What shaders should I use in potplayer?

[butterw]

OK it's possible Potplayer uses a compatibility mode to compile dx9 shaders on their dx11 renderer. In which case: no problem, just use dx9 shaders.

MPC-hc/be require dx11 shaders with mpc-vr dx11.

[butterw]

On the subject of filmgrain shaders,
I should add that they also increase perceived sharpness without using using any sharpener (with the correct grain Strength). Grain doesn't make the picture crisp, but does provide a boost for sources that may not sharpen well.

You can find some dx9 filmgrain shaders here: https://github.com/butterw/bShaders/tree/master/FilmGrain_Noise
- bNoise.hlsl (fastest filmgrain shader, band-limited uniform noise).
- FilmGrain1.hlsl (port from mpv, truncated gaussian/binomial noise distribution)

I may update to include a more advanced blending mode which takes into account source luma (ex: less grain in bright areas, no grain on black).
Semi-random grayscale noise.hlsl (n=4) by janwillem32 would also be worth tracking down as it has the best gaussian noise distribution.

Grain shaders should be used after all sharpening is done (so probably post-resize).
When upscaling without extra sharpening it is beneficial to use grain shaders pre-resize for 2 reasons:
1) any upscaling will smooth the noise distribution for bnoise and FilmGrain1 (it becomes gaussian).
2) the grain is larger. Single pixel grain is a bit small at 1080p and above.

[cns00]

- FilmGrain1.hlsl (port from mpv, truncated gaussian/binomial noise distribution.

I am already using that shader in post resize to hide any artifacts that the sharpening shaders which are in pre resize cause. I am watching 1080p movies. The grain strength is grain*= 0.205121822830526;

If I am a bit close to the screen then I can see the grains and they are obvious. I have to move back so I don't see the grains. What grain strength do you recommend that I use?

[butterw]

I don't go above 0.10 with FilmGrain1, I typically use 0.05 or less.

EDIT: Grain will degrade Signal/Noise if you add too much.

[cns00]

I don't go above 0.10 with FilmGrain1, I typically use 0.05 or less.

EDIT: Grain will degrade Signal/Noise if you add too much.

What do you mean by it will degrade if I add too much? The default value was 0.255121822830526 and I made it 0.205121822830526

[butterw]

User parameters are defined at the top of the code with #define, you don't need to modify the code of the shader itself.

#define INTENSITY 0.05

/* --- mpv FilmGrain v1 (dx9) --- */
/* v0.2 (2023-11)

parameter INTENSITY
noise intensity, ex: 0.05, typ: [0 to 0.10].

[butterw]

https://github.com/butterw/bShaders/blob/master/FilmGrain_Noise/grain.hlsl
It should allow for less intrusive filmgrain.
- You can apply less grain to dark and bright areas vs midtones with parameter Curve01, ex: 0.25, typ [0 to 1.0].
- It uses the gaussian noise pattern from "semi-random grayscale noise.hlsl".
- the Strength scale is modified, ex: Strength 16.

[cns00]

I am currently using these shaders in pre-resize:
1) Sharpen.txt from https://drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1OunXPIZUkAJeXMFPIDFFlGFbqa9XK3V8
2) CAS-dx9.hlsl from https://gist.github.com/butterw/ceb89a68bc0aa3b0e317660fb4bacaa3

Also I am using these shaders in post-resize:
1) Contrast.10.hlsl from https://github.com/butterw/bShaders/blob/master/A-pack/Shaders/contrast.10.hlsl
2) Grain.hlsl from https://github.com/butterw/bShaders/blob/master/FilmGrain_Noise/grain.hlsl

I had to put the 2 sharpening shaders in pre because some videos got artifacts if I put them in post.

The videos look nice and colorful. Is what I am using ok?