Kicking off with how to upscale video to 120 FPS DaVinci, this comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through the entire upscaling process, from assessing footage readiness to finalizing the upscaling project in DaVinci Resolve. With the right steps and techniques, you can achieve seamless 120 FPS upscaling and deliver a high-quality final product.
The benefits of increased frame rates are undeniable, offering a professional video editing and post-production edge. By understanding the key differences between 60 FPS and 120 FPS footage, you’ll be able to evaluate the quality of your footage and determine whether it’s ready for upscaling.
Understanding the Basics of Upscaling Video to 120 FPS with DaVinci Resolve
When it comes to professional video editing and post-production, a higher frame rate is crucial for delivering a high-quality final product. DaVinci Resolve, a powerful video editing software, offers an array of features designed to enhance footage quality and upscaling capabilities, including the option to upscale video to 120 FPS.
The key difference between 60 FPS and 120 FPS footage lies in their motion representation. With 60 FPS, you’ll experience a smooth, but slightly choppy motion, whereas 120 FPS provides a silky smooth, lifelike motion that accurately captures the nuances of real-world motion. The increased frame rate allows for a more immersive viewing experience, ideal for applications like sports broadcasting, music videos, and action sequences.
In my own experience, upscaling was essential for delivering a high-quality final product during an editing project for a sports documentary. The client required the footage to be as smooth and realistic as possible to showcase the athletes’ skills. By upsampling the footage to 120 FPS, we were able to achieve a seamless, ultra-smooth motion that captivated the audience and left a lasting impression.
DaVinci Resolve Features for Enhancing Footage Quality and Upscaling Capabilities
One of the most significant features of DaVinci Resolve is its ability to upscale footage to higher frame rates, including 120 FPS. This process, called temporal super resolution (TSR), analyzes multiple frames to create a single, higher-quality frame that’s more representative of the original footage. This results in a more lifelike motion, without introducing artifacts or aliasing.
In addition to TSR, DaVinci Resolve offers several other features designed to enhance footage quality, such as color grading, HDR, and advanced noise reduction methods. By leveraging these features in combination with the upsampling capabilities, editors can achieve stunning, high-quality results that rival those of high-end professional productions.
Temporal Super Resolution (TSR) Settings for Optimal Upscaling
When working with DaVinci Resolve’s TSR feature, you’ll need to adjust the settings to achieve optimal results for your specific footage. The quality of the TSR depends on several factors, including the original footage resolution, framerate, and color grading.
For example, when working with low-frame-rate footage, you may want to adjust the TSR settings to prioritize motion estimation over detailed texture rendering. This results in a more robust motion representation, while compromising on some texture details.
On the other hand, when working with high-frame-rate footage, you may want to prioritize detailed texture rendering over motion estimation. This yields more accurate and detailed textures, while sacrificing some motion smoothness.
Best Practices for Achieving Optimal Results with DaVinci Resolve TSR
To ensure optimal results with DaVinci Resolve’s TSR feature, follow these best practices:
1. Work with high-quality source footage: High-quality source footage is essential for achieving the best possible results with TSR. Shoot in high-definition, use high-quality cameras, and ensure proper exposure and focus.
2. Adjust TSR settings based on your footage: As mentioned earlier, the quality of TSR depends on several factors, including the original footage resolution, framerate, and color grading. Adjust the TSR settings accordingly to achieve optimal results.
3. Use color grading and HDR: Color grading and HDR (High Dynamic Range) are crucial for achieving high-quality results with TSR. By leveraging these features in combination with the upsampling capabilities, editors can achieve stunning, high-quality results.
4. Use advanced noise reduction methods: Noise can be a major issue when working with high-frame-rate footage. Use advanced noise reduction methods, such as DaVinci Resolve’s advanced noise reduction tool, to eliminate artifacts and aliasing.
Assessing Footage Readiness for Upscaling to 120 FPS: How To Upscale Video To 120 Fps Davinci
Before diving into the process of upscaling video to 120 FPS, it’s crucial to evaluate the quality of your footage. This includes assessing factors like resolution, color grading, and lighting conditions to determine if your footage is suitable for this process. If your footage isn’t suitable, you may need to pre-process it before upscaling, which can be time-consuming and affect the overall quality of your final product.
Types of Footage Requiring Extensive Pre-processing
Some types of footage are more challenging to upscale than others. For instance, footage shot on older cameras or lower-end equipment may require more extensive pre-processing before upscaling. This is because older cameras often have lower resolution, lower bitrates, and more noticeable compression artifacts, making it harder to upscale to 120 FPS.
- Footage shot at lower resolutions (< 4K): These files may not have enough information to create a high-quality 120 FPS image.
- Footage with interlacing: Interlaced footage can be difficult to work with, as it can result in artifacts when upscaling.
- Footage shot in low-light conditions: Low-light footage often requires more noise reduction and may not have enough information to create a high-quality 120 FPS image.
