How to Deinterlace Video (2025 Guide): Meaning, AI Deinterlacing & Best Tools
- Updated on 2025-11-19
- 810
Table Of Content
Interlaced video was common in the VHS, DV, broadcast, and early digital camcorder era—but on modern screens, it creates jagged motion, comb-like lines, flickering edges, and overall blurry playback. To restore clarity, improve compatibility, and prepare old footage for modern platforms like YouTube, the process known as deinterlacing is essential.
This 2025 guide gives you:
- A clear explanation of what does deinterlace mean
- How AI deinterlacing works (and why it is now the gold standard)
- The difference between AI deinterlacing and traditional methods
- Step-by-step instructions on how to deinterlace video properly
- The 6 best tools for both beginners and professionals
- Objective recommendations including UniFab Deinterlace AI
Tips
- If tech lingo trips you up, don't worry—by the end of this section, deinterlace video will feel like a breeze.
What Does Deinterlace Mean?
Deinterlacing is the process of converting interlaced video—where each frame is split into two alternating “fields”—into a full progressive frame that displays all image lines at once. It removes comb artifacts, flickering, jagged edges, and motion distortion that appear when interlaced footage is viewed on modern displays.
Why Is Deinterlacing Needed?
• Artifact removal
It eliminates the jagged “combing” artifacts that appear when the two interlaced fields do not align perfectly during motion.
• Smoother motion
Deinterlaced video plays with more stability and less jitter, especially in scenes with fast action.
• Compatibility with modern devices
Current TVs, monitors, laptops, and mobile screens all use progressive scan. Deinterlacing ensures older video formats display correctly without distortion.
What Is AI Deinterlacing?
AI deinterlacing is an advanced method that converts interlaced video into smooth, progressive frames by using deep learning to analyze motion, reconstruct missing lines, and remove artifacts that traditional algorithms cannot fix. Instead of blending or doubling fields, AI models understand how objects move between the two interlaced fields and then generate a clean, full-resolution frame.
How AI Deinterlacing Works
AI deinterlacing systems follow several steps to restore the video:
- Field Analysis: The model examines the two fields in each interlaced frame—the odd lines and the even lines—and detects differences caused by motion.
- Motion Estimation: AI predicts the direction and speed of objects moving between the two fields. This helps distinguish true motion from combing artifacts.
- Line Reconstruction: Instead of basic interpolation, the neural network rebuilds the missing lines using patterns learned from thousands of real video samples. This preserves edges, textures, and fine details.
- Full-Frame Synthesis: The system merges the reconstructed data into a single, stable progressive frame where all lines are shown at once.
- Artifact Removal: AI reduces or eliminates: Combing lines, Flickering edges, Ghosting trails, Jagged motion, and Double-image artifacts
The result is a smoother, cleaner image that works correctly on modern displays.
Quick Comparison Table of 6 Deinterlace Video Tools
| Tool | Best For | AI-Based? | Free? |
| UniFab Deinterlace AI | Best Overall | Yes | 30-day free trial |
| Topaz Video Enhance AI | Upscaling & Pro | Yes | No |
| Premiere Pro CC | Editing Pros | Partial | No |
| Handbrake | DIY/Fans | No | Yes |
| DaVinci Resolve | Advanced Users | No | Free/Pro |
| Wondershare VC | Convenience | No | No |
Micro-Anecdote
- Last summer, I painstakingly restored my parents' wedding VHS. With just one click using UniFab Deinterlace AI, the 'ghost lines' vanished—my mom was thrilled to finally see her old dress in full detail!
How to Deinterlace Video: 6 Best AI & Manual Methods (2025)
Different tools use different algorithms to convert interlaced video into progressive frames. Below are the six most effective deinterlace video methods in 2025, including both AI-based deinterlacing and traditional approaches.
