My experience that TVAI produce better, sharper and detailed output HD when converting Interlaced SD / Video8 footage (Sony TRV-45E), when using the built-in Interlaced → DV/TV option (DV gives slightly more details and sharpness in the expense of a bit more noise, but very subtle).
When I de-interlaced the original file 1st (losless) to QTGMC / bob / “Slower” preset, using hybrid and then used the Progressive option in TVAI (tried: Artemis, Proteus, Theia & Gaia in all sort of combinations/options - I spent hours testing all type of combinations), it yielded less quality video then using Direct TVAI → Interlaced → DV/TV, with the original interlaced file.
Even though my QTGMC output file I fed TVAI with was really good quality compared to the original interlaced video.
So my conclusion with my testing, the best is to go Direct with TVAI with your interlaced video and upscale/deinterlace in one shot, you would get better quality output, more sharp and more details then upscaling your QTGMC progressive file. with the Progressive upscaling, the output HD file was a bit muddy, while the Interlaced Upscale was much cleaner and sharp/more details.
For me personally it’s a clear winner, Direct TVAI De-Interlace + Upscale. the best results