- Footage with color grading issues: Footage with incorrect color grading or inconsistent exposure can be challenging to upscale.
Comparison of Performance Benefits and Potential Drawbacks
When deciding whether to upscale lower-resolution footage or start with high-resolution content, consider the trade-offs between performance benefits and potential drawbacks.
Upscaling Lower-Resolution Footage
Upscaling lower-resolution footage can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when working with legacy footage or when time is of the essence. However, it can also introduce artifacts and degrade the image quality.
| Benefits of Upscaling Lower-Resolution Footage | |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Upscaling lower-resolution footage can save time and effort compared to starting with high-resolution content. |
| Troubleshooting | Upscaling lower-resolution footage can help identify artifacts and noise in the footage. |
Using High-Resolution Content from the Start
Using high-resolution content from the start offers clear performance benefits, such as higher image quality and reduced artifacting. However, it also requires more processing power and storage space.
| Benefits of Starting with High-Resolution Content | |
|---|---|
| Image Quality | High-resolution content offers higher image quality, with more detail and less artifacting. |
| Flexibility | Starting with high-resolution content provides more flexibility for color grading and noise reduction. |
It’s essential to weigh the trade-offs between performance benefits and potential drawbacks when deciding whether to upscale lower-resolution footage or start with high-resolution content.
Optimizing Hardware and Software for Smooth 120 FPS Processing
Optimizing your hardware and software for 120 FPS upscaling in DaVinci Resolve is crucial for achieving seamless results. A well-configured system can significantly boost performance, allowing you to work efficiently with high-frame-rate footage. While the software itself is highly optimized for performance, the underlying hardware requirements play a critical role in enabling smooth workflow.
When it comes to upscaling video to 120 FPS, the two most critical hardware components are RAM (Random Access Memory) and processing power. In DaVinci Resolve, RAM is used to cache the project and render previews, which significantly impacts performance. A minimum of 16 GB of RAM is recommended for basic 120 FPS upscaling, but 32 GB or more is ideal, especially when working with high-resolution, high-frame-rate footage.
Processing power is also a significant factor, as it determines how quickly the software can render and process each frame. DaVinci Resolve takes full advantage of multi-core processors and can utilize multiple CPUs in tandem to accelerate upscaling and other processing tasks. When choosing a processor, look for one with a high number of cores and threads, as well as a high clock speed. Some examples of well-suited processors include Intel Core i7 or i9, and AMD Ryzen 9 or Threadripper.
Minimum Recommended System Specifications
Here are the minimum recommended system specifications for smooth 120 FPS upscaling in DaVinci Resolve:
- Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra or later
- Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 9, with at least 8 cores and 16 threads
- Memory: 32 GB RAM or more, with a minimum of 16 GB for basic upscaling tasks
- Graphics Card: Dedicated graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM, such as NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
These specifications can be adjusted based on individual needs, but they provide a solid starting point for achieving smooth 120 FPS upscaling in DaVinci Resolve.
MPX and Multi-Processing Capabilities
To further optimize your system for 120 FPS upscaling, explore DaVinci Resolve’s built-in multiprocessing (MPX) features. MPX allows you to harness the power of multiple CPUs to accelerate rendering and processing tasks, resulting in significant performance gains.
To set up MPX in DaVinci Resolve, follow these steps:
- Open the Project Settings menu by pressing “F7” or navigating to the “Project” menu
- Click on the “Settings” tab and look for the “Multiprocessing” section
- Enable the “Use multi-core CPU” option and adjust the number of cores available for processing as needed
- Save your settings and restart DaVinci Resolve for the changes to take effect
By utilizing MPX and the power of multi-core processors, you can unlock significant performance gains and work more efficiently with high-frame-rate footage in DaVinci Resolve.
Separate GPU Acceleration
In recent years, separate GPU acceleration has become an increasingly popular option for accelerating DaVinci Resolve’s upscaling capabilities. By utilizing a dedicated graphics card, you can offload processing tasks from your CPU and leverage the power of the GPU to accelerate upscaling and other processing tasks.
However, separate GPU acceleration also introduces some limitations and considerations. For example:
GPU-accelerated upscaling can be more computationally intensive than CPU-based upscaling
This may result in increased energy consumption and heat generation, which can be a concern in certain working environments.
Despite these limitations, separate GPU acceleration remains a viable option for achieving high-performance upscaling in DaVinci Resolve. By carefully balancing CPU and GPU power, you can unlock significant performance gains and optimize your workflow for seamless 120 FPS upscaling.
Implementing Color Correction and Grading for 120 FPS Upscaled Footage

When it comes to upscaling footage to 120 FPS in DaVinci Resolve, color correction and grading are crucial steps that require attention to detail. Proper color grading can elevate your video from bland to grand, drawing the audience into the world you created. In this section, we’ll delve into the techniques and tools you need to know to achieve stunning color correction and grading.
