask, maybe around 10:50:0.