Microsoft testing low-resolution video upscaling with AI on Edge browser

Called Video Super Resolution (VSR), it's basically a built-in tool that enhances the ability to upscale low-resolution videos and provides an improved experience with sharper images. It's all done in full dynamic with Microsoft's self-developed AI technology.

According to Microsoft statistics, one out of every three videos opened in Edge is played at 480p resolution or lower, resulting in an unsatisfactory experience for users. Therefore, Video Super Resolution is expected to become a useful assistant for users who have problems with low network bandwidth or poor video quality.

Technically, Video Super Resolution uses machine learning algorithms to enhance the user's video viewing experience by removing block compression artifacts, and upscaling the final resolution on YouTube and other streaming platforms. Of course there will also be a few notable limitations.

First, you will have to own a relatively new PC system, with not too bad hardware to ensure it can handle the AI ​​algorithm behind Video Super Resolution. For example, this feature requires a discrete graphics card from Nvidia (RTX 20 Series or later) or AMD (RX5700 or later). If you use a laptop with iGPU and dGPU and want to try out Video Super Resolution, change your PC's graphics settings so that Edge uses the dGPU. Microsoft is committed to supporting automatic switching between iGPU and dGPU for this feature in future updates.

Additionally, you won't be able to use Video Super Resolution on DRM-protected videos (the browser cannot access the frames in those videos for processing) or when unplugged from AC power (for with laptops).

Microsoft says the new feature is currently rolling out to 50% of test users in the Canary Channel. However, you can also test the experience by enabling the edge ://flags/#edge-video-super-resolution flag . VSR will soon incorporate several other enhancement technologies that Microsoft has used in its browsers to make images look sharper, thereby providing a better gaming experience when streaming games from cloud.

Jessica Tanner

Update 07 March 2023