1. UniFab Deinterlace AI (Best Overall AI-Powered Deinterlacing)
UniFab Deinterlace AI uses deep learning to analyze motion, reconstruct missing lines, and generate clean progressive frames. It performs well on footage with fast movement, complex edges, or older analog recordings. Importantly, in the process, it retains the details where traditional deinterlacing may lose. UniFab not only accurately detects but addresses the underlying issues adequately, rejuvenating the sharpness of margins. This amplifies the clarity and quality of your video.
Key Takeaways
- Who’s it for? Anyone (no tech background needed)
- Best for: Old family footage, fast motion scenes, quick fixes
Why UniFab Deinterlace AI Works Well
- Uses AI motion estimation to reduce blur
- Restores fine detail better than field-blending methods
- Automatically detects interlacing without manual tuning
- GPU acceleration outputs results faster
- Useful for beginners（one-click workflow）
UniFab Deinterlace AI for Smooth, Progressive Video Playback
- Fix interlaced footage with one click
- Remove combing lines and motion artifacts
- 30-day free trial for full features, no watermark
UniFab Deinterlace AI
How to Deinterlace Video with UniFab Deinterlace AI
Open and Launch
Get UniFab Deinterlace AI on your computer. Then, launch to enter the main interface.
Click and Tap
Click the Deinterlacer module. Tap the Add Video button to import the interlaced video footage to be deinterlaced.
Adjust the video conversion settings to improve the overall quality.
This step is completely optional. However, you can adjust your video's quality, codec, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, and even the encoding method. Click OK or Apply to All to retain the settings for all videos.
Tips: If you're unsure how to configure the best parameters for your video, we recommend you make them as default.
Click Start to deinterlace your video files and get high-quality results in minutes.
2. Topaz Video Enhance AI (AI-Based Deinterlacing)
Topaz Video Enhance AI is primarily used for AI deinterlacing and upscaling a low-res video to a higher resolution. It can remove excessive motion blur and enable you to create an extreme yet seamless slow motion, improving the overall quality in turn. However, Topaz Video Enhance AI does not work equally well for stabilization.
How to Deinterlace Video with Topaz
Open Topaz Video Enhance AI on your device.
Pick an appropriate Dione model to deinterlace and upscale your video.
Choose the preferred resolution in the video OUT menu.
For Video Type, choose Interlaced.
Select a Field Order and choose AI Model.
Now generate a preview and use the zoom tool to see the results.
Tap the Export button to export your video.
3. Adobe Premiere Pro (Motion-Adaptive Deinterlacing)
Premiere Pro CC is another tested method to deinterlace videos from your camera and edit or convert them into a progressive format. However, if you are using Premiere Pro CC 2018, you may find that the field options differ slightly from the earlier ones. Moreover, after removing comb artifacts, the software takes a long time to render the videos. Let's see how to deinterlace video using Premiere Pro CC 2018.
How to Deinterlace Video in Premiere Pro CC
Launch Premiere Pro CC. Then, create a new project.
Import or load your video file to the Adobe Premiere Pro timeline. Click to select it.
Now, go to the program's top bar and click Clip.
Choose Video Options from the dropdown menu.
Select Field Options.
Now, a Field Options popup window will appear, allowing you to select a deinterlacing mode.
Note: If you select Always Deinterlacing, it will convert your video to a progressive scan. As a result, the video quality will be high, but it will take longer.
Alternatively, if you select Flicker Removal, it will merge two images smoothly into one frame per second. You can choose the Flicker Removal option if you have short video clips that don't have much motion footage. Or else it may result in unnatural images.
Once selected, you must tap OK to save the settings.
Now, you can proceed to edit or directly export your footage from Premiere Pro.
4. Handbrake (Free Yadif / Decomb Filters)
Handbrake is a free, open-source video transcoder to deinterlace videos with numerous settings for customization. You can customize the video deinterlace parameters by selecting Custom under Presets. Sadly, Handbrake does not provide a preview of the final output until after exporting. Check out the how to deinterlace video with Handbrake.
