Microsoft Edge is testing a new feature that can improve the quality of low-resolution videos on streaming platforms like YouTube. The feature is called video super resolution (VSR) and it uses machine learning to remove blurry pixels and increase the video resolution, making the videos look sharper and clearer.
VSR works similarly to Nvidia’s DLSS technology, which enhances the visuals of games by using artificial intelligence. However, VSR does not depend on the graphics card, but on the processing power of the PC. This means that VSR can work on any PC, but only if it has enough power to handle the intensive task of upscaling videos.
VSR also has some limitations. It does not work on videos that have DRM protection, which is a common way of preventing piracy on many OTT platforms like Netflix and Disney+. This means that VSR can only improve the quality of videos that are DRM-free, such as those on YouTube and other free streaming platforms.
VSR will be enabled by default if your PC and the website support it, but you can turn it off from the address bar if you want to save battery or if you prefer the original quality of the video. Microsoft says that VSR is still in the experimental stage and that it will continue to improve the feature based on user feedback.
