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AI Restores 20-Year-Old Video! | Topaz Labs Brings Tommy Chong Footage Back to Life

Ever wondered what happened to those old home movies, VHS tapes, and grainy digital videos sitting on hard drives or tucked away in storage boxes? In this week’s FOX 11 Tech Segment, Andy Taylor explores how modern AI-powered restoration tools are helping preserve family memories and breathe new life into aging video footage.

Using software from Topaz Labs, Andy demonstrates how advanced video enhancement models can reduce noise, improve clarity, sharpen details, and upscale low-resolution footage into high-definition video. The segment highlights Topaz’s Starlight Precise 2.5 model, one of the latest tools designed specifically for video restoration and enhancement.

As a real-world example, Andy revisits a video interview with comedian and actor Tommy Chong that was originally recorded at KLPX Radio in 2004-2005 using a 320×240 digital camera. After processing the footage through Topaz Labs’ restoration tools, the video was transformed into a much cleaner 1280×720 HD version, revealing details that were nearly impossible to see in the original recording.

Whether you’re digitizing old photo albums, preserving Super 8 film, restoring VHS recordings, or upgrading early digital video, today’s AI tools offer powerful new options for digital preservation. Watch the segment to see the dramatic before-and-after results and learn how these technologies can help save your own memories for future generations.

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TechtalkRadio – Flight Apps, Travel Tech & AI Photo Restoration – EP479


This week on TechtalkRadio, Travel tech, Aviation apps, Retro family discoveries, AI photo restoration, Streaming frustrations, and even a little Bubble Pop obsession are covered with Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, and Justin Lemme The Episode kick off by talking about Justin’s upcoming trip to Japan and the tech challenges that come with international travel — from voltage differences and outlet adapters to keeping devices charged during a 12-hour flight. Justin tells us why getting the adaptors for the country you are visiting is important. The conversation also dives into airline Wi-Fi and finding out if Starlink is available on the flight, Also keeping occupied with Steam Deck gaming on long flights, and useful tools like FlightAware and ADS-B Exchange for aviation fans on the ground

Shawn had a busy week and shares stories from producing and directing a massive international chamber music competition livestream, The Fischoff, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage cameras, streaming systems, and production crews during an 11-hour broadcast event.

Andy also shares a fascinating genealogy rabbit hole after discovering long-lost family history connected to Burma and India through online archives and vintage photographs. The discussion naturally expands into preserving family memories, with the team debating whether AI-powered photo restoration tools are a great way to preserve history or if traditional untouched photos should remain as they are.

Listeners also get a lively conversation about movie search frustrations, the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” including a great find with a website, The Oracle of Bacon. A Listener question about whether it’s finally time to cut the cord from cable television, what to think about and why streaming services are starting to feel just as expensive as traditional CableTV. The crew also touches on the rise of FAST TV, subscription fatigue, and the growing number of ads appearing even on paid streaming platforms.

To wrap things up, Andy shares some surprising Walmart tech bargains on gaming PC hardware, Shawn discusses a major cyberattack impacting schools using the Canvas learning platform during finals week, and Justin previews the gadgets and camera gear he’ll be bringing along to Japan.