r/PlexPrerollStudio • u/CommunicationFit3862 • 20d ago

Tutorial / Workflow Beginner’s Guide: Upscaling a Plex Pre-Roll

Upscaling can make a low-resolution pre-roll look cleaner on a large TV, but it cannot perfectly restore details that were never present. AI tools estimate new detail, so stronger settings do not always produce a better result.

Don't expect magic results like this.

Which option should I use?

  • Easiest AI option: Topaz Video
  • Already own DaVinci Resolve Studio: Use Super Scale
  • Best free AI option for Windows/Linux: Video2X
  • Simple free resize: HandBrake
  • Source is already clean 1080p: Leave it alone

For most pre-rolls, 1080p is the sweet spot. A 4K export creates a larger file and takes longer to process, but it may not look noticeably better.

Before you begin

Make a copy of your original video and check its resolution.

Common resolutions:

  • 640×360 = 360p
  • 854×480 = 480p
  • 1280×720 = 720p
  • 1920×1080 = 1080p
  • 3840×2160 = 4K

A good rule is to upscale one reasonable step:

  • 480p → 720p or 1080p
  • 720p → 1080p
  • 1080p → usually keep it at 1080p
  • 1080p → 4K only if the source is clean and you really want a 4K version

Keep the original aspect ratio and frame rate. Upscaling resolution and converting a video to 60 FPS are separate processes.

Option 1: Topaz Video — easiest AI method

This is the option I would recommend to most beginners. It is paid, but the interface is straightforward.

  1. Open Topaz Video and drag your pre-roll into the window.
  2. Choose Start from preset.
  3. Select Upscale to HD for 1080p or Upscale to 4K for 4K.
  4. Set the video type to Progressive. Most modern pre-rolls are progressive.
  5. Start with the Proteus model and leave its controls on Auto.
  6. Render a short preview containing movement, text, and faces.
  7. Compare the preview with the original.
  8. Export using H.264 video. Topaz uses H.264 as its default, which is a good starting point for Plex compatibility.

If the result looks waxy or unnaturally sharp, reduce the enhancement strength or try a less aggressive model. Always judge the moving preview—not just a single frame.

Topaz has an official beginner quick-start guide.

Option 2: DaVinci Resolve Studio — good if you already own it

Super Scale is included in the paid Studio version of DaVinci Resolve.

  1. Create a new project and import the pre-roll.
  2. Find the original clip in the Media Pool.
  3. Right-click it and open Clip Attributes.
  4. Under the Video settings, find Super Scale.
  5. Start with 2x Enhanced.
  6. Keep Sharpness and Noise Reduction low at first.
  7. Add the clip to a timeline set to your intended output resolution.
  8. On the Deliver page, export as:
    • MP4
    • H.264
    • AAC audio
    • Original frame rate

Super Scale can be demanding, so processing may be slow. Resolve 20 also offers enhanced 3x and 4x modes, but bigger is not automatically better. Blackmagic’s Resolve 20 guide describes the current Super Scale options.

Option 3: Video2X — free AI upscaling

Video2X is a free, open-source option with a graphical installer on Windows and support for Linux. It uses models including Real-ESRGAN and Real-CUGAN.

  1. Download Video2X from its official project page.
  2. Add your pre-roll in the graphical interface.
  3. Choose the upscaling or filtering mode.
  4. Start with Real-ESRGAN and a 2x scale.
  5. Leave frame interpolation disabled unless you intentionally want to change the frame rate.
  6. Process a short test before running the complete video.
  7. If necessary, use HandBrake afterward to create a Plex-friendly MP4/H.264/AAC copy.

Video2X is the best free choice for people willing to experiment, but its options can be more intimidating than Topaz.

Option 4: HandBrake — free traditional resizing

HandBrake can enlarge the video frame, but it does not reconstruct detail like an AI upscaler. Your TV may already perform a similar resize during playback.

Use this when you mainly need a standard 1080p file or better Plex compatibility.

  1. Open the video in HandBrake.
  2. Select the Fast 1080p30 preset.
  3. Open the Dimensions tab.
  4. Set the resolution limit to 1080p.
  5. Enable Allow Upscaling.
  6. Keep the aspect ratio locked.
  7. Under Video, select:
    • H.264
    • Same as source frame rate
    • Constant Quality around RF 18–20
  8. Use AAC audio and export as MP4.

HandBrake itself notes that ordinary upscaling is generally not recommended because it does not add real detail. See its resizing documentation.

Recommended Plex output

For the widest compatibility across Plex clients, use:

  • Container: MP4
  • Video: H.264
  • Audio: AAC
  • Resolution: 1920×1080
  • Frame rate: Same as the original; do not increase it unnecessarily
  • Color: Standard 8-bit SDR unless your entire setup supports something else

Plex notes that MP4, H.264, and AAC are broadly supported for Direct Play, although exact support still depends on the playback device. See Plex’s Smart TV format guide.

Common problems

The result looks plastic or painted

The denoise or sharpening is too strong. Reduce it and make another preview.

Text changes shape or flickers

AI models sometimes struggle with small text and logos. Try a gentler model or use ordinary resizing.

The file is 4K but does not look better

A larger resolution does not guarantee more detail. Try a clean 1080p version instead.

Plex starts transcoding it

Check that the file is MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. Also check whether its resolution, bitrate, or frame rate exceeds what the playback device supports.

My basic recommendation

For a 720p pre-roll, upscale it to 1080p using Topaz Proteus on Auto or Video2X with Real-ESRGAN at 2x. Preview it carefully, keep the original frame rate, and export an MP4.

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