Introducing VESAI SDR to HDR Mastering
We are told that once video data is compressed, it’s gone forever.
We are told that you cannot create “real” High Dynamic Range (HDR) from a low-bitrate Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) source like YouTube.
We are told creating real HDR from SDR sources is “impossible“.
VESAI v2.1.1 proves them wrong.
Using our advanced Video Enhance Studio AI™ (VESAI), we have achieved what was previously considered impossible: generating a genuine, mastering-grade HDR signal from compressed SDR footage. This isn’t just a brightness boost—it is a complete AI-driven reconstruction of light, color volume, and texture detail.
?️ The Proof is in the Tonemap
How do you know it’s “Real” HDR and not just a filter? The answer lies in the highlight and real contrast information.
In a fake HDR conversion, pushing the brightness to 1500 nits would simply blow out the image—turning the sun and clouds into a solid white blob. But look at our results using the already known Madshi MadVR tonemapping at different luminance levels:
- At 400 Nits: The image is balanced, but the peak brightness is capped.
- At 1500 Nits: The magic happens. Instead of clipping, new details emerge. You can clearly see the full distinct shape of the sun, the wispy edges of the clouds, and the specular highlights on the castle domes.
This proves that VESAI has successfully generated new data in the high-luminance range that was never possible to see in SDR. The software understands the physics of light, effectively mapping in the real PQ Space the missing dynamic range with frightening accuracy.
?️ How It Works: The VESAI Workflow
This showcase was mastered using our CGI Modern FAST V3 AI Upscaling Model, coupled with the Advanced HDR10 FR FILM Gaming V5 look.
- Deconstruct: The AI analyzes the compressed YouTube source, removing compression artifacts, macro-blocking, and banding using our Ultra HQ Deband (32%).
- Reconstruct: Using DeHalo (32%) and Full Aliasing Removal (40%), it cleans sharp edges that often shimmer in SDR, preparing a solid foundation.
- Expand: The AI maps the luminance to a 1500-nit container, expanding the color volume without washing out the image.
- Enhance: Specific details are refined using Face Enhancer (35%) to ensure characters remain crisp even as the environment exposure changes.
? Key Features for Professionals & Enthusiasts
- Source-Agnostic Mastering: Achieve studio-grade HDR results even from low-bitrate streaming sources (YouTube, web-rips).
- True Specular Reconstruction: Generates actual peak brightness details (sun, reflections, explosions) that survive high-nit tonemapping.
- Artifact Elimination: Integrated debanding and aliasing removal ensure the “expanded” HDR doesn’t just amplify existing compression noise.
- Future-Proof Output: Create content ready for HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision mastering workflows.
Don’t just watch the future of video—master it. Purchase a License today or Join us on Discord to request a trial for VESAI v2.1.1 and start transforming your library today.
