Simple Single Source Logo Removal

[Mediahead]

Hello! I have been lurking this forum for a while, but today I have a technique I have created(I think I am the first) that I think could really help with a lot of projects. (it saved one of mine from abandonment )
Whether you are trying to get an HD master of an obscure foreign film, or want something open matte, logos can be the bane of your existence.

pictured: the bane of your existence

Also: the bane of your existence, manually repainting frames or D.I.Y. matte painting! Or, trying to find original matte paintings.

Before I share I will list what is required (or at least, what I used.):
rm_logo (avisynth)

Topaz Video Enhance AI(although we will be using it for unintended purposes)

Any compositing software
Any image editing software

First, load your video into AVISynth (I use the staxrip variety), and use rm_logo as you normally would, creating a mask and all that.

Since my logo(s) is transparent, I used deblend mode. I then ran 

Code:

MipSmooth(downsizer="lanczos", upsizer="bilinear", scalefactor=1.5, method="strong")

(default parameters for MipSmooth in staxrip) and crop()'d it down only to where the logo is.(I had to do this twice.)

Next, save that and drag the .avs file directly into enhance AI.
Select Proteus and change the parameters until the usual de-logoing artifacts go away, and it looks a bit like Peter Jackson got a hold of your clip (let's see how well that joke ages )

These are the settings I used, and you can see the results here:

(please excuse the poor cropping)

I saved this as an h.264 mp4 with a CRF of 12, but it doesn't matter too much.

Next, position your clip into the frame, and make a mask where your logos are. (this is so there isn't a jarring rectangle of smoothness)

Import your original logo-ed footage into the composition, and apply the mask.

...et voilà! Your video now has no logo!

(one last example):



Now, I heavily recommend applying a grain plate or something similar over this, as you likely should for all HDTV rips, but other than that, you would agree it looks pretty good? Right? (hopefully, for my sake )

I hope this is helpful to anyone who needs it, and thank you for reading my post!

[spoRv]

From what I can see on the images, the result seems nice!

[Serums]

I'm still new to AVISynth, so this seems like it'll go over my head but it might help with what I'm working on now.

Thank you!

[Serums]

Hi Mediahead,

Do you think your method would work on something like this source? Concentrating mainly on the logos rather than the embedded subtitles.

[Mediahead]

Hi Mediahead,

Do you think your method would work on something like this source? Concentrating mainly on the logos rather than the embedded subtitles.

Not too sure about the top left logo, but the ones on the right work should work decently.

I've never seen that many logos on a video

[X5gb]

Maybe better to wait for someone to who is able to purchase & grab the logo free version of First Strike from that Korean site, Serums, seems too much hassle to remove them logos knowing there is a logo free one out there. As far as I am aware, Maksnew, is on the case.

[Mediahead]

Maybe better to wait for someone to who is able to purchase & grab the logo free version of First Strike from that Korean site, Serums, seems too much hassle to remove them logos knowing there is a logo free one out there. As far as I am aware, Maksnew, is on the case.

Oh yea, this is definitely a "last resort" technique, only should be used if there isn't really anything else you can mask the logo with.

[Serums]

Maybe better to wait for someone to who is able to purchase & grab the logo free version of First Strike from that Korean site, Serums, seems too much hassle to remove them logos knowing there is a logo free one out there. As far as I am aware, Maksnew, is on the case.

We both are, but Maksnew may have more resources than me.

Maybe better to wait for someone to who is able to purchase & grab the logo free version of First Strike from that Korean site, Serums, seems too much hassle to remove them logos knowing there is a logo free one out there. As far as I am aware, Maksnew, is on the case.

Oh yea, this is definitely a "last resort" technique, only should be used if there isn't really anything else you can mask the logo with.

I'm glad to know that this technique would work even if I don't wind up using it. Thanks! And that video has even more logos in some frames.

[X5gb]

I have asked around as well in regards to Korean source, waiting on answers, especially some people on telegram.

[Hitcher]

Could be useful for removing Starz logos on open matte where there's no other rip available.