The NeXtEdge
Standard

Discussion on source type & condition — tapes, DVD, digital, or mixed archives — to understand the technical starting point before defining the restoration approach.

We identify any specific photographic or artistic characteristics that must be preserved. This may include footage shot on distinct formats such as Super 8, where texture, grain, and historical character are part of the original identity and should not be “cleaned away” by default.

We clarify the desired restoration philosophy from the outset: whether the goal is to remain as close as possible to the original master, or to pursue a more modern direction with stronger clean-up, reconstruction, sharpness, and perceptual enhancement.

Defining total volume, average durations, and archive complexity to build an accurate and efficient restoration plan.

Tailoring the output for preservation, YouTube, social media, broadcast, or cinema screening — the destination shapes every technical decision.

Aligning on required formats, codecs, aspect ratios, and audio standards from the start — no surprises at delivery.

Every archive is unique. We begin with a deep-dive analysis using MediaInfo to understand the source’s technical DNA: original codecs, native frame rates (FPS), metadata structure, and audio bit-depth. This stage also includes a full viewing of the material to identify and group shots into restoration “families” based on their visual characteristics and degree of difficulty — essential for complex works where different scenes may require entirely different strategies.

We perform exhaustive iterative testing in Topaz Video AI to identify the most suitable models and manual settings for each shot family. In practice, it is very rare for a single model to be retained for an entire film or archive. For complex projects, multiple models are evaluated, compared, and documented through a dedicated internal tracking process — with criteria recorded to retain the strongest setup for each family of shots. We do not trigger the rendering process until the calibration is pixel-perfect.

One or several intermediate validation points may be required during the audit. In many cases, email exchanges with annotated screenshots are sufficient to confirm direction for specific shots not covered during the initial consultation. Once the final setup is locked, a representative excerpt is delivered for approval, ensuring full alignment on the restoration direction before production begins.

We stabilize motion and perform a primary clean-up pass to repair image structure without erasing essential detail. The objective is to prepare the footage, not to over-process it.

A second dedicated pass for restoration, reconstruction, and upscale. Depending on the source and the shot family, this may involve detail recovery, texture rebuilding, depth restoration, or a controlled increase in sharpness — while remaining faithful to the agreed visual direction.

All remastered shots are assembled in DaVinci Resolve, where the final edit is rebuilt from the different restoration passes. This stage is mandatory: because multiple models and shot-specific setups are often used across a single archive, final editorial assembly is required to create a coherent and consistent master.

Fine-tuning of color shifts (correcting aged or faded tints) and light audio remastering to ensure modern clarity while respecting the original recording’s character.

We honor the original format. For certain archives — such as 4:3 materials — we can create a sophisticated 16:9 presentation, for example by using a stylized blurred background, and apply treatments such as the “Paper Edge” effect for a more tactile, historic presence (see Pricing for an example). Depending on the project, the restoration can be delivered in its most natural form or adapted in presentation according to your intended use, delivery requirements, or artistic preferences.

On-demand integration of professional watermarks, text overlays, motion graphics, or cinematic transitions to align the archive with your current branding.

Specialized 9:16 vertical re-framing for TikTok / Reels / Shorts, utilizing manual motion tracking to keep the action perfectly centered.

A final frame-by-frame human review is conducted to eliminate AI artifacts and ensure the historic integrity of the archive is preserved.

Delivery of your High-Resolution Master (ProRes) alongside web-optimized versions (H.264/H.265) for immediate distribution.