We’ve mentioned many instances that whereas woodworking is a bit exterior our wheelhouse, we have now immense respect for these with the ability and endurance to show lifeless timber into sensible objects. Amongst such artisans, few are higher identified than the legendary Norm Abram — host of The New Yankee Workshop from 1989 to 2009 on PBS.

So we have been happy when the official YouTube channel for The New Yankee Workshop began importing full episodes of the basic DIY present just a few months again for an entire new technology to get pleasure from. The net availability of this helpful useful resource is noteworthy sufficient, however we have been notably impressed to see the channel begin experimenting with AI enhanced variations of this system just lately.

Initially broadcast in January of 1992, the “Youngster’s Wagon” episode of Yankee Workshop was beforehand solely out there in customary definition. Additional, because it was a comparatively low-budget PBS manufacturing, it will have been taped fairly than filmed — which means there’s no unfavorable to return and digitize at a better decision. However because of trendy picture enhancement methods, the unique video could possibly be sharpened and scaled as much as 1080p with pretty spectacular outcomes.

That mentioned, the know-how isn’t excellent, and the brand new HD launch isn’t with no few “uncanny valley” moments. It’s notably noticeable with human faces, however because the digital camera virtually completely focuses on the work, this doesn’t come up usually. There’s additionally an inclination for surfaces to look smoother and extra uniform than they need to, and reflective objects can exhibit some uncommon visible artifacts.

Even with these quirks, this model makes for a much more comfy viewing expertise on right now’s units. It’s value noting that to this point solely a pair episodes have been enhanced, every with an “AI HD” icon on the thumbnail picture to indicate them as such. Given the computational calls for of this sort of enhancement, we anticipate it will likely be used solely on a case-by-case foundation for now. Nonetheless, it’s thrilling to see this know-how enter the mainstream, particularly when its used on such culturally helpful content material.