Resolve softening my images.

[Mark Andersen]

Does anyone know why I might be getting a lightly softer (less sharp) image out of resolve? I am starting with Pro Res 4444 files in 4K UHD. it's not like they are really soft, just a slight downgrade in resolution.

 

[Sidney L. Plaut]

same with 5k r3d to 1080 DPX - with "sharper" downsample algorithm. definitely less sharp.

 

[Mark Andersen]

I'm going from 4K to 4K and am looking for a few pointers as to how to solve this. Maybe its just the nature of the beast and that's the way it is.

 

[Paul Russell]

Which version of Resolve?

 

[Mark Andersen]

Which version of Resolve?

Version 9

I tried sharpening (setting was 48) and it was a bit sharper but with subtle sharpening artifacts in certain parts of the image, pretty much what you expect to see when you sharpen. I'm viewing outputs on a 4K screen, it's amazing what subtle differences you can detect with it. I'd never would have noticed on a HD reference monitor.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Is your output set to render with highest quality?

 

[Paul Russell]

And also, have you checked 'track edit' to ensure that there isn't a blur/sharpening/mist setting in there that's causing a global problem?

 

[ckarcher]

look at your scaling algorithm in the setup panel.

 

[Sidney L. Plaut]

I can only speak for myself here obviously,

I am also on version 9 - scaling algorithm set to "shaper" (sharpest) - no blur or anything applied. 5kHD to 1920x1080 DPX or P444 - there is definitely a visible difference on a Sony OLED monitor.

 

[Marc Wielage]

And I'd like to know what specific monitor is being used and how the signal is getting out of Resolve and into the monitor. Also check in the config to make sure you're not doing on-the-fly proxies, which some people use in order to get faster performance out of the Resolve prior to rendering.

 

[Mark Andersen]

Thanks for your input guys, I'll do more testing, checking settings, etc. when I get in on Monday.

 

[Neil W. Smith]

Version 9

I tried sharpening (setting was 48) and it was a bit sharper but with subtle sharpening artifacts in certain parts of the image, pretty much what you expect to see when you sharpen. I'm viewing outputs on a 4K screen, it's amazing what subtle differences you can detect with it. I'd never would have noticed on a HD reference monitor.

Mark, which 4K monitor/projector are you using? ... which Blackmagic card are you using to go out from Resolve? ... how are you going into the projector/monitor?

Neil

 

[Sidney L. Plaut]

And I'd like to know what specific monitor is being used and how the signal is getting out of Resolve and into the monitor. Also check in the config to make sure you're not doing on-the-fly proxies, which some people use in order to get faster performance out of the Resolve prior to rendering.

Here i am using the newest Sony OLED pvm 25"- capture card is decklink 4k extreme (3months old).

- proxies are not enabled.

I think its the downsample algorithm... but you can only choose 3 different ones... I chose the sharpest.... and still not as sharp as when grading off the r3d.

- I export highest quality/ full debater etc. bring that into resolve - put it on a new timeline - click on/off and the difference is obvious.

 

[Paul Sage]

Maybe turn off anti-alias and check your OLPF setting.

 

[Gabriele Turchi]

are u comparing resolve to same image exported in RedcineX ?

maybe RCX apply some sharpness by default ? (or maybe you have Red Rocket iN RCX ( that apply sharpness on it's own )

g

 

[Sidney L. Plaut]

I dont have a rocket -

anti aliasing is turned off.

OLPF settings are left at the standard which I believe is "high".

I will try to directly compare RCX to Resolve - good idea - RCX also have a lot more down sample algorithms to choose from.

 

[Gabriele Turchi]

and what were you comparing it to before ? the resolve GUI vs QT player ?

 

[Mark Andersen]

And I'd like to know what specific monitor is being used and how the signal is getting out of Resolve and into the monitor. Also check in the config to make sure you're not doing on-the-fly proxies, which some people use in order to get faster performance out of the Resolve prior to rendering.

Viewing on a Sony 65" UHD TV, via HDMI through a Blackmagic Ultra Studio 4k connected to a MacBook Pro via Thunderbolt . I've compared before and after clips via the same system, it's the before and after of the same clip that shows the slight change in sharpness.

 

[Neil W. Smith]

Viewing on a Sony 65" UHD TV, via HDMI through a Blackmagic Ultra Studio 4k connected to a MacBook Pro via Thunderbolt . I've compared before and after clips via the same system, it's the before and after of the same clip that shows the slight change in sharpness.

When you say you've compared the 'before and after' clips what exactly do you mean by that? ...ie, what exactly is the before state and what is the after state? How are you noticing the 'softening'? ... ie, which kind of images show the effect the most obviously?

Have you tried Resolve 10 on the same system?

I'm impressed that you have the 65 inch Sony UHDTV to view your 4K images on ... have you tried changing any of the internal processing options, especially the motion blur type control.

Have you used something like the Spears and Munsell HDTV Test BluRay to check out the TV ... even though it's only HD rez it will scale up if you have something like the Oppo BR player.

You have a great website btw... very cool work ... would love to see what you could do with the DRAGON.

Cheers

 

[Mark Andersen]

When you say you've compared the 'before and after' clips what exactly do you mean by that? ...ie, what exactly is the before state and what is the after state? How are you noticing the 'softening'? ... ie, which kind of images show the effect the most obviously?

Have you tried Resolve 10 on the same system?

I started working with a high detail landscape of aspen trees, pro res 4444 out of RCX, brought that clip into R9 to enhance the yellow leaves. Then looked at both the original clip from RCX (16) and the processed clip from Resolve 9, fine details were less crisp. Again it's not like the clip was "out of focus" or usable. The difference is subtle and only noticeable when you A/B them in 4K and at a fairly close viewing distance at that.

I have not yet tested Resolve 10

Thanks for the compliment on my work