How to Deinterlace Video with Handbrake
Launch Handbrake.
Load your video to be deinterlaced.
Choose the Filters tab and go down to Deinterlace. By default, your deinterlace will be turned off.
Click the dropdown menu of Deinterlace and choose a mode: Yadif or Decomb.
Note: Yadif has temporal and spatial interpolation algorithms, while Decomb has multiple interpolation algorithms.
Move down to the Save As option and choose a destination path where you want to save your file.
In the right column, you can choose a preference to set your output quality.
Once everything is done, click Start Encode in the top bar to begin deinterlacing.
Note: It is essential to set a proper deinterlacing method; otherwise, your output video will not get the desired results.
5. DaVinci Resolve (Basic Integrated Deinterlacing)
DaVinci Resolve is another professional tool to deinterlace videos. However, it restricts its functionality to deinterlacing and is not very convenient to edit the videos. So, if you are looking for simple software to convert your interlaced videos to progressive scans, DaVinci Resolve can be a good choice. However, it is a bit unclear if DaVinci works perfectly for all types of interlaced videos. Let's find out how to deinterlace video with DaVinci resolve.
How to Deinterlace Video in DaVinci Resolve
Download and launch DaVinci Resolve.
Now, create a project and import the video you want to deinterlace.
Click Clip Attributes by right-clicking on your loaded video file.
Under the Video Tab, check the Enable Deinterlacing option. Then, click OK.
Now you will get back to the DaVinci Resolve's main interface. Preview your video clip without the interlacing effects.
Edit your video using other tools the program has to offer or directly export your video to your computer.
6. Wondershare Video Converter (Convenient Basic Method)
Wondershare Video Converter is another excellent recommendation to deinterlace videos and convert files at 30 times faster speed. It can also convert to more than 150 formats, including 4K UHD and 3D. Besides scanning the interlaced videos for progressive scans, Wondershare Video Converter can also edit, enhance, and personalize your video files. Check out how to deinterlace video with Wondershare Video Converter.
How to Deinterlace Video in Wondershare
Launch and open Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate.
Drag and load your interlaced video. Or, click the Add Files tab to select your desired video.
Tap the Edit button and choose the Effects tab from the popup window.
Select the Deinterlacing dropdown menu and pick an option relevant to your requirements. Then, click OK.
Choose an output format for your video from the right section.
Pick an output folder for your video file.
Finally, touch the Convert tab to begin the deinterlacing process.
AI Deinterlacing vs Traditional Methods
AI deinterlacing and traditional deinterlacing produce very different results. The comparisons below explain how each method works and what users can expect in terms of clarity, motion handling, and artifact removal.
Overview Comparison Table
| Feature | AI Deinterlacing (UniFab Deinterlace AI) | Traditional Deinterlacing (Blend / Bob / Yadif / Decomb) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Approach | Deep learning reconstruction | Field blending or interpolation |
| Detail Preservation | High — restores fine lines, edges, textures | Medium to low — edges may blur |
| Motion Handling | Strong — understands true motion paths | Limited — artifacts appear in fast scenes |
| Artifact Removal | Excellent — removes combing, flicker, ghosting | Partial — may soften image instead |
| Stability | Stable frames with consistent sharpness | Can show jitter or ghosting |
| Ease of Use | Often one-click, auto-detects interlacing | Requires manual settings |
| Best For | Restoration, archiving, upscaling, old tapes | Quick conversions, basic cleanup |
How AI Deinterlacing Differs from Traditional Methods
- AI Reconstructs Missing Information
Traditional methods rely on simple rules (interpolation, blending).
AI uses trained neural networks to rebuild full lines and structures, restoring clarity. - AI Handles Movement More Accurately
AI models analyze how objects actually move between fields.
Traditional filters often confuse motion with artifacts, causing blur or ghosting. - AI Outputs Consistent Progressive Frames
Progressive frames generated by AI are more stable, especially in scenes with: Camera pans, Sports footage, Fast action, Complex edges.
