The article contrasts these flawed remasters with successful ones like _Cheers_, _The X-Files_, and _Star Trek: The Next Generation_, which were carefully restored by skilled archivists at significant cost. It argues that while AI upscaling is cheaper and faster, it often results in poor quality. The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of preserving beloved shows through personal archiving, as streaming services may not always offer the best versions or guarantee their availability.
Key takeaways:
- AI upscaling has negatively affected the visual quality of shows like _Roseanne_ on Peacock and _A Different World_ on Netflix, resulting in distorted images and text.
- The Carsey-Werner Company, which owns the rights to these shows, is likely responsible for the AI upscaling, having outsourced the remastering process to Performance Post.
- Proper remastering, as seen with shows like _Cheers_, _The X-Files_, and _Star Trek: The Next Generation_, requires significant time and financial investment, which AI upscaling shortcuts.
- To preserve the quality of beloved shows, individuals are encouraged to archive digital prints and purchase physical media, as streaming services may not always offer the best versions or maintain availability.