Exploring the Advancements and Implications of AI in Video Generation and Image Processing

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Jack Armstrong

  • August 18

  • 5 min read

Artificial intelligence is working wonders in producing images that are very hard to tell apart from real-life visuals. Runwayml.com and similar websites have rolled out models that convert text, images, and even simple sketches into video with jaw-dropping precision and pulling power. These models work really, really hard for the levels of detail they achieve and, for the effects amateur filmmakers usually go for, they work in completely unprecedented ways. When physics becomes an afterthought, the "projected" images can be anything but real.

These high-end AI tools are now more accessible. The service that Runway offers is AI-powered and starts at $12 monthly. This makes it possible for people to make good videos without a lot of cash and far fewer technical hurdles. The reason for this is that Runway's service in particular allows for videos to be generated using text prompts.


The practical use of AI in improving video quality is a topic that we cover in a not-so-broad discussion and that we offer in an overly simple manner. When we say "video enhancement," the average person likely thinks of AI tools like Topaz Labs' Video AI. We offer this image partly because that is the image these businesses market, but we also offer it because we think it is an accurate and fair portrayal of the state of the art when it comes to using AI to enhance video quality.


Across the board, from big-name directors to weekend warriors using UAVs, the capacity to upscale aerial imaging has appeared as a way to deliver the same high-quality results without breaking the bank for top-shelf tech. But why spend a pretty penny on a new flying camera when you can instead pour some dough into a more sophisticated AI plugin that will help you get more mileage out of your less competent, older drone?

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Ethical Considerations and the Future of AI

Along with power comes the responsibility of good governance. When one controls the creation and the manipulation of hyper-realistic visuals, one must ensure that the concerns about deepfakes and the ethical implications of AI-generated content don't overshadow the presses of progress. The more we control the bits and pieces of a video, the weaker the hold on the reason a person would have to believe they were looking at something that was real, as opposed to something that was not.


The tech industry is locked in an unending 'arms race,' spurred by the relentless development of novel artificial intelligence models. This constructs a narrative whereby the companies and developers who employ the latest AI tools are at the forefront of what's possible, and those who do not are somehow falling behind. Without a doubt, this is a rapidly burgeoning world of innovation, and the impact questions are numerous and pressing—above all, might it be sustainable?

We also talked about how AI tools are priced, which is very important for both the people who create them and the people who use them. They said that AI tools should be priced very flexibly. For example, if a user pays for a tool but is not satisfied with it, the user should be able to downgrade without any penalty. The tool should work well enough that the user either really wants to keep using it or feels bad for having stopped using it.


The excitement and caution we feel as we push AI's limits in video generation and image processing are apparent. We can be excited because the potential here for creativity exceeds even the wildest dreams of many a low-budget indie filmmaker. But alongside this potential, we must also infuse AI with ethical considerations and responsibility in its use, otherwise, we risk infusing visual content with even more misinformation than seen so far.


Keep your eyes on Tech Talk Live for further AI updates and other tech happenings. We're your portal to the tech world, and we're excited to take you deeper into the world of technology to uncover how these advancements can be employed in ever more creative and productive ways. We stream live every week on Tuesdays 6pm PST/9pm EST on YouTube, X and Twitch. Tune in and send us your questions!