Traditional tools may produce jitter or soft frames in these same situations. - AI Requires Fewer Manual Settings
AI-based tools automatically detect interlacing patterns.
Traditional tools require choosing field order, method, or decomb mode manually.
In summary: AI deinterlacing produces cleaner, sharper, and more stable progressive video because it reconstructs missing detail and understands real motion, while traditional methods rely on basic interpolation that can blur or distort the image.
Which Deinterlacing Method Should You Use?
The best deinterlacing method depends on the source of your footage, the level of quality you need, and how much time you want to spend adjusting settings. Below is a practical guide to help you choose the right approach.
Use AI Deinterlacing If You Prioritize Quality
AI deinterlacing is recommended when:
- You want the clearest and most accurate image
- Your footage includes fast motion or detailed edges
- You are restoring old tapes, DV, or 1080i recordings
- You plan to upscale the video to HD, 4K, or 8K
- You want a method that works with minimal manual configuration
Recommended Tool
UniFab Deinterlace AI is a suitable choice for most people because it automatically analyzes fields, estimates motion, and reconstructs full frames without requiring complex settings.
Use Traditional Deinterlacing If You Need a Free or Quick Solution
Traditional methods are useful when:
- You need fast batch processing
- You want a free open-source tool
- Your footage has minimal motion
- Quality is not the highest priority
Recommended Tools
- HandBrake (Yadif / Decomb filters)
- Adobe Premiere Pro (motion-adaptive)
- DaVinci Resolve (basic deinterlacing)
These methods work well for simple conversions but may blur details or struggle with motion-heavy scenes.
Key Takeaways
- If quality and ease are your priorities, AI deinterlacing (like UniFab or Topaz) is the way to go.
- If you love to tweak, open-source classics like Handbrake still work—just expect a bigger learning curve.
Download the Best Tool to Deinterlace Videos
Interlaced videos are great as they save bandwidth while streaming videos or broadcasting. It supports VHS, CRT TVs, DV, DVDs, and even old camcorders. However, the problem arises in digital video compression. Modern computers and devices prefer progressive scanning, leading you to seek methods to deinterlace videos to remove the jagged artifacts.
We have discussed six proven solutions on how to deinterlace video for an enhanced viewing experience. You must know that deinterlacing improves video quality, but it also depends on the algorithm of the AI deinterlacing program. In a state of confusion, you can rely on UniFab Deinterlace AI to remove motion artifacts and edge blurs at a blazing speed.
FAQs about Deinterlace Video
Can I improve my video quality by deinterlacing?
When you deinterlace videos, the process automatically reduces all the defects of interlaced images, naturally improving the playback quality. Deinterlacing can fill the missing lines so modern devices and HD TVs can display full frames per second instead of half frames that used to play earlier. And all this happens without affecting the quality of your video.
What is the difference between 1080p and 1080i?
Both 1080p and 1080i display 1920 x 1080 pixel images; however, they may differ due to the letters i and p. 1080i means interlaced scan where the entire video image is split into two fields, each one containing alternating half of the lines to make the complete image. 1080p means progressive scan to display the entire range of movement, especially during fast motion, for a seamless visual experience. If you want to learn more, please refer to 1080i vs 1080p.
What is the best way to deinterlace videos?
Using the AI technology of Unifab Deinterlace AI is one of the finest and easiest ways to deinterlace and transform your interlaced videos, enhancing the overall quality. The tool is also helpful in removing motion artifacts and edge blurs.
What is deinterlace video meaning?
Deinterlacing means converting interlaced videos (with alternating lines per frame) into smooth, progressive video for modern devices.
How can I quickly deinterlace video for a modern screen?
Use an AI-based tool like UniFab Deinterlace AI—just import, click, and export!
Which AI deinterlacing software is best for beginners?
UniFab Deinterlace AI is friendly for all levels (no tech skills needed) and gives better results in less time.