One of the biggest challenges you’ll face when grading 120 FPS footage is managing the increased frame rate. DaVinci Resolve provides a range of tools to help you adapt to the new frame rate, including the ability to create custom LUTs (Look-Up Tables) and color wheels.
Custom LUTs for 120 FPS Grading
A LUT is essentially a predefined color grading scheme that you can apply to your footage. DaVinci Resolve allows you to create custom LUTs that take into account the specific characteristics of your 120 FPS footage. This is particularly useful when working with HDR projects, as you can create a LUT that preserves the original color information while adjusting the brightness and contrast to suit your visual style.
To create a custom LUT, follow these steps:
- Open your project in DaVinci Resolve and select the clip you want to grade.
- Head to the Color tab and click on the “Lut” dropdown menu.
- Choose “Create LUT” and select the type of LUT you want to create.
- Use the Color Wheels to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance of your clip.
- Save your LUT and apply it to your project.
Color Wheels for 120 FPS Grading, How to upscale video to 120 fps davinci
DaVinci Resolve’s Color Wheels are a powerful tool for grading your 120 FPS footage. The Color Wheels allow you to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance of your clip by moving a series of circular controls.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the Color Wheels for 120 FPS grading:
- Open your project in DaVinci Resolve and select the clip you want to grade.
- Head to the Color tab and click on the “Color Wheels” button.
- To adjust the brightness, move the center control up or down.
- To adjust the contrast, move the outer controls in or out.
- To adjust the color balance, move the color wheels to the right or left.
Consistent Color Across 120 FPS Projects
When grading 120 FPS footage, it’s essential to maintain consistent color across different sections of your project. Here are some best practices to ensure a cohesive visual look:
- Use the same LUT or grading scheme throughout your project.
- Apply the Color Wheels consistently to all clips in your project.
- Use the “Match Frame” tool to ensure that the color balance and brightness are consistent across different frames.
- Make adjustments to the color grading scheme as needed, using the “Scope” tool to check for any color imbalances.
Finalizing the Upscaled 120 FPS Project in DaVinci Resolve

The final stage of upscaling a 120 FPS project in DaVinci Resolve involves fine-tuning and proofreading the footage for any inconsistencies or errors. This includes adjusting audio and video settings, as well as export settings for collaboration or review purposes.
Export Settings for Collaboration or Review
When sharing the upscaling project for collaboration or review purposes, it’s essential to use the right export settings. This ensures that the recipient can review the project with the same quality and resolution as intended. For a 120 FPS project, you’ll want to use ProRes or H.264 codec, depending on the project requirements.
- For collaboration or review, export the project in ProRes 422 or ProRes 4444 format.
- Use a resolution of 3840 x 2160 or 2048 x 1080, depending on the project requirements.
- Set the frame rate to 120 FPS for consistent playback.
Export Settings for Delivery
For delivering the final product, you’ll want to use more advanced export settings. This ensures that the project looks its best on various playback devices. For a 120 FPS project, you can use the H.264 codec with a custom bitrate setting.
| Codec | Resolution | Frame Rate | Bitrate (MB/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.264 | 3840 x 2160 | 120 FPS | 20-30 MB/s (custom setting) |
Audio Settings
Audio settings are just as important as video settings when it comes to upscaling a 120 FPS project. You’ll want to ensure that the audio is correctly synchronized with the video. For a 120 FPS project, you can use the same audio settings as the original project.
Video Settings
Video settings should be adjusted to ensure that the upscaling project looks its best. This includes adjusting the color grading, noise reduction, and sharpening settings.
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Color Grading | 50-70 LUT (depending on the project requirements) |
| Noise Reduction | 5-10 (depending on the noise level) |
| Sharpening | 5-10 (depending on the blurriness level) |
Final Conclusion
In conclusion, upscaling video to 120 FPS DaVinci in DaVinci Resolve requires a thorough understanding of the tools and techniques involved. By following this guide, you’ll be able to assess your footage, leverage advanced upscaling features, optimize your hardware and software, implement color correction and grading, and finalize your upscaling project. With practice and patience, you’ll achieve stunning 120 FPS results that exceed your expectations.
Questions and Answers
Q: What are the minimum system specifications required for seamless 120 FPS upscaling in DaVinci Resolve?
A: DaVinci Resolve recommends a minimum of 16 GB RAM, an Intel Core i7 or AMD equivalent processor, and a 4K-capable graphics card for seamless 120 FPS upscaling.
Q: Can I use external third-party software for upscaling 60 FPS footage to 120 FPS?
A: Yes, you can use external third-party software, but DaVinci Resolve’s built-in upscaling tools are often more efficient and produce better results.
Q: How do I ensure consistent color across different sections of a 120 FPS project?
A: To ensure consistent color, use DaVinci Resolve’s color grading tools to establish a color profile and apply it consistently throughout your project.