blackstar
Senior Member
Hmm... maybe I underestimated your system's age. But then as Fred mentioned, I don't have a clue now. Sorry.
Anyone having trouble with checkerboard artifacts in the backgrounds with Topaz AI?
- Thread starter Clovishound
- Start date
Clovishound
Senior Member
OK, I downloaded the stand alone programs and ran this same photo through Sharpen, Denoise, and then both. The artifacts did not show up, at least in this photo. I like Photo AI a little better than the stand alone programs, but at least I can work around this issue when it rears it's ugly head. I will contact Topaz in a day or two if I still haven't heard anything, but I don't holdout much hope for a fix anytime soon.
Fred Kingston_RIP
Senior Member
There's a new version in beta (yesterday) Wait.
Clovishound
Senior Member
No problem. I'm known for being cheap about some things, but since I got back into photography, I decided to spend at least a little more than usual to upgrade my computer so that it would run editing software, at least a little faster than the older model I was working with. I couldn't see spending the price of a 180-600 Z lens on a new laptop, but I was willing to spend a bit more than I did on the last computer that was used primarily for surfing the internet.
Clovishound
Senior Member
A new version of which? Photo AI or Sharpen and Denoise?
Fred Kingston_RIP
Senior Member
Photo AI... there is no work being done on Sharpen or Denoise... Those models are built into Photo AI... There will be only 3 products. Photo AI, Gigapixel, and Topaz Video AI
Clovishound
Senior Member
Thanks, I'll upgrade to the new version and see if that takes care of the issue.
Clovishound
Senior Member
Just for info, I finally heard back from Topaz. He said there was a new version coming out the end of the month. I assume that is the beta that Fred referred to. He said to wait until that comes out and see if the issue continues.
Fred Kingston_RIP
Senior Member
If you want, you can email me the original file above, the one that shows the grid patterns, and I can test it with the current beta for you. [email protected]
Clovishound
Senior Member
Just an update. I'm still having this issue. My subscription for updates ran out earlier this year. I am loathe to spend the money for upgrades without knowing that the issue has been resolved. I currently use the standalone for any images that contain significant shadows. That is a majority of my macro shots. In essence, I would be paying for an unusable upgrade, if this has not been fixed.
A couple days ago I posted on the Topaz's website forum about this. I still haven't had any response. I really like Topaz's software, and I would really like to be able to use Photo AI, but this is getting a bit frustrating. I've had this same problem on three different computers.
A couple days ago I posted on the Topaz's website forum about this. I still haven't had any response. I really like Topaz's software, and I would really like to be able to use Photo AI, but this is getting a bit frustrating. I've had this same problem on three different computers.
Clovishound
Senior Member
Another update. I was contacted by someone at Topaz. They got me to send a bunch of info about my computer and sample files. They had me try a few things on my computer, and finally let me try downloading the latest version of Photo AI. Still the same issue. I notified them them it hadn't worked, and I haven't heard anything from them in a week and a half. I'm not overly impressed with Topaz's customer service.
I have gone back to using the standalone products exclusively. Unfortunately, there are no updates or improvements being made to them, and haven't been for a while. I would have appreciated them at least telling me, "Sorry, there is nothing we can do at this time." and perhaps let me know what the issue is. Obviously, not everyone has this issue, and it likely has something to do with either the hardware on my computers, or some software, or settings that are interfering with the program.
I have gone back to using the standalone products exclusively. Unfortunately, there are no updates or improvements being made to them, and haven't been for a while. I would have appreciated them at least telling me, "Sorry, there is nothing we can do at this time." and perhaps let me know what the issue is. Obviously, not everyone has this issue, and it likely has something to do with either the hardware on my computers, or some software, or settings that are interfering with the program.
It sounds like you're experiencing issues with artifacts when using Topaz AI, especially in dark backgrounds that you lighten in Lightroom (LR). If these artifacts disappear when you turn Denoise off, it suggests that the denoising algorithm might be causing the problem. You could try adjusting the strength of the denoise settings or experimenting with different AI models in Topaz to see if that improves the output quality.
When lightening dark backgrounds in Lightroom, consider making gradual adjustments to the shadows and blacks sliders. Extreme changes can sometimes lead to unwanted artifacts in the processed images. Performing some initial denoising in Lightroom before sending the image to Topaz could also help minimize artifacts by reducing the strain on Topaz’s algorithms.
Since you haven't loaded Denoise as a standalone application yet, it would be beneficial to do so. Testing it separately can help you determine if the artifacts persist when used independently of LR. Keeping your software updated is also essential, as updates often include bug fixes that could address these issues. Check the Topaz forums for any additional tips or solutions shared by other users who have faced similar problems.
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When lightening dark backgrounds in Lightroom, consider making gradual adjustments to the shadows and blacks sliders. Extreme changes can sometimes lead to unwanted artifacts in the processed images. Performing some initial denoising in Lightroom before sending the image to Topaz could also help minimize artifacts by reducing the strain on Topaz’s algorithms.
Since you haven't loaded Denoise as a standalone application yet, it would be beneficial to do so. Testing it separately can help you determine if the artifacts persist when used independently of LR. Keeping your software updated is also essential, as updates often include bug fixes that could address these issues. Check the Topaz forums for any additional tips or solutions shared by other users who have faced similar problems.
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Clovishound
Senior Member
I appreciate your input. I have already gone through everything you have mentioned. I posted this issue on Topaz's forum several months ago and got advise from users as well as Topaz staff. I ran through many different adjustments within Photo AI and figured out ways to diminish the artifacts created, but cannot seem to eliminate them while still using Photo AI.
I have had the 3 standalone programs installed from the beginning, but preferred using Photo AI when it came out, until I discovered the issue with the tiling artifacts. Despite trying everything short of buying (another) new computer I have had to go back to using the standalone programs exclusively. Without specific information from Topaz telling me what specifically is the root cause of the issue, I have no way of knowing whether the solution someone else experienced will work for me. As stated before, I refuse to pay the money for upgrades without knowing that the new upgrades will fix the issue for my situation. There are no new upgrades forthcoming for the standalone programs, so paying for upgrades is useless, until they fix this problem. Topaz staff said they would forward my information to the development department, but there was no mention of contacting me if they come up with a solution. To be honest, I was not overly impressed with their customer service. Unfortunately, that seems to be par for the course for all too many companies these days.
I have had the 3 standalone programs installed from the beginning, but preferred using Photo AI when it came out, until I discovered the issue with the tiling artifacts. Despite trying everything short of buying (another) new computer I have had to go back to using the standalone programs exclusively. Without specific information from Topaz telling me what specifically is the root cause of the issue, I have no way of knowing whether the solution someone else experienced will work for me. As stated before, I refuse to pay the money for upgrades without knowing that the new upgrades will fix the issue for my situation. There are no new upgrades forthcoming for the standalone programs, so paying for upgrades is useless, until they fix this problem. Topaz staff said they would forward my information to the development department, but there was no mention of contacting me if they come up with a solution. To be honest, I was not overly impressed with their customer service. Unfortunately, that seems to be par for the course for all too many companies these days.